Pastured Pork Production: Rodale Institute's Guide to Raising Hogs Outdoors Profitably

Raise Pigs. Improve the Land. Build a More Resilient Farm.

What does it really take to raise pigs successfully on pasture?

It takes more than good land and healthy animals. A successful pastured pork operation requires thoughtful pasture management, sound nutrition, effective health practices, efficient infrastructure, careful financial planning, and a clear strategy for getting pork to market.

Pastured Pork Production: Rodale Institute’s Guide to Raising Hogs Outdoors Profitably brings these pieces together in one comprehensive resource.

Author Rick Carr draws on Rodale Institute’s research and experience developing a working pastured pork system to explore how farmers can raise pigs outdoors while managing labor, feed costs, animal welfare, soil health, and profitability.

The book takes you through the entire enterprise—from choosing a production model and establishing pastures to feeding and caring for pigs, managing health and parasites, selecting productive stock, farrowing, marketing pork, and evaluating the economics of the farm.

You'll also get an inside look at Rodale Institute’s pastured pork system, including its approach to housing, feeding, watering, pasture access, labor efficiency, and management. The book includes research findings, financial information, field observations, building plans, and practical lessons that farmers can adapt to their own circumstances.

Topics include:

• Pasture management and rotational grazing

• Feed and nutrition for pastured pigs

• Swine health and parasite management

• Breeding, farrowing, and piglet management

• Selecting profitable stock

• Housing, fencing, water, and feeding systems

• Farm economics and budgeting

• Processing and pork marketing

• Organic and regenerative organic certification

• Integrating pigs into diversified and regenerative farming systems

Designed for farmers and producers working at a range of scales, this book recognizes that every farm is different. Climate, soil, land availability, markets, infrastructure, and plans for growth all influence the right production system.

Whether you're planning a new pastured pork enterprise or looking for ways to improve an existing operation, Pastured Pork Production provides practical knowledge and a research-informed framework for making better decisions.

Raise pigs with purpose—and build a production system that works for your animals, your land, and your farm.