Pigs are a very special breed of animal; they can be almost as much a pet as they are a potential source of meat and income. The proper raising of pigs is disputed for this reason, and there are multiple ways to go about it. To be an effective pig farmer, you must not only understand the various different perspectives on raising of pigs, but be able to adjust to the breeds you select and the method by which you decide to raise each of them. From how they are fed to how you treat and handle them as babies, pigs are a very unique species of farm animal. This book provides every necessary detail you need to start raising pigs immediately.

Topics cover a wide variety of topics, including:

• The difference between pigs that are raised for meat and those that are used for disposal of compost or as pets
• How the process of home butchering and processing is completed What you can do to start fitting and showing your pigs in competition
• The ins and outs of the pig raising business, including the breeds you will encounter, the expectations of you by other pig farmers, and the details you need to see to when you purchase your first pigs
• How to start breeding your own pigs

Dozens of interviews with top pig farmers and experts from around the country have been gathered for this book to provide a detailed look at how the industry is run, including the management of a pig herd, the health care of your pigs, and the daily operations that must be completed in caring for your pigs.

If you are interested in the process of breeding and raising pigs, this book will provide every bit of information you need to get started.