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Michael and Russell Wright
of Bladen County, North Carolina, have begun raising hogs outdoors,
part of a project that combines land-grant university, foundation
and community- based organization support to introduce low-cost
hog systems.
– Photo by Chuck Talbott |
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At a time when most of North Carolina’s hog industry is corporate-run,
a group of independent-minded producers is experimenting with raising
small herds of hogs outside. The farmers are gambling that pasture-based
pork systems, gaining in credibility and acceptance, will bring
them a slice of the marketplace and, perhaps more important, a satisfying
livelihood.
In 2002, 10 North Carolina
farmers each received 12 pregnant sows and a boar as part of a program
run by North Carolina A & T University, funded by a private foundation
and supported by a nonprofit organization that provides free livestock.
The farmers also received portable huts for hog farrowing.
They are participating in
a project that builds hope that small-scale producers can raise their
own hogs, something rarely done in at least a decade in North Carolina
because of the dominance of corporations. The corporations have a virtual
lock on markets and own most of the processing plants, effectively blocking
independent producers from the wholesale pork market.
“I want small-scale
producers to have an option,” said Chuck Talbott, an animal science
researcher at North Carolina A & T State University who conceived
of the project. “I thought that people like to raise hogs and want
to raise hogs – but not if they have to lose money.”
The NC A & T project
seeks to give independent producers another choice: raising small herds
outdoors. Talbott is researching pasture-based systems – rotations
of pigs and organic vegetables in dry lots and in forest settings –
as part of a SARE grant, and has reached out to small producers.
Hog farmers in the NC A
& T project can choose their markets, but all of the participating
farmers have the opportunity to sign contracts with Niman Ranch, a high-end
retailer, or pursue other direct-marketing channels locally. The Iowa-based
Niman Ranch buys pork from small-scale producers who adhere to a strict
code of animal husbandry, including raising hogs on pastures or in deep
bedding.
The North Carolina program
is targeted at low-income, primarily African American farmers with an
interest in raising hogs outside. All must have some experience raising
hogs and fall within income thresholds required by Heifer International,
the nonprofit organization providing the animals as part of its “pass-on”
program.
“Everyone I’ve
met is excited about the opportunity,” said Steve Muntz, Appalachian
project manager for Heifer, whose program requires farmers to give the
same number of animals to another producer after the hogs have produced
offspring. “They’re getting inexpensive facilities, and the
hogs are coming without cost.”
The herds will stay small
because North Carolina slaughtering laws require that farmers raise fewer
than 250 hogs if they are going to process independently.
Farmer coordinator Mike
Jones, who trains participating farmers for NC A & T, said the six
farmers who enrolled for the first shipment seem ideal for the assignment.
“Most of the people
I’ve met do not lack intelligence or education, but they feel depressed
or discouraged because they’ve had so much difficulty,” said
Jones, who bred and grew out the sows. “The ones I’ve worked
with have become more motivated and excited. That’s the greatest
benefit I’ve seen.”
Jones will work with the group throughout the season. North Carolina’s
mild climate should prove perfect for the portable huts, which will
be placed under trees to shelter them from the heat. While the outdoor
system may be new for the farmers, others in the Midwest and Texas
have achieved great success – lowering input costs, eliminating
manure buildup concerns and raising a premium product that brings
higher prices.
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Audience
Small-scale hog farmers in North Carolina |
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Educating Team
North Carolina A & T University and Heifer International |
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Challenges Addressed
Little capital or equipment
Little access to processors
Few profitable markets |
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Connection Strategies
Identifying farmers through extension contacts
Providing free structures, livestock and market opportunities |
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Teaching Methods
Technical advice as needed in the field |
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