Raising Pigs on the Diverse Small Farm

The BC Climate Agri-Solutions Fund (CAF) provides funding to help farmers tackle climate change by adopting beneficial managing practices (BMPs) in three specific areas: Nitrogen Management, Cover Cropping and Rotational Grazing. CAF is funded by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the On-Farm Climate Action Fund and delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC.

Climate Agri-Solutions Fund via IAF

Join us for a small-scale pig production field day and workshop!

5250 Miller Rd

<p>Join the <a href="https://smallscalemeat.ca/" title="https://smallscalemeat.ca/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Small-Scale Meat Producers Association</a> and the<a href="https://cowichanagriculturalsociety.org/" title="https://cowichanagriculturalsociety.org/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer"> Cowichan Agricultural Society</a> on Saturday, May 11 at beautiful Keating Farm in Duncan for a Small-Scale Pig Production workshop and field day. Coffee is provided by Top Shelf Feeds and lunch is available to purchase on-site.</p><p><br></p><h4>Session 1: Fundamentals of Small-Scale Pig Production</h4><p>Starting with basic terminology, we’ll explore how best to get started with small-scale pig production including breed selection, supplies and equipment needed, legal requirements, housing, feed and water management, health, handling, and emerging issues like African Swine Fever and feral hogs.</p><p><br></p><h4>Session 2: Planning for a Successful Breeding Program</h4><p>In this session, we will deal with the key factors for breeding including the condition of your gilt or sow prior to breeding, choice of boar, time of year for farrowing plus equipment to have on hand when the sow is due to farrow. Some of the more common issues or complications that might arise during breeding and farrowing will be covered. Castration technique and tagging will be demonstrated via video.</p><p><br></p><h4>Session 3: Nutrition and Feeding Basics</h4><p>Everett Dixon from Top Shelf Feeds will discuss the nutrition needs of both breeding stock and growing pigs including the changing requirements for protein, vitamins, minerals. He will also address the challenge of ensuring that your pigs’ nutritional needs are being adequately met when supplementing their diet with alternative feeds like spent brewery grains, produce scraps and other food waste.</p><p><br></p><h4>Session 4: Integrating Pigs into a Rotational Grazing System</h4><p>In this session we will discuss the fundamentals of rotational grazing and what role pigs can play in regenerative agriculture. Practicalities including forage varieties, pasture management, health considerations and the unique needs of pigs will be covered. Fencing options for the successful management of pasture-based pig production will be introduced before we head out for some hands-on skill building and fencing demonstrations.</p><p><br></p><h4>Demonstrations &amp; Hands-On Skills Training</h4><p>We will be demonstrating a range of tools and technologies you can use as part of a successful fencing system including fencing equipment and UBCO electric bikes. There will be opportunities for hands-on skills training, test rides and lots of time for questions.</p><h4><br></h4><p>Morning Activities</p><p>Funding for the Knowledge and Technology Transfer program is provided by the governments of Canada and British Columbia through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.</p><p><br></p><p>Afternoon Activities</p><p>This event is supported by the <a href="https://www.bccaf.ca./" title="https://www.bccaf.ca./" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">BC Climate Agri-Solutions Fund (BCCAF)</a>. Funding for BCCAF has been provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Agricultural Climate Solutions – On-Farm Climate Action Fund. BCCAF is delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation.</p>

Raising Pigs on the Diverse Small Farm

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Raising Pigs on the Diverse Small Farm

More events from Climate Agri-Solutions Fund via IAF

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