BF 138: Getting Started with Pastured Pigs

Developing a Successful Farm Business with Pigs

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Developing a Successful Farm Business with Pigs

This course is formatted to guide beginning farmers through the production and marketing of pigs raised in pasture settings. Pigs can function as a profitable stand-alone enterprise or can be integrated into your existing farm structure to provide a variety of products and make use of marginal lands that would otherwise go unused. Pigs are also ideal for turning agricultural wastes such as spent grain, whey, or seconds into a valuable product, and with proper management they can improve the land where they are kept.

Target Audience

BEGINNER – Farming has a difficult learning curve because it requires experience in both production and marketing. This course is designed to illustrate the many successes and failures experienced by other pasture pig growers so that students can learn from and adapt their particular systems and resources based on those that have come before. These modules are intended to be beneficial for those who are interested in adding pigs to their farm, those who are expanding their operations, or those who are interested in transferring from a confinement operation to a pasture-based operation.

Course Objectives

During the course, you will:

  • Learn the basics of raising pigs, including feed, water, shelter, fencing, and basic health care
  • Understand how integrating pigs into your operation can generate profit from marginal lands, various on farm wastes, and multi-species grazing
  • Develop a marketing plan that will take into account the rules and regulations in New York State (students from other states will need to research parallel laws in their area) regarding the sale of live animals, animal products, and value-added products
  • Understand the common perils and pitfalls that affect pastured pig growers
  • With the help of the class and the instructor, outline a basic production plan for pigs on your particular property including fencing set up, water set up, and integrating the animals into your existing on-farm enterprises

Webinars

The bulk of the course happens on your own time, with discussions, readings, and assignments in Teachable, our virtual classroom. To add to the experience, webinars will be woven into the online interface of the course to allow you to meet on a weekly basis to learn from presenters and ask questions in real time. If you miss one, they are always recorded and posted for later viewing.

Webinar Schedule

Live instruction for 2024 has concluded. You are welcome to enroll now to complete this course on a self-paced schedule and join our next live session in Fall 2025. All webinars are recorded and posted in your online classroom to watch anytime. Once enrolled in this course, you will retain access to all materials indefinitely and may return to participate in future live offerings of the course as well. Please join us!


Your Instructor


Jenn Bassman
Jenn Bassman

Jenn Bassman is a Communications Specialist for ZERO TO THREE. She owns a 15-acre farm in Berkshire, NY where she raises Kunekune pigs, Icelandic sheep and Toggenburg goats primarily on pasture. She has a teen daughter who is a 3rd generation 4-H’er and a competitive dancer.


Student Testimonials

“The most beneficial thing was the knowledge that our instructor has! She didn’t sugar coat anything and was honest. And that gives me confidence that I can do this.”

“This class was an introduction and confirmation of what I thought was the process. Built confidence!”

"This course has an enthusiastic and knowledgeable instructor. I learned a LOT and feel well-equipped to get my first batch of pigs in the Spring!"

"I learned I'm doing a lot of things right, which makes me feel good. I also learned that the things we have struggled with are known issues with pigs (i.e. electric fence training) and I got insight into how to make things better."

Course Curriculum


  General Course Resources
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  Week 1: Getting Started with Pigs
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  Week 2: Pastured Pig Perils and Pitfalls
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  Week 3: Heath & Nutrition
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  Week 4: Sales & Marketing Part 1 : Establishing Your Business Model
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  Week 5: Sales & Marketing Part 2 : Selling Your Products
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  Week 6: Pastured Pig Case Studies
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Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course officially starts and ends on the dates given above, when the instructor gets involved and begins hosting live weekly webinars. If you are registering after the webinars have concluded for the year, you will have immediate access to all the course materials, and will be able to participate in the next year's webinars if you choose to.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 7 days and we will give you a full refund.

Online Course Tiered Pricing

The Cornell Small Farms Program offers a tiered pricing model to provide greater access to our online courses. To determine your course enrollment cost, please consult the chart below, and honestly identify your current financial situation.


We realize that not everyone is able to afford the price of our courses, so we also offer a small number of scholarships each year to New York State residents. To apply, please read scholarship requirements and complete the application here.

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