Feeder pig production is an enterprise that is easy to get started in and with careful planning, requires a low capital investment.  Outside pig production eliminates specialized buildings.  With the use of electric fencing, hog panels, and plywood A-frame farrowing huts, facility costs can be held to a minimum.  Pork prices have become stabilized in the past few years, providing encouragement to hog producers to stay in the business.  However with the lack of packing plants, Southeastern farmers have found a market in the mid-west for feeder pigs.  These mid-west farmers have an absolute advantage with low feed cost and more markets available for finished market hogs.  Reluctant to expand their own sow herd and facilities, they can market their grain through pigs contracted from the Southeast.

An additional show-pig market can be tapped by using terminal sires on select gilts and sows.  Also purebred gilts for show are in great demand.  These quality show-pigs command a premium price.  Some producers are conducting auctions or private treaty sales to market their pigs

Producing feeder pigs is a grow-as-you-go project.  This is easily accomplished by saving back quality gilts for replacement and expansion.  Cash flow is regular with scheduled year round farrowing.

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