Uniquely different NZ pig farming styles
Meet our farmers
Our industry does not recommend one style of pig farming over another simply because there are benefits and limitations to each. We have implemented a PigCare Audit to make sure whichever farming style is used, that the pigs are raised in an environment that supports their best health and welfare.
Pigs are environment dependent – so they require special conditions to be farmed in.
The major influence in the pigs’ comfort is the environmental temperature. In New Zealand, many farmers run sows outdoors. This tends to be mainly in areas of the South Island where rainfall is low and where free draining soil lends itself to outdoor pig farming.
The remainder are housed indoors in styles varying farm by farm from open barns, to sheds with curtains that are raised or lowered to control temperature, to controlled atmosphere sheds. Every form of housing is slightly different depending on farmer preference and climate.
Accommodation for growing pigs varies from straw based sheds through to air conditioned sheds.
Free Range
Free range pork farming is very limited in New Zealand. Free range means pigs can run around outside for their entire life. Like sheep and beef, the sow, weaners, and grower pigs will live in open spaces. Shelter must be provided and all pigs must be able to move in and out of the shelter, and move freely around the paddocks.
These are typically small farms which do not farm pigs as their only source of income. Pigs require special conditions, such as firm soil and a mild climate if they are to be raised in this style. Farming this way requires a greater number of staff, as pigs are exposed to all the elements and need constant care and attention. This is why most farmers using this style are smaller farms, with a small number of pigs. 1% of pigs farmed in NZ are farmed like this.
Free-range versus free-farmed pigs - 3News Video
Free Farmed
Free farmed refers to the sows being farmed in paddocks, with shelter provided to protect the sows from the elements and special huts for farrowing. The sows can move from their shelters to the paddock freely and without restriction. Pigs grown for market are finished under shelter to protect the pigs from the elements. No sow stalls or farrowing crates are used.
20% of our farmers use this style of farming to raise their pigs, mainly in regions were soil types and consistent weather more suit this style and there is a ready supply of straw for bedding.
Outdoor Bred
Sows are outside their entire life. At weaning finishing pigs are moved indoors. No sow stalls or farrowing crates are used.
20% of our farmer's use this style of farming to raise their pigs.
Stall Free
Sows are all indoors and live in groups and weaned pigs are finished indoors. Sow stalls are not used in pregnancy. When birthing a sow will move to a farrowing crate that is used to prevent piglets from being squashed by the mother at birth, and also so the sow can receive her own food and water, and so staff can safely interact with the pigs.
After weaning, the piglets grown for market are finished under shelter in groups.
25% of our farmer’s use this style of farming to raise their pigs.
Indoor Raised
Sows are housed in sheds. They live in groups, but when in the initial stages of their pregnancy, they are moved to a sow stall so the farmer can provide individual care, food, and water. When birthing, a sow will move to a farrowing crate that is used to prevent piglets from being squashed by the mother at birth, and also so the sow can receive her own food and water.
After weaning, the piglets grown for market are finished under shelter to protect the pigs from the elements. A variety of shelters are used including sheds, eco-barns and pens.
35% of our farmer’s use this style of farming to raise their pigs.
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