Posted 2/8/2016 19:39 (#5097421 - in reply to #5097185) Subject: RE: Ground raised hogs
NEIndiana - 2/8/2016 18:26
Why are these getting so many negative comments? These were very common around here when I was a kid, there are a number still standing but none with hogs in them that I can think of.
Most of the negative comments are coming from Northern/northwestern Iowa, I suspect our winters are a little different and longer than yours.
Hogs are in million $ buildings because guys started keeping better records and realized they couldn't afford to feed hogs outside when the competition moved inside. The difference in labor and feed efficiency more than pays for the building.
Its like growing open pollinated corn without fertilizer vs the newest hybrids with commercial fertilizers. Unless you have a niche market for a specialty product you can't afford to produce it.
Lastly, contrary to popular belief among those that are opposed to modern agriculture, the way hogs used to be raised was NOT the least bit environmentally friendly.
Getting a permit for a decent size livestock operation requires zero discharge, that's tough to do outside.
Ground raised hogs
