Poweshiek County producer Kevin Graham would like to have more of his pigs inside, but until he has the facilities, he keeps his breeding stock and finishing pigs outside. Graham says the pigs require extra care and feed in the winter, but he believes outside pigs can thrive if managed properly. All gestating, breeding and finishing is done outside. Gestating sows and gilts can go inside an old dairy barn. Graham throws square bales down from the hay mow for bedding.
Breeding is done under a roof, and finishing pigs have access to shade in the concrete lots.
One thing you have to do is feed them more in the winter, and keep the bedding fresh,'' Graham says. We feed outside, and they follow that bucket wherever it goes,'' he says. You also want to keep them as comfortable as possible. Outside breeding stock may also have a poorer conception rate, Lamberson says. It's the same thing that happens when it's real hot, and it's mostly a sow problem,'' he says.