Pigs are one of the most feed-efficient and fast-breeding livestock types you can farm — which makes the economics genuinely attractive. But the businesses that fail almost always fail the same way: by underestimating biosecurity. Here are the five mistakes to avoid.
Mistake 1: Treating Biosecurity as a Formality, Not the Foundation
African Swine Fever has no available vaccine, and it can devastate a herd with almost no warning. Controlled farm access, footbaths, and vehicle disinfection aren’t precautions for a worst-case scenario — they’re the actual thing standing between your herd and total loss. Build these into daily operations from day one, not after a scare.
Mistake 2: Any Use of Untreated Food Waste as Feed
Feeding pigs untreated food waste (commonly called “swill”) is a known route for introducing serious disease, including African Swine Fever, and is restricted for exactly that reason. It might look like free or cheap feed — the actual risk it carries to your entire herd makes it one of the costliest shortcuts a new pig farmer can take.
Mistake 3: Underestimating Early Piglet Mortality Risk
The period right after piglets are weaned carries the highest mortality risk in the entire production cycle. New operators often budget as if every piglet born will reach market weight — a realistic financial model needs to price in this loss upfront, not treat it as a surprise when it happens.
Mistake 4: No Plan for Reporting a Suspected Disease Immediately
If you suspect African Swine Fever or another notifiable disease, the reporting obligation to the state veterinarian is immediate, not “once you’re sure.” Delaying even briefly to double-check symptoms yourself can make regulatory and economic consequences significantly worse. Know exactly who to call and have the number ready before you need it, not after.
Mistake 5: Pricing Without Accounting for Feed as the Dominant Cost
Feed is the single largest cost driver in pig production. New operators sometimes price finished pigs based on what nearby sellers charge rather than their own actual feed and rearing cost — which works fine until feed prices move, at which point margins that looked healthy on paper disappear fast.
The full Pig Farming (Commercial and Feedlot) Business-in-a-Box covers biosecurity protocols, realistic mortality planning, and a financial model that prices in these real risks from the start. Includes the business blueprint, marketing playbook, launch plan, operating procedures, AI toolkit, KPI dashboard and 90-day action plan. R299, instant download.
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