The U.S. pork industry is a major agricultural sector, with 73.7 million hogs and pigs on farms as of June 1, 2026 [6]. While large-scale operations dominate production, small-scale and beginning pig farms remain viable, particularly for producers targeting direct-to-consumer markets and specialty pork. This guide provides verified information on starting a piggery farm in the United States, covering business planning, facilities, regulations, and financing options.
Understanding the U.S. Pork Market
Industry Structure
U.S. hog production has shifted toward fewer, larger, and more specialized operations. Hog inventories increased 37 percent from 1982 to 2022, while farms with at least one hog fell 82 percent during the same period [4]. Farms selling 5,000 or more hogs became a larger part of the industry, and larger operations consistently recorded lower production costs per 100 pounds of gain [4].
Profitability Outlook
According to Iowa State University calculations, the typical Iowa farrow-to-finish operation earned a profit of $21.03 per hog marketed in May 2026** [10]. This marked the **26th consecutive profitable month**, with hog profits averaging **$17.16 per head during the first five months of 2026 [10]. However, USDA is forecasting 2026 hog prices will be down 3.2% compared to 2025 [12].
Market Opportunities for Small Farms
While commodity production favors large operations, opportunities exist for small-scale producers. Direct marketing to local customers can help maximize income, and demand for locally produced meats continues to grow as more consumers want to know where their food comes from [8]. Small-scale swine production is becoming more popular with small farm owners, hobby farmers, and youth who want to show animals [8].
Step 1: Develop a Business Plan
A sound business plan is essential before starting any farm enterprise. For new pig farmers, key considerations include [13]:
- Identifying a farm enterprise with profit potential based on your production and marketing skill levels
- Identifying and understanding available markets for farm products
- Careful consideration of labor needs
- Acquiring or developing a suitable land base
- Acquiring livestock from a high-health herd or source
- Acquiring and utilizing start-up capital efficiently
- Developing a good relationship with a local slaughter facility
- Understanding the regulatory side of farming
Step 2: Choose Your Production Model
New farmers interested in small-scale livestock enterprises have several options for raising pigs [13].
Feeder Pig Model
Purchasing feeder pigs to raise and direct-market to local customers limits the need for costly over-wintering facilities [13]. Pigs purchased for finishing are typically 40-60 lbs. or 8-12 weeks of age [13]. This model provides a low-cost, doable entry into small-scale farming, especially if feeder pigs are purchased annually [13].
Farrow-to-Finish Model
Establishing a swine breeding operation expands the potential market to include selling feeder pigs as well as market hogs through the year [13]. This model requires a well-constructed shed and a supplemental heat source for year-round operation [13].
Contract Finishing
Contract finishers are supported by the resources of an integrator. Typically, a company representative works with the producer to ensure pigs are being taken care of and provides access to nutritionists, veterinarians, and transportation [13]. The contractor is responsible for the costs of the facilities, which may exceed $700,000 for a 2,400-head facility [13].
Step 3: Select Pig Breeds
Several breeds are popular as lean-meat producers and should not be hard to find [2]:
- Yorkshire [2]
- Duroc-Jersey [2]
- Berkshire [2]
- Hampshire [2]
- Poland-China [2]
- Chester White [2]
- Tamworth [2]
When purchasing, ask for either sows (females) or barrows (castrated males), because the meat from a boar (uncastrated male) has a very unpleasant odor and taste [2]. Select the huskiest looking animals of the litter—those that have short legs and plump-looking hams [2].
Step 4: Establish Housing and Facilities
Space Requirements
Housing for pigs needs to consider how much physical, feed access, and water access space each individual pig needs per day [8]. Physical space requirements should also consider how heat generated by pigs will be utilized or removed via airflow [8].
Housing Types
Outdoor Systems: Grazing areas for pigs can be created in woodlots. Providing there is adequate light penetration through the tree canopy, this provides an opportunity for seeding part or all of the pasture area with annual forage crops such as brassicas, small grains, or annual grasses [2]. By rotating animals through paddocks created by moveable electric fencing, forage can be managed more productively [2].
A woods pasture does not have the forage production potential of an open field but will help supplement the traditional diet of corn/soybean and decrease feed costs. However, this should not be the sole source of nutrition for your animals [2].
Fencing: A solid, strong perimeter fence of woven wire is preferred. An electric wire or two should also be included, as pigs are easily trained on an electric fence and this will eliminate the occasional rooting under the woven wire fencing [2]. The pig fence need not be high—three feet is tall enough—but it must be of woven wire and anchored at the bottom with boards or logs, as pigs don't go over fences but they do go under [2].
Shelter: A floorless, portable house can be moved to different parts of the pen as manure accumulates. The house can be built of scrap lumber or tin, and five feet square is adequate for two young hogs [2]. In summer, the structure provides shade for pigs' nearly hairless bodies, which are susceptible to sunburn. If straw is given during winter, the animals will keep warm by digging a nest and lining it with bedding [2].
Indoor Systems: Independent producers very often already have a barn on their property that can be retrofitted to support pigs [13]. Before building or retrofitting a facility, it is recommended to review stocking density guidelines to determine how much space is needed based on pig and group size [8].
Step 5: Understand Regulatory Requirements
Swine Health Protection Act
The Swine Health Protection Act prohibits feeding garbage to pigs, unless the garbage is properly treated, to prevent the introduction and spread of animal diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease, African swine fever, hog cholera, and swine vesicular diseases [14]. The practice of garbage feeding poses serious disease risks to the state and nation's swine herd [14].
Feral Swine Regulations
Feral swine can carry at least 30 prominent viral and bacterial diseases and nearly 40 parasites that can impact people, pets, livestock, and wildlife [5]. Ecological and economic losses from feral swine damage in the U.S. are estimated to be greater than $1.5 billion annually** [5]. Several states, including Ohio, have enacted laws prohibiting the importation and hunting of feral swine [11]. If African Swine Fever were contracted into Ohio's commercial pig population, it would cost the state around **$2.5 billion [5].
U.S. SHIP Program
The U.S. Swine Health Improvement Plan (U.S. SHIP) is a cooperative State-Federal-industry program designed to improve the health and marketability of U.S. swine and swine products by creating a national platform for standards related to biosecurity, traceability, and sampling and testing [1]. Eligible facilities include boar studs, breeding swine herds, farrow-to-feeder herds, growing swine herds, and small holding facilities [1].
Program standards include maintaining a valid veterinary client patient relationship, maintaining electronic records for all swine movement, and prohibiting the feeding of swill, garbage, or table waste [1].
Step 6: Secure Financing
USDA Farm Service Agency Loans
Access to credit is increasingly important as farmers face historically high production costs [9]. In fiscal year 2025, FSA obligated $6.74 billion across 27,792 farm loans**, up **25% in dollars** and **13% in number** from fiscal year 2024 [9]. Beginning farmers accounted for **15,552 loans totaling $3.53 billion, representing approximately 56% of all FSA farm loans [9].
Types of FSA financing available [3]:
Farm Ownership Loans: Longer-term financing to purchase or enlarge farms, construct or improve buildings, make certain conservation improvements, and cover other eligible real estate expenses [3]
Operating Loans: Working capital for ongoing costs including seed, fertilizer, feed, livestock, fuel, and equipment [3]
Microloans: Smaller direct loans through a streamlined application process for smaller farms, beginning producers, and operations with limited capital needs [3]
Emergency Loans: Financing following qualifying natural disasters [3]
FSA provides credit in two main ways: direct loans made and serviced by FSA, and guaranteed loans made by private lenders with FSA guaranteeing up to 90% of most loans and up to 95% in certain cases [9].
Step 7: Feed and Nutrition
Feeding Guidelines
Pasturing pigs in a wooded area or feedlot is a method to help supplement the traditional diet of corn/soybean and decrease feed costs [2]. However, this should not be the sole source of nutrition, as pigs will not receive the proper nutrients to efficiently grow to market size [2].
For homesteaders raising pigs for personal consumption, feeding quality matters because the meat produced cannot be of better quality than the feed that went into it [15]. Grain can be purchased and mixed and ground to specifications [15].
Water and Exercise
A constant supply of clean drinking water, fresh air, and the opportunity to exercise are essential for pig health [15]. When weather turns cold, warming their drinking water or liquid food can help keep hogs comfortable [15].
Step 8: Health and Biosecurity
Veterinary Client Patient Relationship
A valid veterinary client patient relationship must be maintained for eligible site types under U.S. SHIP program standards [1]. Developing a relationship with a veterinarian is essential for herd health management.
Biosecurity Measures
Key biosecurity requirements include [1]:
- Maintaining electronic records for all swine movement (in and out of site) [1]
- Providing 30 days of swine movement records to the U.S. SHIP OSA in a timely manner [1]
- Complying with State and Federal animal identification requirements [1]
- Prohibiting the feeding of swill, garbage, or table waste [1]
Visitor Protocols
Visitors must follow a 5-day downtime and use personal protective equipment if exposed to livestock, wild pigs, or slaughter facilities in ASF-, CSF-, or foot-and-mouth disease-affected countries or regions [1].
Step 9: Marketing Your Pork
Direct Marketing
A new farmer should consider selling animals direct to customers to potentially maximize income [13]. Personal relationships with customers, based on a great experience and satisfaction with the meat product, are key to establishing a successful small-scale pig farm [13]. The word will spread that you are honest and dependable, and the pork you raise is great [13].
Slaughter Facility Relationships
Developing a good relationship with a local slaughter facility is listed among the major considerations for new farmers [13]. Independent producers will need to cover the cost, labor, or equipment needs for transporting pigs to market [13].
Conclusion
Starting a piggery farm in the United States requires careful planning, adequate facilities, regulatory compliance, and access to financing. While the industry is dominated by large-scale operations, small-scale producers can find success through direct marketing, niche markets, and efficient production models. With 26 consecutive profitable months as of May 2026 [10] and USDA FSA loan programs specifically supporting beginning farmers [9], the pathway to entry is accessible for those willing to invest the time and resources required.
References
[1] USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Enroll and Certify | Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
[2] Michigan State University. (2025). Raising woods-grazed pigs on new farms.
[3] USDA Farm Service Agency. USDA microloans help farmers purchase farmland and improve property.
[4] RFD-TV. (2026). Fewer Hog Farms Produce More At Lower Costs.
[5] National Hog Farmer. (2024). Ohio Feral Swine Bill signed into law.
[6] USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. (2026). United States hog inventory up slightly.
[7] USDA. Guidance Documents.
[8] University of Florida IFAS Extension. (2026). Swine.
[9] Swineweb.com. (2026). Financing the Farm: A Look at USDA Farm Loan Programs, By Faith Parum.
[10] National Hog Farmer. (2026). June Hogs and Pigs expectations.
[11] Ohio House of Representatives. (2024). Ohio House Passes Legislation Prohibiting the Import of Feral Swine into the State.
[12] Agrex Inc. (2026). USDA: Hog Inventory Down Slightly.
[13] Michigan State University. (2025). Bulletin E-3506 Models for Raising Pigs for Pork.
[14] USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Laws and Regulations | Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
[15] Mother Earth News. (2025). How to Start a Small Pig Farm.
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