Working with Niche Producers Pete Lammers 2015 Swine Education In-Service

Niche Markets continue to evolve 5/26/15 Hormel Foods acquires Applegate 9/8/15 Perdue acquires Niman Ranch

Niche Producers Sometimes difficult to define… Resource needs not entirely clear Niche often very localized

Niche Producers Sometimes difficult to define… Resource needs not entirely clear Often very location/market specific

Resources for New and Beginning Pig Farmers

New and Beginning Farmers Domain People raising pigs primarily for pork People raising pork with the intent to generate income People raising pigs with limited experience People considering raising pigs for niche markets May have an advanced degree, but most likely not in Animal Science

Existing PIG resources Have identified 20 factsheets/how to’s particularly applicable to clientele Have identified existing holes in available material Always welcome feedback or proposals Pete

For Example… Swine Genetics and Breeding Existing PIG factsheets on this topic provide accurate and important information Unfortunately not written for this audience 2 new factsheets to compliment existing Introduction to Swine Genetics Pig Breeding Systems

Frequently Asked Questions Lammers I got a really good deal on (insert feedstuff) how can I feed it to my pigs? How can I feed my pigs without using corn or soybean meal? Planning/budget materials—how fast will they grow, how big will the carcass be, how much feed will I need, what will it cost me?

What types of questions are your being asked? Very rarelyOccasionallyVery many Feeding Reproduction Breeds Health Housing inside Pasture Managing business Selling pork

FAQ’s from your experience?

US Pork Center of Excellence National Swine Nutrition Guide ineNutritionGuide.aspx#.VgshpHveOKI National Swine Reproduction Guide ineReproductionGuide.aspx#.VgsheXveOKI

Resources beyond PIG Iowa State University Niche Pork Production Handbook (2007) Whole Animal Buying Guide (2009) Pork-Whole-Animal-Buying-Guide

Resources beyond PIG Virginia Tech Tidewater Ag Research and Ext Center Proceedings: Small scale and niche market pork conferences NCSU, NCATSU, CEFS

Others University of Minnesota Penn State Extension Oregon State University University of Missouri Colorado Pork Producers

Other resources you find useful?

Next Steps Keep working Keep sharing What are your thoughts on how to facilitate sharing information with each other?