We just raised and processed three pigs. They were a Yorkshire/Landrace cross. We bought all three at approx. 40 lbs. We had two girls and a castrated boy. (If you get a male, make sure it's castrated or you will only be able to use him for sausage and pepporoni!!) When all was said and done, it cost us about $1.75/lb. We used a processor that is USDA inspected. I have to say, the meat is so much better than what you buy in the store. And, you know what it is fed.
We now have 3 Tamworths (2 females and a male) and 3 Berkshires (3 females). We should be getting our male Berk around March. We plan to breed them to sell, and always keep pork that we raised in our freezer.
With that said, I have to disagree with some of the previous posts. Yes, pigs are very smart and can get out of their pens; however, we have never had a problem with that. We built the pens with hog panels and use an electric fence, and we've never had one escape. Also, pigs are not smelly animals. Like anything else, you have to clean up after them. As long as you clean the poop out, you hardly can smell anything. They really are clean animals.
I love our pigs and I can't imagine not having any around. You can raise them affordably, and the meat is delicious. Just make sure if you decide to do it, you don't skimp on the cost of the pen. If you cut corners, you will be chasing pigs!! And, when it comes to feeding, remember "garbage in..garbage out." We always feed quality food and supplement with things like vegetables from our garden, oats, grass, and other treats. Never raw meat!!
Good luck!! It is a lot of fun and you get such a feeling of accomplishment when all is done.
