Making $36,000/Year Raising Pigs (Find Out How) | Side Hustle Review

Raising pigs as a side hustle can be a very profitable venture, according to Chuck Lewis, owner of Sheraton Park Farms in North Carolina.

The potential profitability of raising pigs also varies depending on the size of the operation and the market for pork. Lewis suggests starting small and learning as you go, as well as finding a good source of piglets and setting up proper fencing and housing for the pigs. He also recommends providing proper nutrition and care for the pigs and looking into local regulations and permits.

Once the pigs are ready for market, there are several options for selling the meat. Lewis suggests contacting local butchers and grocery stores to see if they are interested in purchasing pork from your farm. You can also sell directly to customers through farmers markets, community-supported agriculture programs, or online marketplaces. The potential profitability of selling pork can range from a few hundred dollars for a small operation to several thousand dollars for a larger operation.

Steps to get started selling pigs for profit:

1. Research and educate yourself on the proper equipment, techniques, and regulations for raising pigs. This may include books, online resources, or advice from experienced pig farmers.

2. Look into local regulations and permits. This may include zoning permits, animal welfare regulations, and environmental regulations. It is important to comply with these regulations to avoid fines or legal issues.

3. Start small and learn as you go. Don't try to take on too much too soon, as raising pigs requires dedication and hard work.

4. Find a good source of piglets. This may involve contacting local pig farmers, breeders, or hatcheries to find high-quality piglets for your operation.

5. Set up proper fencing and housing for the pigs. This may include pens, sheds, or barns to provide protection from the elements and predators.

6. Provide proper nutrition and care for the pigs. This includes a balanced diet of grains, protein, vitamins, and minerals, as well as access to clean water at all times. It also includes regular veterinary care, such as check-ups, vaccines, and treatments for any illnesses or injuries.

7. Once the pigs are ready for market, look for potential buyers for the pork. This may involve contacting local butchers and grocery stores, as well as selling directly to customers through farmers markets, community-supported agriculture programs, or online marketplaces.

The cost of raising pigs varies depending on factors such as the size of the operation, the quality of the pigs, and the cost of feed and veterinary care. Generally, the start-up costs for raising pigs can range from a few hundred dollars for a small operation to several thousand dollars for a larger operation, but the payoff once you sell the pigs can be huge.

Depending on your market, you can sell an 8 month old pig for $1,700. It's roughly going to cost about $500 in feed and $420 to process the pig. Resulting in profiting around $600 to $650 per a pig. If you did 10 pigs, you can do $6,400 per an acre and turn them several times a year to get around $36,000 per a year, with very limited effort once you setup the initial instructure.

Overall, with the right approach, raising pigs can be a profitable and fulfilling side hustle. It requires dedication and hard work, as well as knowledge of the proper equipment, techniques, and regulations. Additionally, it is important to provide proper nutrition and care for the pigs. With these factors in mind, raising pigs can be a rewarding and profitable venture.

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