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Start a pig farming business – here's how
The phrase 'bringing home the bacon' takes on a new meaning for those interested in pig farming. Pig farming is one of the more popular agricultural trends in South Africa, however, there are a few things to consider before getting started.
Before starting a pig farm:
Ensure you have enough land for your farm, because you will require space for the different stages of farming from mating to weaning and finishing.
Consider funding options because a 250-sow pig farm can set you back R25 million in set-up costs.
Educate yourself on the industry. There are over 50 breeds of pigs but you need to take meat quality and breeding into consideration.
Make sure you adhere to legal standards and have allocated space for biosecurity facilities and a slurry dam.
Despite the setup costs pig farming can be very profitable and rewarding if well planned and managed. See below for everything you need to know about pig farming.
New This Week (14 November 2023)
Choosing the Right Agricultural Equipment Suppliers
Once you decide to venture into the agricultural sector there are a few things to consider. Equipment is very high on that list and so too equipment suppliers. When choosing a supplier be sure to consider the quality of their equipment, affordability, after-sales support, and local availability. Agricultural equipment is a long-term costly investment and there are hidden costs like services and part replacements to consider. Fortunately, there are several agricultural financing options available to small business owners from business loans to grants and government assistance programs. For advice on choosing the right supplier, see below.
Project Management for a Small Business
Project management is an essential part of a business's success, regardless of the size of the business. Steps for managing your project effectively:
Define your project's objectives, scope, and goals.
Select your team based on the skills needed.
Create a detailed project plan outlining tasks and timelines.
Ensure you have a communication plan so all team members are updated regularly.
For more detailed project management tips see below.
Guide Funding Opportunities In The Agricultural Sector
From bank loans to venture capital and government grants, there are various ways to fund your agricultural goals.
If your business falls into any of these categories
Field crop farming
Animal production
Dairy farming
Food & agricultural value chain
Agro-processing
Be sure to download this comprehensive guide to funding.