Niche Production
Economics and Business Management
Information on business development, cost management, returns and record keeping.
Business Development and Management
Resources
Example Production Budgets for Niche Operations |
|
Feed Budgets for Niche Operations |
|
Feed Costs Management |
|
Improving Feed Conversion |
|
Managing Pig Feed Costs in Niche Pork Production |
|
Non-feed Cost Management |
|
Record Keeping |
|
Reducing the Cost of Pig Diets |
Example Niche Pork Operations
Albright Swine Farms
Coldwater, Michigan business sells freezer meat, roaster pigs and club pigs.
Berkwood Farm
Coalition of more than 60 independent family farmers, one of the largest American suppliers of 100% certified pure heirloom Berkshire pork.
Joe Huber's Family Farm & Restaurant
Starlight, Indiana farm marketing homegrown products from its own farm market, gift shop and restaurant.
Niman Ranch
Network of over 740 small, independent family farmers and ranchers.
Snake River Farms
Boise, Idaho - business selling American Kurobuta pork, which is 100% purebred Berkshire pork, along with American Wagyu and Northwest beef and other gift items.
Vande Rose Foods
Iowa Falls, Iowa niche marketing company sells Duroc pork to gourmet retailers, high-end restaurants and private clubs across the country.
Marketing Niche Pork and Niche Pork Alternatives
Beef and Pork Whole Animal Buying Guide
Includes marketing terms and information on storage and handling, meat inspection and meat weight, and common retail pork and beef cuts.
Fresh Pork From Farm to Table
USDA-FSIS - Q&A site for food quality and food safety information.
MarketMaker
Consumers, producers and businesses can use this to find markets, products and producers. Registration required for use. No fee.
Niche Pork Marketing (AGMRC)
Niche Pork Production
Information on biosecurity, disease and animal health management, facilities, genetics, nutrition and reproduction for niche pork producers.
IPIC Niche Pork Production Handbook |
|
Producing Niche Market Pork |
|
Scheduling Pig Flow |
|
Stockmanship |
|
Target Annual Production |
Disease and Health Management
Minimizing the Use of Antibiotics in Pork Production
Swine Vaccination Considerations
Facilities, Housing and Equipment
Demonstrating Farrowing Alternatives for Small Farms: Insulated Tents for Sows and Pigs
Bedding Management |
|
Environmental Needs of the Pig |
|
| Hoop Building Information from ISU Leopold Center | |
Housing Options |
|
Manure and Mortalities |
Nutrition
Feedstuffs for Pigs |
|
Nutrients for Pigs |
|
| Relative Value of Feedstuffs |
Reproduction and Genetics
Boar Fertility |
|
Estrus |
|
| Mating or Insemination | |
| Crossbreeding and Hybrid Vigor | |
| Replacement Gilts and Sow Longevity |
Pork Processing
American Association of Meat Processors (AAMP)
Beef and Pork Whole Animal Buying Guide - ISU
Guide to Designing a Small Red Meat Plant - ISU
Implementing a Recall Program for Small Processors |
|
Maximizing Carcass Utilization in Niche Pork Companies |
|
| Packing House Byproducts |
Examples of Niche Pork Processors and Marketing Companies
(No endorsement intended or provided)
Heritage Foods
Missouri-based natural pork company was formed in 2001. It also has producers in Iowa, Illinois, Kansas and Arkansas.
LaQuercia
Norwalk, Iowa produces prosciutto, a thinly sliced dry-cured ham. Other products include speck, pancetta, coppa, guanciale and lardo.
Nahunta Pork Center
Largest all-pork retail displayer in the Eastern United States, with two locations. The meat is processed in-house.
Niche Producer Series
Pork Quality
| Comparison of Carcass Composition, Performance, and Tissue Deposition Rates Among Breeds of Swine | |
| Controlling Factors that Influence Pork Quality | |
| Effect of Pig Age at Slaughter on Fresh Pork Quality | |
| Impact of Dietary Fat Intake on Carcass Iodine Value and Pork Fat Quality | |
| Matching Carcass Specifications of Your Market | |
| Naturally Cured Meats: Quality, Safety, and Chemistry | |
| Niche Pork Quality | |
| Plastic Grid for Quick Measurement of Loin Eye Area |
|
The Effect of Selection for Intramuscular Fat on Fatty Acid Composition in Duroc Pigs |