It's time for the pigs to head to freezer camp! Here's our process for 2023.

It's time to get the pigs loaded up and off to the processor. This is the first time doing this many pigs. We do our best to get prepped for the load. It didn't go quite as easy as we hoped but it wasn't a complete nightmare either. There is always a learning curve it seems! All in all we had a decent season with this years batch of pigs. We are looking forward to the break now. In about 3 weeks we head back up to pick up the finished pork!
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[@MickSupper]

So funny how the pigs go through the ripped metal instead of the large opening on the end. My goats have finally done that to their shelter and use the small opening instead of the 4-foot wide gate.

[@michaelstrahl]

Doesn’t that just drive you nuts? Animals can be so smart and so dumb at the same time. 😜

[@jasonhatfield4747]

I was able to just park our trailer in the run with our pigs and started throwing food in it for about a week before our processing date. I built a ramp with wood chips so there was no gap to jump up or down. After a couple days the pig willingly started going in and out of the trailer every time they thought I had food. The morning of, there was no fuss at all, just hopped right in for breakfast and off we went.

[@michaelstrahl]

All great ideas! My main concern is the damage they are capable of. My trailer is old and I’m concerned they will beat the hell out of it. I guess I’m just going to have to try that next season though. Loading is the only part I really struggle with!

[@anthonybarton2103]

About 2 weeks before you're going to bring them to butcher start feeding them in the trailer so they get used to going in and out the trailer easily.

[@michaelstrahl]

The thought crossed my mind to do that for a week or so. My trailer floor and lower walls need some help though and I was scared they would tear the hell out of it before I had to make the trip. I plan to give the trailer some love in the spring so that would probably be the best option next year when it’s time to load up again. Thanks for the advise!

[@anthonybarton2103]

@michaelstrahl I didn't know the condition of your trailer but trust me if you can get them used to it you will have no issues period like you did. Good luck 👍

[@michaelstrahl]

@@anthonybarton2103 oh of course! You had no way of knowing that! I’ll absolutely give that a try next season. That sounds like the way to go!

[@blackranch7883]

Rough idea how much those pigs live weight ?

[@michaelstrahl]

I had a pretty big range in weight this year which I was a bit disappointed about. My largest was pushing the 330lb range. I had a couple runts that were struggling to get to 250lb.

[@jamesland8302]

What revisions would you make to the pig shelter?

[@michaelstrahl]

Hey there! The main revision it needs is a horizontal bar on each side about a foot up from the skids. I plan to attach another section of chain link top rail to address this issue. If you saw where the one pig walked through the sidewall that should address that problem and keep my metal in place better. I have a few other ideas in my head but I’m not sure if they will work just yet. I will try to get another video up this winter once I have time to mess with the shelter again. Thanks for watching!

[@YTBoof]

What’s it cost to process a pig?

[@michaelstrahl]

So processing is completely custom where we go. Pricing can vary greatly depending on what cuts you order & how big your pig is. If you get smoked sausage, brats, hot dogs, etc that drives the price up. I would say the average is between 250-350 if I had to guess. Prices went up a bit from last year and I don’t have my invoices yet from the processor for this year.

[@MickSupper]

@@michaelstrahl We had one hog butchered at our local butcher, but we thought the products turned out a little salty, no not sure if we will go back to them or not even though it's only 7 miles from our place.

[@jti2007]

Your kids jumping up onto the trailer during loading didn't help matters. Also, a solid panel works better to move hogs. As others have stated position the trailer prior to loading and feed inside the trailer for a week or so. Also, the wooden ramp spooked the animals. Hogs don't like a change of footing to walk on. I'd just have them jump up into the trailer from the dirt alley.

[@michaelstrahl]

I really appreciate the feedback. I agree I need a better plan for the kids. I want them included but they can’t make things more difficult on the load. Solid panels are a must this year. That’s been the biggest feedback I’ve received. Feeding in the trailer still worries me. I’m not sure my trailer can handle it. Hopefully I can address some metal issues I have before the next load. The wood ramp didn’t help. I agree with you. The year before they struggle to get in the trailer. It wasn’t mine and it sat hire though. All good stuff! Thanks again for the help!

[@bradjenkins932]

Too much work.

[@michaelstrahl]

Ok so what’s your suggestion. I’m all ears and willing to learn if you have a better solution!

[@bradjenkins932]

@@michaelstrahl Back the trailer up 3 - 4 days before you take them, feed them in trailer.... Close the gate and go.

[@michaelstrahl]

@@bradjenkins932 thank you. That’s the plan for next year. I was concerned that with the condition of my trailer floor & sides they would have it destroyed before I made the trip. Planning to fix that in the spring before I do it all again. I’m betting this would have made my life a little easier this year for sure!

[@bradjenkins932]

@@michaelstrahl I've been doing it that way for 11yrs now, with no problems.

[@michaelstrahl]

Appreciate the tip! I’m always learning. This was my 4th year. Gets easier every year but always room to improve