Learn how to raise pigs on your homestead, including instructions on slaughtering, housing and feeding pigs.

The farmers acknowledge their new trend of raising pigs is “radically traditional.” According to the local farmers, they may be among only a few farrow-to-finish pig operations in the area.

Yet, farming is all about innovation and change, including in livestock production. I can still remember when raising pigs meant you raised them for meat and lard.

“We taught ourselves how to butcher our pigs, how to make sausage and bacon, and Bill figured out the cures, so we could produce prosciutto and capicola.

Area farmers say a new requirement that pork sold in Massachusetts is produced with humane housing conditions for pigs could make locally raised meat more competitive at market.

Zehr operates Zehr Farms near Washington, Illinois, raising pigs along with corn, soybeans and some wheat. They have a ...