planting pig forage

Anyone plant forages specifically roots for pasture pigs? Seems to make sense since pigs like to root anyways. What about planting on contour lines to make pig swales? I know they wont push the soil downhill all the time, but hey, still seems like free work. I ask because I think if you mix RG with food "plots" you could displace the need for off site feed.

You should read all about pastured pigs here, some good stuff going on.
http://sugarmtnfarm.com/2014/11/13/brassicas-endure/

Mangels, Jerusalem Artichokes, corn...almost anything that will grow well will work for this. If you plan out your rotation and planting schedule correctly all you'd have to do is move them from one patch to the next as crops ripen.


Joe

Most pig forage crops are above ground as they tend to be fast growing and soft. In my environment & experience, Umbelliferae, are root of choice but Blackberrys are right up there. If you choose the right pig (Tamworth & Tamworth crosses are know as excellent rooters as they have a wonderful long & powerful nose) they will root regardless looking for grubs and other forage. Please count on giving them supplemental feed with a mineral ration, and then watch out for the associated salts and soil compaction. Nothing in life is free.

I think John Arbuckle did a great podcast referring to his attempts at figuring this out recently at The Permaculture Podcast with Scott Mann. It's definitely got me thinking a lot. His place is called Singing Prairie farm in Missouri.

The idea of planting something they will root on contour is a fun one. I will think about that.

Rose Konold wrote: Tamworth & Tamworth crosses are know as excellent rooters as they have a wonderful long & powerful nose)

I thought my tamworth crosses (crossed with large black) did great on pasture, and showed some very vigorous rooting