Common Consumer Questions Answered About Pork

Recently I was able to tour South Dakota pork farms and speak with several farmers on production and wanted to share some hot topics with you. Feeling curious? Check out the full recap here!

Facts on Pork Production in America:

Market Pig Lifecycle: What is the lifecycle of a market pig?

For production, it takes about six months from birth to market.

Gestational Period: 3 months, 3 weeks, 3 days
The average litter is 12 – 13 pigs
Farrowing: The piglets are then nursed for 21 days, and weaned at around 13-15 pounds.
Wean-to-Finish: Piglets are monitored for the next 6 to 8 weeks, on a corn/soybean meal diet before they are (if not in a wean-to-finish barn) transferred to a finishing pen where they will increase their food intake, with the addition of vitamins.
Pigs are then harvested around 6 months of age, and 280 pounds.

Animal welfare: What is the standard operating procedure for antibiotics and hormones in pork production?

As of writing this: No hormones are allowed in pork production for growth promotion. Read that again. No hormones are currently allowed in pork production for growth promotion.
Antibiotics are used as needed in farming, but with caution and diligence. As required, each animal’s illness will be address on a one on one basis by a vet and treated accordingly.
Antibiotics are administered and the withdraw period (period for which the animal will remain monitored for healthy and before no significant traces of the medicine would remain in the meat harvested) is observed as dependent on the unique antibiotic and the guidelines set by the FDA. Meat is tested and confirmed safe at the plant by the USDA.