BREEDING PIGS FOR DRIED MEAT PRODUCTS

Our business idea involves breeding the Slovenian autochthonous breed of pigs for dried meat products.

The breeding of the Slovenian autochthonous pigs decreased significantly in the last century. Hopefully, it is getting more and more popular these days also due to the tasty meat which contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Customers also appreciate pork and dried meat products made at home.

The Slovenian autochthonous breed of pigs is suitable for extensive breeding. Pigs are kept on fresh grass. They can adjust to different outdoor conditions. Moreover, they are resistant to most of the diseases affecting pigs. Females have a good maternal instinct.

Slovenian farmers choose a kinder method of farming - free range. Free-range pigs are not common in Primorska. Firstly, there are less big pig farms. Secondly, farmers choose to raise pigs for themselves.

We have been breeding pigs on our farm for a very long time, but we have never had the Slovenian autochthonous breed of pigs. We would also like to try free range pig farming. Our farm will offer dried meat products, raw meat, prosciutto as well as chicken and rabbit meat.

We hope to attract people who already buy pork on farms and those who like local specialities.

We plan to start with two employees – the members of our family. The business of selling meat is planned for the end of the first year when we start to slaughter the animals. We expect to make profit in the first year. The prices of the products will range from 2€ to 35€ depending on the product itself. We expect to cover all the expenses. To start the business we need 30,000€ which will be spent on renovating the existing objects, preparing the pasture and buying pigs and some other material.

The major threats that could cause trouble for the business are diseases and pests, which have a negative effect on the growth and production of pig feed, as well as bad weather.