Swine

Our Extension team delivers research-backed strategies in swine nutrition, reproduction, health, and housing systems. We support production efficiency and animal welfare through hands-on demonstrations, online resources, and cooperation with local swine producers.

Latest resources

New World screwworm

New World screwworm (NWS, Cochliomyia hominivorax) is a devastating pest. When NWS fly larvae (maggots) burrow into the flesh of a living animal, they cause serious, often deadly damage to the animal. NWS can infest livestock, pets, wildlife, occasionally birds, and in rare cases, people.

Jun 2025 | Online resource

Pork Checkoff

The Pork Checkoff website has industry news and information plus educational material. Production and Management page has Hot Topics, Disease Prevention, Well Being, Biosecurity, Sustainability, Business Management, Pork, and Health.

Mar 2025 | Online resource

Oregon Pork Producers

The Oregon Pork Producers strives to serve all producers regardless of size or production practices by promoting producer and consumer education, research, animal well-being, marketing, and environmental responsibility. It is the vision of the Oregon Pork Producers to be a strong advocate for the responsible production and marketing of swine and pork in the Pacific Northwest.

Shelby Filley | Mar 2025 | Online resource

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Latest news

OSU student honored as national 4-H Youth In Action award finalist

A former Harney County 4-H member is honored for leadership and resilience.

Grace Xue | Sep 30, 2025 | News story

Living on the Land helps small-acreage landowners steward their land and protect natural resources

OSU Extension empowers rural Oregonians to care for their land, protect water quality and build more resilient landscapes.

Melissa Fery | Apr 2024 | Impact story

4-H livestock clinics boost skills and confidence in Lake County

Youths received direct instruction, practical feedback and opportunities to grow their skills.

Jeannie Anderson | May 2023 | Impact story

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The benefits and challenges of pasture-based pork production

Pasture-based pork production offers opportunities for niche meat producers to meet the desires of consumers concerned about the treatment of the animals they eat. But it's not as simple as just turning pigs out to pasture. Challenges include providing a proper diet, accommodating the needs of young pigs, providing protection from predators and understanding that pasture-raised pork can taste different. Here's a primer on how to do it.

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Credit: Lynn Ketchum (Cropped from original)

Featured resources

Care and Management of New Feeder Pigs

You can keep your pigs healthy and gaining weight by following some key recommendations. In this publication you'll learn about housing, feeding, and health considerations when raising feeder pigs, both for a ...

Gene Pirelli, Dale W. Weber, Scott Duggan, Melissa Fery, Nathan Parker | Jun 2023 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Keep the compost cooking on the farm this winter

Start an active compost pile in winter, and you could have rich compost to add to your vegetable beds by spring. Livestock farmers can combine used bedding and manure to produce a valuable soil amendment — no matter the time of year.

Melissa Fery | Feb 2026 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Secure pork supply

This website provides essential resources for securing the pork supply chain, emphasizing biosecurity practices and emergency preparedness for swine producers. It aims to safeguard the health of livestock and ensure the stability of pork production amid potential disease threats.

Oct 2024 | Online resource

Niche Pork Production

Niche pork production offers lifestyle and financial opportunities that are attractive to many individuals. The low capital nature of most operations makes it a good complement to other farming activities or as partial employment for someone who wants to remain connected to livestock production.

Iowa State University | Oct 2024 | Online resource

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Beef cattle

Poultry and rabbits

Sheep and goats

Pasture and forages

Commercial food processing

Farm food safety

Upcoming Events

May 7

May Livestock 4-H Advisory Committee Meeting

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Oregon City, OR

May 16

Livestock Learning Day

9:00 am - 3:30 pm Rickreall, OR

Jun 5

Pigs Can Fly Ranch - Farm Tour

10:00 am - 12:00 pm Lebanon, OR

Jul 9

July Livestock 4-H Advisory Committee Meeting

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Oregon City, OR

Meet Our Experts

Scott Duggan

Livestock

Rebecca Thistlethwaite

NMPAN Director

Contact for meat sales, science, & processing questions.

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What are tips for livestock care in high temperatures?

Q: I haven't seen extreme heat like this week in Oregon before. What should I be doing differently to care for my cattle in these situations?

A: View answer | View all featured questions

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