Outdoor pig farming provides many welfare benefits but summer heat, sunburn, and parasite challenges require specific management to maintain good welfare.
Outdoor pig farming offers substantial welfare advantages over intensive indoor systems - rooting, socialising, and natural behaviour are all enhanced. However, summer welfare challenges are real and require active management. Pigs without shade and wallowing in summer experience significant heat stress, sunburn, and discomfort. Pale hybrid breeds are particularly vulnerable. Well-managed outdoor systems with adequate wallowing facilities, shade, and water provision achieve genuinely good pig welfare. Consumer choice of outdoor pork with welfare certification drives adoption of the management standards that deliver these outcomes.