Farm Animals

Pig Outdoor Farming and Free Range

Outdoor and free-range pig production systems provide significant welfare advantages over indoor intensive systems.

Key Facts

Outdoor pig systems allow rooting, wallowing, and natural behaviour expression
Around 40% of UK pigs are kept in outdoor systems at some point in their lives
Outdoor sows can provide maternal care in a more natural farrowing environment
Biosecurity challenges are greater in outdoor systems requiring careful management
Higher welfare systems command a premium but face economic pressures from cheaper imports

Welfare Considerations

Outdoor and free-range pig systems provide significantly better welfare outcomes than intensive indoor systems. Consumer support for higher-welfare products is essential to maintain the economic viability of these systems.

What You Can Do

Choose outdoor-bred or free-range pork products when purchasing
Support RSPCA Assured and outdoor pig welfare certification schemes
Advocate for higher welfare import standards to support UK outdoor pig farming
Engage with the economic challenges facing outdoor pig farmers
Reduce pork consumption or shift entirely to certified higher-welfare products