Working the Woods with Pigs — Practical Tips for Silvopasture Success

By Mike Lewis, NCAT Agriculture Specialist 

The forest is not merely a backdrop for raising pigs in silvopasture. The forest is a living partner in the cycle of growth and renewal. When pigs are raised thoughtfully among the trees, they become agents of fertility and soil health, creating a balance that benefits the animals, the trees, and the land. This balance isn’t a given, though – it requires intention, observation, and a gentle hand to maintain.  

Pigs should ideally be moved every three to seven days to prevent over-disturbance that can cause soil erosion, compaction, and overgrazing. Fencing is one of the most important tools required for this practice. Portable electric fencing—made of polywire or mesh netting, supported by step-in posts—allows farmers to move pigs quickly and safely. A well-maintained fence that delivers a reliable charge of 6 Joules or more encourages pigs to respect boundaries, keeping them within the paddock and protecting sensitive areas.  

Moving pigs from one paddock to the next isn’t as hard as it might seem at first. Leaving paths or corridors between paddocks helps reduce stress and builds trust in animals during moves. A simple trick is to carry the feed bucket when moving pigs—this familiar sound will encourage them to follow calmly. 

Rest periods for paddocks, typically between 30 and 90 days to allow forages to fully recover, allow the forest floor to regenerate. Wetter or more fragile soils may require longer rest periods. Walking the paddock before turning pigs in provides valuable insight into whether the ground is ready or needs more time.  

Appropriate stocking rates will help maintain a balanced silvopasture system. A general guideline is to stock between 10 and 20 pigs per acre in a rotation system, but this varies based on tree density, soil type, and forage availability. Observing the ground after a rotation will allow you to assess if the stocking density is appropriate; if leaf litter remains intact and fungi are still visible, the pressure on the land is likely well-managed.  

It is best to err on the side of understocking, as it is easier to build up a system than to repair overused ground. It is also important to avoid farrowing pigs in the rotation paddocks, as sows and piglets need stable, sheltered areas with minimal disturbance.  

Protecting the trees themselves is vital. Young saplings are especially vulnerable and will benefit from wire mesh guards or rigid tree protectors to prevent pigs from chewing on bark or rubbing against the trunks. A single pig can uproot a small oak sapling in minutes, so take measures to protect your future forest. Also take care to avoid compaction around tree roots, especially after rain. Rotating pigs away from these sensitive areas during wet conditions preserves root health and prevents long-term damage.  

Timing moves to suit soil conditions is a practice rooted in respect and care for the land. Wet or saturated soil is very soft, and grazing pigs on it can lead to soil compaction and erosion, damaging both pasture and the forest understory. When the soil dries and firms, pigs can safely root and disturb the leaf litter, helping to clear invasive plants and cycle nutrients back into the soil without causing lasting harm. 

Feeding management supports both pig health and land stewardship. While pigs will forage widely on acorns, roots, and greens, supplemental feed is necessary to reach market weight efficiently. Feed balanced rations, including grains or fermented feeds, in a way that encourages natural behavior and spreads manure evenly. Using portable feeders will allow you to move feeding sites around the paddock, which help limit the creation of wallows or overly concentrated manure piles. Seasonal mast like acorns and hickories offer rich forage, but it is important to limit pig time in these areas after the pigs have feasted to allow trees to recover from trampling. Monitoring the pigs’ body condition throughout the rotation is key. Pasture-raised pigs may grow more slowly than confined animals, but their meat often develops a richer flavor and firmer texture.  

Above all, raising pigs in silvopasture is a practice of attentive observation and adaptability. No single plan fits all seasons or sites. Successful farmers walk their land daily, watching rooting patterns, monitoring tree health, and noting soil recovery. Keeping a simple journal with observations and adjustments helps build a deeper understanding over time. Managing a regenerative pig enterprise in the forest is not about control, but cooperation. It’s a dialogue between steward and land, where both pig and tree flourish.  

In the end, silvopasture invites the producer to foster an approach of patience and respect. When managed with care, pigs do more than grow; they become part of the story of soil and tree, of land renewed and bounty shared. Through this work, farmers honor not only the meat they harvest but the living, breathing landscape that sustains them.  

ATTRA Resources:

• Hogs: Pastured or Forested Production
• In the Pigpen with Mike and Linda
• Silvopasture 101