Section 6 · Business Plan
Farm Operations
Pork Master Farms will operate a fully integrated farrow-to-finish pig production system. This model encompasses the complete lifecycle of pig production from breeding through to the delivery of market-ready animals, providing maximum control over quality, genetics, health management, and production efficiency.
6.1 Production Model
Pork Master Farms will operate a fully integrated farrow-to-finish pig production system. This model encompasses the complete lifecycle of pig production from breeding through to the delivery of market-ready animals, providing maximum control over quality, genetics, health management, and production efficiency.
6.2 Production Cycle and Herd Performance Targets
| Parameter | Target | Industry Benchmark |
|---|---|---|
| Breeding sows | 600 | N/A |
| Boars | 30 | N/A |
| Farrowing rate | 90% | 85-90% |
| Piglets born alive per litter | 12.5 | 11-13 |
| Litters per sow per year | 2.3 | 2.2-2.4 |
| Pre-weaning mortality | < 8% | 8-12% |
| Piglets weaned per sow per year | 26 | 22-26 |
| Post-weaning mortality | < 3% | 3-5% |
| Feed conversion ratio (finisher) | 2.8:1 | 2.7-3.0:1 |
| Days to market weight (110 kg) | 160-170 | 160-180 |
| Annual piglet production | 15,600 | N/A |
| Annual market-ready pigs | ~15,000 | N/A |
6.3 Production Stages
6.3.1 Breeding
The breeding programme will utilise a combination of natural mating and artificial insemination (AI) to maximise genetic quality and reproductive efficiency. Sows will be maintained on a continuous breeding rotation with a target of 2.3 litters per sow per year. Boar-to-sow ratios of 1:20 will be maintained, with AI supplementing natural service to access superior genetics from leading South African and international genetic suppliers.
6.3.2 Farrowing
The farrowing unit will comprise individual farrowing crates designed to maximise piglet survival and sow welfare. Temperature-controlled environments will be maintained at optimal levels, with supplementary heat lamps for neonatal piglets. The farrowing house will have capacity for 120 crates to accommodate the continuous production cycle, with sows entering farrowing accommodation approximately 5 days before expected parturition.
6.3.3 Weaning and Growing
Piglets will be weaned at 21 to 28 days of age at a target weight of 7 to 10 kilograms. The weaner unit will provide specialised nutrition and controlled environmental conditions to manage the stress of weaning and promote rapid growth. Pigs will transition to the grower unit at approximately 25 kilograms body weight.
6.3.4 Finishing
The finishing phase will bring pigs from approximately 25 kilograms to the target market weight of 90 to 110 kilograms over a period of approximately 100 to 120 days. Feed formulations during this phase will be optimised for lean meat deposition and feed conversion efficiency. Pigs will be marketed in batches to ensure consistent supply to customers.
6.4 Facility Requirements and Infrastructure
| Facility | Capacity | Estimated Cost (ZAR) |
|---|---|---|
| Breeding and Gestation House | 630 sow places | 2,200,000 |
| Farrowing House | 120 crates | 2,500,000 |
| Weaner House | 2,000 places | 1,400,000 |
| Grower House | 3,000 places | 1,600,000 |
| Finisher House | 4,000 places | 1,800,000 |
| Feed Mill and Storage | 200-tonne capacity | 2,200,000 |
| Veterinary and Quarantine Unit | 20 isolation pens | 500,000 |
| Administration and Staff Facilities | Offices, ablutions, canteen | 800,000 |
| Water and Waste Management Systems | Biodigester, lagoons | 1,200,000 |
| Roads, Fencing, and Security | Perimeter and internal | 800,000 |
Total land requirement is estimated at 35 to 50 hectares, providing sufficient space for the production facilities, waste management systems, buffer zones, and future expansion. The land will be acquired freehold to provide long-term security of tenure and asset backing for the investment.
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