Around 5% of Australian sows are free range. Free range means that pigs are kept outdoors for their entire life.

Free range pork production is made up of: 

  • Outdoor paddocks, including rooting or foraging areas 

  • Wallows  

  • Kennels or huts for shelter. The huts allow the animals to seek shelter from environmental extremes. They also provide additional protection for the piglets when very young

In free range systems, all paddocks must be rotated with a crop-forage pasture phase before pigs can be returned to the paddock. This helps to manage nutrient build up and restore soil structure.

 

If you'd like to buy free range pork, look for the APL Certified Free Range logo.

APL free range logo small