The nation’s third largest pork producer, the Maschhoffs of Indiana, are using winter wheat in their feed rations as a result of record yields and plunging prices. SDSU Extension Swine Specialist Dr. Bob Thaler says wheat is a good feed source for hogs as its high in protein and currently it costs less than corn and soybean meal.

He recommends producers take a look at wheat and figure out on a per pound basis if its more economical than corn.

Thaler says pigs will eat wheat, but producers using it in the swine ration need to make sure it isn’t finely ground.

The Maschhoffs detailed that wheat can replace around 50-percent of the corn in the diet for young pigs and 100-percent for adult pigs.