Farmer resources

Useful knowledge for the work between visits.

Practical starting points for farmers, field teams and anyone building a stronger livestock enterprise.

Start here

Use these notes to frame a question, then contact SIL Farms for advice suited to your farm.

Ask us directly

Explore by topic

Breeding & genetics

Heat detection, pig semen and artificial insemination.

Farm management

Planning, housing, feeding, records and biosecurity.

Training & programmes

Support for groups, field teams, NGOs and institutions.

Breeding & genetics

Start with the questions that affect timing.

How do I know when a sow is ready for insemination?

Heat detection is the first step. We can talk you through the signs to watch for or support detection as part of full AI support.

What is the difference between semen-only and full AI support?

Semen-only means you receive the genetics for your own team to use. Full AI support includes direct SIL Farms guidance or insemination support.

How soon can I get pig semen after ordering?

Timing depends on availability, location and the heat window. Call or WhatsApp directly when timing matters.

Farm management

Good records make better decisions.

Where should I start when setting up a new farm?

Start with farm establishment and business planning before making major decisions about livestock, housing or equipment.

What does practical biosecurity involve?

It means reducing disease risk through routines for access, hygiene, movement, isolation and daily observation.

Can SIL Farms train staff or farmer groups?

Yes. Training and extension support can be arranged for farmers, staff, producer groups and institutional programmes.

For organisations

Resources can become training that works in the field.

We support NGOs, SMEs and government programmes with agricultural content, farmer training, technical input and practical field delivery.

Explore consultancy support

Breeding & genetics

How do I know when a sow is ready for insemination?

Heat detection is the first step in the breeding process — our team can talk you through the signs to watch for, or handle detection as part of full AI support.

What’s the difference between semen-only and full AI support?

Semen-only means we supply the genetics for your own team to inseminate. Full AI support means SIL Farms carries out or directly guides the insemination itself.

How soon can I get pig semen after ordering?

Timing depends on your location and heat window — because breeding requests are time-sensitive, calling or WhatsApping us directly gets the fastest response.

Farm management

Where should I start if I’m setting up a new farm?

Farm establishment and business planning is the right starting point — it covers site, scale and budget decisions before livestock or infrastructure choices.

What does biosecurity guidance actually involve?

Practical steps to reduce disease risk — from farm access control to hygiene routines — tailored to your herd size and setup.

Can SIL Farms train my staff, not just advise me?

Yes — farmer training and extension services can be arranged for individual staff, farmer groups, or institutional programmes.

Introductory guides