When it comes to raising pigs, giving them plenty of space can be an effective method of promoting herd health. If you can keep your pigs happy and healthy, you’ll end up with an even better product. That’s the goal of A-Frame Acres down in southwest Iowa, where farmer Ron Mardesen raises pigs to sell through Niman Ranch. Mardesen said the inspiration for the name “A-Frame Acres” comes from the small sheds he uses for farrowing.
Pigs are very active and intelligent animals, and Mardesen said they respond very well to sunny, open living spaces.
Being a Niman Ranch farmer, Mardesen cannot use antibiotics on pigs that will be sold through the system. As such, a rigorous vaccination program is critical in giving his pigs a healthy life. However, that doesn’t mean he won’t ever use antibiotics on a pig- he just can’t sell it to Niman if it receives treatment.
At the end of the day, how you raise your pigs is up to you- no way is wrong if the pigs are cared for. In Iowa, we know that our hog producers care deeply for their livestock. Mardesen said he will be the first to admit that there are pros and cons to how he runs his operation, but the important part is that it works for him, and his pigs are healthy.
Mardesen added that he is extremely grateful for Niman Ranch and their willingness to work with him. Without that support, Mardesen said he’s not sure that he would still be farming on his land.
Mardesen hosted a tour of his farm as one of the Practical Farmers of Iowa 2025 Field Days. For more information on those events, visit practicalfarmers.org.
