Shopping for Berkshire pigs means choosing a breed known for great marbling, calm temperaments, and solid pasture performance. This guide walks you through how to pick the right animals for your goals, what you can expect to pay, and how to find reputable sellers near you.
Why Berkshires are a solid choice
- Heritage breed prized for dark, well-marbled pork
- Typically docile and easy to handle
- Thrive on pasture and do well in small-farm systems
- Strong mothering traits and good feed efficiency
Start with your goal
Pick your category first to focus your search and budget.
- Feeder/market hogs at 8–10 weeks to finish for meat
- Breeding stock to build or improve a herd
- Show prospects for 4-H/FFA or jackpot events
- Pasture/homestead pigs for hardy, low-stress production
What to look for by category
Feeder pigs
- Bright eyes, clean nose, good appetite, uniform size in the litter
- Sound feet and legs, good width through the chest and loin
- Weaned for at least a week, eating confidently
Breeding gilts and sows
- Even underline with 12+ well-spaced teats
- Wide, square build with strong pasterns
- Pedigree and performance info available, registration ready for transfer
Boars
- Strong feet and legs, correct toe angle and set
- Masculine head and neck, wide base, good libido reports from the farm
- Negative tests or health statements as required
Show prospects
- Structure first: level topline, clean joints, square front and rear
- Then shape and muscle suited to your show circuit
Registered vs. crossbred Berkshires
- Registered animals come with papers from a breed association. You get documented lineage, clearer performance notes, and better resale value for breeding or show.
- Crossbred animals can be a smart buy for feeders if price and growth are your top priorities. Ask which cross and why the breeder made it.
Example questions to ask
- How old are the pigs and what are they eating now?
- Any recent health issues?
- Average daily gain or growth expectations?
- What are the farm’s health practices?
- If registered stock, what papers and transfer steps are included?
- What are available pick-up times?
Typical Berkshire price ranges
Find a Berkshire Pig
Near You
Prices vary by region, registration, pedigree, show quality, and seasonal demand. Use these as general planning ranges and then compare to current listings in your area.
| Category | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Feeder piglets (8–10 weeks, non-registered) | $90–180 each |
| Registered Berkshire piglets | $250–600 each |
| Bred gilts / young sows (registered) | $600–1,200 |
| Proven boars (registered) | $400–1,000+ |
| Elite pedigrees | $300–1,200+ |
Tip: Prices can spike before fair seasons and drop after.
How to spot reputable Berkshire sellers
- Complete listings with multiple clear photos
- Transparent paperwork (ear notching, registration numbers, and transfer process)
- Responsive messaging and straightforward instructions for payment & pick up
Red flags include a refusal to provide new photos, no weaning date, or pushy payment requests
Transport, health papers, and pickup
- Check state-to-state rules for Certificates of Veterinary Inspection if traveling across state lines
- Confirm pickup window and whether loading help is available
- Bring a safe crate, bedding, water, and shade
- Keep new pigs isolated for a short quarantine to protect your herd
Need a Special Pig?
- Give us your wish list
- We’ll match you to sellers
- No obligation to buy
A simple Berkshire pig buying checklist
- Define goal and budget
- Message sellers to confirm age, diet, and health history
- Reserve with a clear pickup date
- Prepare transport and a quarantine pen
Find a Berkshire Pig for Sale
7Livestock.com is a simple way to find pigs from reputable farms across the U.S. Compare listings by distance, type, and price, then contact sellers in one place: Browse Latest Listings. Prefer we do the legwork? Share your wish list and we’ll alert matching farms: Order a Pig.