YoKu Farm champions sustainable pig farming and eco-tourism
March 16, 2025 10:03 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook
By Nicholas Mwai.
The YoKu Farm stands as a model for sustainable pig farming and eco-tourism.
Managed by Joe and Carolyn Ernst, the farm has been operating for over two decades, focusing on local breed development and farm-direct sales.
Unlike large commercial operations, YoKu Farm embraces traditional and sustainable farming practices, prioritizing animal welfare and community engagement.
It spans approximately three hectares, where around 1000 pigs roam freely within a controlled range.
The breeding program, carefully refined over 20 years, has developed hardy pigs well-suited to the local climate.
“We didn’t import any new breeds; instead, we worked with local breeds, particularly those from Ambry and selectively bred them to create a strong, adaptable lineage,” said Mr Ernst.
Rather than selling to large dealers or butchers, YoKu Farm has shifted its focus to direct-to-consumer sales.
“Now, people come directly to our farm, choose a pig, and we weigh it before finalizing the sale,” he explained.
This method allows for greater control over pricing and ensures fairer compensation for their efforts.
Despite the farm’s success, challenges remain.
“Selling to butchers became complicated due to transportation logistics and market control by larger pig farms,” he said.
“The farm’s solution was to simplify its sales model, offering pigs directly to customers at live weight prices, ranging from VT15,000 for a smaller pig (15 kg) to higher prices for larger animals 1000 per kg.’’
Breeding at YoKu Farm follows a meticulous process to maximize efficiency.
“Piglets stay with their mothers for about two months before weaning. Within three to four days, the sow can be bred again, allowing for two litters per year if managed correctly,” said Mr Ernst.
“Feeding is also a crucial aspect, with a diet primarily composed of locally sourced copra meal, meat meal, and produce like taro, bananas, pumpkins, and cassava.
“We don’t believe in importing feed—it’s costly and not sustainable in our market.
“Instead, YoKu Farm purchases ingredients from local farmers, strengthening economic ties within the community.’’
Vanuatu has several other pig farms, including ones near Salé, Rainbow Garden, and the military area past the abattoir. While competition exists, collaboration among farmers is common.
“We exchange breeding pigs with other farmers to introduce new bloodlines. If a farmer only has one female pig, they bring her here for breeding with one of our boars,” Mr Ernst said, adding that the service costs VT7500.
The farm also supplies breeding stock to other livestock farmers, sometimes selling young boars for breeding.
“Just this week, we sold one to a farmer in Ambae,” he mentioned, emphasizing the demand for quality genetics in the region.
While YoKu Farm has found ways to thrive independently, regulatory hurdles pose ongoing challenges for the farm and one pressing issue is the absence of a Principal Veterinary Officer (PVO) in Vanuatu.
“Without a PVO, we can’t move forward with essential processes like genetic imports or veterinary approvals,” he explained.
The position has remained vacant since the previous officer’s contract ended last year, stalling efforts to bring in new breeding stock from international sources such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the U.S.
“Many of us have been trying to import breeding pigs from New Caledonia, but without a PVO to sign off on protocols, nothing is happening,” he said.
Financial constraints and bureaucratic delays further complicate the issue, limiting opportunities for genetic improvement in Vanuatu’s livestock sector.
Despite these obstacles, the Ernsts remains optimistic about YoKu Farm’s future.
“Pig farming requires proper planning, especially with breeding and feeding. Farmers with only a few pigs need to be strategic about their management,” he advised.
The farm’s model of sustainability, direct sales, and community integration sets a benchmark for other small-scale farmers. However, without government intervention and veterinary oversight, the potential for growth in the industry remains constrained.
