Ep 6. Pig Farmer

Mike Rowe returns in another episode of his popular Discovery Channel series, Dirty Jobs. For the sixth episode of season one, Mike ventures out to work with a pig farmer.

The episode begins with Mike introducing viewers to the job of a pig farmer and stating that it is one of the most hazardous occupations in the world. He meets with his host, John Chester, who has been a pig farmer for over 25 years. John runs a large pig farm in rural Iowa, and Mike is there to help him with the day-to-day operations.

Mike's first job is cleaning out the pig stalls. He puts on his protective gear and gets to work with a pitchfork and shovel. The pig stalls are incredibly messy and filled with pig waste, but Mike is determined to get the job done. The smell is almost unbearable, but Mike notes that he has to get used to it if he wants to complete the job.

After finishing up the cleaning, Mike heads over to the breeding house. This is where the pigs are kept when they are ready to be bred. John explains to Mike how the breeding process works and how they select the best pigs for breeding. Mike gets to help out with the breeding process and learns how to select the proper male and female pigs.

Next, Mike is taken to the farrowing house. This is where the pregnant pigs give birth. The farrowing house is filled with rows and rows of pens, each containing a sow and her newborn piglets. Mike is tasked with helping the piglets latch onto their mother's teats to nurse. It's a difficult and delicate task, as many of the piglets are weak or undernourished.

After a long day of working on the farm, Mike sits down with John to talk about the economics of the pig farming industry. John explains to Mike how the cost of production has increased over the years, while market prices for pig meat have remained relatively the same. Despite the challenges, John says he loves his job and enjoys every day on the farm.

In the final scene, Mike bids farewell to the pigs and heads back to his hotel. He says that while his experience on the pig farm was challenging, it was also rewarding. Mike notes that pig farming is one of the most important industries in the world, as it produces the majority of our meat supply. He ends the episode by thanking John and all the pig farmers around the world for their hard work and dedication to their jobs.

Overall, this episode of Dirty Jobs offers viewers an inside look at the demanding world of pig farming. Mike Rowe's hands-on experience provides a unique perspective on this important industry, and his interactions with John Chester make for a compelling and educational episode.