Peculiar Pig Farm has built a loyal following by staying true to its roots. The fifth-generation, family-owned farm in Dorchester, South Carolina, led by Marvin Ross, is known for heritage hogs, pasture-raised beef and regenerative, pasture-based practices that connect customers more closely to where their food comes from. Through direct-to-consumer sales, restaurant partnerships across the Southeast and its farm-to-table catering division, Peculiar Pig Eats, the farm has grown into a regional favorite.
This spring, NCGrowth partnered with Peculiar Pig Farm as the business began planning two ambitious expansions: a new event space with a distillery component and a separate smokehouse and butcher shop. Both ideas reflected the farm’s momentum and long-term vision, but moving from concept to execution required deeper research into market demand, financial feasibility and regulatory requirements.
NCGrowth supported the project with comprehensive research and strategic analysis designed to help guide decision-making. The team assessed the regulatory landscape for each expansion, including permitting, licensing and operational requirements for an event venue, distillery, smokehouse and retail butcher shop. The project also included cost projections for equipment, staffing and operations, as well as competitor and service analyses to better understand potential positioning and revenue streams.
In addition to this research, NCGrowth helped launch the farm’s “Boots on the Ground” social media series, adding a storytelling element to support audience engagement and visibility. Together, the research and communications strategy gave the business a stronger foundation for planning its next phase of growth.
Today, Marvin Ross is using the regulatory, financial and market research developed through the engagement to pursue grant funding, secure permits and map out the sequencing of both expansions. With clearer cost projections, a stronger understanding of risks and opportunities and a more informed growth strategy, Peculiar Pig Farm is better positioned to build on its success while staying grounded in the values that made it distinctive in the first place.
The project also created meaningful learning opportunities for the NCGrowth team. Analyst Isaiah Barton connected with Marvin through his own farming and gardening background, while Research Support Emeline Niyibitanga contributed photography skills that helped bring the farm’s story to life. Kellye Whitaker served as project manager for the engagement.
