Have you ever wondered how today’s farming profession has evolved from what we used to know? Let us share an inspiring story from the Nakhonthaisong family in Nakhon Ratchasima province, where pig farming has transformed into a family legacy, passed down from generation to generation — creating stability and pride for the entire family.
From Father Somjit to Son Denchai… a Legacy of Unending Success
Back in 1999, Mr. Somjit and Mrs. Nuphen Nakhonthaisong began raising fattening pigs under a partnership with CP Foods. Starting out on leased land, the couple demonstrated exceptional vision — at a time when modern pig farming was not yet common. Most families kept a few pigs in backyard pens for home consumption or small-scale sale.
Mr. Somjit, however, saw opportunity in CP Foods’ innovative farming model. He learned about new technologies and practices, recognizing that pork would always remain a staple food with steady demand. With CP Foods’ support, he became the first smallholder farmer in Tubsawai subdistrict, Huai Thalaeng district, to join the Contract Farming program for pig farming. His son Denchai became a key partner in this journey.
From a small open farm with just 400 pigs, the family continuously improved their operations with CP Foods’ technological and academic guidance. The turning point came when they upgraded to a modern closed-farm system, significantly increasing stability and income — and laying the foundation for what would become a true family legacy.
Denchai Nakhonthaisong: A New-Generation Farmer Building on His Father’s Success
Today, Denchai Nakhonthaisong, aged 47, represents the new generation carrying forward the family business. Although he trained in electrical engineering and initially worked for a hard disk manufacturer, Denchai ultimately chose to expand the farming venture he had built with his father.
“I realized that factory work offered little future security. Looking at my father, who supported our family through pig farming, I decided to build my own farm on our land and expanded to 650 pigs,” Denchai shared.
His keys to success? A combination of high-quality farming outcomes under CP Foods’ standards, and diversification through an integrated agriculture model. Denchai has transformed unused farm space into chemical-free crop fields, using pig manure fertilizer — generating an additional THB 360,000 annually. His model farm now attracts visits from both public and private sector groups, and has earned GAP certification for mulberry cultivation and silkworm farming — another family side business originally started by his mother.
Further innovations include installing 10kW solar panels, cutting electricity costs by 30-40%, and sharing farm-produced liquid fertilizer with neighboring farmers to promote community sustainability.
“This profession connects to many others. Pig farming provides fertilizer for our sugarcane fields and mulberry for silkworms — a true cycle of self-reliant farming,” Denchai explained.
Contract Farming: A Sustainable Career and Legacy
What gives the Nakhonthaisong family confidence in their path? The stability provided by CP Foods’ Contract Farming system. “We trust CP Foods. They won’t abandon us. We produce food, not luxury items — people eat every day,” said Denchai.
Under this model, farmers enjoy reliable income with lower risk, professional veterinary support, and ongoing innovation in disease prevention. Modern housing systems ensure a comfortable working environment — no longer exposed to outdoor heat as in traditional farming.
The Nakhonthaisong family proves that Contract Farming is not just agriculture — it’s a pathway to a better life, a sustainable income, and above all, a legacy of value that can be passed on with pride.
Today, at 72, Mr. Somjit still helps care for the pigs he loves. Through pig farming, he supported both his children’s education — one son now securely runs the family farm, while the other holds a Master’s degree and serves in government.
Now, Denchai is preparing to pass on the legacy — sharing knowledge and passion for farming with his own children, just as his father once did for him.
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