You're right, hog panels are expensive. They work best if you're planning to pen them into a relatively small space and keep them there. These hogs aren't rotated often. They aren't grazing on pasture, so it will cost more to feed them. They will definitely turn the space into a mudhole. You won't need an electric fence with this option. I've never seen hogs or shoats getting preyed upon. The sows are too fierce. Maybe I've been lucky though.