Low-cost housing and batch farrowing

This presentation focuses on how small independent swine producers can modify their operating systems to remain competitive with large producers and alliances. One of the most crucial obstacles faced by small producers is limited capital for new development; yet these farmers need to expand or find other means to supplement their income as the profit margin per hog becomes even smaller. Small producers are also subjected to a confined lifestyle because farrowing operations of 50 to 150 sows tend to be managed by one owner-operator who works every weekend and has difficulty taking vacation or holidays. One solution to both problems is modest expansion through low-cost housing. The most popular housing option in Ontario is the hoop structure or tarpaulin (tarp) barn. Some problematic issues associated with hoop barns, such as sorting and weighing pigs, pig flow through the farrowing unit, and creation of sow groups, are addressed. Implementing a batch-farrowing unit can be done without compromising farm operations or profit.