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NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART HOG BARNS BETTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, ANIMALS AND THE ECONOMY
A s part of the Manitoba pork industry’s focus on continual improvement, new legislation and science-based regulations about to be brought in by the provincial government will encourage new investment in Manitoba’s pork sector. Hog farmers will be able to deal with the backlog of re-investment needed to upgrade their barns and equipment. Over the next ten years, farmers will invest about $2 billion to replace their existing barns and build some additional capacity. Protecting land and water and providing animal husbandry are always top priorities, and new barns will further reduce our environmental footprint and allow for the adoption of new animal husbandry practices. These advancements will have a positive effect on the overall provincial economy by creating jobs and business opportunities in both rural and urban Manitoba. Farmers will need to invest in new structures that are more energy efficient by using LED lighting, computer-controlled fans and motors, heat recovery systems and better insulation. Barn surfaces will use plastics and stainless steel that will be easier to wash, requiring less water. New buildings will last longer and be easier to maintain, and will include new fire prevention measures. The building environment overall will be more comfortable for animals and staff alike.
Barns will be designed to meet the new national animal care codes developed by veterinarians, research scientists, farmers and animal protection organizations. These commitments include group housing systems for gestating (pregnant) sows. As well, livestock watering systems will operate better and continue to meet animal needs. Computerized feeding systems will ensure all animals are fed according to their specific nutritional needs. These include specialized feeding plans and individual feeding of sows. New barns will provide more space in group pens to accommodate the increased size of hogs required by processing plants. “…new barns will further reduce our environmental footprint and allow for the adoption of new animal husbandry practices.” The industry has under-utilized pork processing capacity in Manitoba’s plants, which puts them at a cost disadvantage to the United States. With most of our locally raised pork being exported, the industry needs to compete directly with our neighbours to the south. Balanced expansion in barn capacity will ensure plants have enough hogs to become more efficient, further benefitting the provincial economy. With an abundance of land, water and farmer expertise and passion, there is an exciting future for Manitoba’s pork industry.
“Over the next ten years, farmers will invest about $2 billion to replace their existing barns…”
december 2017
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