20 The Trusted Source for Canada’s Pork Producers Better Pork | June 2024 What sort of livestock technology do you use in your barn? Because it is an older barn, we don’t have a lot of technology in there except for ventilation controllers to keep the pigs comfortable. There is no automatic sow feeding, and we have to manually place pigs on the scale; there is nothing robotic. This makes for considerable hand labour, and that’s fine with me, as it keeps me honest and in shape. We also have an AgriAlert System that is capable of notifying us when temperatures go too high or too low in any section of the barn. In 2014, we replaced our hammer mill with a SKIOLD disc mill in the feed mill. This gives us better control of feed particle size by adjusting the gap and speed of the discs, which is done automatically by the software that controls the feed mill (correct particle size is very important, not only for hogs, but for all species). Since we make feed for multiple species, this machine gives us the flexibility to accommodate each animal’s optimum particle size on the fly. We also installed a SKIOLD grain cleaner and dust control system at that time, making feed production highly efficient and of a more consistent quality. Most important lesson you’ve learned? Never give up. Keep doing the right thing every day and, by the grace of God, things always work out. Furthermore, it is important to surround yourself with positive, honest people who have your long-term goals in mind and will help you achieve them. Guiding management principle? I try to teach the guys all the lessons I’ve learned, while still being open to UP CLOSE Information is plentiful in today’s modern world. But as a pork producer, your valuable time is more limited than ever. As much as you might need new information, Better Pork also gives you insight and understanding. We put the information into context, give it theoretical framing and suggest ways to act on it. Better Pork is the discerning farmer’s trusted source for insight, analysis and investigative reporting about Canada’s pork industry. We believe we need to earn your trust, with every magazine. It’s our solemn vow to Canada’s pork producers and ag community. VENTILATION 2020 PRODUCTION AGMANIFEST HOG BARN MANAGERS PRECISION FEEDING Gestation Programs IMPROVING RESILIENCE Research Efforts 16 50 HIGH-FIBRE SOW DIETS *GTF $GPGƓVU PIGLET MORTALITY Preventing Losses 30 34 6 FEBRUARY 2020 $8 The pigs eat homegrown grains, wheat, and barley. Waldner Family photo
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