October 2025 - Journal_FINAL_e - Flipbook - Page 9
Management
save time, reduce stress on animals, and lower labor
costs. Thoughtful design not only improves day-to-day
operations but also extends the functional lifespan of
your facilities.
Incorporate Technology Wisely
Proven, up-to-date technology—whether for heating,
cooling, feeding, or watering—can limit expenses and
increase ef昀椀ciency. Investing in systems that are reliable
and easy to maintain ensures that your facility stays
productive while reducing long-term operational costs.
Make Informed Decisions
Every farm is different, which means there’s no one-size昀椀ts-all approach to facility improvements. That’s why
it’s important to start with a clear picture of your farm’s
current condition. Bringing in a professional to evaluate
your buildings provides an objective look at structural
strengths and weaknesses—things that might not be
obvious in day-to-day chores.
Once you have that baseline, the next step is to gather
options. What are the design possibilities? Which
upgrades provide the most return on investment? How
much will they cost, and what kind of payback timeline
can you expect? Having this information allows you to
weigh short-term expenses against long-term bene昀椀ts,
ensuring you’re not just 昀椀xing today’s problems but
preparing for the future.
These details also matter when it comes to insurance.
Many insurance providers require proof that
facilities meet certain standards. Well-documented
assessments and updates not only help keep your
operation insurable but also protect your investment if
unexpected damage occurs.
Informed decisions are rooted in good information.
By combining expert evaluations with a clear
understanding of design and cost options, producers
can con昀椀dently choose the improvements that will
deliver the most impact for their farm, both now and in
the years ahead.
The Bottom Line
Future-proo昀椀ng your wean-to-昀椀nish operation isn’t
about 昀氀ashy upgrades—it’s about building smart,
durable, and ef昀椀cient systems that support both pigs
and people. By starting from the ground up, focusing
on high-impact improvements, and making informed
decisions, you can ensure your facilities remain
productive, safe, and pro昀椀table well into the future.
Facility Audit
Checklist
Keep these items in mind on your
next facility walk-through.
Foundation & Slats
• Check for cracks, wear, or settling
in concrete.
• Inspect slats and walkways for
weakening or breakage
Structural Connections
• Examine building joints and
structure-to-foundation ties.
• Con昀椀rm walls and trusses are
stable and sound.
Roo昀椀ng & Ventilation
• Look for leaks, rust, or missing
fasteners.
• Ensure ventilation systems are
functioning ef昀椀ciently.
High-Traf昀椀c Areas
• Assess pen dividers, gates, and
昀氀ooring for wear.
• Consider stainless steel in areas
with heavy pig contact.
Technology Systems
• Review heating, cooling, feeding,
and watering equipment.
• Con昀椀rm controls and sensors are
calibrated and reliable.
FALL 2025 | 9
