Canadian pork production is undergoing a lot of changes as a result of the National Sow Housing Conversion Project. The NSHCP is a collaborative research project that was developed to share information with producers, and ease the transition to group housing by providing education and research on best practices. Dr. Jennifer Brown is the project leader of the NSHCP and she and her team are working on the front lines with these producers. Over the next few months we will be exploring some of Dr. Brown's work. Learn more about her background and research below. 

We often find overlap between our work life and our personal life. For us, and maybe for you, we see lots of connections between managing pigs on the farm and everyday life. We recently posted an article on how sows are like our in-laws, and it got me thinking about another connection I see every day - how being a good father and a good husband relates directly to successfully managing loose sow housing.

The seasons are changing and cold nights are hear. With the cool fall weather comes hearty meals and big appetites. Whether you are looking to cook up your wild turkey this hunting season or are just looking for a way to jazz up some turkey breast, Chef John Noel Gilbertson has a sweet and salty recipe that is sure to please. Turkey coated in pretzels and honey? Sounds like a great dish to cook up for the family this week!

Learn how Kent Mogler and the staff at Pig Hill Farm in northwest Iowa have implemented data collection systems in their sow barn to help them make timely and accurate decisions.

Not just anybody can design a hog barn. Or at least not just anybody can design a hog barn well. Each barn must be thought out and strategically planned with all parties involved in designing, building, and operating the barn.

Okay, we know you came to read this article because this cake looks amazing - so don't worry - we included a special cake recipe just for you. If you did come to read about loose sow housing, great! We're sorry we're tempting you with these images. Either way, the point is when it comes to performance and animal welfare in group housing, you can have the both of best worlds.

Fall is here and so is tailgating season. Get prepared for your tailgate or watch party this weekend with these flavorful recipes. These are sure to draw some interest from your fellow fans. We all know you are the one that brings the excitement to the party anyway, so jazz it up even more!

When talking with our customers, we often use this phrase. We use it to emphasize that the attitude and belief in an ESF group housing system can be just as important as the system itself. The people running the barn need to believe in the system and how it should operate first, only then will they be able to make it work. When you come across challenges in a loose housing barn (and you will), if you believe there is a solution, you will find it. If you believe that the system is flawed, then you will blame that on the system, your staff, or some other element of your operation instead of looking any further for a solution.

Hear from Kristina Horback on her latest research, identifying pig personalities and how they relate to aggressive behaviors in a group gestation pen.