APRIL 10, 2007

Auglaize Provico -Area Pork Industry

Bob Heitkamp, Mark Roeth and Dave Tebbe of Auglaize Provico addressed the club about the pork industry in the area.

Bob operates a 2200 head operation that takes the pigs through the total growth cycle.  The barns are temperature and humidity controlled and provide a more stable growth and development environment.  Feed and water are also controlled automatically and can be monitored and adjusted from a remote site by computer.

A sow farm in Wapakoneta delivers 350 a week to the nursery operation until the pigs are at 11-15 lbs.  Progress is tracked by computer which also tracks inventory and mortality.

They shared that bio security is critical in all farm operations.  These procedures are meant to protect the pigs but it is often interpreted as protecting humans from the pigs.  Protocols include washing hands and faces and cleaning the feet before entering the farm operation.

Barn raising offers multiple benefits including individual care, temperature control, decreased mortality rates and feed and water control.  Recent developments over the past 15 years have lowered the overall fat content of pork and is close to chicken for those who are conscious of their dietary intake.

Hosting Rotarian: Myra Holzer