March 4, 2008

Heitkamp Hog Farm Operation   

New Bremen residents and family hog farmers Greg, Mike and Bob Heitkamp gave the club assembly and overview of their hog farm operations in New Bremen.

They recounted the changes in the industry where 50 years ago the family farm raised 8-10 hogs at a time.  This increased to 10 in the 80's and 90's but in 98, with the cost of pork declining, further changes were necessary.

In cooperation with other area farmers and Auglaize Provico (now Advanced Agri-Solutions) they now handle around 30K head per year.  They described the cycles of raising young hogs in the nursery at 12-14# when they arrive to when they leave at 50-60# for finishing.  Meticulous care is taken regarding disease control, tracking and utilizing developing feed technology and environmental controls. 

As do many of the local farmers, the Heitkamps are attentive to being good neighbors to their local neighbors and the community with taking the necessary measures to control insects and odors and welcome feedback in these matters.

Hosting Rotarian: Myra Holzer