Moving- It's a Big Job

Just a few weeks ago we had a livestock moving expert from DNL Farms Ltd. come out to the farm to take some video, critique our movements, and give a class to all of us on the farm.  We were lucky to get this opportunity through the Michigan State Extension Office, as we were selected as one site in the state for a visit and taping.

On every farm there are things that are done well, and things that need some work.  On my farm we pride ourselves on being really good at market hog movement.  We have an assigned loading crew that handles are market hogs.  We use pens close to the truck for holding space, and as an area to put any animals that seem to be suffering from stress and need a break.

We struggle more with moving hogs out of farrowing crates, they just never seem to want to budge.  Even trying to get the pigs to stand everyday can be a challenge.  Even moving the weaned pigs can be difficult.  It was really nice to have someone out to make suggestions and correct some of our long held but inaccurate assumptions about hog movement.

During the class, we were able to discuss how trying to rush makes everything harder.  This is obvious in most areas on the farm, but sometimes we forget when moving the animals.  Taking a few steps back and letting animals go at their own pace will actually save us time.  Using a prod to cause animals to move isn't usually the most effective way, since it makes the animal want to know where the prod is at all times, instead of focusing on following the pigs in front of it and being part of the group.   Anytime we cause the animals to pile or turn around, we are wasting time and creating confusion.

Even the most routine parts of our jobs on the farm need to be evaluated for improvement.  Anyone who is working with the pigs is probably going to have to move them.  We need to remember that training on hog moving is vital for all employees, and it will make us more efficient and more humane.  Having a good animal handling protocol is not only good for the bottom line, but also for the animals.  It is something both producers and consumers be happy about.