Sanierung des Schweinestalls: Ein Blick hinter die Kulissen bei HeideFerkel

HEIDE Ferkelerzeugung, an agricultural business from Lower Saxony, has recently completed a comprehensive renovation of their pigsty. Founded in 1997 by the initiative of four regional farmers, the company aims to organize piglet production in a professional and efficient manner. The farm is especially known for its close collaboration with Gs agri and the local shareholder farms, all located within a 7-kilometer radius, ensuring short transport distances for the animals.

The farm houses a total of 1,700 sows, producing around 60,000 piglets annually. Every eight weeks, these weaned piglets are sold to the shareholder farms, where they are further raised under strict closed-system guidelines and marketed through the regional branded meat program.

But what prompted this step, and how did the renovation unfold? We spoke to the team to learn more about the project.

Why the Renovation Became Necessary

In the summer of 2021, the shareholders faced a difficult situation: The pig industry was under pressure from low market prices and weak demand. Additionally, new legal requirements had to be met in the coming years, and the outdated liquid feeding system in the waiting area was in urgent need of replacement. "Discussions with our veterinarian ultimately persuaded us to undertake not just a basic renovation of the barn but also a complete renewal of the sow herd," the farm manager explains.

The decision to renovate was made in July 2021. Within a few months, a comprehensive concept was developed that scrutinized both the physical barn and the entire livestock management system. "Our goal was to create a setup that not only meets current standards but is also future-proof," says the farm manager. Efficiency and animal health were key considerations throughout the planning process.

The Renovation: An Ambitious Project

The time between deciding and starting the renovation was short: By November 2021, the old sow herd was being sold off, and the first dismantling work had begun. Simultaneously, the approval phase and a funding application with the BLE (Federal Agency for Agriculture and Food) were underway. "We knew we had to act fast to minimize the downtime," recalls the farm manager. The farm was out of operation for a total of eight months, during which extensive modernization took place.

The actual renovation work began in December 2021: The slurry system in the waiting and gilt areas was completely renewed, and the entire barn was thoroughly cleaned. "Cleanliness and hygiene are top priorities in our operation," the manager emphasizes. Detailed planning was crucial to keep the project on schedule. By March 2022, the farm was able to introduce the first gilts into the new barn.

What Makes the New Barn Concept Special?

The renovation brought numerous improvements. A new feature called the Arena was constructed, where sows can establish their hierarchy on straw without injuring each other. "Animal welfare is very important to us, so we ensured that the sows have plenty of space and opportunities to retreat," the farm manager explains. The animals can also rest in feeding cubicles designed for their comfort.

Another highlight of the new barn is the Opti.Station, an innovative feeding solution that allows sows to choose their own feeding spots. This saves space and provides tailored feeding for each animal. "With the Opti.Station, we can ensure that each sow receives exactly the amount of feed she needs," the manager notes.

Better Working Conditions and Higher Efficiency

The renovation also benefited the farm's staff. Modern technology has shortened and streamlined work processes. "Our goal was to optimize workflows so that our employees have fewer unnecessary steps to take," says the farm manager. Feeding the animals is now fully automated and digitally controlled. "The system collects precise feeding data, providing us with valuable insights into the animals' eating behaviors," he explains.

The Opti.Mum, an automated feeding system introduced a few months before the renovation, also plays a key role. It allows for individualized feeding of sows in the farrowing barn. "Automated feeding reduces feed waste and gives us better control over animal health," the manager explains, adding that hygiene, ensured by the system, is crucial.

Digital Control for Greater Transparency

Another significant advantage of the new barn systems is the ability to manage technology digitally. Using a tablet, staff can access animal data and monitor feeding and other processes from anywhere. "Digitization not only makes our operations more efficient but also enables us to respond quickly to any issues with the animals," says the farm manager. Even the slurry flushing system can now be activated digitally, saving additional steps.

WEDA as a Partner for Innovative Solutions

WEDA played a crucial role in outfitting the barn with state-of-the-art technology. The Opti.Station and Nutrix, a feeding system for piglets, were particularly impressive to the farm. "We were amazed by Nutrix's versatility. It provides 24-hour feeding for piglets in the farrowing barn, which is incredibly important to us," the farm manager shares. The precise mixing of feed components ensures uniform litters, improving animal health.

Challenges and Future Outlook

Despite the many advantages, the renovation posed challenges. "It was important to ensure that all employees understood and could use the new technical systems," the farm manager explains.

Looking ahead, the farm feels well-prepared. With a modern barn, thoughtful spatial design, and digital management, HEIDE Ferkelerzeugung has laid the foundation for successful and sustainable pig farming. The new systems enhance efficiency and greatly improve animal welfare. Through these extensive measures, the farm has equipped itself to face future challenges in pig farming with confidence