In a major advancement for hog production in the Midwest, a cutting-edge 5,000-head hog finishing barn has been constructed in Milnor, North Dakota, by Sundale Colony. The new facility represents the latest in hog farming technology and innovation, incorporating advanced systems that promise to transform efficiency and profitability in pork production. Sundale Colony, the forward-thinking North Dakota hog producer behind the project, chose to invest in a state-of-the-art ProSort three-food-court auto-sorting system, and they couldn’t be more excited about the results.
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Cutting-Edge Technology for Optimized Growth
The decision to invest in the ProSort system came after extensive research and careful consideration of various options. Ultimately, it was ProSort’s innovative approach to hog sorting and feeding that stood out to Sundale Colony.
“We chose the ProSort system because of the research that shows hogs consistently reach market weight two weeks sooner than those raised in conventional pen barns. This improvement really helps us with operational efficiency and reducing production costs,” said James Hofer, Producer at Sundale Colony.
For hog producers, time to market is a critical factor that directly impacts the bottom line. By reaching market weight two weeks sooner than hogs in conventional barns, the ProSort system enables Sundale Colony to significantly cut down on feed costs, labor, and other operational expenses. This reduction in time not only enhances efficiency but also results in better use of resources, supporting both economic and environmental sustainability.
Advanced Sorting for Improved Welfare and Productivity
The ProSort system features automated sorting capabilities that play a crucial role in optimizing growth conditions for the hogs. The system is designed to weigh and sort the hogs automatically, grouping them based on weight and size. This automated approach ensures that each group of hogs receives targeted feed and care, maximizing their growth potential.
By employing this technology, Sundale Colony has created an environment where hogs are comfortable, well-fed, and consistently monitored. The automated sorting technology reduces stress on the animals, as they are grouped with similarly sized peers, and minimizes the need for manual handling by farm employees. This contributes to a more humane and efficient operation.
State-of-the-Art Features Elevate Facility Standards
In addition to the ProSort system, the new barn features several other advanced components that set it apart as a model for modern hog production. Sharp stainless doors were installed throughout the facility, providing durability, ease of cleaning, and long-term resistance to wear. These doors not only facilitate smoother movement of hogs within the barn but also contribute to maintaining a high standard of hygiene—an essential factor in biosecurity protocols.
SDI wet-dry feeders were also incorporated into the barn’s design. These feeders allow hogs to access both feed and water simultaneously, which improves feed conversion and reduces wastage. The design of the SDI feeders supports the animals’ natural feeding behavior, resulting in reduced competition among hogs and more efficient growth. By providing optimal feeding conditions, the wet-dry feeders contribute to the faster growth rate that the ProSort system has demonstrated.
Commitment to Animal Welfare and Biosecurity
Animal welfare has always been a top priority for Sundale Colony, and the new barn in Milnor is no exception. Sundale Colony adheres to industry-required biosecurity protocols, ensuring that their herds remain free from diseases that could impact productivity and health. “Foot traffic and vehicle access are strictly controlled in our facility to prevent the introduction of swine illnesses,” Hofer explained. This commitment to biosecurity is crucial to maintaining a healthy herd and delivering high-quality pork to the market.
The barns have also been fitted with ventilation cooling systems to maintain a comfortable environment for the animals, regardless of the external weather conditions. These systems are instrumental in keeping the air quality optimal during warm weather and ensuring that the hogs are comfortable throughout the year. Such measures not only support animal welfare but also improve feed efficiency and growth rates, as stress-free animals are more productive.
Furthermore, all farm employees undergo continuous training in animal care standards and are Pork Quality Certified, ensuring that every worker is well-equipped with the skills necessary to maintain a high level of care. The farm also complies with the Common Industry Audit standards, which sets the benchmark for responsible hog production practices across the country.
Economic and Environmental Benefits
The construction of the 5,000-head barn is more than just a milestone for Sundale Colony—it represents a significant economic impact for the region. The hogs in the new barn will consume approximately 106,000 bushels of corn, 684 tons of soybean meal, and 396 tons of Dried Distillers Grains (DDGs) annually. This creates a strong local demand for these agricultural products, supporting nearby farmers and contributing to the local economy.
Environmental stewardship is also central to Sundale Colony’s operations. The manure produced in the barn is an invaluable resource that is carefully managed and utilized to improve soil health. Each fall, the manure is professionally applied to nearby fields as a natural fertilizer, injecting it six inches below the soil surface to prevent nutrient runoff and minimize odors. By applying the manure in a targeted manner, Sundale Colony ensures that nutrients are placed where they can be most effective, improving crop yields and contributing to sustainable farming practices.
The barns were designed by Dakota Environmental Inc. of Huron, SD, in compliance with the ND Department of Environmental Quality (NDDEQ) regulations. The design includes an 8-foot-deep concrete manure storage unit, providing up to 365 days of storage capacity. This ensures that the manure is properly contained until conditions are optimal for field application, thereby protecting water quality and reducing environmental risks.
A Model for the Future of Pork Production
The new barn in Milnor is not just a facility; it is a testament to the future of pork production. By embracing advanced technologies, such as the ProSort auto-sorting system, sharp stainless doors, SDI wet-dry feeders, and sophisticated environmental controls, Sundale Colony is setting a new standard for efficiency, animal welfare, and sustainability in hog farming.
“We believe that investing in the right technology is crucial not just for the success of our operation, but for the broader future of hog farming,” Hofer stated. “Our aim is to create a model that other producers can look to—one that combines cutting-edge technology with responsible management practices to improve productivity and animal welfare simultaneously.”
As the pork industry continues to evolve, the integration of innovative solutions such as those implemented at Sundale Colony will play a crucial role in meeting global demand for high-quality pork in a sustainable and efficient manner. The Milnor barn is an outstanding example of what is possible when forward-thinking producers leverage the best technology available to improve their operations.
For more information about this project, visit the Nu Era Enterprises Blog – New Barn Build. Stay tuned for further updates as we continue to receive additional details and insights from Sundale Colony on their experiences and results with the new barn.
