Call it inventive, resourceful, creative or just plain desperate (I’m kind of kidding…); pork producers have the most interesting tricks hidden up high in those coverall sleeves of theirs. Spending time at industry trade shows and conferences, I’ve heard a lot about different contraptions producers have rigged up to make any job a little easier. It always impresses me. I may be biased, but pork producers come up with some great ideas to simplify tasks and improve their operation’s efficiency.
Oftentimes they don’t realize their own cleverness until someone else makes a note of it. Take my dad, for instance. Most of the PigEasy products were developed with only our farm in mind and weren’t put on the market until an outside consultant noticed it on a walk through and mentioned to him that it would be beneficial for other farms to use.
Today’s trick isn’t some new and exciting product we’ve spent years developing, but it gives an example of how a little handiness can make a huge difference in streamlining daily tasks.
When we began AI-ing sows over 20 years ago, Dad wanted to keep the AI supplies organized and in one spot. He didn’t want that spot to be in the way and also didn’t want it to slow down the process by keeping it stationary. After noticing the top of the g-stalls were connected via two rods, Dad decided to make up a tray that could use the rods as a track.The roller tray is made from a light angle iron and 1/4″ thick plastic sheet. He bought small lawn mower wheels, cut off the rubber and installed them on a 1/2” rod.
Some simple cutting and welding is all it took to make the roller tray and it has helped speed up and simplify AI-ing sows at KFI. We still use the originals today.
As a pork producer, you have a never-ending list of tasks and any tool that makes your day easier is well worth the upfront time it takes to put it together. That’s why we’re called PigEASY. We believe simplifying daily chores can make a huge impact on the success of your sow farm.
Until next time,
Katie
