2004 Michigan Swine (Farrow to Finish) Business Analysis Summary
Posted in: Production by admin on January 1, 2004 | No Comments
This report summarizes the financial and production records of 12 Michigan, farrow to finish, swine farms. To be included, the farms must have produced at least 50 percent of gross cash farm income from one or a combination of fat hogs, feeder pigs and cull breeding hogs sales. The records came from Michigan State University’s TelFarm project and the Farm Credit Service system in Michigan. The values were pooled into averages for reporting purposes.
Farm records were included if a farm financial summary was completed on 2004 data including beginning and ending balance sheets, plus income and expenses. The data were checked to verify that cash discrepancy was less than 10% of gross cash inflow and that debt discrepancy was less than $1,000. While considerable variation in the data exists, average values are reported in the summary tables below.
Confinement of Livestock
Posted in: Production by admin on | No Comments
In the latter part of the twentieth century, animal agriculture underwent a major transition to intensive livestock operations. These operations are more economically viable and provide food at
a lower cost to the consumer. Efficient livestock operations now enable each farmer to feed many more people than in the past.
Many livestock operations achieve efficiency by raising large numbers of animals in smaller spaces.While providing for most of the animals’ needs, some of these confinement production systems restrict their movement. They may also limit the ability of animals to exhibit some normal behaviours.
The Canadian Agri-Food Research Council developed the Recommended Codes of Practices for the Care and
Handling of Livestock. The Codes are based on technical input from producers, animal scientists,
veterinarians, and representatives of the humane movement. These Codes are part of the regulations in The Animal Care Act of Manitoba. As such, they specify the guidelines for livestock production pertaining to the treatment of animals. The Act also outlines the “Duties of the Owner” regarding
responsible animal care. Producers who fail to comply with the Act may be subject to prosecution in Manitoba.
Managing Livestock Mortalities
Posted in: Environment by admin on | No Comments
Mortalities occur sooner or later in all livestock production. Becuae of the relative numbers involved, large scale operations will have more dead animals requiring disposal than smaller frms. Mortality tends to be greater among some types of livestock such as poultry than other types such as beef cattle. Mass mortality may occur in livestock confined in structures such as barns but less likely to occur among livestock on the range. The regulation requires that mortalities be stored in a secure manner. Mortalities must be stored in a frozen state or kept refridgerated if they cannot be disposed of within 48 hours of death. Many intensive livestock operations have a separate freezer or refridgerated storage for this purpose. Producers who are able to dispose of mortalities within 48 hours of death rely on specially designed, covered steel or heavy duty plastic bins for secure storage.
Controlling Hog Lagoon Odor
Posted in: Environment by admin on | No Comments
AFOPro: a nutrient management decision support system for the United States
Posted in: Environment by admin on | No Comments
Evaluation of Phosphorus Transport in Surface Runoff from Packed Soil Boxes
Posted in: Environment by admin on | No Comments








