Rhodes Research and Demonstration Farm

The Economics of Finishing Pigs in Hoop Structures and Confinement Facilities: A Summer Comparison

Authors: , , ,

Abstract

This report is part of an ongoing research project that is being conducted at the Iowa State University Rhodes Research Farm. This research is aimed at comparing two swine finishing facility types under a wide range of circumstances. This report provides results from a group of pigs finished during the summer season of 2000–2001. Evolution of the swine industry has forced industry members to reevaluate operations and utilize an increasing amount of risk management. A survey conducted in May 2001 showed that hoop buildings are becoming an important part of the swine industry. Hoop buildings became widely available in 1995 or 1996 and have grown to represent 4% of the market hogs finished in Iowa.

Keywords: Animal Science, Economics

How to Cite: Larson, B. , Kliebenstein, J. B. , Honeyman, M. S. & Penner, A. D. (2002) “The Economics of Finishing Pigs in Hoop Structures and Confinement Facilities: A Summer Comparison”, Iowa State University Research and Demonstration Farms Progress Reports. 2001(1).