The Canadian hog industry’s Code of Practice requires all farms to transition to group sow housing by 2029, with steady progress already being made toward this objective.
Mark Fynn, director of Quality Assurance and Animal Care at Manitoba Pork, shared insights during the recent Prairie Livestock Expo seminar section. Speaking on a topic he described as a personal passion, Fynn discussed a project that examined welfare indicators across two different group-style housing systems. He also highlighted producer experiences with group housing, focusing on observations and lessons learned directly from their farms.
In July, Manitoba Pork organized a workshop that brought together producers and six producers who shared their experiences with different group-style housing systems. During this session, producers exchanged insights, provided valuable feedback, and discussed their firsthand experiences. A key advantage of this workshop was the ample time dedicated to fostering producer-to-producer conversations and creating an open forum for collaboration and learning.
The workshop provided an opportunity for producers planning to convert to group-style housing to learn from those who had already transitioned. Participants discussed various feeding systems and explored potential group housing options, offering a well-rounded exchange of insights and experiences.
Fynn highlighted several different feeding systems, ranging from the most competitive to the least competitive for animals. Starting with floor feeding, he noted that a few farms in Manitoba use this as their primary method. While feed efficiency is often lower due to potential feed loss, the system offers the advantage of low upfront capital costs. Producers using floor feeding believe the savings in initial investment offset the increased feed expenses.
Next, Fynn discussed the shoulder stall feeding system, highlighting its benefits and features. This system uses partitions, typically 1.5 to 2 feet wide, that directly feed into the water to form a gruel.

This setup helps reduce barn dust levels and ensures consistent eating speeds among animals, preventing one animal from dominating the feed. Fynn recommended using a single feed drop per stall to minimize competition. A producer who shared their experience with this system appreciated its simplicity and limited reliance on electronics, which reduces maintenance and the need for advanced technological expertise.
Fynn discussed electronic sow feeders (ESFs), focusing on systems commonly used in Manitoba. Unlike free-access ESF systems like Gestal or Maximus, these systems operate with a one-way flow, where animals enter and exit through separate routes. Producers emphasized the importance of reliable internet connectivity to ensure these systems remain connected to a central hub and function efficiently. Companies like New Standard Ag offer such systems, which rely heavily on technology for effective operation.
Fynn highlighted the importance of careful planning during barn conversions or new builds for group sow housing. He emphasized considering all aspects of the system, particularly identifying opportunities for improvement during the process. Addressing these upgrades early helps avoid costly rework in the future. Fynn noted that producers often cite flooring as a critical factor to evaluate and improve during such transitions.
He strongly advised producers to plan upgrades during barn renovations or new builds, taking the opportunity to align improvements with their production goals.
“Renovations also present a chance to expand operations,” he said.
Producers must undergo a technical review process with their municipality for significant expansions or new builds. However, up to 15 percent of expansions are exempt from the technical review, though standard permitting requirements still apply.
Fynn explained that producers approved for specific animal units could expand by up to 15 percent without requiring a technical review. For example, if initially approved for 1,000 animal units, they could grow to 1,150 units under this allowance. He also highlighted opportunities for producers to reevaluate their operations during renovations or expansions, such as transitioning to finishing or exploring alternative production methods.
These considerations open up various possibilities for optimizing and adjusting production goals.
He emphasized the importance of producers engaging with others with different systems experience. He encouraged producers to reach out and learn from their peers to gain insights and make informed decisions about potential systems. This peer-to-peer interaction is a key takeaway for those considering transitions or upgrades.
Fynn highlighted the importance of choosing a group sow housing system that aligns best with a producer’s specific needs and their staff’s preferences. While some favour the precision and technology of electronic systems, others prioritize simplicity and ease of use. Fynn refrained from recommending a specific system, emphasizing that the decision depends on individual circumstances, such as a new build or a conversion, as specific systems integrate more seamlessly into existing designs.
Reflecting on recent events, Fynn noted a shift in producer sentiment following the July workshop, where peer discussions offered valuable insights and reassurance.
“Most producers who have completed the transition are satisfied with their systems, with none expressing a desire to return to previous methods,” said Fynn. Hearing from other producers, he concluded, plays a critical role in helping make informed and confident decisions.
Fynn’s Key Takeaways:

• Design a system that will meet your needs for the next 20 years.
• Plan thoroughly and upgrade your barn during construction to avoid future rework.
• Reflect on your production goals and explore expansion opportunities. •
  — By Harry Siemens