Pork | Ag Week 2023 Digital Learning Kit

Learn about Adelle Smith’s 2000 sow piggery. From farrow to finish, this pork production system designs and implements innovative technologies to process human food by-products, producing feed rations for their pigs whilst converting leftover packaging into recyclable materials. Hear about how technology and innovation have improved on-farm efficiencies, cost savings, and environmental benefits by reducing waste and collecting methane gas to generate electricity for the farm. 

Implementing these practices has improved the profitability of the farm by reducing the cost of energy and feed rations whilst improving environmental sustainability. 

The future outlook of Australian pork production and the career opportunities within this sector are exciting. 

Learn about the service provider Stockyard Industries and how they provide turn-key shed builds and equipment for piggeries across Australia. Hear about the benefits of automated climate-controlled farrowing sheds (the environment is maintained at the optimal conditions for sows and piglets) and how this improves productivity. 

In the past, farrowing sheds were naturally ventilated, but with innovation and technology, pork production systems can now incorporate buildings that offer a unique combination of tunnel ventilation and cooling. This controls interior temperatures and air quality to ensure optimal conditions. 

Training staff to develop practical computer skills and a technician to maintain equipment service are essential to using this technology and ensuring on-farm operations are managed efficiently. 

This resource was produced as part of PIEFA’s Ag Week 2023 Activities but can be used at any point and incorporated into your lesson plans throughout the year.