Farms.com Home   News

Brentwood Colony | Focusing on Improvement

Brentwood Colony of Faulkton, South Dakota, has placed a specific focus on profitability in business. The pig entity of Brentwood Colony, ProPork, takes a community perspective, with a swine business mentality. This allows the team to track accurate financial information & remain a profitable business.

ProPork is a farrow-to-finish operation, raising 3,200 sows in two barns on-site. Pigs are finished off-site, finshing 80,000-85,000 per year.

The Hutterian Brethren is a community of family focused individuals who live and work on the Hutterite colony. The communal lifestyle finds its roots in the biblical teachings of Christ and the Apostles.

“In my mind, the value of a colony is the trust of others in an environment of those who care for each other,” said Nathan, hog boss. “On the colony, we try to raise kids right. We have our own school, provide a roof over our head, and we have meals together.”

In addition to ProPork, the pig business, Brentwood Colony operates a grain farming operation and on-site feed mill, and has a manufacturing business, building houses, closets, and cabinets.

Nathan started managing the East Sow barn in 2000 and took over management of the South Sow barn in 2011. “I enjoy the business aspect of pig farming,” Nathan said. “My mind is always going, constantly looking for opportunities to improve. If something doesn’t work, then something is missing.”

Click here to see more...

Trending Video

Nutrition and Sow Livability - Dr. Mark Knauer

Video: Nutrition and Sow Livability - Dr. Mark Knauer


In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show, Dr. Mark Knauer, Swine Extension Specialist at North Carolina State University, discusses nutritional strategies to improve sow livability and piglet outcomes. He shares research insights on vitamin programs, antioxidant support, and nutrition-based approaches in commercial production systems. Dr. Knauer highlights opportunities to reduce mortality, enhance sow longevity, and improve overall performance. Listen now on all major platforms!

“Disease challenges create oxidative stress, and replenishing antioxidants can help to support sow and piglet livability.”

Meet the guest: Dr. Mark Knauer / mark-knauer-0475b921 is a Swine Extension Specialist at North Carolina State University, where he conducts applied research to improve sow productivity, longevity, and herd performance. He earned his Ph.D. from North Carolina State University and previously served as Director of Animal Science at the National Pork Board. Learn more from Dr. Mark Knauer on The Swine it Podcast Show, available on all major platforms.