Building the Future of Pig Farming – Reflections from Tamworth and Beyond: By John Slack, Owner of Slack Farms

Jan 13, 2025

As we look ahead to a new year filled with opportunities and challenges, I want to take a moment to reflect on the milestones we’ve achieved, the lessons we’ve learned, and the vision we share for the future of pig farming. From opening our state-of-the-art sow barn in Tamworth to embracing innovation and sustainability, I believe 2025 holds incredible promise for our industry.

A Milestone in Tamworth
Opening the doors to our new sow barn in Tamworth feels like a dream realized. This isn’t just another facility—it’s a statement about what’s possible in modern pig farming. With cutting-edge technology, we’ve created an environment where animal welfare, operational efficiency, and sustainability come together seamlessly.

Why Tamworth? Eastern Ontario has always been a special place for me. Its strong sense of community and agricultural heritage inspired this project, and I’m proud to show that world-class innovation can flourish right here in our backyard.

Looking Ahead: 2025 and the Future of Pig Farming
As I think about what’s next for our industry, I see 2025 as a year of opportunity. But success will require us to lean into a few key areas:

Innovation Beyond Technology: Yes, automation and data are important, but innovation also means rethinking how we engage with consumers. They care about transparency, and we need to show them the heart of our farms.
A People-First Approach: The labour challenges are real, but they’re also an opportunity. At Slack Farms, we’re exploring ways to make agriculture a more rewarding career, from better training to workplace culture.
A New Era of Sustainability: This isn’t just a buzzword anymore—it’s the expectation. From feed efficiency to water conservation, we must continue pushing boundaries for the sake of our farms and our planet.

Why Eastern Ontario is Special
Farming in Eastern Ontario is like being part of an extended family. The support from neighboring producers, the local expertise, and access to a mix of urban and rural resources make this region unique. We’ve built something in Tamworth that we believe not only represents Slack Farms but also showcases what Eastern Ontario can offer to the broader industry.

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Video: Season 7, Episode 1: Managing Risk and Seeing Opportunities in U.S. Pork Production

Today’s episode features three guests discussing the similarities and differences between pork production in the United States and Brazil, along with strategies for managing risk in today’s industry while recognizing and acting on opportunities. First, Dr. Anne Caroline de Lara, executive manager of live pig production at Seara Alimentos, a JBS company in Brazil, is joined by Dr. Matthew Turner, head of operations for JBS Live Pork. Together, they discuss how labor, climate and ventilation challenges vary between Brazil and the United States, while underscoring their shared commitment to raising healthy pigs. They also point to lessons producers in both countries can take from one another’s systems and on-farm experiences. Then, Brady Reicks, risk manager at Reicks View Farms, shares his perspective on risk management, drawing from his background in markets and his transition into farming. He discusses how protecting margins varies by operation and offers practical approaches producers can use to make marketing and business decisions with greater confidence rather than hesitation.

Both conversations were recorded at recent industry events focused on swine livability, including the International Conference on Pig Livability and Iowa Swine Day.