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

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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.
  1. 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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Selling Rams & Helping New Farmers Begin

Video: Selling Rams & Helping New Farmers Begin

It’s shipping day again at Ewetopia Farms as we sell another Suffolk yearling ram! In today’s episode, we load one of our Suffolk rams onto the trailer as he heads off to his new farm to sire the next generation of lambs.

This particular customer has been buying our rams for over eight years, trusting Ewetopia genetics for their gentle temperaments, strong builds, and proven performance. Back home, we get busy looking after the flock that’s staying behind. With the weather turning wet and chilly, it’s time to put down fresh, clean bedding to keep everyone cozy and comfortable for the season ahead. Later, we welcome a wonderful new family who’s just starting out in sheep farming!

They’ve chosen some of our Suffolk ewe lambs to begin their flock — and we couldn’t be happier to help them take their first steps into raising sheep. Stay tuned for a follow-up episode when we help deliver and settle their new flock at their farm.