Hog barn fire claims thousands of pigs

Jan 09, 2024

A devastating fire near Cudworth on Thursday night resulted in the loss of thousands of pigs.

The on-site barn manager called in the fire at about 7:00 p.m.

Reeve for the RM of Hoodoo Derreck Kolla says volunteer fire crews from Cudworth and Wakaw responded.

"They were hoping they could do a little more, but the problem was it just moved so fast."

The fire quickly spread through all four barns which were connected by hallways.

He notes the farrow-to-finish operation would have been at full capacity with about 12,000 pigs in the barn at any given time.

A group of local investors from the area, the Progressive Investment Group, started the operation in 1994.

The hog operation was established in 1994 by the Progressive Investment Group and at the time of the fire employed about a dozen people from the Cudworth and Wakaw area.

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Video: Shearing Delay Leads To Kingston 4H Sheep Show!

What started as a disappointment turned into a day full of surprises, fun, and celebration as we leave Ewetopia Farms behind and head out to the Kingston Fair to watch the 4H sheep show

Today’s vlog was supposed to be another sheep shearing day here at Ewetopia Farms, but when our shearer had to cancel, we suddenly found ourselves with an unexpected free day. Lucky for us, the Kingston Fair was happening — and some of our own sheep (and friends) were competing!

We brought along our shearing helper and headed to the fairgrounds to cheer on the 4H kids and see how our sheep did in the show. From last-minute preparations and sheep showmanship to market lamb competitions and ewe classes, we take you behind the scenes of what it’s really like at a country fair.

We couldn’t be prouder — our girls walked away with wins in both showmanship and breeding ewe classes! Afterwards, we toured the fair, met a beekeeper with fascinating insights, admired other livestock shows, and wrapped up the evening with motocross stunts and a demolition derby!

Sometimes farm life throws curveballs — but today, it gave us the chance to celebrate community, our sheep, and the next generation of shepherds.