Hog Transport in Extreme Cold: What Producers Need to Know

Feb 03, 2025

Weather Can Change Quickly – Be Prepared

As winter weather rapidly shifts across key hog-producing regions, ensuring animal welfare and transport safety is critical. With frigid temperatures expected, hog transporters must take extra precautions to prevent frostbite, stress, and even mortality in extreme conditions.

Failing to plan for sub-zero transport could lead to serious welfare concerns, impacting both pigs and operations. Checking weather conditions, road reports, and preparing trailers accordingly before departure is essential.

Fitness for Transport – Know the Guidelines

Determining which hogs are fit for transport is even more important in cold weather. The Fitness for Transport Fact Sheet outlines categories:

✅ Fit for transport without restrictions – Hogs that are healthy and able to endure the journey.
✅ Fit for transport with special provisions – Animals that require additional care, such as bedding, spacing, or ventilation adjustments.
✅ Unfit for transport – Pigs that are injured, weak, or compromised should never be transported in extreme cold.

💡 Cold Weather Protocols:
✔ Use proper trailer panels and bedding to maintain warmth.
✔ Follow Transport Quality Assurance (TQA) guidelines to reduce stress and prevent losses.

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Video: You Be The Judge: Evaluating 8 Breeding Rams!

It's time for some honest feedback here at Ewetopia Farms! Today, we’re showing you all eight rams we used for breeding this year. Instead of just presenting them, we thought it would be fun to create a “Ram Report Card” — where we point out both their strengths and areas for improvement.

But here’s the twist: you be the judge! In the comments, let us know what you like about each ram and what you think could be improved. No ram is ever perfect, but every one of them brings something valuable to the flock. By sharing perspectives, we all learn more about what to look for in good breeding stock.

At Ewetopia Farms, we raise registered Suffolk and Polled Dorset sheep, focusing on high-quality genetics, structure, and friendly temperaments. Evaluating breeding rams is part of the bigger picture of building stronger flocks — and we’re excited to share the process with you.

If you enjoy seeing how we evaluate our animals, follow along by subscribing to our channel. We share daily insights into the joys and challenges of sheep farming here in Canada.