Tamworth, Ontario, located in Eastern Ontario between Toronto and Ottawa, has become home to an exciting new development in the swine industry. Slack Farms, led by John Slack and his father Mark, has unveiled a 625-sow multiplier barn designed to supply high-quality breeding stock to Ontario hog farmers. This barn marks a significant milestone for the Slack family and the broader swine industry in the region.
The barn, built under a new multiplication contract with DanBred, will focus on supplying breeding stock, including boar studs featuring Duroc genetics—one of the first introductions of Danish Durocs to North America. This development positions Slack Farms as a key player in advancing the genetic quality and efficiency of Ontario’s hog operations.
A Vision Revived
The Slack family has a storied history in swine production. After facing challenges in their previous operation, including struggles post-COVID, Mark and John Slack have joined forces to revitalize their farm with a next-generation vision.
“This barn represents a new chapter for our family and for Ontario swine farming,” said Mark Slack. “It’s fantastic to see John stepping up as the next generation, bringing fresh energy and innovation after some dismal years. The support we’ve received from our team and partners has made all the difference.”
Facility Highlights
The new facility, 100% outfitted with Gestal technology from Jyga Technologies, is designed for exceptional animal comfort and operational efficiency.
Key features include:
• Dry Sow Comfort: The barn includes gestation stalls designed with animal welfare in mind.
• Cathedral Ceilings and Curtain Sides: Imported from Germany, these architectural elements provide optimal ventilation and comfort.
• Wolf Ventilation System: State-of-the-art air management ensures a healthy environment for sows and gilts.
Slack Farms will also operate in conjunction with their 2,500-head gilt rearing barn. Females raised in the sow barn will be transported to the rearing barn, providing a seamless pipeline of high-quality gilts for the Ontario market. Additionally, a contract is in place to supply Iso Weans and Durocs, bolstering the operation’s versatility and impact.
Partnering for Success
This new chapter for Slack Farms is supported by industry leaders like DanBred and Demeter, whose technical expertise has been instrumental in the project’s success. With Mark and Sarah Slack’s extensive experience and John’s leadership, the family is creating a solid foundation for the next generation of Ontario swine farming.
“Tamworth offers fantastic isolation, making it an ideal spot for gilt rearing and multiplication,” added Mark Slack. “This location and our partnership with DanBred are setting us up for long-term success.”
The Slack family’s story is a testament to resilience and innovation in the swine industry. Their new sow barn represents a bright future not only for their family but also for Ontario’s hog farmers who will benefit from high-quality breeding stock and cutting-edge technology.
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