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Topigs Insider: Producer Profile – Maple Grove Colony

Maple Grove Colony, established in 1981, is located in southwestern Manitoba and has a population of over 125 people. Like most Hutterite colonies, it has a diverse range of operations, farming 4,000 acres, managing 8,000 laying chickens, and running a 1,200-sow farrow-wean pig production unit.

The colony’s hog barn was originally built in 1984 as a 300-sow farrow-to-finish unit, later upgraded in 1998 to a 1,200-sow farrow-to-wean facility. In 2009-10, the original herd was depopulated and repopulated with GAP genetics. Since 2016, they have used Topigs Norsvin genetics, primarily TN70 gilts and TN Duroc sires, producing excellent offspring.

Currently, Maple Grove Colony has a farrowing rate of 91.3% and weans 12.76 piglets per litter, resulting in 31.21 pigs weaned per mated female per year. The colony’s production team is led by Michael David Waldner, with key team members Travis Waldner and Adam Waldner contributing significantly to the barn’s success.

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Heatwaves, Hay, and Hiccups On The Farm!

Video: Heatwaves, Hay, and Hiccups On The Farm!

We’re "Just Fed Up" on today’s episode of our daily sheep farming vlog here at Ewetopia Farms. This video spans several days of trying to keep things running smoothly in the face of yet another relentless heat wave. The intense heat and humidity made work in the barns and fields extremely difficult for both us and our flock. With soaring temperatures, the sheep refused to go outside to graze and struggled to breathe in the heavy air.