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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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Special Considerations for Grazing Dairy Cows

Video: Special Considerations for Grazing Dairy Cows

Presented by Christine O'Reilly

Many Canadian grazing recommendations were developed using beef cattle in the prairies. While we have adapted these the forage species and climate in Ontario, other livestock have different needs. Maintaining milk components can be difficult on a predominantly pasture diet for lactating cows.

The purpose of the Profitable Pasture conference is to bring fresh ideas and new research results to Ontario grazing managers across the ruminant livestock sectors. These conferences have a major focus on pasture management.