Current Competitive Grant

Demonstrating farrowing alternatives for small farms: Insulated tents for sows and pigs

Project ID: XP2012-04

This 3-year grant for $59,974 was awarded in 2012.

Location: Buena Vista county

The work of the ISU Hoop Group continues with this demonstration of a circular, insulated tent, or yurt, for farrowing pigs in a bedded, crate-free environment, and by developing a management guide for farmers regarding managing sows and pigs in bedded, crate-free systems. The demonstration yurt will be erected at ISU’s Allee Demonstration Farm near Newell and operated for farrowing pigs.

Jay D. Harmon

Jay D. Harmon is a professor in ISU’s Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering. He specializes in livestock production systems. Previous research has included developing the Livestock Environment and Animal Physiology (LEAP) Laboratory, investigating emergency carcass composting procedures, and evaluating deep-bedded hoop systems for swine and beef production. He also conducts outreach programs related to livestock production for ISU Extension and Outreach. He received his Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering from Virginia Tech. [Contact lead investigator]

This competitive grant project is part of the Leopold Center's Cross-Cutting Initiative.

The Leopold Center was established by the 1987 Iowa Groundwater Protection Act as a research and education center at Iowa State University to develop sustainable agricultural practices that are both profitable and conserve natural resources. Iowa State does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Vietnam Era Veteran. Any persons having inquiries concerning this may contact the Director of Affirmative Action, 3210 Beardshear Hall, (515) 294-7612.

This page was found at http://www.leopold.iastate.edu/grants/xp2012-04 on 01/20/2013