Hoops research and development get additional funds to continue work

The Leopold Center has invested more than $400,000 in its hoops initiative since 1997.

The Leopold Center's alternative swine production research initiative that focuses on hoop barns for pigs will be getting additional funds.

As of presstime, Center staff learned that $200,000 for further development and adoption of hoop barn technology was included in the Agriculture Appropriations Bill signed by President Bush. Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA), whose office supported the additional funding, notes that "hoop barns represent a sustainable alternative for pork producers in Iowa and across the nation."

The Leopold Center requested the funds to continue work begun in 1997 to evaluate low-cost, environmentally friendly hooped buildings as an alternative for swine production. Mark Honeyman, an Iowa State University animal science professor who has worked with the hoop barn research team, also known as the "Hoop Group," said that about 2,100 hoop barns are now being used in Iowa livestock production following their mid-1990s introduction.

"That's a remarkable rate for new technology adoption," Honeyman said. "We're past the feasibility stage. Now it's time to fine-tune research like changing hog diets. The cost and versatility of the structures are attractive to small- and medium-sized producers."

Since 1997, the Leopold Center has invested more than $400,000 in the hoops initiative, including construction of three hoops at ISU's Rhodes Research Farm in Marshall County. A number of related research projects also have been funded as part of the Center's competitive grants program.

"I am delighted to learn about this additional funding that will help us continue working toward practical, on-the-ground options for farmers," said Leopold Center director Fred Kirschenmann.

"Five years ago the Leopold Center had the foresight to make a long-term investment in other options for swine production systems," he added. "This laid the scientific groundwork that has helped make hoop structures a sensible alternative for Iowa producers."

Kirschenmann said that funding at the federal level recognizes Iowa State University's role as a national leader in hoop structures research.

"We are pleased that the Leopold Center could be a catalyst for bringing about this important work," he said. "This is the kind of partnership we hope to create in many other areas as we continue working toward our vision for a new Iowa agriculture."

More information about the Hoop Group.