Watch the pigs as they cycle through our small seasonal operation in SE Washington State.  Mama pigs that are in a farrow crate will have their names appear in the top left corner of the video as the cameras rotate.  Camera scenes will change every 15 seconds except for when one of the mom's is about to farrow.  Scroll down this page to check out screen shots from this video feed.
Weather Station at this location.

How do the pigs get water?
We use stainless steal water nipples by Trojan and Monoflo connected directly to a 15 psi line for the most clean and fresh water supply.

Why the farrow crate?
1.  Farrowing crates are restrictive pens that prevent the sow from turning around, and which aim to reduce the risk of the sow lying on and crushing her newborn piglets.
2.  The crate allows us to safely handle the piglets and give them the necessary shots to prevent disease and low iron.
3.  The crate also allows us to give the sow a shot of penicillin if she develops an infection after she farrows. When the piglets are around 3 weeks and we feel it's safe to do so we will move the sow and piglets out of the crate and into a pen.

Why heat lamps for piglets?
Piglets are born without the ability to regulate their body temperature effectively. They also need a warm environment to thrive, and a heat lamp can provide a localized, warm space for them.  As they get older they will be less dependent of a heat source.  Heat lamps in our farrow house are thermostat controled and will turn off automatically on warmer days.

Pig Terms:
Gilt - A young female that has not produced her first litter.
Sow - A female who has produced her first litter
Farrow - To give birth.
Boar - Uncastrated male.
Barrow - Castrated male..

Check out the live sheep cam here.