Caring for pigs is a very satisfying and rewarding job which will appeal to anyone that loves animals. It is also very varied, because there are so many aspects to pig husbandry. Daily tasks may include feeding, checking that pigs are healthy, carrying out any routine treatment such as vaccinations, helping sows to give birth and maintaining equipment. Working in a hog barn is not only interesting but provides great satisfaction from seeing pigs do well and stay healthy. There are also opportunities to develop a career and eventually move into production management.
Most people start as a stock person or technician, learning the basic tasks such as how to recognize sick animals, giving injections and moving pigs. On large production units they will then specialize in a particular section such as breeding, farrowing or growing pigs. Once they have gained sufficient experience, they may take full responsibility for one of these sections and have other people responsible to them. With further experience they will be ready to take on the job of managing a barn and be responsible for the whole production process.
Training is provided by employers in the practical aspects of caring for pigs. There are also a range of full time and part time training opportunities available which are described in more detail in another part of this website.
A modern hog barn provides excellent working conditions and staff facilities. Salaries are very competitive with other industries and larger farms usually provide health, dental and disability insurance.
If you would like further information about the jobs available in the pork industry, go to the “Career Opportunities” and the “Educational Resources” sections of this website, or go to AgCareers.com. For Overseas information for Canadian Employers and foreign workers, click here.
For an example of a young person that started work in a hog barn with no previous experience, click here. |