A new 12,000-sow complex is under construction in South Dakota that features the first prefabricated steel swine barns in the U.S.
The new facility is the largest sow complex ever constructed by Ag Property Solutions, the company announced in a release at the Iowa Pork Congress. With a footprint of up to 55 acres, the complex includes a 187,500-square-foot farrowing barn and gilt developer unit and a 225,000-square-foot gestation barn that incorporate the prefabricated steel panels. The site will also have a compost structure and tractor shed both made from wood.
“Compared to traditional wood structures, the steel buildings are designed to offer a more biosecure, flame-retardant and energy-efficient environment for pigs, while also being more durable and faster to build,” according to a company release.
Two swine buildings at the site will utilize polyisocyanurate (PIR) insulated plasterboard sandwiched between two sheets of metal in their sidewalls and ceilings. The high thermal performance allows the foam to smolder and melt, but not burn or drip or cause surrounding materials to catch fire, the release says.
The release noted the all-steel barns entail higher building material and labor costs compared to wood structures, but claim they will ultimately provide an insurance expense payback after a period of time which will vary depending on the facility.
The sow facility is scheduled for completion this summer. The steel building package, designed by C-Lines, is being provided by AP, AGCO’s swine equipment brand. AP dealer Ag Property Solutions (APS) is constructing the barns, which will be managed by Pipestone Management.
In addition to manufacturing the building components, AP will provide its equipment, including feed and ventilation systems, bin scales and EDGE 2 controller.
“As the global population grows, AP is committed to supporting the need for more efficient swine production solutions,” Brian Rieck, AP product manager, said in a release. “We’re very proud to team up with Ag Property Solutions and Pipestone Management to develop these innovative, industry-first steel swine barns.”
When fully operational, the facility expects to utilize in excess of 20,000 tons of feed per year and 60,000 gallons of water per day and produce over 45 million pounds of retail pork cuts per year.
Chris Schmitz, director of construction services for APS, said their company discussed the idea of a wood alternative swine structure with Pipestone Management for several years.
“With insurance premiums on the rise, catastrophic fire concerns and biosecurity threats, 2022 was time to make it a reality,” Schmitz said in a release. “Last summer, forces aligned with AP presenting a steel building package option for our turnkey construction bid.”
