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The Rural Voice, 1999-06, Page 37from the cold at the back of the pen. Even in the coldest weather last winter, the temperature in the sleeping area didn't drop below freezing, Ron says. As the weather warms up, the pigs can enjoy the warm sunshine at the front of the pen or sleep in the shade farther back. Jn the heat of summer, sometimes the pigs will reverse their winter habits, sleeping at the front of the pens and manuring at the back. He admits he has to put extra energy into the feed in winter so the pigs can create more body heat but he thinks he gains in summer when the pigs benefit from being outdoors. And so does he. "I like working outside better than inside," he says. In winter, he likes to'grow the weaners to 60 pounds before putting them outside by comparison to 45-50 pounds in The open -sided barn (top) allows plenty of light and fresh air for the pigs who adjust their habits (below) according to the weather. ATTENTION MOWER -CONDITIONER AND COMBINE OWNERS Easy Cut° Sickle Bar System Old Knife worn out? Now is the tim to replace • Solve Your Cutting problems • Put On An Easy Cut No Plugging • Non Stop Cutting In Wet Grass • Bolted Sections • Ouick Section Replacement Without Pulling Knife • No Shims • No Hold Downs • No Adjustments EG. KIT PRICES 9 FT. $645.00 $795.00 $980.00 12 FT. 16 FT. Ideal For • Swathers • Mow/Cond. • Combines For more information contact your local farm equipment dealer or RR #3, Listowel, Ontario, Canada ARE N4W 3G8 2000 Ltd. (519) 291-4205 Fax: (519) 291-5215 summer. One of the benefits of the pigs being outside is gained when it comes loading time. Because the pigs are used to being outside they aren't afraid of chutes and daylight, like pigs that have been indoors their whole life. Like every other pork producer, Ron was hit hard by the price collapse in the past few months. He recalls taking two sows to Dungannon for shipping and getting paid $13. not enough to pay for the gas. he says wryly. "I hope I never have to go through a downturn like that again," he says. Still, he says, when prices improve, his savings in feed. medication and housing allow him to record a profit at a lower price than many. "I think I can produce pigs cheaper than a lot of people who have a lot of money invested in a building," he says. However, he doesn't .CC4,,perth Dust Control Applies Environmentally Friendly Dust Suppressant Great for parking lots, driveways, constructions sites, farm lanes, etc. • NO LEACHING • NO CHLORIDE • NO RUST • NO OIL Non-toxic and non -corrosive. Increases the load bearing capacity of all roads and creates a tightly bound surface that improves traction and skid resistance. Approved by the Ministry of the Environment, Canada Food and Agriculture and the Ministry of Transportation. It provides the safest, most effective dust control available. Perth Dust Control uses versatile, calibrated equipment that ensures a hard, durable surface. We can apply close to buildings • or wherever you need it. For a Free Estimate Call STEVE KUEPFER RR 1, Newton, ON (519) 595-8025 Mobile (519) 272-5296 Fax (519) 525-4441 24 hr. Personal Answering Machine JUNE 1999 33