By Lindsey Walls, AgriPOWER Class X participant

Our AgriPOWER class had the awesome opportunity to visit Stateler Farms of McComb, Ohio. Stateler Farms is a multi-generational farm that operates grain and swine while managing and maintaining their manure properly as apart of the Blanchard River Demo Farms Network.

We had the opportunity to walk into the Stateler Farms swine nursery, and it was amazing to see animal production at work. These piglets are brought into the barn at about 14 lbs, are then fed until they are the upwards weight of 50 lbs before they are moved and fed to their final weight of around 300 lbs. Within this barn, the temperature of the building, individual health and food and water are very closely monitored day and night.

Mr. Stateler made the comment I will never forget, and that was that “a piglet grows the size of a mini snickers bar PER HOUR” — yes, per hour every day of its life. Due to its diet, the farmer is able to capitalize a maximum growth rate during the pig’s lifetime. This is very important as the world’s population continues to grow, and pork continues to rise as the most widely consumed meat in the world.

The biggest takeaway from getting to tour this nursery is that many of the public have the wrong perception of what these swine facilities are made of. Three observations that I took away from this farm tour were that the facilities were CLEAN, very closely monitored, whether that be food, water and/or health, these piglets are well taken care of, and last but not least these pigs were HAPPY. We watched them for close to 30 minutes and they never stopped eating, drinking and playing with their friends.

 

Farm Bureau connections
To grow a network and gain perspective and knowledge in the industry through personal and professional development has been invaluable. Every day I learn and grow.
Ryanna Tietje's avatar
Ryanna Tietje

Henry County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau connections
Giving farmers a voice
The issue of property taxation remains as one of the biggest challenges our members face today. Ensuring agricultural property is valued for its agricultural potential and not development is critical to the continued success of Ohio agriculture.
Matt Aultman's avatar
Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Giving farmers a voice
10-year campaign for safer roads
Farm Bureau is what really got the word out. It’s been one of their goals to get this done.
Bill and Charlotte Wachtman's avatar
Bill and Charlotte Wachtman

Henry County

10-year campaign for safer roads
Bringing the farm back to life
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
Gretchan Francis's avatar
Gretchan Francis

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Bringing the farm back to life
Farm Bureau involvement
Because we are younger farmers just starting out, Farm Bureau has a lot of good opportunities and resources to help us grow in the future.
Hannah Kiser's avatar
Hannah Kiser

Sandusky County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau involvement
Select Partner Program
Through the Select Partner program, we became educated in farm insurance and weren't just selling policies. It became more and more clear why farmers need an advocate like Ohio Farm Bureau.
Chad Ruhl's avatar
Chad Ruhl

Farm manager, CSI Insurance

Select Partner Program
Advocacy
So many of the issues that OFBF and its members are advocating for are important to all Ohioans. I look at OFBF as an agricultural watchdog advocating for farmers and rural communities across Ohio.
Mary Smallsreed's avatar
Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Advocacy
Suggested Tags: