Let’s Take A Walk – Spring Hog Barn Prep
Posted: May 15, 2026 | Written By: Mitch McCosh - Form-A-Feed Nutrition and Production Specialist
Spring is a natural transition period in swine production. It’s the window between the wear and tear of winter and the heat stress challenges of summer. While major projects aren’t always practical, this time of year is ideal for stepping back and taking a fresh look at how ready your barn really is for warmer weather.
A thoughtful walk-through in spring often reveals small issues that can turn into bigger problems once temperatures and pig demand increases. Our goal isn’t perfection—it’s preparation.
Ventilation is one of the biggest things that we must watch all year around and especially in summer. Dust, debris, and residue tend to build up on fans, shutters, inlets, and curtains when barns are closed up tight for the winter months. Those layers can quietly reduce air movement when pigs need it most. Spring is a reminder to take some extra time to go through and do a deep clean and inspection on your ventilation equipment.
Water is the most important nutrient for any animal, especially in the summer. Now is a great time to go through the barn and inspect your water system. Water lines should be cleaned and nipples and cups should be inspected and repaired. Make sure that you are getting appropriate flow to every waterer. Now is also a good time to double check your medicator for proper function and flow rate.
Small issues add up. I would encourage you to take some time during a spring walk-through to notice the small issues with your barn that don’t seem like much, but when compounded, cost you time and in some cases, efficiency. Be on the look out for things that you “can do later.” Stubborn gates, sticky feeders, and anything else that is a relatively easy fix that you’ll be glad you did now before the hot days of summer.
Another thing to think about as weather warms up is the increase in pest pressure that comes with it. Flies, insects, and rodents are going to be back on the move and its best to be proactive, not reactive when considering these issues. Do what you can to keep vegetation back away from the barns, refill bait stations, and clean up those areas that are attracting critters.
While simple, taking time to slow down and deliberately walk through to notice the small things in your barn can pay huge dividends in the months to come. All of these little things compound, and make things harder for you and the pigs. Trust but verify your systems and take pride in the work that you do. A little elbow grease now will make the coming days smoother and more enjoyable.
If you have any questions or would like help getting your barns ready for summer and the years to come, please reach out to a Form-A-Feed swine consultant and we would be happy to be a part of your operation.