Starting or Expanding a Hog Farm

Manitoba Pork has developed this step-by-step guide to provide producers with key information on starting or expanding a hog farm in Manitoba.

Manitoba Pork has collaborated with the Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) and the provincial government to develop a guide outlining the hog barn application and approval process and providing advice for both hog barn proponents and municipal officials on how to ensure the application process runs as smoothly as possible for all parties.

To view the Manitoba Pork guide developed in collaboration with AMM, click here.

The rules and regulations governing the building or expanding of pig farms in Manitoba are outlined in a number of provincial Acts and Regulations, as well as in municipal Development Plan and Zoning By-laws. Below are links to the key Acts and Regulations applicable to the review and approval of new pig barn proposals in Manitoba:

The Planning Act: This legislation has some rules which regulate the swine sector from a locational perspective.

• The Provincial Planning Regulation: This regulation contains specific rules related to sizes and location of hog operations as regulated under The Planning Act.
• Livestock Technical Review: Government of Manitoba's Livestock Technical Review webpage.
• Technical Review Regulation

Farm Building User Guide: Updates to the Manitoba Building Code (May 2017)

The Environment Act: This Act outlines certain rules and requirements that regulate the swine sector from an environmental perspective.

• Nutrient Management Regulation: This regulation under the Environment Act identifies certain restrictions on when and where manure can be applied to the land, as well as the criteria under which producers are required to prepare nutrient management plans.
• The Livestock Manure and Mortalities Management Regulation: This regulation under the Environment Act is the major set of rules governing the handling and application of manure in Manitoba.
• Summary of Main Manure Regulations in Manitoba: To assist in the interpretation and application of Manitoba’s manure handling regulations, Manitoba Pork prepared this summary table identifying key rules, requirements and dates.

In addition to the above provincial acts, regulations and codes, every municipality in Manitoba has a Development Plan and Zoning By-law that will identify unique land use policies and siting and setback requirements for livestock development in that municipality. For information on the Development Plan and Zoning By-laws applicable in your municipality, contact Grant Melnychuk, Director, Sustainable Development, Research, and Data Management.

Additional Resources

Swine Cost of Production Models: this 2019 document prepared for Manitoba Pork by MNP estimates cash flow projections and trial balance sheets for various production models, and provides insight into the economics of the sector.

Alberta Pork's Hog Price Calculator: Alberta Pork, with technical support and funding from the Canadian Pork Council, has developed a pricing calculator, market reports, and cost of production studies to assist producers.

Study: Mitigation of accelerated deterioration of pig buildings (Prairie Swine Centre, October 2018)

Synopsis: When we look across the Canadian swine sector it becomes apparent that due to the age of most facilities a large percentage will need to be replaced or renovated over the next few years – as most buildings average between 20-30 years old. The majority of production units are completely enclosed, utilizing a negative pressure ventilation system to maintain pig comfort. In order to reduce heating costs during winter months, ventilation is generally turned down to a minimum ventilation rate. The combination of minimum ventilation and, in some areas high winds, causes exhaust air to recirculate within the facility leading to poor air quality. This in turn increases deterioration due to increased exposure to moisture and corrosive gases. This project, commissioned by Prairie Swine Centre, set out to determine Canadian specific strategies for decreasing barn deterioration. Click here to read more.

Detailed Budget Estimates to Construct New Facilities

At the request of Manitoba Pork, DGH Engineering Ltd. has prepared a detailed budget estimate to construct new facilities in today’s market conditions, using a typical 5400 head nursery barn, 1600 and 3200 head farrow wean barns, and 2000 and 4000 head finisher barns as models. These cost estimates are intended as reference guides only; actual construction costs will vary. Click on the following links to view the reports and appendices.  

Nursery Barn

• 2023 Cost Report, 5400 Nursery
• Report – Construction Costs, 5400 Head Nursery Facility – April 2018
• Appendix A – Barn Plan, 5400 Head Nursery – April 2018
• Appendix B – Barn Budget, 5400 Head Nursery – April 2018 

Farrow Wean Barn

1600 Head Hog Farrow Wean 

• 2023 Cost Report, 1600 Head Farrow Wean
• Report – Construction Costs, 1600 Head Hog Farrow Wean Facility with Electronic Sow Feeding in Manitoba – updated April 2018
• Appendix A – Barn Plan, 1600 Head Hog Farrow Wean – updated April 2018
• Appendix B – Barn Budget, 1600 Head Hog Farrow Wean – updated April 2018

3200 Head Hog Farrow Wean

• 2023 Cost Report, 3200 Head Farrow Wean
• Report – Construction Costs, 3200 Head Hog Farrow Wean Facility with Electronic Sow Feeding in Manitoba – updated April 2018
• Appendix A – Barn Plan, 3200 Head Hog Farrow Wean – updated April 2018
• Appendix B – Barn Budget, 3200 Head Hog Farrow Wean – updated April 2018

Finisher Barn

2000 Head Hog Finisher

• 2023 Cost Report, 2000 Head Hog Finisher
• Report – Construction Costs, 2000 Head Hog Finishing Facility in Manitoba – June 2015
• Appendix A – Barn Plan, 2000 Head Hog Finisher Barn – June 2015
• Appendix B – Barn Budget, 2000 Head Hog Finisher Barn – June 2015

4000 Head Hog Finisher

• 2023 Cost Report, 4000 Head Hog Finisher
• Report – Construction Costs - 4000 Head Hog Finishing Facility in Manitoba – updated Jan 2017
• Appendix A – Barn Plan, 4000 Head Hog Finisher – updated Jan 2017
• Appendix B – Barn Budget, 4000 Head Hog Finisher – updated Jan 2017 

4000 Head Hog Finisher with Deep Pit Manure Storage

• Report – Construction Costs – 4000 Head Hog Deep Pit Finishing Facility in Manitoba – Feb 2017
• Appendix A – Barn Plan, 4000 Head Hog Finisher Deep Pit Manure Storage – Feb 2017
• Appendix B – Barn Budget, 4000 Head Hog Finisher Deep Pit Manure Storage – Feb 2017

Manitoba Hydro Interpretation of Classification of Livestock Barns for Electrical Code – Aug 2016

Contact: 

Grant Melnychuk
Director, Sustainable Development, Research, and Data Management