It was trouble right from the start. Pneumonia and other health problems plagued his herd. I went to crates because that's what we were supposed to do. I hated just being in the farrowing house. I couldn't look my sows in the eyes, and I didn't talk to them for 15 years.
Confinement is psychologically bad for both the animals and the operator.
Last winter, Frantzen decided to make things right again. His scraper system broke down in November, and he dreaded the expense and chore of fixing it. Even though his crates were in pretty good shape, the flooring and undersupports were nearly worn-out. Old-timers say basswood makes great pens because it's light but strong. A plywood creep roof holds two 100-watt light bulbs mounted in aluminum shades.