page_title: Risk assessment for organic swine health
section_title: Hoop house/ traditional barn system
hierarchical_section_title: Risk assessment for organic swine health / Common organic swine housing / Hoop house/ traditional barn system
caption_attribution_description: Organic Swine System in Iowa
context_page_description: Given the variety of diseases prevalent in swine production, both in the United States and abroad, it is important to understand the risks associated with organic swine production. Overall numbers for certified organic livestock remain low compared to the overall U.S. swine numbers, with approximately 12,000 animals in 2011. However, since 1992, stocks have increased dramatically, with an annual growth rate of 20 percent in total U.S. organic stock. Additionally, there are thousands of non-certified organic swine herds which are not accounted in official statistics, but where farmers still use organic production practices. Consumer demand, stemming from the larger organic agriculture movement has helped spurred growth in this industry. The overall segment, although minuscule compared to the conventional national average, still represents a strong and growing segment in U.S. pork production. The definition of organic swine according to the USDA National Organic Program, is largely unchanged:
context_section_description: Simple structures originally developed in Canada, built at low cost, approximately a $4 (USD) reduction per pig. These structures allow for low-odor, high ventilation, but in colder temperate zones, hoop buildings present challenges for producers to overcome, including proper bedding and disease management. They are used by organic and conventional producers alike to manage large fluctuations of pig flow numbers for larger systems. Traditional barn structures, with access to both indoor and outdoor environments are also common systems for producers.
caption: Swine system with both indoor and outdoor access located on an Iowa organic farm
exif: {}