Iowa Select Farms

Positive pressure ventilation for pig farm: a game changer for hog health, efficiency, and sustainability

Iowa Select Farms, founded in 1976 by Jeff and Deb Hansen, has grown into the fourth-largest pork producer in the United States. In 2013, the company partnered with a leading ventilation technology provider to implement a positive pressure ventilation system. This system has since proven to be a game-changer for improving biosecurity, health, and efficiency.

The challenge: mitigating porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS)

Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) is a significant threat to hog farmers. An outbreak can cost up to $225 per animal, with annual industry-wide costs in the United States alone estimated at $664 million. As a proactive organization, Iowa Select Farms was determined to find an innovative solution to protect its herd of 242,500 sows across 48 farms. The company was looking for a cost-effective way to enhance biosecurity and reduce the risk of PRRS outbreaks.

The solution: retrofitting with positive pressure ventilation

To combat disease spread, Iowa Select Farms partnered with us, a pioneer in positive pressure ventilation for pig farms. The company chose to retrofit 30 existing sow farms and 10 gilt developer units with this technology. This decision cut costs by 50% compared to new construction.

The system works by creating a pressurized environment inside the barns. In the summer, a filter wall removes pathogens from outdoor air before it moves through an evaporative cooling wall. Fans then pressurize the building’s attics with this filtered, cooled air. Inlets regulate airflow, while backdraft shutters prevent pressure drops during windy conditions. This top-down ventilation system also minimizes condensation. It prevents unfiltered air from entering through small cracks, a common problem with negative pressure systems.

The results: improved herd health, productivity, and sustainability

The implementation of the new ventilation system has yielded significant benefits for Iowa Select Farms:

• Better working conditions: employees report a healthier and more comfortable work environment, and the herd is easier to manage.
• Improved herd health: the system has prevented eight times more PRRS outbreaks and has improved the health of over 300,000 sows.
• Increased productivity: pig production has increased by 25%, while pre-wean mortality has been reduced by 19%.
• Cost and energy savings: by retrofitting existing structures, the company saved 50% in construction costs. Additionally, the new motors with electronically commutated (EC) technology deliver 40% in electricity savings, reducing both operational costs and environmental impact.

Learn more: transform your farm’s biosecurity and performance

By adopting this innovative positive pressure ventilation system, Iowa Select Farms has set a new standard for biosecurity and performance in the pork industry. The success of this project demonstrates how a proactive approach and a commitment to new technology can lead to significant improvements in herd health, productivity, and sustainability.

Ready to see how a similar solution can transform your operations? Contact us today to learn more about our ventilation systems and how we can help you achieve similar results.