Larnet Hogs

Larnet Hogs is the female genetic nucleus in North America for TOPIGS, a breeding stock company with its home base in the Netherlands. Larry and Jan Podhordeski started Larnet Hogs in 1980 as a family run 65 sow farrow to finish hog operation located north of Saskatoon. The sow base increased over time to 350 sows, and Larnet changed from farrow to finish production to farrow to feeder pig production. Labor was initially provided by the family, but as the herd size increased, more labor was hired.

In 1987 Larnet depopulated to allow the herd to become high-health. In 1999 another de-population and a change in genetics increased the health to SPF status (specific pathogen free). This health status allows Larnet to export breeding stock world wide.The nucleus work that Larnet does involves gathering and processing data and facilitating genetic improvement. This improvement is done primarily through the breeding program, and can include the use of imported deep frozen semen. All breeding is done by artificial insemination, and semen is collected and processed on site. Each animal born is given an individual tattoo and is followed closely from birth to the time of removal from the farm, either as breeding stock or as a market animal. Male piglets are sold as feeder pigs at 22kgs, with the exception of those that are potential breeding stock. Larnet Hogs currently employs 10 people at three sites. Jobs include breeding technicians, farrowing technicians, nursery/ grower barn technician, gilt rearing manager, lab technician, pressure washer, boar training, semen collection, maintenance, livestock trucking, data entry and management.

Don Kolla, current shareholder and General Manager of Cudworth Pork Investors Group (CPIG) has been active within the hog industry for thirty-two years.

I became interested in pork growing up on my parent’s farm. I obtained a B.S.A. from the University of Saskatchewan with a major in Animal Science. Working briefly for a feed company I was able to see numerous operations and noted what worked well in various facilities. I returned to the family farm with the intention of building a one hundred sow farrow to finish operation. This was large for 1975.

I chose pork production as it was a good combination alongside of grain farming and I believed it to be economically viable. I operated this barn until the late 1980’s when we made a decision to expand to one hundred and fifty sows farrow to finish. In the nineties the grain industry was in a down turn resulting in a number of local grain farmers approaching me about getting into hogs as a way to market their grain. I proposed we pool our finances and build a six hundred-sow farrow to finish barn. A group of investors were interested and we built CPIG’s first barn. Three years later we expanded to twelve hundred sows.

There has been a gradual change within the industry over the years from a large number of small family owned operations to fewer producers and larger barns often with several owners or shareholders. I have gone from doing the hands on day to day work of looking after the pigs to managing a business where I spend time in marketing, human resource management, purchasing grains and inventory control as well as labor standards and occupational health and safety and bio-security. I have gone from using a “honey wagon” to presently working on how to get value added manure management through the use of a bio-digester. I have found the pork industry has been both challenging and financially rewarding.

Our Mission "To be the Canadian leader in efficient production of pork in a socially-responsible manner.

''Our Goals" To maintain highly productive units performing in the top 10% of industry.To be known as a great place to work.To be producing two million market hogs by the year 2008."

Our History Big Sky Farms entered the hog production market in 1995 with a clear objective: To own and operate fully modern, farrow-to-finish hog production facilities in Saskatchewan using the most advanced production methods available. Simply stated, Big Sky's commitment is to produce the highest quality pork in an environmentally sustainable way for consumers around the world. Big Sky has its feet firmly planted in Saskatchewan soil – its beginnings trace back to the Possberg family farm started in 1975. A firm commitment to Saskatchewan is an integral part of the Big Sky philosophy. Big Sky was founded, and continues to be managed, by four Saskatchewan businessmen who together have more than 60 years experience in the hog industry. Big Sky's ambitious program will translate into more jobs and much needed economic growth in rural Saskatchewan.

Fast Genetics is a leader in the pig genetics business. Our business has grown significantly over the years with the recognition that the company offers a very health y source of productive and prolific breeding stock.   Let’s look back on our history.

H&M Fast Farms Inc. began in 1982 as a family-owned company with Dr. Harold Fast and his wife Marjorie as the sole owners and operators.  After graduating from veterinary college at the W.C.V.M in Saskatoon, SK, Harold and Marjorie spent several years in private industry before choosing to return to the Fast roots in Spiritwood, SK to start a pig genetics company.  Spiritwood was a logical choice of location for a genetics company given its abundance of feed grains and natural isolation from other pig farms.  This separation from other pig farms still exists today allowing Fast Genetics to enjoy a bio - security advantage that is second to none.   

Fast Genetics owns 3700 sows in genetic nucleus and multiplication production in Saskatchewan.  Our genetics are incorporated into sow herds and market hogs throughout Canada, the United States and Mexico.  We have a fantastic staff of enthusiastic people.  As we grow, it is important to reflect on our history.  Hopefully you will agree and will gain an appreciation for what we are all about and have further assurance that our genetic program is built on a solid foundation and a sustainable future.

In 2001 the Fast family sold part of its interest in the business to Hytek Ltd. of LaBroquerie, Manitoba.  Hytek is a pig production company that is well respected throughout North America and is now one of the largest pork producer s in Canada. Ownership has continued to evolve since 2001 but the foundation and values of the company continue to remain solid with a strong focus on a profitable commercial customer.

From the onset, Fast Genetics has paid particular attention to the health and vigor of their nucleus herd.  The herd’s origin is from cesarean derived piglets reared on evaporated milk. They have consistently maintained an exemplary health status with records which indicate an absence of  the major health concerns since 1982.

Fast Genetics' nucleus herds , located in north ern Saskatchewan, continue to maintain closed herd s in isolation from other intensive hog production units.  The introduction of herd improvements are by embryo transfer which is considered the safest and most advanced way of moving pig genetics in a biosecure manner.

The in-house breeding program provides the optimum selection of genetic traits and characteristics reflective of the BLUP selection technique.  The Fast Genetic lines reflect consumer demands tailored to commercial producers’ competitive needs.