• Reading and interpreting hog documentation, feed sheets, feeding guides, government regulations, and nutritionist or veterinarian prescriptions
• Gaining and putting into practice strong knowledge of safety and sanitary procedures for animals, machinery, chemicals, and pesticides
• Ensuring swine health and comfort are maintained by treating swine health problems, monitoring feeding conditions, maintaining barn, selecting replacement stock, and overseeing breeding program
• Planning and preparing for finishing of hogs by preparing and maintaining site and following finishing procedures
• Performing manure management procedures by removing, storing, and spreading manure; understanding and remaining in compliance with biosecurity and environmental issues and regulations
• Managing nursery stock by handling piglets to and from nursery, completing nursery documentation, and communicating with co-workers to ensure nursery is maintained with required feed, medications, and tools
• Safely operating and maintaining farm systems, vehicles, equipment, and farm machinery
• Planning and preparing for farrowing; reading and interpreting farm records to identify goals, requirements, and number of pigs to be weaned

• Secondary school diploma with math, science, and English credits; Agricultural Specialist High Skills Major program may be asset
• While not mandatory, completion of a 6,000-hour apprenticeship, including a combination of on-the-job and in-school training, is recommended

• Employment opportunities linked to agricultural industry trends
• Potential jobs include swine herdsperson, supervisory positions like breeding manager or farrowing manager, or in various Ontario pork industry positions (breeding technician, pharmaceutical representative, swine research technician)
• Herdspersons may find work with family farms or corporate entities

Apprentice wage increases with skill and experience. Fully qualified workers earn an average of $20.00-$29.00 per hour. 

Agriculture - Swine Herdsperson (640S)

If you checked YES to the majority of these questions, a career as an Agriculture - Swine Herdsperson (640S) may be for you!

You might want to look at these similar trades as well;

• Farm Supervisor
• Nursery Stock Manager
• Agricultural Service Contractor
• Dairy Herdsperson
• Horse Groomer
• Veterinary Assistant