SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Oaklane Colony and John Wipf of Alexandria, SD was honored by the South Dakota Pork Producers Council (SDPPC) with the 2016 Pork All-American Award at the Master Pork Producers Banquet on Wednesday, January 11, 2017 during their 48th Annual Pork Congress in Sioux Falls.
Through the Pork All-American award, the South Dakota Pork Producers Council acknowledges pork producers or industry members who have established themselves as dedicated, involved business people and leaders in their communities.
The Colony “Oaklane Hutterian Brethern” are actively involved in the farrow to finish production of Norsvin swine with 1500 sows. They market about 40,000 head a year. As well as being Business Manager of the colony, John sits on numerous other colony boards. John has a lot of ideas for value added programs. His colony also has 7500 acres of crop land on which they raise corn and soybeans. They also raise cattle, turkeys and dairy. John and Sara are parents of eight children, Ramona; Matthew; Abraham; Kathryn; Sara; Debbie; Darlene; and Naomi.
Oaklane’s hog enterprise was started in 1979 as a 350 sow farrow to finish operation. In 1998 the farm completed an expansion project which included a new farrowing facility, gestation barn, new nursery wards and off-site finishers. The farm now has 1500 sows and sells over 40,000 market hogs per year.
Oaklane Hog Farm utilizes a “closed herd” system to manage and maintain high health animals. Since 2005 the farm has been marketing their hogs on an “All Natural and Antibiotic Free” program.
There are currently 16 barns onsite at Oaklane Colony. These barns are power ventilated with a pull plug manure system. The manure is taken by a lift station right from the barn and pushed a mile out to a storage pond.
Oaklane Colony is dedicated to doing the right thing, every time on their farm. One way they show this is through their PQA Plus® certifications. PQA Plus® is a voluntary certification program that demonstrates to consumers a farmer’s commitment to providing the best possible care for their animals. Consumers can also be assured that they are purchasing the highest quality, safest product possible from a farmer who cares about the well-being of animals. They also participate in the South Dakota DENR recorded audits and site inspections.
Manure management is a top priority for Wipf and his colony. The manure is treated with a pit additive to break down solids, reduce odor and improve overall nutrient value of the manure. A documented manure management plan is used which includes annual soil and manure sampling to determine the rate of application.
Oaklane Colony uses a state of the art computerized ventilation system in each of their barns around the farm. Outside and inside air conditions are monitored and controlled by a centralized computer.
Oaklane Colony has always believed they could have a site to be proud of and they continue to strive for excellence. After reviewing Wipf’s application and site pictures, they have really done an outstanding job and have an operation they truly can be proud of. Oaklane farm welcomes visitors and provides tours of the farm and livestock operations.
The South Dakota Pork Producers Council (SDPPC) was created in 1954 to responsibly serve, support and enhance the success of the South Dakota pork production industry. Along with managing industry issues and improving the image of the pork industry, the South Dakota Pork Producers Council works to insure a safe, wholesome product for the consumer’s confident consumption.
South Dakota’s pork producers have 170,000 sows and they produce 339,000 farrowings per year. South Dakota is ranked #11 in pork production and ranks #2 in pigs per sow. South Dakota ranks 9th nationally in number of pigs born in the state. South Dakota’s pork industry contributes $2.1 billion overall economic impact of SD’s Swine Industry. Also, South Dakota pork industry contributes $17.4 million in total tax revenue.
— South Dakota Pork Producers Council
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