96 new steel and galvanized-coated pens, housing 192 hogs, will replace 46 existing pens in Swine Barn 27 for the 2010 fair.  The new pens will accommodate exhibits currently housed in Swine-Sheep Barn 26, and those using existing center pens of Swine Barn 27.  The pen project was approved by the BCYF Board, who agreed to support the project with $6,500 to be paid back in 12-18 months.  The project design phase is complete with set-up and manufacturing expected to begin December, 2009.

The South Bend Ironworkers Local 292 Apprentice Program will design the jig and manufacture the pens.  The Ironworks will supply the labor, steel cutting and welding materials at no-cost to the barn.  The value exceeds $10,277. Builders Iron Works, Inc. has agreed to supply steel at the “educational rate”.  Miller Welding is supplying welding materials and AZZ Witt Galvanizing will do the coating at a reduced cost.  The project budget includes a central tack area in Swine-Sheep Barn 26 and an improved office-entry area in Swine Barn 27.

Each pen allows for 15 sq. ft. per pig and can accommodate 2 pigs per unit. A 4’ aisle separates 2 batteries of pen sets for the length of the barn.  The new configuration provides 3 aisles as compared to the original 2. Each pen set can be further divided by removing a center panel to create a larger pen for clubs and/or farm families.  Additional foot-traffic aisle ways can be created at any pen battery by removing 2 pen sets.  This option allows fairgoers and exhibitors to move through the barn from north to south without walking the length of the barn.  By removing panels, no matter what the number of hogs, the ban will always look full.  The uniform pens are interchangeable and easy to handle and store.  An estimated set-up time of 3 hours rivals the 9 hours currently needed to prepare the barn for exhibition.

Total cost of the project is approximately $27,165.

Contributions by grants and donations needed, is $11,130.

Additional monies received will go toward a central watering system and/or new pens for the Swine-Sheep Barn.  Your donation is tax deductible, and greatly appreciated.

For levels of donations, download a form.

For the pen layout, download a CAD layout.