April 23, 2008

PIC to set up pig breeding facility in South Dakota
 

PIC's South Dakota pig facility, which could produce 60,000 breeding stock per year, is expected to finish construction by April 2009.

The facility is located in Mound City, Campbell County of South Dakota, and is estimated to have cost about US$16-18 million. Despite the expected finishing date, company officials are hoping to begin some operations by the end of the year.

In contrast to protests over a farrowing operation near Wagner, the Campbell County has so far showed support for the project.

The facility will comprise of five sites of 5 acres to 30 acres each, all within a few miles of each other. The facility, which would be bio-secured to prevent disease, is expected to run at full capacity by December 2009.

PIC plans to relocate its Kentucky operation to the Mound city facilities, as the former is able to handle only 1,500 sows.