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As winter approaches, proper barn preparation is vital to maintaining the health and productivity of your livestock, particularly in swine facilities. Effective ventilation is key to controlling air quality and temperature. Conducting a ventilation audit before the season starts ensures your barn is ready to support healthy animals through the cold months. Our Minimum Ventilation Checklist provides an easy guide to help you stay ahead of winter challenges.

The Importance of Winter Check-Ups

Winter inspections of ventilation systems are essential, as they often operate at reduced capacities during the colder months, allowing for a minimal margin of error. If the ventilation is not functioning properly, it can lead to increased humidity and gas buildup, adversely affecting pig health. Regular maintenance checks are necessary to maintain effective airflow for livestock during winter. This includes checking for blockages, ensuring fans and inlets function properly, and evaluating overall performance.

Key Areas to Focus On

To prepare your barn for the winter season, consider focusing on three main elements: Fans, Inlets, and Heaters. Implementing thorough checks across these areas will enable you to efficiently manage air quality and temperature.

1. Fans: Regularly verify the performance of fans, including their RPM and physical condition. Dust accumulation can severely hinder efficiency, with a small amount decreasing airflow significantly. Maintaining clean exhaust fans enhances operational efficiency and the safety of the barn environment.
2. Inlets: Inspect inlets for any blockages or damage that could disrupt airflow and ensure they respond optimally to control inputs. Proper maintenance of inlets ensures they can freely open and close, maintaining adequate ventilation.
3. Heaters: When inspecting heaters, make sure all units turn on correctly and are free of dust. Verify that temperature probes are working and placed correctly. Also, ensure brooder emitters and box heaters are clean and free from debris or corrosion. Additionally, check that throttle valves are set properly and inspect tube heaters for any disconnections or problems with air intake and exhaust.

Building Considerations

Proper barn preparation encompasses more than just ventilation. Inspect the integrity of curtains, assess insulation needs, and seal any gaps around the walls to minimize heat loss. Additionally, ensure that soffits are clear to effectively withstand winter conditions.

Download the Checklist

Make barn preparation a priority this winter with our Minimum Ventilation Checklist. This practical resource provides a step-by-step guide to help you prepare your barn for colder weather.

Winter presents unique challenges, but a well-ventilated barn ensures healthier, more productive livestock. Don’t leave your barn unprepared—download the Minimum Ventilation Checklist today to ensure your ventilation system and equipment are ready for the cold months ahead!

Use this inspection checklist as a guide to prepare your swine facilities for winter weather.

Winter Inspection Checklist for Swine Facilities

1. Close soffit winter doors to avoid risking a snow filled attic. Inspect and clean open soffits.
2. Inspect curtains for rips and tears. Repair and replace as needed. Install bubble wrap insulation between curtain and bird wire for additional insulation.
3. Inspect bird wire and clean bin pads to keep birds from infecting the site.
4. Check the ventilation system. Fans and louvers should be cleaned to remove dust. Insert solid winter louvers or plastic to reduce drafting.  Test inlet actuators and cabling and inspect inlets.
5. Verify back up thermostat settings and test.
6. Check all pullies and winches on emergency curtains and grease. Ensure there is no memory in the winch cable or white rust and ensure the clickers on winch have been removed.
7. Verify all curtain drops are functional, drop cables in place, and perform a drop test.
8. Verify all pit fans are functional and clean interior housings and louvers.
9. Conduct heater maintenance and test gas lines for leaks.
10. Inspect Feed Bin lids to ensure that they close properly.
11. Evaluate winter rodent control protocols.
12. Drain and winterize cool cell systems and pumps.
13. Repair any leaky waterers or pipes. Insulate exposed pipes to avoid freezing.
14. Seal cracks and inspect for leaks around door jambs.
15. If a backup generator is present, verify it is serviced, has fuel with anti-gelling additive if using diesel, and test run it. Transfer power to ensure power transfers properly. Make sure all employees understand how to operate.
16. Verify all contact information in the alarm system is up to date.
17. Look for areas in the barn and attic that show moisture.
18. Remove snow promptly from roofs.
    1. 1. Use extreme caution when removing snow from roofs.
          1. Paint scraped away during removal will cause premature rusting.
          2. Screw heads which have been scraped off or screw holes which have become elongated can allow moisture to enter the attic.
       2. ALL ROOFS THAT HAVE HAD SNOW REMOVED IN THE WINTER SHOULD BE INSPECTED IN THE SPRING FOR SNOW REMOVAL AND STRUCTURAL DAMAGE. CHECK ENTIRE ROOF FOR ANY BACKED OUT OR LOOSE FASTENERS ON ROOF PANELS AND AT ROOF OVERLAP JOINTS.
19. Keep snow from drifting against sidewalls of the building.
20. Do not pile snow under or by eave.
21. Trusses and roof structure (Any Found issues below need to be promptly addressed).
    1. Check that ridge caps and eave inlets have closure strips.
    2. Check that all truss web members are vertical and are not broken or bowed.
    3. Check that trusses are in plane (Sitting vertical, not leaning or out of square to the connected walls and lateral braces).
    4. Check that all truss metal plates are intact and do not show any signs of stress (cracks, twisting, or pulling away from the lumber) or corrosion.
    5. Check for any roof leaks and water damaged purlins or truss members.
22. Inspect Loading Chutes, winches, hoists, and cables to ensure that they function properly and for structural integrity.

The use of bait stations improves the effectiveness of any rodent control program. Stations protect baits from rain and dirt, helping the rodenticides stay fresh and potent longer while providing security against access from children and pets. Bait stations also provide an environment where rats and mice feel secure when feeding on baits.

Rodents are creatures of habit and travel along established paths between their nests and food supply. They will not go out of their way to visit bait stations outside their normal traffic areas. Look for signs of rodent activity such as droppings, tracks and gnawing to locate pathways. Place mouse stations 10-13 feet apart as mice seldom venture more than 50 feet from their nests. Rats range much farther afield allowing station placement to be between 25 and 50 feet apart.

Do not use mouse stations when rats are present as the bigger rodents will gnaw through the thinner plastic and expose the baits. Consider using white colored bait stations for those locations on the south exposure of buildings. The interior temperature of black colored stations can increase by as much as 30° which may melt some bait formulations.

Securely fasten stations to walls or floors to prevent them from being moved out of the traffic pathway. Use tent stakes to anchor bait stations to the ground for exterior placement. T-style stations are very versatile in their applications. Nylon ties are used to fasten them to gate rails, rafters, and even feed pipes.

Check bait stations on a monthly basis as part of the routine barn maintenance program adding fresh bait as needed. Rodents will often refuse to eat spoiled or stale bait. Observe the condition of the stations themselves as plastic can become brittle, especially the lid hinge. Stations with rotating hinges will outlast models with thin bendable strips of plastic called living hinges. During periods of heavy infestation, it may be necessary to check daily to ensure an adequate supply of bait. Stations are available with clear lids to allow a visual check of bait levels without opening the lid.

It is important to be patient when dealing with rat infestations. Rats are suspicious of new objects in their territory, and it may be several weeks before they use a new bait station. Leave stations in place even after a heavy infestation is under control. Rats are more likely to enter bait stations that have become part of the "terrain" when baiting occurs in following seasons.

Go to bait stations for pricing and ordering information.  

Rodents aren't just a nuisance—they're a significant and costly threat to your profitability and biosecurity. With constant access to feed, water, and shelter, your pig or poultry facility is prime real estate for rats and mice.

BY THE NUMBERS: THE TRUE COST OF RODENTS
Adult rats consume about one ounce of feed daily, but contaminate enough to cause total losses of up to two ounces per day, 46 pounds annually. Mississippi State Extension, Controlling Rodents on the Poultry Farm.

• Each rat costs you: $4-$8+ annually in feed losses alone
• A 200-rat infestation costs: $800-$1,600/year just in feed
• Plus: Structural damage, fire risk, biosecurity threats, and poor feed conversion

The Real Cost of Doing Nothing
A single rat consumes and contaminates about 46 pounds of feed per year. Using soybean meal at $300–$360 per ton — consistent with outlooks farmdoc daily, Prospects for Swine Feed Costs in the Second Half of 2025— a 200-rat infestation in a 2,000-head hog operation could mean $1,400–$1,600 in feed losses annually.

Beyond feed, rodents compromise biosecurity by acting as disease vectors, moving contamination from external habitats directly into your clean zones.

• Signs but no sightings: 1-100 rodents
• Occasional nighttime sightings: 100-500 rodents
• Nightly sighting, some daytime: 500-1,000 rodents
• Multiple daytime sightings: Up to 5,000 rodents

Combine these estimates with trap captures and bait station monitoring for a more accurate picture.

With feed costs exceeding $300 per ton and heightened disease risk, proactive rodent control isn't optional—it's essential to protecting your investment. Learn more about rodenticides and bait stations.

Efficient livestock operations depend on durable flooring. Regular inspections of concrete slats and support beams are crucial for preventing costly replacements and maximizing the lifespan of your facility. Industry best practices recommend checking slats and beams after each cleaning cycle, with annual inspections for breeding and gestation facilities. This proactive approach helps identify developing issues before they necessitate immediate replacement.

When it comes to replacement, particular attention should be given to supporting beam integrity, as beam deterioration can lead to significant structural failures. Regular inspections should include examining both sides of support beams using a flashlight through slat openings. Look for developing cracks, particularly in areas above columns, as these can allow moisture penetration, leading to internal structural damage.

Key inspection points include:

• Surface wear patterns around feeders and waterers
• Cracks in individual slats
• Beam condition, especially near support points
• Bearing surface adequacy (At least 3” of bearing surface should be present on a column or end wall pocket)
• Signs of uneven slat positioning

Photo example of individual slat cracks to look for when evaluating slat condition. 

The financial implications of proper maintenance become apparent when considering complete replacement costs. Industry data suggests that once 40% of slats show physical damage, complete replacement becomes more cost-effective than individual replacements, as the labor costs for replacing a large percentage of slats can equal the total replacement cost.

Maintaining concrete slatted flooring requires attention to detail and regular inspections. Prompt action when concerning issues helps ensure optimal facility performance and longevity.

To schedule your slat inspection, contact Chad Grouwinkel at 515-368-2730. The Hog Slat Field Guide provides practical, step-by-step instructions and valuable insights into effectively maintaining your concrete slatted flooring to extend its lifespan and ensure the well-being of your livestock. Prioritize your flooring maintenance—protect your investment.

Being proactive and planning building inspections on a regular schedule could minimize the exposure to potential issues if found and promptly addressed prior to winter weather.

Use this inspection checklist as a guide to ready your swine facilities for winter weather.

1. Close soffit winter doors to avoid risking a snow filled attic. Inspect and clean open soffits.
2. Inspect curtains for rips and tears. Repair and replace as needed. Install bubble wrap insulation between curtain and bird wire for additional insulation.
3. Inspect bird wire and clean bin pads to keep birds from infecting the site.
4. Check the ventilation system. Fans and louvers should be cleaned to remove dust. Insert solid winter louvers or plastic to reduce drafting.  Test inlet actuators and cabling, and inspect inlets.
5. Verify back up thermostat settings and test.
6. Verify curtain drops work using thermostat not just unplugging the drop.
7. Check all pullies and winches on emergency curtains and grease. Ensure there is no memory in the winch cable or white rust and ensure the clickers on winch have been removed.
8. Verify all pit fans are functional and clean interior housings and louvers.
9. Conduct heater maintenance and test gas lines for leaks.
10. Inspect Feed Bin lids to ensure that they close properly.
11. Evaluate winter rodent control protocols.
12. Drain and winterize cool cell systems and pumps.
13. Repair any leaky waterers or pipes. Insulate exposed pipes to avoid freezing.
14. Seal cracks and inspect for leaks around door jambs.
15. If a backup generator is present, verify it is serviced, has fuel with anti-gelling additive if using diesel, and test run it. Transfer power to ensure power transfers properly. Make sure all employees understand how to operate.
16. Verify all curtain drops are functional, drop cables in place, and perform a drop test.
17. Verify all contact information in the alarm system is up to date.
18. Look for areas in the barn and attic that show moisture.
19. Verify all curtain drops are functional, drop cables in place, and perform a drop test.
20. Verify all contact information in the alarm system is up to date.
21. Look for areas in the barn and attic that show moisture.
22. Remove snow promptly from roofs.
    • • Use extreme caution when removing snow from roofs.
        1. Paint scraped away during removal will cause premature rusting.
        2. Screw heads which have been scraped off or screw holes which have become elongated can allow moisture to enter the attic.
      • ALL ROOFS THAT HAVE HAD SNOW REMOVED IN THE WINTER SHOULD BE INSPECTED IN THE SPRING FOR SNOW REMOVAL AND STRUCTURAL DAMAGE. CHECK ENTIRE ROOF FOR ANY BACKED OUT OR LOOSE FASTENERS ON ROOF PANELS AND AT ROOF OVERLAP JOINTS.
23. Keep snow from drifting against sidewalls of the building.
24. Do not pile snow under or by eave.
25. Trusses and roof structure (Any Found issues below need to be promptly addressed).
    1. Check that ridge caps and eave inlets have closure strips.
    2. Check that all truss web members are vertical and are not broken or bowed.
    3. Check that trusses are in plane (Sitting vertical, not leaning or out of square to the connected walls and lateral braces).
    4. Check that all truss metal plates are intact and do not show any signs of stress (cracks, twisting, or pulling away from the lumber) or corrosion.
    5. Check for any roof leaks and water damaged purlins or truss members.

The pork industry is constantly evolving, with producers seeking innovative solutions to enhance their facilities and optimize production. Renovating existing barns is a practical and cost-effective way to meet the changing needs of a farm. This remodel offers a glimpse into how a traditional farrowing barn was converted into a modern pig nursery using Hog Slat’s manufactured plastic flooring.

The Original Barn:
The barn originally consisted of seven farrowing rooms, each measuring 22' x 60' and containing 24 farrowing crates. While this design served its purpose, the farm needed a space that could better accommodate its growing operation.


(Photo of 22'x60' room once used for farrowing)

Strategic Remodeling: Optimizing Space
To create a more efficient layout, the center wall between two of the farrowing rooms was removed, expanding the space into three larger nursery rooms (44' x 60') and one smaller room (22' x 60'). This change allowed the remodeled nursery to house up to 800 pigs in the larger rooms and 400 pigs in the smaller one. By allocating 3 square feet of usable space per pig, the design maximizes the area effectively.

(Photo of wall removed, opening floor plan for nursery)

Installing Hog Slat Plastic Flooring
The remodeled nursery was equipped with Hog Slat plastic flooring, a durable and easy-to-clean solution designed for nursery barns. Manufactured at Hog Slat’s facility in North Carolina, our ability to produce the flooring in-house gives us control over both the quality and consistency of the product, ensuring it meets the needs of modern pork operations.

(Hog Slat plastic nursery flooring installed)

Why Hog Slat Plastic Flooring?
Hog Slat plastic flooring offers several advantages:

• Simple Installation: The flooring’s interlocking tab system simplifies installation and enables wider spans with fewer support beams, resulting in cost savings for the producer.
• Durability You Can Trust: Designed to withstand the demands of a pig nursery barn, Hog Slat flooring provides lasting performance, helping producers minimize long-term replacement costs.
• Easy to Clean: With a smooth, self-cleaning surface, Hog Slat flooring makes barn maintenance easy, reducing downtime and promoting a healthy environment for the pigs.
• Optimal Traction: Featuring a textured surface and 3/8" slots, the flooring provides excellent traction, ensuring the pigs' safety as they move around the space.

Ready to start your own remodel? Contact Hog Slat today to discuss your project with one of our knowledgeable representatives.

HS/GPE/ESPS/SAS Sales Representatives Contact Information | Hog Slat

Concrete surfaces in agricultural environments are subjected to harsh conditions, including constant pig traffic and exposure to corrosive acids. These conditions can lead to cracks, spalling, and deterioration, compromising the safety and functionality of facilities. Vantek's V-Gard system offers an advanced concrete restoration and protection solution for these challenges.

Why Concrete Restoration is Essential

Concrete in agricultural settings, especially around wet/dry feeders and high-traffic areas, is prone to rapid wear due to constant exposure to moisture, feed contents, or a combination of both. Damaged concrete can result in safety hazards, increased maintenance costs, and potentially costly repair downtime. 

Restoring and protecting concrete with V-Gard not only addresses these issues but also extends the life of floors, saving time and money in the long run. With a life expectancy of over ten years, V-Gard outlasts other solutions, making it a wise investment for any agricultural operation.

The V-Gard Solution: Versatile and Durable

V-Gard is a versatile system designed to meet the specific challenges of agricultural concrete restoration. Whether needing an overlay, sealer, crack repair, or protective coating, V-Gard can handle it all. Its flexibility in application makes it ideal for various settings, from high-traffic slat floors to non-slip flooring in animal housing areas.

Engineered to withstand the harshest conditions, including acids and continuous pig traffic, V-Gard has demonstrated zero wear over extended periods, even in demanding environments, making it a reliable choice for farmers.

Application and Benefits of V-Gard

Applying the V-Gard system is straightforward. The process typically involves combining V-Gard epoxy with an admix to create a slurry that can be trowel-applied over the damaged surface. After broadcasting the selected aggregate to saturation over the wet slurry, the surface is left to cure, resulting in a robust, long-lasting finish.

For pig farmers, maintaining concrete surfaces ensures the safety and efficiency of the entire operation. Vantek's V-Gard system offers a comprehensive solution for restoring and protecting concrete, extending its life even in the most challenging conditions. With proven results and a straightforward application process, V-Gard is an essential tool for any farm looking to protect its investment in infrastructure.

Invest in V-Gard today to save your concrete's life before the cold weather sets in and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your floors are protected for the long haul. Visit any Hog Slat store or Concrete & Metal Repair | Hog Slat to learn more.