What does a Agriculture - Swine Herdsperson (640S) do?

Swine Herdspersons carry out feeding, health, and breeding programs on hog farms, and may also supervise general farm workers. They are responsible for maintaining livestock performance records and performing all hog-producing work, including selection, breeding, feeding, and medicating the animals.

Job Related Skills, Interests and Values

  • 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

What Preparation and Training Do You Need?

  • 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

What's Your Future as a Agriculture - Swine Herdsperson (640S)?

  • 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

Wage Rate

Apprentice wage increases with skill and experience. Fully qualified workers average $16.00 per hour, excluding overtime.

Self-Rating

Agriculture - Swine Herdsperson (640S)

Ask Yourself: Yes No
Do you have good hand-eye coordination?
Are you able to work indoors and outdoors? Are you comfortable working at all heights?
Do you enjoy working with animals?
Are you able to follow Health & Safety guidelines?
Are you able to lift more than 50lbs? Are you able to stand or sit for long periods of time?
Are you detail-oriented and good with colours? Do you have the ability to work closely with others?
Are you self-motivated and able to work with minimal supervision? Can you work independently?


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

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