Hog barn workers can now access training videos on-line on topics such as farrowing, breeding and handling.
DNL Farms Ltd. launched the service in May to bring standardized training to barn staff, said Don Lidster, who with wife Nancy spent 20 years producing hogs on their farm near White Fox, Sask., before starting the training business.
In the past, most people learned farm work by following their parents’ example, he added. His system allows workers to access introductory training by video outside of the barn without involving supervisors.
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“The trainee gets a consistent picture,” he said. “It’s a way of making it easier to train staff.”
The Lidsters videotape scenes in various hog barns, demonstrating such methods as clipping teeth in piglets and teaching newborns to suckle.
DNL sees potential in applying the training videos to other industry sectors such as chemical applications and hopes to sell its videos worldwide to those with high-speed internet access.
Viewers can either pay to see a selection of 90 videos on a host of topics or buy the video for unlimited viewing on their computer.
Viewing time runs from three to 18 minutes depending on the subject, with prices ranging from $5 per view or $10 to $30 per video.
For more information, visit www.dnlfarmsltd.com.
