GREENFIELD, Ind. — On March 14, a small group of Chinese businessmen toured two central Indiana hog farms in an effort to learn more about modern pork production in the United States.

The Chinese delegates work in upper management for a large hog operation consisting of 100,000 sows in rural China.

The day tour on March 14 included stops at Arthur Gilt Farms, a PIC gilt multiplier unit south of Greenfield, Ind. and Foster Family Pork Farms, a farrow-to-finish operation near Knightstown, Ind.

For biosecurity purposes, visitors to each farm wore white, plastic Tyvek bodysuits to prevent any potential foreign animal disease viruses from being introduced to each herd. Each barn tour included walk-through of the farrowing (birthing) barn, gestation barn (breeding), nursery barn, growers and finishing barn as well as an explanation of modern technology elements such as automated feeders, cool cells, heated mats, flooring options, ventilation systems and manure management.

The tour was facilitated by representatives from Elanco Animal Health’s Asia division in Shanghai  and Dr. Doug Powers, of Veterinary Care and Consultation in Rushville, Ind.