How generations of pig farming lead to sustainable solutions

Generational farming not only sustains agricultural productivity, but it also serves as a bridge between past wisdom and future innovation, ensuring the preservation of essential farming traditions, while also allowing for the adaptability needed to address modern challenges. This is certainly the case for the Spronk family of Minnesota. 

Spronk Brothers III, a multifaceted farm spanning generations in southwestern Minnesota, was established by brothers Gordon and Randy in 1993. Raising pigs has been a multi-generational family tradition for the Spronks, beginning in Europe before being brought to the United States by their ancestors.

“It’s a passion for what I do,” Randy Spronk said. “I don’t have an occupation. My life is what I do, and that’s this farm.”

Looking to move the farm into the next chapter of its existence, Randy and Gordon are in the process of transitioning the family business to the next generation of Spronks in agriculture, Randy’s son, Seth and his wife, Taylor, and Gordon’s daughter, Courtney, and her husband, Tyler.

Prioritizing pig welfare
In addition to the main swine enterprise, the Spronks also grow corn and soybeans, have their own feed mill and employ about 25 people, including feed mill staff, truck drivers and people who care for the pigs. The family is continuously expanding and upgrading, all while balancing sustainability and profitability on the farm. They have a computerized feed system where they can control both the quality and quantity of each one of the ingredients in the feed for their animals, thus maximizing the weight and health of each of the animals on their farm.

“Nothing makes me smile more than seeing a group of pigs sail through where the pig is healthy and growing well in the facility,” Seth said. “We’re giving them the best of absolutely everything we can to help them grow while they’re here with us at the farm.”