TOOLS & TECHNOLOGY
Tools used with judgment
feeding and watering systems, ventilation and environmental controls, herd records and production software, animal-handling equipment, washing and biosecurity systems.
← Agricultural – Swine Herdsperson overview
01 · WHAT · PRODUCE PATH
What is the Agricultural – Swine Herdsperson trade?
Agricultural — Swine Herdsperson performs the following duties:
THE CORE OF THE WORK
Observe. Care. Record. Improve.
Agricultural — Swine Herdsperson performs the following duties:
Not every Agricultural – Swine Herdsperson performs every task. The mix changes with the employer, sector, workplace, equipment and level of responsibility.
- Reads and interprets Code of Practices, Swine Canadian Quality Assurance procedures, Agriculture Safety Audit Procedures, and veterinarian recommendations/prescriptions;
- Performs herd health and comfort maintenance;
- Performs breeding/gestation procedures;
- Performs farrowing procedures;
- Manages nursery stock;
- Performs manure management procedures;
- Operates and maintains farm systems, vehicles, and equipment;
- Operates and maintains farm mechanical equipment.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Understand the environment
strict biosecurity procedures; animal-care duties every day of the year; odour, dust and biological exposure; repetitive work requiring observation; health, welfare and emergency responsibilities.
SAFETY FIRST
Learn the hazards before the task
Training, supervision, safe procedures, appropriate PPE and stopping when conditions are uncertain are essential. Requirements vary by workplace and assignment.
STRENGTHS THAT GROW
Skill develops through practice.
animal observationbiosecurity disciplinerecord keepingcalm handlingconsistent care and follow-through
ADVANCED SPECIALIZATIONS
One trade can lead to very different work.
These are advanced work directions within or adjacent to Agricultural – Swine Herdsperson, not promises of separate credentials or pay. Requirements vary by employer, equipment, experience and any additional training or authorization.
Breeding and gestation
Reproductive records, breeding procedures, nutrition and sow condition.
Farrowing
Birth monitoring, newborn care, colostrum, fostering and sow welfare.
Nursery management
Weaning transitions, environment, nutrition, health and growth.
Grow-finish production
Feed conversion, environmental control, animal movement and market readiness.
Herd health and biosecurity
Disease prevention, observation, treatment protocols and controlled farm access.
Environmental and manure systems
Storage, handling, nutrient-management practices and equipment.
Production leadership
Barn supervisor, multi-site manager, quality-assurance lead or farm owner.
EVIDENCE BASE
Sources & verification
Regulated, numerical and time-sensitive claims link to the authority used. Accessed and reviewed August 25, 2026.
Skilled Trades Ontario — Agricultural – Swine Herdsperson ↗Official scope, duties, training and certificationGovernment of Canada Job Bank — Ontario wages ↗Ontario low, median and high employee wage benchmarkSkilled Trades Ontario — Start an apprenticeship ↗Eligibility, sponsors and registrationOntario — OYAP ↗High-school apprenticeship pathway
Why might this career fit me?