FAST™ Adds Value to Grower's Services

			Allen Kos

Allen Kos, Kalona, IA, just wrapped construction on a 2,000-head FAST™ barn. Kos is a custom grower for Brenneman Pork, Washington, IA. Pigs were moved into the new facility after an open house held August 21, 2002. Kos has raised hogs for 33 years and has been contracting with Brenneman for the past year using an older, 25-head-per-pen, traditional-style facility.

			Farmweld Owner and President Frank Brummer (l); Claude Greiner, president of Precision Structures, Inc.; and grower Allen Kos.

Kos says he sees FAST as a tool to add value to his service because automatic sorting will allow Brenneman to sell heavier pigs without going over packer weight limits. “The key is helping Rob get as many pigs in the ‘sweet zone’ as possible,” says Kos. “We have to work together and help our producers like Rob be as efficient as they can be so they can remain profitable. I think this system makes this barn more competitive and valuable than a traditional barn.”