Innovation

In 2016, Cronin Family Farms decided to take innovation even further than their previous loose sow housing farm, and to create a GAP standard barn. Their goal was to meet global GAP standards. To do so, they needed to look at the market around the world, but design the barn on their own because there was not another facility like the one they wanted to build. This innovation included group housing rather than the traditional crates, and where farrowing takes place has all solid floors with straw instead of typical slats. Straw bedding was used throughout the whole barn which is better for the well-being of animals.

Inspiration

This innovation emerged when consumer demand in the pork industry was increasing. Rising demand created awareness to find a sustainable and effective way to raise the pigs. Based on their own assumptions, they needed to determine where this business was headed. From the current consumer demand, there was a segment of individuals who wanted the pork to be raised a certain way. This gave an opportunity for them in the North American industry to establish their innovation of a GAP standard barn. They saw an opportunity for financial and innovation sustainability in North America. The purpose of the innovation was mainly to keep up with consumer demand, but also, Amy Cronin stated, “to incorporate innovation that will bring us into the future.” A bigger facility allowed Cronin Family Farms to meet the demands and serve a purpose to the industry. This innovation also had the intention to maintain sustainability and be relevant for the future to gain interest for the family to continue the business. Without the innovation, Cronin Family Farms would not be up to date on the farming industry and be less successful if they could not keep up with consumer demands.

Overall impact

The short-term effects are the business will evolve with their new opportunities. The farm is filled with machines and equipment that will break. When talking to Amy, it was said that they worked to design their own gating system. With new products there were some difficulties, but they are being fixed to make the operation run more smoothly. The company could experience some growing pains from all the expanding, whether it is from the owners' children taking the reins, or the capital that was used to build the new barn. In the short term, there were more jobs created both in the construction of the barn and now that it is built.

We have yet to see the long-term effects from all the new technology and innovation used on the farm. A barn does not last forever. The farm will run well for the first couple of years, but in the long term there will be more repairs to be done to keep the barn in good condition. Amy states, “We can hope that it makes our farm an industry leader over the next few years.” Cronin Family Farms is still growing, and from the sounds of it, they are not planning on slowing down. They will continue to grow and innovate to maintain a strong driven business. It is predicted that what has been done today will change the way pork is farmed forever. As stated by Amy Cronin, “their innovation has sparked a lot of interest to get more people thinking.” The demand of their consumers has been met, as the company is now producing more than ever thanks to all the new changes that have taken place.

Business benefit

The new project created some business benefits. First, they got to “learn about the cash flow.” Although they had calculated all of the numbers, the business has had a bumpy start. They have not yet reached the numbers they want for animals out the door, which leads to a lower revenue than expected. The new operation gave them the opportunity to hire 17 more employees, and they still don’t know if that will be enough. They are getting the job done with the employees they have, but would like to hire more to decrease hours worked in a day.

This GAP standard is not a new market, but it is the first large-scale operation. Cronin Family Farms is looking to improve financially with the numbers rising. The new project allowed them to “involve in the hog industry with a bright future.” It helps to prepare the future of this industry. Cronin Family Farms is made of 11 different corporations, which means it will have more business benefits in the future. This is also a huge benefit when compared with other companies. Their diversified portfolio allows them to have more potential for business growth in the future. Cronin Family Farms cares not only about their business, but also their animals and their employees. They try to give their animals and workers a better place to be in. They stated that, “it’s really important for them to think about the well-being of their people, and be able to prevent injuries, and give them a better place to work.”

Social and environmental benefit

The innovation will have a great impact on society. First, the innovations and improvements will help the 140 employees, making their lives easier or even adding more jobs as the farm expands. The affordable housing project will benefit hundreds of people who can live in new, safe, and affordable homes. The more their farm is expanded, the more food they will be able to produce, therefore helping feed more people, which will help with the growing population. “We have paved the way for many other farms with our gap standard farm.” “We give consumers choice at the grocery store.” These new farm operations, although they are using all new technology, they require more physical labour. The employees must do the typical farm chores, but they also have to clean straw from pens and the alleyways. This innovation gave more jobs while creating a niche product for the consumers.

The farm helps the environment by adding more organic matter to their soil and by not using any pesticides or fertilizers, which are very bad for the environment and the world. Amy Cronin mentions how they are improving their environmental impact. “We are adding more organic spread on our fields.” The new barn and homes will be more energy efficient and will use less energy and will have less waste.

Interview

Amy Cronin, Co-President