A new online learning platform is modernizing how swine operations across Canada train and manage barn staff. The PigLEARN platform, developed by the Canadian Pork Council (CPC), provides swine producers with a centralized system to deliver structured training, certify learning progress, and document compliance across their workforce.
Officially launched in March, PigLEARN was designed to meet the growing need for standardized onboarding, biosecurity preparedness, and continuous education across swine production systems. The platform currently includes 86 industry-developed training modules, with an additional 10 modules soon to be added.
A Game Changer for Workforce Development
According to Mark Fynn, Training Resources Coordinator with the CPC, PigLEARN functions as a full learning management system (LMS) tailored specifically to the swine industry. It enables employees to log in, access modules, and complete training online, while managers can assign modules, schedule completion timelines, and track progress in real time.
Key training areas include:
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Barn entry and biosecurity protocols
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Pig handling and welfare
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Group sow housing management
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Preparing pigs for transport
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Sow barn management and care best practices
“PigLEARN equips new and existing workers with a strong foundation before stepping into the barn,” Fynn explains. “This isn’t just about compliance – it’s about building confidence, improving animal care, and elevating overall barn performance.”
Customizable for Any Operation
One of the platform’s biggest advantages is flexibility. Individual producers can use CPC’s pre-built content, while larger companies can upload their own modules, training videos, and SOPs. Managers are also able to:
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Create user groups (by barn or role)
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Assign training schedules
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Track completion records
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Demonstrate compliance for audits or certification programs
This helps streamline onboarding, improves employee retention, and ensures consistent training delivery across multiple sites or barns.
Driving Professionalism and Accountability in the Barn
As the industry faces labor shortages and a growing reliance on new barn workers, PigLEARN provides a scalable solution to bring staff up to speed quickly while maintaining national standards for pig care and production efficiency.
The platform will be showcased during the upcoming Saskatchewan Pork Industry Symposium, November 4–5 in Saskatoon, where producers will have the opportunity to see it in action and explore implementation strategies.
How to Get Started
Producers interested in using the PigLEARN platform are encouraged to connect with their provincial pork organization to obtain access and onboarding support.
PigLEARN represents a major step forward in training innovation—delivering modern tools to meet the evolving needs of today’s swine industry.
