Located on Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) Meadowbrook Farm in Richmond, Kentucky, lies one of EKU’s most unique and valuable teaching resources — the EKU Swine Unit. This hands-on learning facility is more than just a barn full of pigs; it’s a living laboratory where students gain real-world experience in animal science, agriculture, and sustainable farming practices.
Established in 1974, Meadowbrook Farm serves as the working laboratory for EKU’s Department of Agriculture, covering more than 1,100 acres and housing a variety of livestock including dairy cattle, beef cattle, sheep, poultry, and of course, hogs. The Swine Unit plays a vital role in educating EKU students. From their first year, agriculture students are immersed in hands-on learning opportunities.
“The EKU Swine Unit is a farrow-to-finish operation, meaning it encompasses all stages of pig production — from birth to market weight. Spread across several specialized barns, the unit allows students to witness and participate in every step of swine husbandry. The practical experiences the students gain are not just beneficial — they’re essential. Students leave EKU with skills that prepare them for careers in animal agriculture, graduate programs or veterinary school,” said Dr. Andrea Sexten, chair of the Department of Agriculture.
The facility consists of several distinct, climate-controlled areas designed for efficient pig management and sustainability. The Gestation Barn accommodates up to 40 sows in open group pens, boar pens and a few remaining gestation crates used for safe restraint during breeding or medical care.
The Farrowing Barn houses 12 sows during birthing, using modern farrowing crates to ensure piglet safety and comfort. After weaning, piglets move to the Nursery Barn, where they stay until they reach 50 pounds, supported by climate control and effective waste management. From there, they are transferred to the Growing/Finishing Barn, which contains 10 pens equipped with Smidley feeders and a new watering system installed in 2024, allowing pigs to grow up to 350 pounds.
All barns feature efficient manure management systems aligned with the farm’s sustainability goals, and concrete walkways connect the buildings to ensure safe and efficient pig handling and movement.
According to Animal Science faculty Dr. Jessica Kenealy, “The Swine Unit is also a hub for undergraduate research. Students have conducted feeding trials, studied pig behavior and explored the impact of environmental enrichment on animal welfare. Notably, former McNair Scholar Che’z Tye completed a research project examining behavioral differences in pigs exposed to varying enrichments — a testament to the unit’s value in supporting academic exploration.”
In 2023, a new initiative took shape — “Educated Pork” — a collaboration between the Department of Agriculture, Meadowbrook Farm, the Office of Sustainability and EKU Dining that brings pork raised at the Swine Unit directly to EKU’s campus dining facilities. Meadowbrook Assistant Farm Manager, Brandon Davidson points out, “This program ensures students are not only learning where their food comes from, but are also participating in its production.” Finished hogs are processed at USDA-inspected facilities and returned as high-quality pork served in Case Dining Hall. The project has since expanded to community sales, allowing locals to purchase finished hogs either directly or through coordinated processing dates.
In 2024, EKU became a member of the Kentucky Pork Producers Association, solidifying its commitment to advancing swine education and supporting Kentucky’s pork industry. The EKU Swine Unit continues to grow, both in scope and in vision, with plans to make the finishing floor functional year-round. Animal Science faculty member Dr. Barbara Jones has expanded educational opportunities for students through industry partnerships, keeping the unit at the forefront of agricultural education in the region.
“Whether you’re a prospective student, community member or an agricultural enthusiast, the EKU Swine Unit is a shining example of how innovation, education and sustainability can come together — one piglet at a time,” Dr. Sexten said. For more information or to schedule a visit, contact EKU’s Department of Agriculture at agriculture@eku.edu or 859-622-2228 or Meadowbrook Farm at meadowbrook@eku.edu or 859-622-9002.