Case Bjorn Stale Bekkeheien Location Feeding

Who?

Bjørn Ståle Bekkeheien
Owner

Where?

Nærbø
Stavanger
Norway

About the farm

Farrowing operation
120 sows

Norwegian farmer boosts sow performance with FREEDA Location Feeding

Dry feeding upgrade leads to healthier sows, higher weaning weights, and improved farrowing results

On his farm in Nærbø, just 30 km south of Stavanger, Bjørn Ståle Bekkeheien manages a diverse operation with 120 sows in 7-week batch farrowing, alongside a herd of 40 dairy cows.

With strong focus on animal health and performance, Bekkeheien recently made a forward-thinking decision and chose to modernize his pig production facilities from the ground up.

“We previously had a Datamix wet feed system from 2003,” he explains.

In the summer of 2024, the farm was emptied of pigs and completely renovated - feed system and pen layout included.

For feeding, Bekkeheien made a forward-thinking decision and chose the FREEDA Location Feeding system, an automated solution designed for precision feeding of lactating sows.

“I was tired of wet feed and faulty fermentation in the facility,” he explains. “I quickly decided to switch to dry feed. I wanted a system that could be controlled on a curve, that allows multiple daily feedings, and is easy to manage, which is why I chose the FREEDA Location Feeding system.”

Precision feeding supports health and growth

With FREEDA, each sow receives fresh, small feed portions according to a pre-set feeding curve - helping to maximize feed intake during lactation.

This approach supports stronger milk production, improves sow body condition, and reduces the risk of post-farrowing complications.

“Everything has been a success, and the result is increasing. Now they have 15 piglets on average and milk like Holstein cows,” Bekkeheien says.

In modern pig production, especially with hyperprolific sows like the TN70 from Norsvin genetics and SPF herds, nutritional precision during lactation is key to maintaining sow energy balance, ensuring piglet vitality, and supporting efficient rebreeding.
For Bjørn Ståle Bekkeheien, achieving those goals meant leaving his old wet feeding system behind.

Less labor, more insight

FREEDA’s automated feeding not only improves consistency, it also frees up labor and reduces the need for manual adjustments or feed waste clean-up.
Bekkeheien notes a stark contrast between his former system and the new setup.

“Big difference from the old wet feed system.
The sows are healthy and eating well. No need for nursing sows or milk for the piglets.”

This level of health and performance translates directly to better output.

“I sell my piglets when they are 8.5 weeks old at 30 kg, and the last remaining piglets leave the house at 10 weeks old at 34 kg.”

Better performance, simpler management

In an industry where up to 70% of production costs are tied to feed, getting lactation nutrition right can be a game-changer.
By using a system that allows frequent feedings, real-time monitoring, and accurate delivery, Bekkeheien now has greater control, stronger results, and less daily hassle.

“TN70 + SPF and a good feeding system = success,” he says with a smile.