MOUNT VERNON - A 5,000-sow swine operation is set to open south of Mount Vernon.

The Mitchell Daily Republic reports that hundreds toured the Jackrabbit Family Farm facility, where the sows will produce about 125,000 pigs a year to be sold to and raised by area farmers.

The facility will be populated with animals in about two weeks.

U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem says such production facilities will keep families on the state's farms and will continue providing for the nation's food supply.

The swine operation is owned by farmer investors and will be managed by the Pipestone System, of Pipestone, Minn.

Pipestone Chairman of the Board Gordon Spronk says the Jackrabbit operation is the latest and most technically advanced of the production facilities his company has produced over a 25-year period.

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