A unique interdisciplinary group is studying the effects of a different structure used mainly to raise hogs.

The group, known as the “Hoop Group,” includes people within the agriculture sciences, economists, sociologists and various other kinds of scientists, said Clare Hinrichs, associate professor of sociology.

Hoop structures are a kind of low-cost shed. The word “hoop” is used in reference to half-circle steel hoops that make up the frame. The roof is made of canvas, said Jay Harmon, associate professor of agricultural and bio-systems engineering and a member of the group.

Hoop structures have gained popularity since they were introduced in Iowa in the late 1990s, said Mark Honeyman, associate professor of animal science.

The popularity of these buildings has been due in part to the versatility of hoops structures. “Farmers can use [the structures] for other things, like storing hay or machines,” Honeyman said.

The low upfront cost of hoop structures is also drawing farmers, particularly small scale farmers, to use these structures, Harmon said.

Harmon said it costs about $55 to $60 per animal crop, or pack of pigs, to build a hoop structure, as compared to $160 to $180 per animal crop in a confinement structure, like a barn.

The cost is the main reason smaller-scale farmers have shown such interest in hoop structures, Harmon said.

He said there are also environmental benefits to hoop structures. Since there is more fresh air in a hoop structure, the smell of hog farms is not as much of a concern, Harmon said.

There is bedding in the hoop structure and the animal’s manure gets mixed in with the bedding, causing the manure to be handled as a solid, he said.

Hinrichs said this may decrease worries over manure runoff affecting water quality.

There may also be social benefits to hogs from hoop structures, Hinrichs said.

Farmers are finding the happiness of their hogs increases with the use of hoop structures, she said. Hoop structures allow them to be social and romp in the bedding provided. This makes farmers feel better abut the morality of raising hogs, she said.

Within farm families, Hinrichs said there have been indication that farmers are counseling their teenagers about the difficulties of the business of farming, and they should leave the farming business.

“Hoop farmers feel that this model is one they can recommend to their children,” Hinrichs said. She said one reason for this is there are potential opportunities to become involved in niche farming.

Niche farmers often can raise hogs at a premium. Natural pork — pork that is raised outdoors — is becoming popular with conscientious consumers, Honeyman said.

Hinrichs said Iowa State is a leader in research on hoop structures. “We started it first and are looked to by other states that have swine industries,” she said. “We are considered the authority [because of our] comprehensive collaboration between agricultural scientists and social scientists.”