With all of the pressure on hog farmers to get sows out of gestation crates, perhaps they could learn something from dairy farmers.
Many dairy farmers are learning that paying attention to cow comfort puts more milk in the bulk tank and more money in the bank.
It also reduces stress, improves health and lowers costs.
Most dairy farmers have free-stall housing and they add to cow comfort by making sure the stalls are soft and dry - some even use air mattresses - and improving the footing in the area where cows walk free.
How about free-stall sow housing? It would enable hog farmers to keep their stalls, but they would have to open them up so sows could back out whenever they wish.
It might mean providing some space where sows can walk free, but that should cost a lot less than moving to penning.
Free-stall housing might also provide an escape for sows that are being bullied.
What's really required is the change in attitude that has gripped dairy farmers, a change to search for ways to improve cow comfort. So what do sows need to feel more comfortable?
And if hog farmers can find it, then they will also have taken the high moral ground from the vegans and activists who are exploiting ignorance to force their agendas on farmers.
