By Blake Jackson
Penn Vet’s Swine Teaching and Research Center at New Bolton Center in Chester County, Pennsylvania, is celebrating its 25th anniversary, marking a quarter-century of contributions to student education, animal welfare, and advancements in the swine industry.
According to Rita Giordano of Penn Vet, the Center has inspired countless careers and played a significant role in shaping modern livestock management practices.
Since its founding, the facility has emphasized the ethical treatment of food animals. Its influence has extended beyond education and research to the broader agricultural community.
Today, approximately 80% of Pennsylvania’s sows are housed in open-pen systems rather than traditional gestation crates, a shift that industry leaders attribute in part to the Center’s work and advocacy.
The Swine Teaching and Research Center was established by Thomas Parsons, whose family has farmed for 10 generations. After being recruited from a research position in Germany, Parsons envisioned a modern swine facility that incorporated animal welfare practices widely used in Europe but not yet common in the United States.
Supported by then-Dean Alan M. Kelly, the Center was created as a working farm and educational laboratory where students could gain hands-on experience while learning innovative approaches to livestock production.
Over the years, the Center has become recognized for promoting open-pen housing systems and electronic feeding technologies for gestating sows. It has also contributed valuable research in areas such as reproduction, toxicology, and disease management through the work of Gary Althouse, professor of reproduction and swine health.
Innovation remains a priority. In May 2026, New Bolton Center celebrated the launch of DAT-AI-LAB, a new initiative that uses artificial intelligence to study animal behavior and provide farmers with data-driven management tools.
While its research achievements have made a lasting impact on agriculture, education remains the Center’s primary mission. Students and alumni frequently highlight the hands-on learning environment and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The Swine Teaching and Research Center continues to serve as a unique institution where education, research, and animal welfare come together, helping prepare future leaders in veterinary medicine and animal agriculture.
Photo Credit: penn-vet
Categories: Pennsylvania, Education, Livestock, Hogs