Why Wood Shavings?

Research-backed bedding trusted by dairy farmers, horse owners, and livestock operations across Central Pennsylvania.

Dairy Operations

The Dairy Farmer’s Choice

Cow comfort is directly tied to milk production. Research consistently shows that cows resting 12–14 hours per day produce significantly more milk than those that stand — and the quality of free stall bedding is the single biggest factor in how much time cows spend lying down.

Dairy farmers across Central Pennsylvania have relied on Hoover Wood Shavings for decades because our dried hardwood bedding keeps stalls clean, dry, and comfortable — season after season, without fail.

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Cow comfort — dry, cushioned free stalls encourage longer rest periods and higher milk yields
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Mastitis prevention — clean, dry bedding dramatically reduces bacterial counts and udder infection risk
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Lower somatic cell count — dry bedding management is one of the most effective tools for keeping SCC in check
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Hoof health — dry stalls reduce digital dermatitis, hoof rot, and other wet-environment lameness
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High stall acceptance — cows prefer dry, comfortable stalls; proper bedding increases stall usage rates
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Easy manure management — shavings pack out cleanly and separate well during scraping
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Composts readily — wood shavings break down as valuable carbon-rich fertilizer
Research-backed: University extension programs confirm the relationship between bedding quality, cow comfort, and milk production.
Year-round reliability. Dairy operations can’t afford supply gaps. We maintain consistent stock through every season so your stalls are never short — and we deliver in 40-yard or 100-yard loads on your schedule. Contact us to set up regular delivery.
Equine Operations

Preferred by Horse Owners

From backyard hobbyists to large boarding stables, horse owners across Central Pennsylvania choose wood shavings for their low dust, high absorbency, and ease of stall management. Pine and Poplar shavings are both well-suited to horses — and each offers distinct advantages depending on your operation.

Unlike straw, horses don’t eat shavings — so less bedding is wasted, stalls stay cleaner, and you get more value per load.

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Respiratory health — low-dust shavings are critical for horses prone to heaves (RAO/COPD) and other airway conditions
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Natural ammonia control — pine shavings contain natural phenols that help neutralize urine odor
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Hoof health — dry bedding reduces thrush, white line disease, and hoof rot
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Deep cushioning — thick shaving beds reduce joint stress for horses that lie down frequently
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Easy stall picking — shavings separate cleanly from manure, minimizing waste and labor
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Low palatability — horses don’t eat shavings the way they eat straw, reducing bedding waste
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Show stall appearance — light-colored pine and poplar shavings present cleanly for show environments
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Safe for foaling — clean, soft shavings provide a safe, dry environment for mares and newborns
Pine vs. Poplar — which is right for your horses?

Pine — classic choice for horse stalls. Natural phenols help control ammonia odor. Light, fluffy texture is easy to pick and comfortable underfoot.

Poplar — lighter color, slightly coarser flake. A great option for show stalls and operations where appearance matters. Less aroma than pine.

Research-backed: Extension resources on equine bedding and respiratory health.
Swine Operations

A Natural Fit for Hog Producers

Wood shavings are a proven bedding choice for hog operations of all sizes — from small farrow-to-finish farms to large commercial facilities. Their high absorbency keeps pens dry, which is critical for pig health, performance, and welfare.

Dry, comfortable bedding reduces stress behaviors, improves average daily gain, and lowers the risk of respiratory and skin conditions that thrive in wet, ammonia-heavy environments.

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Ammonia control — highly absorbent shavings lock in urine and dramatically reduce ammonia buildup in enclosed barns
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Respiratory health — lower ammonia and dust levels reduce the incidence of enzootic pneumonia and other airway disease
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Skin & leg health — dry bedding prevents shoulder sores, skin lesions, and joint problems common in wet pen conditions
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Farrowing & nursery comfort — soft, dry shavings provide a warm, clean environment for sows and piglets
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Improved average daily gain — pigs on dry, comfortable bedding are less stressed and convert feed more efficiently
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Easy pen management — shavings pack out cleanly and compost readily as a carbon-rich manure amendment
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Odor reduction — drier pens mean less odor for neighbors and better air quality for workers and animals alike
Farrowing & finishing — bedding that works at every stage.

Farrowing — soft shavings provide a warm, cushioned surface for sows and newborn piglets, reducing crushing risk and keeping litters dry from day one.

Finishing — deep-bedded systems with wood shavings reduce slatted floor stress, lower leg injury rates, and improve overall pen welfare scores.

Research-backed: Extension resources on swine bedding and housing.
Beyond the Barn

Industrial & Commercial Uses

Wood shavings aren’t just for stalls. Their natural absorbency, low cost, and biodegradability make them a practical solution across a wide range of commercial and industrial applications.

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Spill absorption — soaks up oils, fuels, and liquids on shop floors
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Packaging & cushioning — protective fill for shipping fragile goods
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Landscaping & mulch — weed suppression and moisture retention
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Erosion control — stabilizes soil on slopes and disturbed ground
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Composting feedstock — carbon-rich material for compost operations
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Pet & small animal bedding — reptiles, rabbits, poultry, and more
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Mushroom cultivation — a primary growing substrate for oyster and shiitake varieties
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Dog kennels & boarding facilities — clean, absorbent, and easy to turn over
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Hunting preserves & game farms — pheasant, quail, and turkey operations
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Worm farming & vermiculture — ideal carbon-rich bedding for red worm operations
Research-backed: University and government sources on industrial and commercial uses.
Bulk availability: Industrial customers can take advantage of our bulk delivery options — 40-yard straight truck or 100-yard trailer — making it easy to keep your operation stocked without interruption. Contact us to discuss volume pricing and scheduling.

Call Us

717-867-4180

Bag Pick-Up

710 Horseshoe Pike
Lebanon, PA 17042

Email

info@hooverwoodshavings.com

Bulk Delivery

40-yard truck or
100-yard trailer