With current feed cost I don't think a guy could afford to feed hogs in a hoop during the winter and go head to head on costs with a slatted building on commercial hogs.   In order to do it with hoops I think it would have to be some sort of specialty deal.

During warmer months I'd say the lower building cost would probably offset the feed difference.

When we built them they filled the need at the time.   We don't use them full time anymore, they are mostly used for clean out and overflow now.