Skip to content
    Newsletter Sign Up
    • Log In
    Pipestone
    • About Us
      • Our Company
      • Sustainability
      • Locations
        • Independence, IA
        • Orange City, IA
        • Pipestone, MN
        • Rensselaer, IN
        • Sycamore, IL
    • Community
      • Agriculture Education
      • Hunger Relief
      • International Charities
      • Local Giving Programs
      • Pipestone Cares
      • Scholarships
    • Services
      • Companion Animal
      • Swine
      • Driving Force Show Pig
    • Products
      • Swine Products
    • Careers
      • Job Openings
      • Internships
      • Pipestone Emerging Leaders
      • Employee Benefit Package
      • Scholarship Applications
      • Pipestone Management David Neuberger II Core Values Award
    • News
    • Contact Us
    Home
    /
    kyramaster

    Author: kyramaster

    SwineTime Podcast Episode 36: Gilt Multiplication
    May 11, 2022

    SwineTime Podcast Episode 36: Gilt Multiplication

    Raising a healthy group of pigs starts long before they reach the finishing barn. In this episode of SwineTime Podcast, host, Dr. Spencer Wayne, is joined by Dr. Evan Koep, PIPESTONE’s resource in gilt multiplication. Throughout the episode, listeners gain an understanding of what gilt multiplication is, and how it benefits piglets for the long…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    Balancing Act: Biological Performance & Feed Cost
    April 27, 2022

    Balancing Act: Biological Performance & Feed Cost

    There are several ways to evaluate feed cost and feed performance in wean-to-market pigs. Each method can provide a very different answer for the producer on what is the “BEST” way to feed a pig. In a perfect world we find the ideal marriage between biological performance and feed cost. However, the equation isn’t so…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    A New Health Paradigm: How to Reduce the Health Tax
    April 26, 2022

    A New Health Paradigm: How to Reduce the Health Tax

    As swine producers, you all pay a health tax at the end of the year, whether you know it or not. This tax is paid on every pig and reflects the cost of less-than-perfect health in an operation. The health tax is often far larger than producers recognize and is consistently evident year after year…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    SwineTime Podcast Episode 35: Risk Management
    April 12, 2022

    SwineTime Podcast Episode 35: Risk Management

    Managing risks is the safest way for pig farmers to protect their operations and ensure they can withstand tough times in the market.  Hear from Brian Stevens, President of Big Stone Marketing, in this episode of SwineTime Podcast. This episode is all about risks in the pig market, how to prepare for them and what…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    Mexico: PIPESTONE's Experience in Mexico
    April 7, 2022

    Mexico: PIPESTONE's Experience in Mexico

    PIPESTONE’s relationship with the Mexican swine industry is not new. Multiple interactions between our technical team and local players have occurred over the past few decades. However, it was not until 2015, when PIPESTONE had the opportunity to participate in a start-up project of 10,000 sows, that this relationship got more formally established. This successful…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    China: Top 10 Learnings from Boots on the Ground Experience
    April 7, 2022

    China: Top 10 Learnings from Boots on the Ground Experience

    The #1 key to preventing African Swine Fever virus (ASF) breaks is improving biosecurity. Be flexible. Use the sites and infrastructure around you to optimize health and production in ways you may not have attempted thus far. Use feed mitigants. Depopulating continuous flow sites with viral health challenges is key to recovering performance. Grow/Finish biosecurity…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    Q&A with Mexico's Production Director, Ezequiel Guardado Valdez
    April 4, 2022

    Q&A with Mexico's Production Director, Ezequiel Guardado Valdez

    Personal Background: I come from a very humble family that had to immigrate from Zacatecas to Jalisco in search of opportunities. I am the fourth of seven siblings. I have always been involved in agriculture. From my childhood I was forced to leave school and start working at age of 13 to help my parents…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    Q&A with China's Production Director, Duan Lian Mao
    April 4, 2022

    Q&A with China's Production Director, Duan Lian Mao

    20 years ago, PIPESTONE started consulting in China. Consultation then turned into management, and later, ownership. Today, PIPESTONE is a minority owner in Riverstone, the operations group in Shandong Province. PIPESTONE oversees day-to-day operation for Riverstone, and Dr. Luke Minion serves as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board. In China, Riverstone is managing…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    Chief Veterinary Officer Comments- Spring 2022
    April 4, 2022

    Chief Veterinary Officer Comments- Spring 2022

    Pork is the most consumed meat in the world. As a result, pig farming is a global pursuit. While the USA exports a significant portion of the pork we raise (nearly 30%), most pork is consumed within the country where the pigs were raised. As PIPESTONE has grown and evolved over the last 25 years,…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    Driving Force: Four Tips for Turning Swine Industry Passion Into a Career
    April 1, 2022

    Driving Force: Four Tips for Turning Swine Industry Passion Into a Career

    Growing up, I was involved in the swine industry by showing pigs, helping vaccinate weaned pigs for local farms, and working for PIPESTONE in the wean-to-finish records department. As the time came close for me to think about college and my future career, I knew I wanted to work in the swine industry and help…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    8 Winter Ventilation Concepts
    March 7, 2022

    8 Winter Ventilation Concepts

    There are many items to remember as winter ventilation is upon us of how we want barns to operate. Here are a few to think of as you are braving the cold.     1. Set Points This is what you are telling the barn to maintain temperature at. Typically, barns will be 1-2 degrees…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    SwineTime Podcast Episode 34: Basics in Nutrition
    March 2, 2022

    SwineTime Podcast Episode 34: Basics in Nutrition

    SwineTime Podcast Host, Dr. Spencer Wayne, sits down with Hayden Kerkaert, a nutritionist with Pipestone Nutrition, to start back at the basics of pig nutrition. Throughout the episode, Hayden drills down on the importance of a nursery diet and how critical a piglet’s first three weeks of life are. Grow-finish farmers will gain tips on…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    Risk Management
    February 23, 2022

    Risk Management

    Having a risk management plan is critical for all hog producers, especially today with the extreme volatility of our hog and pork markets and with the increased risk of African Swine Fever making it into the United States. Hog producers really should protect their revenue and profit opportunities when they arise. Through Big Stone Marketing,…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    Global Supply Chain Traffic Jam: Feed
    February 23, 2022

    Global Supply Chain Traffic Jam: Feed

    There has been  a lot of chatter regarding the global supply chain as of late. Whether it’s referencing store shelves being empty, truck driver shortages or national ports being clogged, there has been an increased awareness of disruptions. If we are truly going to solve the issues, we need to understand how we got in…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    Supply Chain Crisis: Products
    February 23, 2022

    Supply Chain Crisis: Products

     The 2021 supply chain issues are well known. Various news publications speak to the challenge of logistics via air, ocean, road and rail, as well as the lack of labor and materials. From an animal health perspective, the availability of raw ingredients that make up many of the products we use, or Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    Our Experience with Fighting African Swine Fever Transmission Through Feed
    February 8, 2022

    Our Experience with Fighting African Swine Fever Transmission Through Feed

    African Swine Fever (ASF) is an inevitable topic as we talk about the global swine industry, especially after August 2018 when ASF was reported for the first time in China, the world’s largest pig producer and consumer. As a highly fatal disease with no effective treatment or commercial vaccine, ASF resulted in a nearly 40%…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    PIPESTONE Risk Assessment on African Swine Fever Reaching the United States
    February 8, 2022

    PIPESTONE Risk Assessment on African Swine Fever Reaching the United States

    African swine fever (ASF) was diagnosed on Hispaniola in the Caribbean this summer, the Dominican Republic in July 2021, and in Haiti in September 2021. This is the first time since the 1980s that the virus has been found in the Western Hemisphere. It has never been diagnosed in the United States. There is a…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    SwineTime Podcast Ep. 32: Getting Started in Pig Farming
    February 8, 2022

    SwineTime Podcast Ep. 32: Getting Started in Pig Farming

    Passion, commitment and networking; words used to describe the lifestyle of a pig farmer throughout this episode of SwineTime. Are you or someone you know interested in pig farming? In the 32nd episode, Dr. Spencer Wayne visits with Dr. Barry Kerkaert, President of Pipestone Management, and Justin Roelofs, Chief Financial Officer for Pipestone Management. Together,…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    Driving Force: Three 'Non-Negotiables' for Vaccinating Young Pigs
    February 4, 2022

    Driving Force: Three 'Non-Negotiables' for Vaccinating Young Pigs

    When it comes to raising and investing in show pigs, our goal is to keep them healthy and productive in preparation for the show ring. The first few weeks of a piglet’s life are critical for setting them up with a strong foundation to help them develop immunity and protect them throughout their show career.…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    SwineTime Podcast Episode 31- PIPESTONE Construction
    January 25, 2022

    SwineTime Podcast Episode 31- PIPESTONE Construction

    On the 31st episode of SwineTime, Dr. Spencer Wayne sits down with the Head of Construction for Pipestone Management, Tad Woelber. Tad and his team strive to build pig barns that not only maximize production, but efficiency as well. Keeping barns cost effective while building them to last has always been the objective of building…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    U.S. Pork Exports Continue to Surge, Overcoming COVID and Other Challenges
    January 25, 2022

    U.S. Pork Exports Continue to Surge, Overcoming COVID and Other Challenges

    Despite COVID-19 and what seemed like a dozen other challenges, the United States pork industry in 2020 exported a record amount of pork, and it’s poised to set a new record this year. In fact, through August 2021, America’s pork producers already had shipped to foreign destinations $5.8 billion worth of product compared with about…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    Gifts for Good
    January 25, 2022

    Gifts for Good

    One of the core values we live by at PIPESTONE is Caring. Caring means caring for our team members, animals and communities. Our charitable efforts aim to make a difference in the lives of our local and global community members.     Domestically, we donate to: Children’s Home Society Atlas The Banquet in Sioux Falls…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    I Wouldn't Bet the Farm on it.
    January 4, 2022

    I Wouldn't Bet the Farm on it.

    I’m an optimistic person by nature, but I’ve had to become more of a realist. This is truer than ever when preparing our business, and our clients, for the potential of a foreign animal disease entrance into the U.S. In recent months, I’ve pivoted from talking about IF an African Swine Fever (ASF) introduction will…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    SwineTime Podcast Episode 30: Meticulous Design, Execution and Analysis of Swine Research
    December 28, 2021

    SwineTime Podcast Episode 30: Meticulous Design, Execution and Analysis of Swine Research

    Designed for innovative knowledge generation, Pipestone Applied Research focuses on production-driven research to develop practical solutions to relevant problems. Since 2009, Pipestone Research has been committed to providing industry-leading and relevant information on swine health, genetics, nutrition, production, and sustainability. SwineTime Podcast Host, Dr. Spencer Wayne, visits with PIPESTONE’s Director of Research Operations, Dan Hanson,…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    Feeding the Sow for Healthier Piglets
    December 27, 2021

    Feeding the Sow for Healthier Piglets

    Do you think you can impact the health of your piglets in the nursery by what the sow is eating at the sow farm? We had the very same question, and set out to conduct a research trial to test the idea. If we could improve the health and performance of the pigs in the…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    Behind the Label
    December 3, 2021

    Behind the Label

      Grocery shopping is a balancing act of buying the “best” for your family while also staying within your budget. With the large variety of food labels out there, it can be hard to know what you’re buying.     When it comes to understanding food labels there are a couple points to remember. All…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    Design Matters: Farm Layout Plays an Important Role in Pig Health
    December 3, 2021

    Design Matters: Farm Layout Plays an Important Role in Pig Health

    What are the greatest factors that influence pig health? Most will say the health of the sow farm, pig density and area disease pressure. While these are all true, a common item gets overlooked: the overall design of the operation. This topic can even be broken down into the macro and micro features of the…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    SwineTime Podcast Episode 29: Wholestone Farms with CEO, Scott Webb
    November 23, 2021

    SwineTime Podcast Episode 29: Wholestone Farms with CEO, Scott Webb

    In this episode of SwineTime Podcast, host, Dr. Spencer Wayne, visits with Wholestone Farms CEO, Scott Webb. Scott’s background in agriculture has given him experience working with both crop and livestock farmers; a feat which has proven its significance in his current role. Wholestone Farms is a producer-owned packing plant located in Fremont, Nebraska. Their…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    Reduce Antibiotic Usage and Improve Full Value Pigs at Market
    November 19, 2021

    Reduce Antibiotic Usage and Improve Full Value Pigs at Market

    The goal for most swine producers is to make money raising hogs. With current ingredient prices, we have been getting many questions about how to reduce feed cost, which is a great question. However, many producers focus on feed cost per ton and immediately focus on the nursery diets. The most expensive feed cost per…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    AR Pork- Big Stone Marketing Producer Highlight
    November 4, 2021

    AR Pork- Big Stone Marketing Producer Highlight

    Producer: AR Pork, Jason Domeyer Location: Earlville, Iowa   Pictured front row left to right: Myles Payne, Kennedy Duddeck, Kian Payne, Quinn Duddeck, Jordan Duddeck. Back row left to right: Jenna Duddeck, Ron Domeyer & Melissa Payne. About the farm. Our operation is very family involved, including my dad, myself, my two sisters and my…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    Problem?... Solution! The Importance of Responsible Antibiotic Use
    November 4, 2021

    Problem?... Solution! The Importance of Responsible Antibiotic Use

    I am old enough now to have seen a significant arc of attitude regarding antibiotic use. Our attitude. Public attitude. Government attitude. At one time, antibiotic use would have been a very quick decision for me or my clients. Problem?… Solution! But the landscape is different today, and for several valid reasons. If we are…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    SwineTime Podcast Episode 28: PRRSV 144
    October 12, 2021

    SwineTime Podcast Episode 28: PRRSV 144

    In partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc., Pipestone Research has provided a rapid response to bring science-based answers to managing the emergence of PRRSV 144. Join SwineTime Podcast host, Dr. Spencer Wayne, Veterinarian, as he discusses the trial results with Dr. Scott Dee, Director of Research at PIPESTONE. Joining Dr. Dee is Dr.…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    Doing our PART: Sturtevant Feedlot
    October 5, 2021

    Doing our PART: Sturtevant Feedlot

    Responsible antibiotic use is a subject American pig farmers are accustomed to. Consumers expect it and packing plants require it. Utilizing resources through PIPESTONE, Sturtevant Feedlots has taken their antibiotic stewardship to the top of the industry. Scott Sturtevant farms in Shannon, Illinois alongside his brother, Steve, son, Trey, and his father, Ron. “It’s been…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    ASF Preparedness with PIPESTONE CVO, Joel Nerem
    October 5, 2021

    ASF Preparedness with PIPESTONE CVO, Joel Nerem

    African Swine Fever (ASF)’s threat to USA farmers has never been more real. With the recent detection of ASF in the Dominican Republic, ASF has been introduced in the Western Hemisphere for the first time in over 40 years. Join SwineTime Podcast host, Dr. Spencer Wayne, as he visits with Dr. Joel Nerem, PIPESTONE Chief…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    PRRSV 144: A Rapid Response to a National Crisis
    October 4, 2021

    PRRSV 144: A Rapid Response to a National Crisis

    In partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc., Pipestone Research has provided a rapid response to bring science-based answers to managing the emergence of PRRSV 144 L1C. Based on field observations from practitioners and producers, stating that, “This is the worst strain of PRRSV ever,” “Vaccines don’t work anymore,” and “Biosecurity protocols are ineffective,”…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    The Evolution of PART
    October 4, 2021

    The Evolution of PART

    The Pipestone Antibiotic Resistance Tracker (PART) celebrates its fifth birthday this month. Like most things, a lot has changed in that time and we wanted to share a bit about the background, learning and forward vision of this important tool. In the summer of 2016, we welcomed a national fast-food chain to PIPESTONE to showcase…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    Competitive Strategy on Farm
    October 4, 2021

    Competitive Strategy on Farm

      In 1980, Michael Porter, distinguished professor at Harvard Business School, wrote that competitive strategy is “how a firm can actually create and sustain a competitive advantage in its industry.” In his book Competitive Strategy, he outlines that the two basic types of competitive advantage are cost leadership and differentiation. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    SwineTime Podcast Episode 27: Sharing the Pig Farming Story through TikTok
    September 7, 2021

    SwineTime Podcast Episode 27: Sharing the Pig Farming Story through TikTok

    Dr. Cara Haden, a PIPESTONE pig vet located in Independence, IA, took a social media journey that has helped educate thousands of people. In October 2020, Cara created a TikTok account to share pig farming content. Her goals remain to educate the public on where their pork comes from as well as showcase how much…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    Burke Farms: Big Stone Marketing Producer Highlight
    August 31, 2021

    Burke Farms: Big Stone Marketing Producer Highlight

        Producer: Burke Farms, Tom and Patti Burke Location: Janesville, MN     Burke Farms is a wean-to-finish swine operation, and a corn and soybean crop farm. The farm started with Tom Burke’s father, but later grew, passing the farm to the future generation. Today, Tom and his brother, Larry, continue the family legacy…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    Old Assets: Retain, Replace or Remodel?
    August 31, 2021

    Old Assets: Retain, Replace or Remodel?

      Facilities play a large role in the health of your pigs and profitability of your pig business. As assets age, it’s important to evaluate your best facility strategy moving forward: retain, replace or remodel.     Below are some considerations to take into account when making your decision. If your answer was “no” for…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    Unintended Consequences of Well-Intentioned Employers
    August 30, 2021

    Unintended Consequences of Well-Intentioned Employers

      While this is not an exhaustive list for employers, it is a sampling of the most common mis-steps well-intentioned employers make as they work through their day-to-day responsibilities of running a business and employing a team.       1. Unrealistic Expectations Employers often set their expectations of employees high to encourage workplace efficiency…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    August 13, 2021

    Pipestone Journal

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    SwineTime Episode 26: How TN Visa Talent From Mexico Can Impact Your Farm
    August 10, 2021

    SwineTime Episode 26: How TN Visa Talent From Mexico Can Impact Your Farm

    Manual labor requirements are shared from farm to farm. What would it look like to add talented labor focused team members to your operation? In this episode of SwineTime Podcast, host Spencer Wayne, veterinarian and owner with Pipestone Veterinary Services is joined with Rob Hofmeyer, member of the Pipestone Business Services team and Jesus Colorado…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    Using KPI's to Understand the Impact of Production Decisions
    July 27, 2021

    Using KPI's to Understand the Impact of Production Decisions

    Money. The driving factor at the end of the day to make sure bills are paid and food is on the table. Everything comes at a cost, especially change within your family farm operation. Suggested changes are often quickly dismissed because capital outlay is high. Utilizing Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) in your operation can help…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    Enhance Nutrition Performance In Three Steps
    July 27, 2021

    Enhance Nutrition Performance In Three Steps

    We all know that nutrition is a key component to successful pig performance. So, what takes nutrition from good to better to best? A combination of formulation, ingredient procurement, and nutrition partnerships will set your farm up for a successful nutrition program.  1. Formulation to perform Formulation is an art form and takes an innate…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    Summer Diet Formulation Hacks
    July 27, 2021

    Summer Diet Formulation Hacks

    It is that time of year again; the sun is shining, the days are longer, and the snow has melted away. Before we know it, the summer heat will also be here too but unfortunately, when it comes to raising pigs, the summer warmth means added heat stress and reduced growth performance when pigs are…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    SwineTime Podcast Episode 25: PRRS Virus 144 Lineage 1C
    July 13, 2021

    SwineTime Podcast Episode 25: PRRS Virus 144 Lineage 1C

    Pig farmers across the world have been dealing with the effects of PRRS for decades. Continued research shows different strains of the virus have evolved over time, making it difficult to control. PIPESTONE is working to get answers on how to slow the spread of PRRS and best management practices moving forward. Join Dr. Spencer…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    Stop the Spread.
    July 12, 2021

    Stop the Spread.

    PRRS, the 4-letter abbreviation that should make any hog producer shutter. The extensive disease pressure this year has likely caused this feeling more than once. Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) is a viral disease resulting in complications with reproduction and respiratory disease in pigs of any age. Since last fall, there has been an…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    Stop Disease by Making a Change
    July 12, 2021

    Stop Disease by Making a Change

    “We have always been trying to achieve high health,” Charlie Schelkopf said. “We watch day-in and day-out how poor health gets in the way of how profitable an operation is. It wasn’t until we had been through several years of difficult production damaged by health issues, that we realized we needed to make a change.”…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    Dr. Joseph Yaros' Webinars
    July 12, 2021

    Dr. Joseph Yaros' Webinars

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    Don't Forget to Practice Biosecurity During Pig Show Season
    July 8, 2021

    Don't Forget to Practice Biosecurity During Pig Show Season

    In the summer, many of us look forward to county fairs, state fairs and many other livestock exhibitions.  For many of us, this is a time to get off the farm and meet neighbors, friends and family.  It is important to remember that the livestock we leave at home are actually the ones that pay…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    SwineTime Podcast Episode 24: What You Say Matters!
    June 17, 2021

    SwineTime Podcast Episode 24: What You Say Matters!

    Summer is a social season! Great opportunities arise to share your story! Only 2% of the population raises food for the entire world, and that is you! No one is more passionate, caring, or committed to the humane care of animals and safe food than you. Pig care is more than just bacon, it is…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    Responsible Imports
    June 9, 2021

    Responsible Imports

      As the epidemic of African Swine Fever (ASF) spreads throughout China, it raises animal welfare and economic issues for the swine industry in China and the United States.   Classified as a foreign animal disease, ASF in the United States would immediately stop the export of pork products, costing the United States economy $16.5…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    Production Efficiencies
    June 9, 2021

    Production Efficiencies

    This year we have implemented several production efficiencies to focus our efforts on sustainable farming. Three production efficiencies to remain sustainable on farm include water usage, energy consumption, and reducing waste. As an outcome of COVID-19, we re-evaluated many of our production Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) and determined ways to reduce cost at the sow…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    Methane Digester
    June 9, 2021

    Methane Digester

    When evaluating the carbon footprints at the sow farms managed by Pipestone Management, we found that manure accounts for roughly 30% of emissions.  So, if your goal is to reduce your overall carbon footprint, how do you do that with manure?  One method to gain traction in the industry is methane digesters.  Recently completing a…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    PORK Responsible Antibiotic Use Standard
    May 11, 2021

    PORK Responsible Antibiotic Use Standard

    PIPESTONE provides veterinary services to pig farmers all over the world. We recognize the growing global concern over Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and its impact on human and animal health. We share society’s concern of the potential impact of antibiotic use on AMR. With the health and production tools available today, we can raise pigs with…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    Essentials of Business Succession Planning
    May 11, 2021

    Essentials of Business Succession Planning

    Through good times and bad in agriculture, farmers generally cherish the idea of passing their family farm on to the next generation. The farm community’s practice is to celebrate and even commemorate the moment the family farm reaches the century mark. However, according to the PWC 2016 US Family Business Survey, only slightly over half…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    Creating a Sustainable Pig... All Starts in the Field
    May 11, 2021

    Creating a Sustainable Pig... All Starts in the Field

    The pork industry is a buzz with carbon reduction goals and even carbon neutrality. Two questions often asked are what is a carbon neutral pig and what can farmers do? A carbon neutral pig has net zero carbon dioxide emission equivalents (CO2e) into the atmosphere during its lifetime. CO2e is a term used to express…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    SwineTime Podcast Episode 23: The Latest on Disease Feed Risk
    May 11, 2021

    SwineTime Podcast Episode 23: The Latest on Disease Feed Risk

    Based on the current body of knowledge, it is evident that feed and feed ingredients are risk factors for the transboundary spread of viruses, including African Swine Fever virus, classical swine fever virus, pseudorabies virus, and porcine epidemic diarrhea virus. Dr. Spencer Wayne, Host of SwineTime Podcast with Pipestone Veterinary Services visits with Dr. Scott…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    Buhl's Ridgeview Farm | A Leader in Sustainability
    April 13, 2021

    Buhl's Ridgeview Farm | A Leader in Sustainability

    “Utilizing the corn they grow in their on-farm feed mill, monitoring and reducing antibiotic usage and educating their communities on swine production practices, Buhl’s Ridgeview Farms is at the forefront of sustainability,” said Emily Scholtz, PIPESTONE Nutritionist. Purchasing their first sows in 1976, Don and Susan Buhl operate Buhl’s Ridgeview Farm of Tyler, Minnesota. Since…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    SwineTime Podcast Episode 22: Managing Old Assets
    April 13, 2021

    SwineTime Podcast Episode 22: Managing Old Assets

    What do you do with an old facility? How do you know when to fix it or replace it? Host, Dr. Spencer Wayne, visits with Dr. Barry Kerkaert, veterinarian and Pipestone Management President, and Justin Roelofs, CFO of Pipestone Management about Managing Old Assets in the 22nd Episode of SwineTime Podcast.   Don’t miss future…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    Cost of Feed Production
    April 13, 2021

    Cost of Feed Production

    There are three drivers influencing cost of production today; facilities, weaned pigs and feed, with feed cost accounting for over 60% of the total cost of production. In the last 90 days, we have seen feed cost per pig increase >$20/pig. Now more than ever, producers should be focused on improving feed efficiency as a…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    Animal Welfare
    April 5, 2021

    Animal Welfare

    Training | Tools | Tracking PIPESTONE and the families we work with are committed to producing safe food, protecting our environment, and providing the best care for our animals. Whether I am working with an individual family farmer or the team at PIPESTONE, when it comes to animal welfare we talk about incorporating the three…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    Innovation in Production
    April 5, 2021

    Innovation in Production

    The tech service team works to challenge current production protocols, evaluate new ideas and technology, and provide real data to make decisions. Utilizing actual sow farms, we can conduct large scale field research trials in actual production conditions. This helps to gain valuable information to implement in sow farms managed by Pipestone Management. New products…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    The Perceived Soybean Meal Shortage with Gordon Denny
    March 16, 2021

    The Perceived Soybean Meal Shortage with Gordon Denny

    Pork is hugely important to domestic and international soybean meal consumption. Closely following poultry, swine consumes a large percentage of soybeans available in the United States. Guest host, Amber Pugh, a Director of Procurement with Pipestone Nutrition, hosts Gordon Denny, a soybean industry professional, to discuss the perceived soybean meal shortage in our industry. As…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    7 Ways to Build Working Capital
    March 15, 2021

    7 Ways to Build Working Capital

    During periods of high commodity prices and profitability, farm business owners should be diligent to financially prepare for the next period of low prices. The following are strategies that could help you build working capital to be ready for the next cycle of low prices. Improve operational efficiency Aggressively managing operational efficiency is the most…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    Innovation in Nutrition
    March 15, 2021

    Innovation in Nutrition

    Innovation in nutrition comes in many forms at PIPESTONE. From new technology, to better feed management, to improving the feed quality across our 40+ feed mills that feed sows managed by Pipestone Management, we are continually investigating ways to bring value. What does the body condition of an “ideal” sow look like in your mind?…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    When Cheap Diets Fail
    February 16, 2021

    When Cheap Diets Fail

    Everyone likes a deal! Who doesn’t? If there is an opportunity to buy something at a “good” price most people jump at the opportunity. But sometimes the deal isn’t as good as what we thought and is not figured out until after the fact.The same thing can happen with nutrition or formulation. One of the…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    History and Advancement of Innovation
    February 16, 2021

    History and Advancement of Innovation

    In 1942, Drs. E.A. Scheweim and P.A. Pinkert founded the Pipestone Veterinary Clinic. Since then, the company has continued to innovate while serving our mission of Helping Farmers Today Create the Farms of Tomorrow. In 1988, the Pipestone Management was founded and in 1990 Hiawatha Gilts, LTD was built and became the first Pipestone Management…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    Podcast 20: Influenza: History, Symptoms, and Eradication Protocols with Dr. Cameron Schmitt
    February 16, 2021

    Podcast 20: Influenza: History, Symptoms, and Eradication Protocols with Dr. Cameron Schmitt

    Over the years, veterinarians and the pork industry have tackled eradiation protocols for viruses like PRRS, PED, and Mycoplasma, yet influenza remains a common occurrence in the field.  In this Episode, host Dr. Spencer Wayne talks with Dr. Cameron Schmitt, Veterinarian with PIPESTONE, in the 20th episode of SwineTime about Swine Influenza and efforts to…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    Podcast 19: Sustaining the Pig farm of Tomorrow
    January 19, 2021

    Podcast 19: Sustaining the Pig farm of Tomorrow

    By taking care of the land and natural resources, farmers have naturally practiced and cared about sustainability for generations. Today, sustainability is more important than ever, as it allows us to be transparent and authentic about what we are doing on-farm to consumers. Dr. Spencer Wayne, Veterinarian at PIPESTONE Veterinary Services, and the host of…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    Pivot to Meet Ever-Changing Pig Care
    January 14, 2021

    Pivot to Meet Ever-Changing Pig Care

    This year marks 30 years that the sow farm Hiawatha Gilts was constructed in Pipestone county, Minnesota birthing what would become the Pipestone Management and change modern swine production. Most intriguing is what Hiawatha represents as we think about innovation and the progression of health management. Hiawatha started as a multi farmer-owned farrow to finish…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    Idlenot Farms | a leader in Innovation
    January 14, 2021

    Idlenot Farms | a leader in Innovation

    “I can remember sitting in a booth at the World Pork Expo when this technology was just being developed. As it was explained to us, I was like, ‘wow.’ That is quite a dream. I wonder if we will ever have that?” Brad Moser said. “It is real. It really works.” Brad and his brother,…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    Preparing for Periods of Low Prices
    October 6, 2020

    Preparing for Periods of Low Prices

    For most pork producers, 2020 has not been a year of profitability. Without government program payments and a short-term spike in cut-out prices in May, the red ink has been steadily flowing. During these unfavorable economic times, your business uses the working capital you’ve created in the good times. Working capital measures whether you have…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    Podcast 16 Latin America Swine Industry, Operations, Practices, and Opportunities with Dr. Gustavo Pizarro
    October 6, 2020

    Podcast 16 Latin America Swine Industry, Operations, Practices, and Opportunities with Dr. Gustavo Pizarro

    Producers in Latin America and the United States share the same passion for agriculture, but the way to achieve the goal varies. From the economy to efficiency on farm, there are many differences in Latin America, but there is also a relationship building.   In this episode, host Dr. Spencer Wayne talks with Dr. Gustavo…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    Deep Agriculture Roots Now and for Years to Come
    October 6, 2020

    Deep Agriculture Roots Now and for Years to Come

    Lee and Ben Bader farm together as father and son Tracing back six generations of farming, the Bader family continues the family tradition. Lee and Ben Bader, a father and son duo, farm together in Jesup, IA. “Since the early years, our family has been on the farm,” Lee (dad) Bader said. “Today, it is…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    800 Thousand Servings of Pork Donated During MEAT the Need Campaign
    October 6, 2020

    800 Thousand Servings of Pork Donated During MEAT the Need Campaign

    As Covid-19 brought financial stress and uncertainty to many households, Pipestone launched into action for our farmers and communities. Pipestone’s MEAT the Need campaign ran May through September and brought pork contributions to food pantry agencies in the Midwest. The combined inputs of Pipestone and contributing partners resulted in raising $372,000 which our team turned…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    Are You a Responsible User of Antibiotics?
    September 11, 2020

    Are You a Responsible User of Antibiotics?

    As an industry, we have set guidelines for ourselves through the PQA program on what responsible antibiotic use looks like. If your interaction with those principals has been limited to passing the PQA quiz, today is a good day to think about how your antibiotic use fits into a responsible model. Do you work with…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    Manure Pumping and Agitation Guidelines
    September 11, 2020

    Manure Pumping and Agitation Guidelines

    As the harvest season approaches, fall field work and manure application will follow closely thereafter. During the manure removal process, our primary objective is to elevate the ventilation in your barns and keep you and your livestock safe and comfortable. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate and reach out to a Pipestone Management…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    SwineTime podcast 15: Business Decisions During Periods of Low Prices
    September 8, 2020

    SwineTime podcast 15: Business Decisions During Periods of Low Prices

    Dr. Spencer Wayne of Pipestone Veterinary Services, and the host of the SwineTime podcast visits with Jim Marzolf, Vice-President of Pipestone Business Services to talk about new swine service offerings designed to assist farmers on the next SwineTime podcast. Having extensive background in Agriculture Accounting and fiscal management practices, Jim details four new ways Pipestone…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    Summer Mastitis Prevention and Treatment
    September 8, 2020

    Summer Mastitis Prevention and Treatment

    Mastitis can be a real pain in the udder, especially during the summer months.  When the weather turns hot and humid it gives the mastitis causing pathogens the needed environment to grow.  Hot and humid weather also adds stress to the cow which leads to a decreased immune function.  You put a better growing environment…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    The Heat is On!
    September 8, 2020

    The Heat is On!

    It’s that time of year again.  Temperatures are rising and the air is heavy enough you can cut it with a knife.  Although this weather is for growing crops, it means different things for your cattle operation. Whether in beef or dairy, producers need to understand heat stress and ways to help mitigate its effects.…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    Summer Grazing
    September 8, 2020

    Summer Grazing

    While the summer workload changes for the average cow/calf operation, there is still opportunity to make significant health and performance decisions that will make a difference to the bottom line. Most importantly, take the time to monitor both the health of the cattle and pasture, as well as performance of growing calves. Fly Control While…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    Business Strategies for Periods of Low Prices
    August 13, 2020

    Business Strategies for Periods of Low Prices

    In commodity production, high prices are the result of more demand than supply. In the past 20 years, the pork industry has been fortunate to increase demand through exports. More demand than supply results in high prices and creates profitability that attracts financial capital.  As capital rushes to the higher rates of return, pork producers…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    SwineTime podcast 14: Risk Management in Pig Production
    August 7, 2020

    SwineTime podcast 14: Risk Management in Pig Production

    SwineTime host, Dr. Spencer Wayne, speaks with Veterinarian, Dr. Gawen Zomermaand of Pipestone Veterinary Services. In this episode, you will discover what hedging looks like in pig production, how to best educate yourself on risk management, and the benefit of finding a good partner for advice and service.   For information regarding hedging call Dr.…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    Washington Pavilion Opens "Grow it!"
    July 15, 2020

    Washington Pavilion Opens "Grow it!"

    PIPESTONE is excited to announce their sponsorship of the new agriculture-themed exhibits on the new “Grow It!” floor at the Washington Pavilion Kirby Science Center in Sioux Falls, SD. “Grow It!” features 3,000 square feet of new agriculture-themed exhibits as part of the center’s third floor dedicated to the state of South Dakota. “Grow It!”…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    A proven safe and effective disinfecting alternative
    July 9, 2020

    A proven safe and effective disinfecting alternative

    Ag Forte Pro has been proven to improve sanitation and bio-security of pig barns and livestock transport trucks, while being safe and easy to use. It eliminates irritation to nose, eyes and skin, as well as reduces wash time and water use. COVID-19 has brought biosecurity and disinfecting to the top of everyone’s minds; a…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    Episode 13: We slowed pigs down: What was the effect and where do we go from here?
    July 9, 2020

    Episode 13: We slowed pigs down: What was the effect and where do we go from here?

    SwineTime host, Dr. Spencer Wayne, converses with Veterinarian, Dr. Brent Pepin and Nutritionist, Jon De Jong, at Pipestone Veterinary Clinic. In this episode, you will hear experts discuss the noticed effects of slowing pigs down, as well as their opinion on where we go from here. Featuring:  SwineTime Host – Dr. Spencer Wayne (Veterinarian)  …

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    SwineTime Podcast #12: Understand the Hutterite Colony Farmers
    July 1, 2020

    SwineTime Podcast #12: Understand the Hutterite Colony Farmers

    A christian agriculture community, the Hutterite Colony, meets with Dr. Spencer Wayne from Pipestone. Through the SwineTime Podcast, Dr. Wayne and two guests from different Hutterite communities discuss lifestyles and farming as a colony.   Don’t miss future SwineTime podcasts The SwineTime podcast is a monthly podcast created for the pork industry and individual pork…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    Meet our Furry Friends: Lucky and Libby
    June 30, 2020

    Meet our Furry Friends: Lucky and Libby

    Jo and Steve Weets are proud pet parents of Lucky and Libby. Lucky (right) is a 9-year-old male Dachshund and Libby (left) is an 8-year-old female Yorkie-Pom. How long have you had your dogs?  We have had Lucky since May 15, 2013.  He was brought into the Sheriff by a land surveyor who had found…

    kyramaster No comment(s)
    Read more
    contact us

    Pipestone Office: (507) 825-4211

    Pipestone | 1300 So Hwy 75 | Pipestone, MN 56164

    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • Linkedin
    • YouTube
    Join our Newsletter
    Get the latest PIPESTONE news!
    Sign Up
    Copyright © 2022 All rights reserved by PIPESTONE
    • Login
    • Sign Up
    Forgot Password?
    Lost your password? Please enter your username or email address. You will receive a link to create a new password via email.