Articles

Change is often described as inevitable, but in the pig business, it’s more than a reality—it’s a mindset. Embracing change can set the course for progress and success, as demonstrated by one producer’s journey to transform their operation. This producer owned a 30-year-old, 1,300-head sow unit located in a swine-dense area.

The decision to invest in improving your production and financial information systems may initially seem like an added expense you can do without. However, accurate and actionable information is crucial for identifying inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement.

In the early 1990s, the pork industry was at a turning point. Consumers were demanding leaner, healthier cuts of meat. To survive, producers were forced to rethink the product they were producing. This fueled advancements in genetics, nutrition, and production practices to meet the growing need for leaner, more efficient animals. Recognizing this shift, Drs.

Public perception has never played a bigger role in agriculture than it does today. With social media amplifying consumer concerns, pork producers and veterinarians find themselves under increasing scrutiny—often from people who have little understanding of modern pig farming.

The past 2 years have been challenging for most producers as the market has offered few times to lock in profits.  Recently, the market has improved and forward prospects at the time of this writing do look good for the coming year.

When the term biosecurity comes up, many immediately think of on-farm practices. However, the same rigorous principles must extend to other critical points in the swine production chain. This includes the feed mill, a potential entry point for disease. At Pipestone Nutrition, we conduct bi-annual audits of 45 feed mills that supply Pipestone-managed sow farms.

Water quality is a critical but often underappreciated factor in swine management. To better understand its impact, Pipestone Research recently conducted a series of trials comparing the performance of pigs raised on rural water versus well water. These trials yielded significant insights into how water quality can influence pig growth, health, and overall nursery performance.

In October 2024, veterinarians across the country received the following letter from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Dear Veterinarian: The U.S.

Succession planning is one of the most crucial and challenging aspects of managing a family farm. It’s not just about passing down land and equipment—it’s about ensuring the farm’s future success and preserving your family’s legacy for generations to come.

It’s one of the most wonderful times of the year, and no it’s not Christmas, it’s harvest time! Corn stalks flying and bean stubble being made is a farmer’s dream and at the forefront of everyone’s mind. However, we can’t forget about our 4-legged friends in our barns.

As pig farmers, we know that every stage of production, from breeding to finishing, is crucial. But even when we’ve done everything right up until the last few weeks, there’s still a lot of money on the table when it comes to marketing your pigs.

Preparing for the arrival of new wean pigs to your barn is an exciting but important process that requires careful planning. Here’s a step-by-step checklist to ensure everything is ready: Pre-Arrival Checklist Communication Confirm Arrival Details: Coordinate with the sow farm to confirm the arrival date and the number of pigs expected.