Articles

Choosing a supplier isn’t all that different from dating—it’s not just about looks (or price). It’s about finding a dependable partner who checks all the boxes and shows up when it counts.

Today’s pig farms have access to a wide range of technologies—from mobile phones to specialized software—that help us track production and communicate more effectively. But even with these tools, communication gaps still exist. We often assume that if the data is recorded and analyzed, everyone on the farm understands what it means.

Adequate. Mediocre. Tolerable. These are not adjectives we want to use to describe the standards we have for aspects of our business. So why would we ever accept these terms when it comes to the standards we have for pig health? Maybe we don’t think of having standards for health.

Farming has always been a risky business. Markets shift, input costs climb, weather patterns change, and disease threats never fully go away. But the producers who manage risk well don’t just react—they prepare. And preparation starts with discipline. Risk management isn’t about avoiding risk altogether.

When summer temperatures climb, managing barn conditions becomes critical—not just for comfort, but for pig health and performance. Misters are a key tool in helping pigs stay cool. When barn temperatures rise above a set threshold, misters activate to wet pigs and begin the process of evaporative cooling.

Glaesserella parasuis (GPS) is a disease that almost every swine producer has encountered at some point. While it may not be as easily recognized as Streptococcus suis or Escherichia coli, it can lead to similar consequences—sick pigs and increased mortality.

Swine nursery diets encompass less than 20% of overall feed cost. However, we know that those first 6 weeks on feed have the biggest impact on overall performance. So, the question becomes, does investing more in your nursery diet pay off in the long run? Tokach et al.

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.