Good Barns Have Great Growers

Communication That Drives Results
A SwineTime Podcast Series exploring the communication that drives pig performance.

Part 1 |  Episode #93: When Your Team Doesn’t Speak the Same Language

Part 2 |  Episode #94: Good Barns Have Great Growers

What separates great growers from the rest? In Part 2 of the Communication That Drives Results series, Dr. Spencer Wayne is joined by swine producer Brandy Lanning of Three Lakes Livestock and Pipestone Veterinary Physician’s Assistant Erin McCoy to discuss one of the most important drivers of success in wean-to-finish production: communication.

From coordinating pig movements and managing health challenges to setting expectations and strengthening grower relationships, effective communication plays a critical role in barn performance. Throughout the conversation, Brandy and Erin share real-world experiences showing how strong communication between owners, growers, veterinarians, and consultants leads to healthier pigs, better teamwork, and improved production results.

The Importance of Growers in Swine Operations

Growers are the backbone of every barn. Their daily care, decisions, and attention to pig health make a measurable difference in:

• Pig growth and performance
• Barn efficiency
• Overall farm success

Brandy shares her experience managing barns, training new growers, and keeping teams engaged. Dr. Wayne and Erin provide veterinary insights, demonstrating how effective communication and guidance support both pigs and people.

Setting Clear Expectations and Practical Training

A key theme throughout the episode is that successful communication goes beyond simply giving instructions. Managers and consultants cannot assume growers understand what needs to be done or why it matters. Effective training is:

• Hands-on and practical
• Continuous and supportive
• Focused on both the task and the reasoning behind it

When growers understand the “why,” they take ownership of the “how.” That ownership builds confidence, improves consistency, and strengthens barn culture.

Motivation, Trust, and Data-Driven Decisions

The conversation also explores how communication builds trust. Recognizing effort, celebrating wins, listening to grower feedback, and maintaining open dialogue all contribute to stronger working relationships and long-term success.

Brandy and Dr. Wayne discuss how data related to pig health, growth, mortality, and feed efficiency can become a powerful communication tool. When growers understand how their daily actions impact performance, they’re more engaged in continuous improvement.

Key Takeaways for Pig Producers

Listeners will walk away with practical strategies to:

• Improve communication with growers
• Build stronger relationships across production teams
• Train and motivate barn staff more effectively
• Use data to drive better decisions and pig performance
• Create a culture of accountability and continuous improvement

Whether you’re a contract grower, swine producer, farm manager, or production consultant, this episode demonstrates why good barns have great growers and how communication remains one of the most powerful tools for improving pig performance and farm success.