Latest News From The Maschhoffs

We are no longer in the “olden days” when a producer had to drive to the site to see if the barn ventilation was operating correctly because he made a ventilation change the day before based on a snapshot in time.

Post-weaning scours is a big topic of discussion. For a production system with commingled sow farms, even with like-genetic and epidemic disease status, there is always opportunity for improvement. 

Pig farmers needed thick skin in 2023. There is no sugar coating it – 2023 was not fun. Losses were severe and red ink forecasts remain till this coming summer. As the saying goes, with challenges comes opportunity.

Although mycotoxin monitoring makes headlines each harvest season, it should stay top of mind year-round. Active mycotoxin surveillance is key to protecting the health and productivity of your swine operation. 

In a world where the pork industry faces an array of challenges, companies strive to balance sustainable growth with social responsibility. Here's what The Maschhoffs are focused on.

Bridging the gap between the youth show ring experience and production ag is crucial for creating a pipeline of skilled and knowledgeable individuals who can contribute to the ag industry, says Rebecca Keel Stack.

Jacob Peak oversees 13 production partner sites for The Maschhoffs, all of which are close in proximity. In October, disease pressure surged through the area creating an overwhelming complex and complicated situation.

Like many, the ag construction industry relies on migrant labor. After surveying construction companies, we discovered most are expecting a 50% to 100% increase in the cost for that labor due to H2A wage changes. 

Farrowing house scours can be a frustrating and complex challenge that requires a multi-modal approach to control. While on the sow, multiple factors can influence piglet scour severity and prevalence. Here are 3 tips.

If there is such a thing as “normal,” Caleb Shull, director of research and innovation for The Maschhoffs, says he's not sure the pork industry will see it in 2023. Here's his take on what producers can expect.

It may seem early, but it’s time to dust off the winter checklist. Josh Maschhoff is normally not one for lists, but with the sporadic Midwest weather, he says lists help prevent things from falling through the cracks.

With so much technology out there today, determining what products to use can be paralyzing – especially when your plate is already overflowing with things to do. Here are a few things we've learned at The Maschhoffs.

Zoey Dinkla spent her summers working for large integrators, gaining crucial experience. At the time, she did not fully appreciate her exposure to a variety of companies’ workflows, processes and ultimately, culture.

The Maschhoffs has investigated possible causes of piglet and growing pig scours, highlighting the need for a more holistic approach to address enteric challenges beyond a pathogen and antimicrobial treatment strategy.

Lexi Ammann says she would not be where she is today without the opportunity she had to show a pig. It sparked a passion and drive to pursue a future in the commercial swine industry.

When you can't find the "smoking gun” after a disease outbreak, how can those difficult situations become learning opportunities to improve your operation?

Items and food entering a farm can carry pathogens that can be transmitted to swine and have severe consequences. Here are a few tips from Kayla Henness, DVM, with The Maschhoffs about food entry and UV chambers.

The more complicated part about raising pigs is how to ensure the people responsible for raising them are properly trained and supported by strong leaders that empower them to make the right decisions.  

In today’s food industry, consumers need assurances. While the specific assurances vary, the general request is the same: “Are producers doing things the right way when it comes to the way food is produced?”

At the foundation of a successful nutritional program, management of the components of a quality system requires close collaboration between team members working with animals on the farm. Here are four keys to consider.

In 2014, Maschhoff Transport was faced with increased transport operating costs. Their fuel efficiency was below the national average and maintenance cost per mile on trucks continued to increase. Here's what they did.

If you want to improve animal well-being and human safety on the farm, start by looking at the overall structure of the facility. Here are five safety and animal care tips to ensure your facilities remain sustainable.

As PRRS viruses continue to evolve, producers are often faced with a difficult decision regarding the sow farm’s long-term PRRS status.

Around every corner is a new pressure point on each of our businesses. Whether it’s continued global spread of ASF, chaotic markets, labor shortages or fluctuating export demand, the risks have reached new heights.

Technology will transform animal ag in the years ahead. Whether you are on the adopting or the developing end of the spectrum, quick identification of technologies that have potential pitfalls will be a big advantage. 

Is it possible to care too much for your pigs? This is a complex question, says Brooke McClure, a health and animal care associate at The Maschhoffs. She weighs in on the "caring-killing paradox."

Heavier weight market hogs can create many challenges for producers. Here are four things to consider when moving heavier market-weight pigs.  

Are you prepared to protect your employees in the wake of COVID-19?

With the recent market dynamics, the ability to slow down pig growth may be beneficial. Omarh Mendoza and Caleb Shull share options to consider when it may be beneficial to control or reduce the rate of pig gain.

Gut health has received significant attention lately in both humans and animals. It's an exciting time, but there are also many unknowns. Caleb Shull and Omarh Mendoza of The Maschhoffs share their insights.

Pork industry changes will require protecting the core while investing in future capabilities.

No one says managing weaned pig startups is easy. A newly weaned pig has its share of challenges: maternal separation, transportation, commingling, transitioning diet, vaccination and environmental changes.

How much value is created between and within a given index? Justin Fix of The Maschhoffs says it's important for producers to understand if the extra they pay for genetics actually generates a return on the added cost.

Reproductive technology should earn its way on the pig farm via genetic improvement, says Amanda Minton, associate director of reproductive technology for The Maschhoffs.

Developing and implementing an on-farm pig handling training program.

Continuing to manage, measure and improve our cost position by focusing on feed conversion will undoubtedly help us maintain an advantage in the global market.

Make sure caregivers are providing effective tactical implementation of ventilation technology. Here are five tips to set your ventilation system up for success.

Customizable barn technology is advancing farmers’ ability to track what’s taking place in their swine barns at all times.