By Jordan LeClere
Doing the right thing for the pig, every day.
It’s a mantra we take seriously at Pipestone. And while it’s easy to talk about herd health and barn management, we can’t forget that it all comes down to caring for each individual pig.
That’s where real impact happens—one pig at a time.
So what does good individual pig care look like? It doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some practical reminders to help you focus on what matters most.
Every Pig Deserves a Look
When you’re walking pens, are you really seeing every pig?
It’s easy to walk the barn and just glance over the group, but individual care means slowing down. Watch for the one that’s not getting up, the one hanging back at the feeder, the one that just isn’t quite right. The old “one second per pig” rule still applies. In a large barn, that’s a time commitment—but it’s worth it.
Individual pigs are good at hiding problems until it’s too late. Make sure you’re giving them a chance to show you what they need.
Treat What You See—Right Away
The pig you walk past today might not be there tomorrow if it’s not treated.
Medications work best when they’re used early and correctly. That means catching that lame pig before it falls too far behind. Carry the treatment tools with you or have a system in place to get challenged pigs pulled and cared for before the end of chores.
It’s not about mass treating. It’s about spotting the right pig, at the right time, and getting the right product into them.
Comfort Matters—Even to One Pig
Yes, ventilation, feed, and water systems are set up to support the whole barn—but ask yourself: is every pig comfortable?
One pig piling in the corner, one pig struggling to reach the feeder, or one pig without clean water is a problem. Check your pens with the individual in mind. Are mats dry? Are feeders at the right height? Are sick pigs able to access warm zones? A comfortable pig is a healthy pig—and the ones that aren’t comfortable will tell you, if you take the time to notice.
Personal Biosecurity = Pig-Level Protection
Big picture biosecurity is important—but it also comes down to what you do for the next pig.
Changing gloves between barns is good. But are you cleaning your boots between pens if you’re treating? Are you using dedicated equipment for sick pigs? Each little step protects the next animal. The spread of disease often starts with one missed detail and one vulnerable pig.
Individual care means protecting the next pig as much as the last one.
Each Pig Counts
Your success isn’t just built on averages—it’s built on outcomes, one pig at a time.
That slow starter. That one that needed a second round of treatment. That pig that looked off but turned around because you caught it early. Those are the wins that add up. That’s what good stockmanship looks like.
Jordan LeClere is a production consultant with FarmPro, a service offering of Pipestone Business.
