Hog Management
Wild, unconventional, early adopters. It’s not uncommon for Nate Huntley or Josh Nelson to turn a few heads in Wright County, Iowa.
Unclear. That’s how Heidi Vittetoe, co-owner of JWV Pork in Washington, Iowa, would describe her outlook on the pork industry. Three pig farmers get honest about the pork outlook and what’s ahead.
While Ohio pig farmers Phillip Hord and Jessica Campbell’s operations may look different, driving demand is where their paths intersect. By bringing a new flavor to the farm, the producers are also driving pork demand.
If the worst-case scenario happens and animals need to be depopulated in an effort to contain and eradicate a disease, how would the pork industry respond? Here’s a look at the difficult discussion around depopulation.
What are the non-negotiables for pork producers in 2024? In the first State of the Pork Industry Report hosted by Farm Journal’s PORK editor Jennifer Shike, four experts compare 2023 data to what they see in the barns.
Ready to rethink soybean meal? Nutritionists, veterinarians, producers and academia are encouraged to attend the Iowa Swine Day Pre-conference Symposium, “Soybean Meal 360,” with eight leading swine industry experts.
The 2024 Iowa Swine Day program has a program packed with highly regarded speakers focusing on important issues facing U.S. pork producers, the Iowa Pork Industry Center announced.
The breathtaking views of Guanajuato, Mexico, weren’t easy to leave behind, but she knew her children deserved better than what she could provide them there. So, she took a chance on a new life. This happened next.
We are fighting many battles now in the pork industry. From disease to animal rights extremists to misconceptions of what it’s like to work on a pig farm, I’m reminded of how much the people on the front line matter.
The impact of depopulation incidents on employee mental health can’t be discussed enough, says veterinarian Randy Jones.
As summer approaches, preparing the barn to be ready for seasonal heat should begin before the summer heat wave starts. Here are five things to consider:
Our industry is diligent about collecting data — in management software systems, feeding systems, animal movement planning systems and more. How can we integrate this data better for practical analysis?
Summer Doty hasn’t saved anyone from a burning building or led an army into battle. She hasn’t jumped into the path of an oncoming train. Still, the work she does at Islercrest Farms is proof not all heroes wear capes.
You need to do what you need to do to make your life better. Is it really that simple?
Ryan Samuel shares five benefits of the Transport Quality Assurance certification program and why it’s so important during a pivotal time in the pork industry.
He’s the guy who always asks for more. Whether it’s more work or more ways to learn, everyone who knows Chad Groves knows he never looks for shortcuts. That’s why he’ll be taking the reins as CEO of Seaboard Foods.
One thing economists are particularly bad at is predicting what the future holds for the economy or specific market trends. Still, economists find gainful employment making predictions. The reason? Economic resiliency.
In the fast-paced world of business, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day operations, but true success lies in working on your business, not just in it.
Not only does the Q1 2024 sow and grow-finish data compiled by MetaFarms indicate improved mortality rates, but this past quarter marks the highest quarterly average daily gain (ADG) in the history of MetaFarms data.
There’s no doubt pork production is a noble calling, says Iowa State University extension swine specialist Colin Johnson. But the reality remains that farmers still have to cover production costs and earn a living.
Training your employees to identify illness and lameness early can improve sow longevity. Here are 4 tips to incorporate in your operation.
Ensuring the health and safety of our pigs is a top priority for every producer. While we often focus on biosecurity measures at sow farms, it’s just as crucial to implement strong protocols in wean-to-finish barns.
Properly functioning ventilation systems are vital to today’s pork production facilities, and following a regular process for maintaining their operation can pay big economic dividends.
Preweaning mortality is a complex issue, says Cara Haden, DVM, of Pipestone Veterinary Service. That’s why the pork industry continues to search for answers to improve pig livability on the farm.
The pork industry needs to share the good news of what producers are doing on the farm more, especially around the topic of sustainability.
The U.S. ag and food industry not only provides daily necessities but millions of stable, enriching careers. Here’s a look at hiring trends to gain insights into career trends and candidate behavior within the sector.
When assessing the health of your barns, certain factors can enhance productivity and profitability. Balancing cost management with pig health requires a holistic approach evaluating each animal but also the whole barn.
We live in a world where there is a disconnect between swine producers and pork consumers. This makes it important to understand how the public might view changes to farming practices before they happen.
“Anything worth doing, is worth doing badly.” This quote is a reminder that any undertaking that is important cannot wait for ideal circumstances before proceeding. Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good.
The conversation about how the farming business is going to be transitioned from an established generation to the next generation is a conversation these families cannot afford to put off for another day.