Although my newsletters don't always come on a strict schedule, it's always because I strive to provide genuine thoughts and insights. This approach has been the essence of my Column in Pig Progress for years. Writing as Casey, not...
On July 1st, 2023, California’s Proposition 12, which sets production standards for pork sold in California, officially came into effect. This animal welfare law requires that all uncooked pork sold in California comes from the offspring of sows that are...
Source: AgUpdate.com
Pat McGonegle is the chief executive officer of the Iowa Pork Producers Association, a position he has held since October 2015.
McGonegle was formerly with the National Pork Producers Council for 19 years and had served as the vice president...
When pigs are born their immune systems are not fully functional. In the first few weeks of life they are very dependent on the maternal antibodies and white blood cells that they receive via colostrum and milk. This passive...
We all love good food, and for many, the local food movement is the hottest trend right now. The farm-to-table movement promotes food purchases directly from local farmers. As a farmer, I have some confusion about the term “farm-to-table.”...
In our current age of digital transformation, even pork production isn’t left untouched. The introduction of farm record keeping software offers producers another tool for their toolbox. Software for farm record keeping helps to streamline processes, ensure accuracy and...
We often talk about live animals, people and vehicles as being the highest risk for introducing disease to a farm operation. But what about smart phones as a fomite? Scientists at the University of Arizona found that smartphones had...
In my consulting practice, one of the more common issues I encounter is a lack of alignment between nutrition strategies and feeding strategies. Effectively and efficiently meeting the nutritional needs of our animals requires careful coordination among nutritionists, the...
If there is one term I am most frustrated with hearing people say, it is Factory Farms. Why? You may find this a little crazy coming from a hog farmer, but I really don’t know what a factory farm...
During winter, swine facilities usually operate at minimum-ventilation rates. But if those rates aren’t correct, high humidity and excess gases will build up leading to increased disease and reduced growth rates, reported Sam Holst, DVM, Swine Vet Center, St....