PigTek Connections October 2024: Your Source for Swine Industry Advances

PigTek Connections October 2024: Your Source for Swine Industry Advances

Published: Oct 30, 2024


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Core Report

Vietnam Prop 12 comparison to the US

The comparison between Vietnam's and the United States' Prop 12 regulations reveal significant differences in swine production standards and market impacts. Prop 12 in the US, particularly in California, mandates stricter animal welfare standards and requires more space for breeding pigs, which has increased production costs and reshaped market dynamics. Conversely, Vietnam's regulations focus more on scaling production efficiency and meeting rising domestic and export demands without similar stringent welfare requirements. This divergence highlights the challenges and adaptations faced by producers in both regions as they navigate regulatory landscapes and consumer expectations.

PigTek Commentary: CEO REPORT

Leading the Charge for Innovation and Excellence in Swine Production, by Greg Bodak Vice President/General Manager, PigTek Americas


I'm Greg Bodak, General Manager of PigTek, and I'm here to talk pigs -- and not just any pigs. At PigTek, we have a mission: to help producers maximize efficiency, boost productivity, and unleash the full potential of their swine operations. Our work is about far more than just raising pigs; it's about transforming the swine industry one innovative solution at a time.

 

So, what sets PigTek apart? It's our unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence. From our groundbreaking PigTek HERO® Fan Series which is pushing the boundaries of ventilation technology, to our revolutionary Swing-Fix® Gestation Stall Gate solutions, we're creating products that are changing the way swine farming is done. We are redefining what it means to be a leader in swine production equipment and technology.

 

But for me, this journey is about more than just innovation -- it's about passion. We live and breathe swine production, and there’s nothing more rewarding than unifying our team to develop practical solutions that make a real difference on the farm. Whether it's brainstorming the next breakthrough in efficiency, collaborating with producers to tackle on-farm challenges, or creating solutions to improve animal welfare and production outcomes, we're all in.


Our team at PigTek is dedicated to empowering producers by offering cutting-edge tools that drive results. We know that in this industry, time, efficiency, and effectiveness are critical, and we’re committed to staying at the forefront of swine production technology to ensure our partners thrive.

 

Whether you’re facing challenges in ventilation, feed management or operational efficiency, we’re here to help you overcome obstacles and push the limits of what’s possible in swine production. Together, we can elevate your operation to new heights, and I’m excited to continue leading the charge in this mission.

 

Visit us at www.pigtek.net to learn more about our solutions and see how we can help your operation reach its full potential.

The Founding Story of PigTek: Innovating Swine Industry Solutions

PigTek’s story begins in 1952 with the founding of Chore-Time Equipment. One of the first products Chore-Time successfully developed and marketed was an electric hog fountain heater. Since that time, the company’s long product history for the hog industry includes the development and continuous improvements of the centerless auger FLEX-AUGER® Feed Delivery System, Feed Bin Storage Systems, HERO Fan line, as well as other innovative, high-quality, American-made commercial farming products. In 2007, Chore-Time Hog Production Systems was renamed PigTek®. Since then, we have continued to develop and expand our pig equipment product offerings to meet the needs of the modern commercial hog farmer. 


We think globally offering producers industry-leading technology and equipment solutions that serve customers all over North and South America as well as in Europe and Asia. We act locally when it comes to products and service, offering high-quality after-sales technical supervision and support for our network of PigTek dealers. That support includes quoting, drawings and professional expertise as well as training and seminars to help our dealers and customers get the best performance from their PigTek systems. We place a high value on all our relationships.

Featured Commentary

Revolutionizing Manure Management in Swine Operations: The Power of Manure Pit Additives By: Casey L. Bradley, Ph.D.; The Sunswine Group, LLC


Utilizing Formula 542 within swine manure pits reduced ammonia emissions by 85.5% on average throughout different seasons in a commercial swine operation. 

Discover the Power of Formula 542: Learn How It Improves Swine Health and Environmental Management

While the swine industry primarily focuses on the profitability metrics like margin over feed cost and the quality of the final pork products, there lies a by-product of production that presents both a challenge and an opportunity -- manure. Often overlooked until it becomes a problem, manure management is pivotal not just for operational efficiency but also for environmental stewardship.

 

From storage issues and odor control to nutrient management and land application, the complexities of handling manure are vast. Innovative solutions like pit additives are now changing the landscape, offering sustainable and efficient management strategies that can turn this by-product from a nuisance into a valuable resource.


Navigating the Complexities of Manure Management

One of the foremost challenges in effective manure management lies in the storage conditions and duration. Facilities must be engineered to accommodate up to a year’s worth of production, aligning with the agricultural calendar that typically permits manure application only during specific windows around the crop growing season. This necessity stems from two primary concerns: the management of solids and the mitigation of gaseous emissions. Read the entire article here

Video Central

PigTek PigCentral® Controller Overview

Since 2018, Banthsa Thonethevaboth has been PigTek’s Technical Service Representative where he has supported new product applications, development and launches. Prior to his employment at PigTek, Thonethevaboth worked as a Field Service Engineer for Mitsubishi Laser MC Machinery for 6 years. He received his Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.) from Indian Hills Community College, Ottumwa, Iowa, in 2012. He also earned his Bachelor of Applied Science Degree from Buena Vista University, Storm Lake, Iowa, in 2019 where he majored in Laser & Electro-Optics. Fluent in English and Laotian, Thonethevaboth resides in Norwalk, Iowa. 

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Swine News
Merck Animal Health Announces Availability of Circumvent® CL, a Ready-to-use Vaccine Protecting Pigs Against Porcine Circovirus Types 2a and 2d and Lawsonia intracellularis

New addition to Merck Animal Health’s swine portfolio offers convenient, all-in-one protection for pigs three weeks of age and older. Merck Animal Health, known as MSD Animal Health outside of the United States and Canada, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (NYSE:MRK), today announced the commercial availability of CIRCUMVENT® CL vaccine, […]

The post Merck Animal Health Announces Availability of Circumvent® CL, a Ready-to-use Vaccine Protecting Pigs Against Porcine Circovirus Types 2a and 2d and Lawsonia intracellularis appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Dec 12, 2025
Atypical App Serotype 12: A “Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing” By Dr. Brad DeWolf from Southwest Ontario Veterinary Services

Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (App) is the bacterial cause of porcine pleuropneumonia. App continues to be present on a world wide basis.  In Ontario, the availability of serological testing for App allowed for a significant reduction in the number of breeding herds infected with the more problematic types of App. The disease, however,  is still present in […]

The post Atypical App Serotype 12: A “Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing” By Dr. Brad DeWolf from Southwest Ontario Veterinary Services appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Dec 12, 2025
ASF in Spanish Wild Boar Highlights Risks of Long-Distance Disease Spread

The recent detection of African Swine Fever (ASF) in wild boar in Spain is serving as a clear reminder of how quickly and unexpectedly the disease can spread — even into regions with no nearby outbreaks. The case underscores a troubling pattern seen in several European countries, where ASF has appeared suddenly in wild boar […]

The post ASF in Spanish Wild Boar Highlights Risks of Long-Distance Disease Spread appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Dec 12, 2025
Hog Talk: Fund Buying

The technical traders got excited when Feb 2026 hog futures broke $83 today. Listen to what Pat and Mike have to say about this weeks news.

The post Hog Talk: Fund Buying appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Dec 12, 2025
China Trade Gaps Continue to Limit U.S. Pork Growth

U.S. pork producers continue to face headwinds in accessing the Chinese market as unresolved trade gaps limit export potential and slow growth opportunities for the industry. Despite the size and importance of China as a global pork consumer, key elements of previous trade commitments remain unfulfilled. Industry leaders point to lingering regulatory and policy barriers […]

The post China Trade Gaps Continue to Limit U.S. Pork Growth appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Dec 12, 2025
Ohio Pork Council Donates Pork after Big 10 Football Championship

Friendly rivalry with Indiana pays off for those in need during holidays. What started as a friendly wager between two neighboring states’ pork associations on the outcome of last weekend’s Big 10 football championship game between Ohio State and Indiana University, has turned into a big win for everyone in the end – especially for […]

The post Ohio Pork Council Donates Pork after Big 10 Football Championship appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Dec 11, 2025
Feb Hogs testing resistance

“Read” Walt’s charts, keep the following in mind: Support – this term refers to a trend line or price area under the market which is expected to hold the market from potential decline. Resistance– a price area or trend line above the market that is expected to prevent or stall price increases. Trend lines and channels – […]

The post Feb Hogs testing resistance appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Dec 11, 2025
Sow Lameness: The Silent Productivity Killer | Dr. Lucas Rodrigues

Hear Dr Lucas Rodrigues reveal why silent sow lameness costs more than expected. https://popularpig.com/2025/12/11/sow-lameness-the-silent-productivity-killer-dr-lucas-rodrigues/

The post Sow Lameness: The Silent Productivity Killer | Dr. Lucas Rodrigues appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Dec 11, 2025
Continental Search, Swineweb, and Poultry Producer launch 2025 salary surveys for feed mill and poultry live production leaders

After wrapping up the 2026 Industry Insight Surveys for Swine Live Production, Poultry Live Production, and Animal Sciences Sales, Continental Search, Swineweb, and Poultry Producer are taking the next step: updating the annual salary benchmarks for key operations roles. Over the past few weeks, hundreds of managers, supervisors, and sales professionals have shared what they […]

The post Continental Search, Swineweb, and Poultry Producer launch 2025 salary surveys for feed mill and poultry live production leaders appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Dec 11, 2025
Can winter hybrid rye improve profitability for organic pig farmers? By Yuzhi Li, professor of swine behavior and welfare, University of Minnesota

The Challenge Organic pig producers face significant economic pressure from two key inputs: high-cost organic feed (primarily corn and soy) and expensive bedding materials (like wheat straw). The market for these inputs is often volatile, making long-term financial planning difficult. A newly completed study (Li et al., 2025) evaluated how integrating winter hybrid rye as […]

The post Can winter hybrid rye improve profitability for organic pig farmers? By Yuzhi Li, professor of swine behavior and welfare, University of Minnesota appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Dec 11, 2025