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
Ontario Hog Market Update: Prices Ease Slightly as Volumes Tighten

Source: OMAFRA Weekly Hog Market Facts – Week Ending April 10, 2026 Ontario hog prices softened modestly this week, with the 100% base formula price declining to $226.37/cwt, continuing a gradual adjustment from late March highs. Despite the slight pullback, pricing remains generally in line with year-ago levels, suggesting the market is stabilizing rather than […]

The post Ontario Hog Market Update: Prices Ease Slightly as Volumes Tighten appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Apr 13, 2026
PigTek Dealer Spotlight: A1 Ag Focused on Service, Knowledge, and Producer Success

For agricultural equipment dealers, success often comes down to understanding the real needs of farmers. That philosophy is at the heart of A1 Ag, a company founded with the goal of providing better service and dependable products for producers. A1 Ag was started by Max Cheeseman and Deb Kaiser, who saw an opportunity to better […]

The post PigTek Dealer Spotlight: A1 Ag Focused on Service, Knowledge, and Producer Success appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Apr 13, 2026
Digestibility of energy and concentrations of digestible and metabolizable energy in high-protein canola meal, conventional canola meal, and soybean meal in diets fed to gestating sows

Canola meal and soybean meal (SBM) are the most commonly used sources of amino acids in diets for swine. However, via genetic selection, varieties of canola with greater concentrations of crude protein and reduced concentrations of fiber have been identified. Following oil extraction, the resulting high-protein canola meal (CM-HP) contains 3 to 5 % more […]

The post Digestibility of energy and concentrations of digestible and metabolizable energy in high-protein canola meal, conventional canola meal, and soybean meal in diets fed to gestating sows appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Apr 13, 2026
USDA Budget Isn’t Just a Cut — It’s a Signal to the Industry

By Swine Web The latest USDA budget proposal isn’t just about reducing spending. It’s about redefining the role of government in agriculture. And for the swine industry, that signal is worth paying attention to. This Isn’t a Cut Story — It’s a Priority Story Yes, overall funding is proposed to decline. But what matters more […]

The post USDA Budget Isn’t Just a Cut — It’s a Signal to the Industry appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Apr 13, 2026
Investigation of Saskatoon berry pomace for mitigation of AMR in swine production

Pomace, the pressing remains of fruit, is known to be rich in phytochemicals, such as polyphenolic compounds, which possess anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and/or anti-oxidative properties. These characteristics may protect the gastrointestinal tract (GI) and act as an alternative to in-feed antibiotics. The aim of this project examined the effects of saskatoon berry pomace on overall […]

The post Investigation of Saskatoon berry pomace for mitigation of AMR in swine production appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Apr 13, 2026
SWINETIME — EPISODE #88 Wean to Market Filtration: Raising the Bar on PRRS Biosecurity

In this episode of the SwineTime Podcast, host Dr. Spencer Wayne welcomes Dr. Adam Schelkopf, Pipestone veterinarian and partner, for a candid discussion on air filtration in wean‑to‑market pig barns and where it realistically fits into today’s PRRS control strategies. PRRS continues to be one of the most challenging and costly diseases in pork production. […]

The post SWINETIME — EPISODE #88 Wean to Market Filtration: Raising the Bar on PRRS Biosecurity appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Apr 13, 2026
June Hogs trend is lower

To “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 […]

The post June Hogs trend is lower appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Apr 12, 2026
Stories and Perspectives from the Farm, By Wanda Patsche, April 10th 2026

Spring Planting Soon? It’s a bit crazy, but there were farmers planting soybeans in March! Yes, the 30th of March, in Minnesota, we drove by a planter planting soybeans. I realize there is a trend to plant soybeans sooner than we have in the past. But, boy, in March? So what is happening on the […]

The post Stories and Perspectives from the Farm, By Wanda Patsche, April 10th 2026 appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Apr 10, 2026
Less Invasive Sampling Methods for PRRSV Detection in Swine: Dry Blood Spots, Oral Swabs, and Tonsil Oral Scrubbing in Intentionally Exposed Gilts

Abstract Serum collection from swine is invasive and labor-intensive, which limits its practicality for disease surveillance and highlights the need for less invasive and cost-effective alternatives. In this study, we evaluated the sensitivity of blood-soaked filter papers (dry blood spots [DBS]), blood-soaked swabs, oral swabs (OS), and tonsil oral scrubbing (TOSc) when compared to serum […]

The post Less Invasive Sampling Methods for PRRSV Detection in Swine: Dry Blood Spots, Oral Swabs, and Tonsil Oral Scrubbing in Intentionally Exposed Gilts appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Apr 10, 2026
Prairie Fresh Taps Into Summer Demand with America 250 Packaging Initiative

As the industry prepares for peak grilling season, Seaboard Foods is leaning into both tradition and timing—rolling out a limited-time packaging initiative for its Prairie Fresh brand tied to America’s 250th birthday. The move centers on Prairie Fresh Natural pork ribs, with updated packaging hitting retail shelves from early spring through the Fourth of July. […]

The post Prairie Fresh Taps Into Summer Demand with America 250 Packaging Initiative appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Apr 10, 2026