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
Clemens Food Group Announces Strategic Leadership Transition

Clemens Family Corporation (CFC), parent company of Clemens Food Group (CFG), has announced a carefully planned leadership transition that will take effect May 1, 2026, marking the next chapter in one of America’s longest-standing family-owned pork enterprises. After 23 years of leadership, Craig Edsill, CEO and chairman of Clemens Family Corporation, will retire from his […]

The post Clemens Food Group Announces Strategic Leadership Transition appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Feb 11, 2026
Leadership Transition at China’s Da Bei Nong: Why It Matters to Global Pork Markets

A leadership transition at one of China’s major agribusiness groups is drawing attention across the global pork sector. Da Bei Nong (DBN) — a large Chinese agricultural company with operations spanning feed, animal health, breeding and integrated pork production — confirmed earlier this month that its founder and long-time chairman has passed away. An interim […]

The post Leadership Transition at China’s Da Bei Nong: Why It Matters to Global Pork Markets appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Feb 11, 2026
Biosecurity: Best practices for disease prevention

Biosecurity is a cornerstone of veterinary medicine and animal care, encompassing a set of preventive measures designed to reduce the risk of introduction, establishment, and spread of animal diseases, infections, or infestations within and between animal populations, and to people. The AVMA believes science-based biosecurity is a vital part of protecting animal health, animal welfare, […]

The post Biosecurity: Best practices for disease prevention appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Feb 11, 2026
Strengthening a Producer-Led Framework for Animal Care: 2026 CSIA Updates

The U.S. pork industry’s on-farm audit system, the Common Swine Industry Audit (CSIA), is undergoing the most comprehensive update in its history. Ongoing evaluation and improvement of industry audit programs support continuous progress, strengthen credibility, and reinforce the U.S. pork industry’s commitment to responsible animal care. Commitment to Continuous Improvement At its core, sustainability is […]

The post Strengthening a Producer-Led Framework for Animal Care: 2026 CSIA Updates appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Feb 11, 2026
South Dakota Governor Vetoes Lab-Grown Meat Ban — What It Signals for Pork Producers

South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden has vetoed legislation that would have banned the sale of lab-grown (cultivated) meat in the state, opting instead to call for further review and study rather than an outright prohibition. The bill, which had advanced through the state legislature, aimed to block the sale of cell-cultured meat products. Supporters argued […]

The post South Dakota Governor Vetoes Lab-Grown Meat Ban — What It Signals for Pork Producers appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Feb 11, 2026
From Waste to Fertilizer Gold: Boosting Crop Yields – Q&A

How to Protect Value in the Pit Manure management plays a central role in the overall efficiency of swine operations. Whether manure is land-applied or hauled off-site, conditions in the pit influence how manure behaves at pump-out, how much effort is required to move it, and how predictable the process is from one cycle to […]

The post From Waste to Fertilizer Gold: Boosting Crop Yields – Q&A appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Feb 10, 2026
The Hidden Cost of Cold: How to Find and Fix Drafts in Your Hog Barn By Casey L. Bradley, Ph.D. | Global Swine Expert & Producer Advocate

There’s nothing worse than having damp hair and freshly cleaned skin, then walking into a hog barn on a cold winter morning. Those cold drafts cut straight to the bone—like a samurai sword slicing through your coveralls. But while they’re uncomfortable for humans, they’re even more punishing for pigs. And the costs go far beyond […]

The post The Hidden Cost of Cold: How to Find and Fix Drafts in Your Hog Barn By Casey L. Bradley, Ph.D. | Global Swine Expert & Producer Advocate appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Feb 10, 2026
Hogs broke an uptrend line

Market showing signs of a change of direction.  Outside days, reversals, & breaking trend lines could contribute evidence of the turn.  Increasing volume would confirm the change whereas decreasing volume would indicate the move is temporary. Walt Breitinger, Commodity Futures Broker  “Pinion Futures, LLC d/b/a Breitinger & Sons” 800.411.FUTURES (3888) www.indianafutures.com

The post Hogs broke an uptrend line appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Feb 10, 2026
The Critical First 72 Hours: Why Early Feed Intake Shapes Weaned Pig Performance

Weaning is one of the most disruptive periods in pig production. In a short window, pigs transition from sow’s milk to solid feed, adjust to new social groups, and adapt to a different environment — all while managing physiological stress. During this transition, feed intake often declines. What’s becoming increasingly clear, however, is that how […]

The post The Critical First 72 Hours: Why Early Feed Intake Shapes Weaned Pig Performance appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Feb 10, 2026