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
Influence of dietary vitamin concentrations and of 25(OH)D3 in diets for growing-finishing pigs

Diego Guerrero, Ph D. student in the Stein Monogastric Nutrition Lab, discusses the Influence of dietary vitamin concentrations and of 25(OH)D3 in diets for growing-finishing pigs. Adapted from a presentation at the 2025 ASAS Midwest Section meeting, March 10-12, 2025.

The post Influence of dietary vitamin concentrations and of 25(OH)D3 in diets for growing-finishing pigs appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Mar 06, 2026
The Feed Market Signal Swine Producers Shouldn’t Ignore: Amino Acids

When pork producers think about feed costs, the focus often lands on corn and soybean meal. But quietly, another category of ingredients is shaping the economics of modern swine nutrition: amino acids. Synthetic amino acids—particularly lysine, threonine, methionine, and tryptophan—have become foundational tools in swine diet formulation. They allow nutritionists to precisely balance diets, reduce […]

The post The Feed Market Signal Swine Producers Shouldn’t Ignore: Amino Acids appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Mar 06, 2026
House Agriculture Committee Advances Farm Bill with Bipartisan Support

The U.S. House Agriculture Committee has advanced new farm bill legislation with bipartisan support, marking a significant step toward updating federal agricultural policy after years of delays and temporary extensions. Following a lengthy markup session that included extensive debate and amendments, the committee approved the legislation in a 34–17 vote, with several Democrats joining Republicans […]

The post House Agriculture Committee Advances Farm Bill with Bipartisan Support appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Mar 06, 2026
Pipestone Journal Winter 2026 – Clarity in Chaos

Today’s production environment is filled with variables we can’t control: disease pressure, market volatility, feed risk, labor challenges, and global uncertainty. When stress is high and information is incomplete, chaos can creep in quickly. The operations that perform best aren’t reacting in the moment—they’ve already planned for it. Preparedness is the best insurance you never […]

The post Pipestone Journal Winter 2026 – Clarity in Chaos appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Mar 06, 2026
NPPC Inducts Pork Industry Titans to Hall of Fame

Ken and Julie Maschhoff are presented with the Pork Industry Hall of Fame award in recognition of their contributions to the pork industry. The National Pork Producers Council is proud to announce the induction of Ken and Julie Maschhoff and Sam Carney into the NPPC Hall of Fame during the 2026 National Pork Industry Forum. […]

The post NPPC Inducts Pork Industry Titans to Hall of Fame appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Mar 05, 2026
Parker Honored with Paulson-Whitmore Award as Distinguished State Executive

 The National Pork Producers Council recognized John Parker as the recipient of the distinguished Paulson-Whitmore State Executive Award, honoring his decades of exceptional leadership and dedication to advancing the U.S. pork industry. This award was presented in partnership with the National Pork Board. A steady leader and collaborative voice, Parker’s 40-plus year tenure as executive […]

The post Parker Honored with Paulson-Whitmore Award as Distinguished State Executive appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Mar 05, 2026
How Incineration Helps Prevent ASF & Other Emerging Diseases

How Incineration Helps Prevent ASF & Other Emerging Diseases Why thermal destruction — when engineered correctly — strengthens biosecurity infrastructure As global disease pressure continues to intensify — particularly with the ongoing threat of African swine fever (ASF) — mortality management has shifted from a routine chore to a strategic biosecurity decision. Forward-thinking pork producers […]

The post How Incineration Helps Prevent ASF & Other Emerging Diseases appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Mar 05, 2026
Setting the Standard in Waterline Cleaning: Four Decades of Practical Experience

In recent years, the condition of drinking water systems in livestock production has received increasing attention. Producers, veterinarians, and technical specialists are discussing more frequently how waterline hygiene and biofilm influence water delivery and daily barn management. This growing awareness is a positive development, as clean drinking systems are a fundamental part of modern poultry […]

The post Setting the Standard in Waterline Cleaning: Four Decades of Practical Experience appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Mar 05, 2026
Pilgrim’s Europe Acquires Hermitage AI to Strengthen Swine Genetics and Supply Chain

Pilgrim’s Europe has announced the acquisition of Hermitage AI, a global supplier of pig breeding stock and genetic services, in a move aimed at strengthening its integrated pork production system and expanding its access to high-quality swine genetics. The acquisition brings Hermitage AI’s genetic services operations, including two UK-based Genetic Transfer Centres, under the Pilgrim’s […]

The post Pilgrim’s Europe Acquires Hermitage AI to Strengthen Swine Genetics and Supply Chain appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Mar 05, 2026
SHIC Releases New World Screwworm Fact Sheet to Raise Awareness for U.S. Pork Industry

The Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) has released a new fact sheet on New World screwworm, providing pork industry stakeholders with critical information on identifying and responding to this dangerous livestock pest. The educational resource was highlighted in SHIC’s February eNewsletter following the parasite’s identification in Mexico in November 2024. Since then, the pest has […]

The post SHIC Releases New World Screwworm Fact Sheet to Raise Awareness for U.S. Pork Industry appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Mar 05, 2026