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
What if pig livability is shaped long before problems show up in the barn?

Novel Strategies to Select for Livability | Jenelle Dunkelberger, PhD https://popularpig.com/2026/01/29/novel-strategies-to-select-for-livability-jenelle-dunkelberger-phd/

The post What if pig livability is shaped long before problems show up in the barn? appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Jan 29, 2026
From the Floor at Iowa Pork Congress: Signals, Shifts, and a Quiet Sense of Optimism

Iowa Pork Congress has never been about hype.It’s about reading the room. This year, the room felt different. Attendance was lighter again — that was obvious — but the conversations were more intentional. People weren’t wandering. They were talking. Comparing notes. Asking better questions. And beneath the realism that defines this industry right now, there […]

The post From the Floor at Iowa Pork Congress: Signals, Shifts, and a Quiet Sense of Optimism appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Jan 29, 2026
People Behind Pork: Jane Munoz—From FFA Student to 36 Years of Sow Farm Leadership

Some careers are chosen. Others choose you. For Jane Munoz, sow farm management has never been just a job—it’s been a lifelong calling. Jane is a Sow Farm Manager for Murphy Family Ventures in Duplin County, North Carolina, and she says plainly that she can’t imagine doing anything else. In fact, her goal is simple: […]

The post People Behind Pork: Jane Munoz—From FFA Student to 36 Years of Sow Farm Leadership appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Jan 29, 2026
Foreign Animal Disease Preparedness Turns Chaos into Control By Joel Nerem, DVM

Preparing for African Swine Fever (ASF) or other Foreign Animal Diseases (FADs) can feel chaotic, with global spread, trade implications, and response scenarios all competing for attention. Yet clarity doesn’t come from trying to track everything—it comes from preparation. When producers focus on a small number of critical planning points, they gain the confidence and […]

The post Foreign Animal Disease Preparedness Turns Chaos into Control By Joel Nerem, DVM appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Jan 29, 2026
Pastured Pig Podcast: EP 155 – Traded Firewood for Pigs to Start His Pastured Pig Journey

In this episode, I talk with Wyatt Reader. Wyatt has a 14 acre farm in West Central Manitoba, Canada. This his first year raising pigs and he has faced some challenges with his first round of farrowing and finishing. Wyatt shares with me his goals for expanding his pastured operation and other elements of his […]

The post Pastured Pig Podcast: EP 155 – Traded Firewood for Pigs to Start His Pastured Pig Journey appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Jan 29, 2026
Record Christmas Sales Lift Cranswick’s Q3 Performance

UK pork and protein processor Cranswick plc reported a strong third-quarter performance, driven by record Christmas sales across its pork, convenience, and premium festive product ranges. For the 13-week period ending late December, the company delivered year-over-year revenue growth across all core categories, with December trading exceeding expectations following an already solid performance in the […]

The post Record Christmas Sales Lift Cranswick’s Q3 Performance appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Jan 29, 2026
Lean Hog Futures Hit Contract Highs on Weak Dollar

Lean hog futures surged to contract highs Tuesday on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, supported by a sharply weaker U.S. dollar that has made American commodities more attractive to global buyers. According to Reuters, the hog market has rallied roughly 19% since posting a seven-month low in November, driven in part by renewed fund buying and […]

The post Lean Hog Futures Hit Contract Highs on Weak Dollar appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Jan 29, 2026
April hogs gapped down in fast correction

A gap is a hole in prices which occurs when the current day’s high is below the previous day’s low or when the current days low is above the previous day’s high. Gaps indicate a sudden change of direction and, if left unfilled, can hint toward a major price reversal.  Until filled, the gap serves […]

The post April hogs gapped down in fast correction appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Jan 28, 2026
SHIC 2025 Progress Report Highlights Record Research Investment and Producer ROI

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The post SHIC 2025 Progress Report Highlights Record Research Investment and Producer ROI appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Jan 28, 2026
More Pork, Tighter Markets: Why Disease Risk Is Becoming the New Trade Filter in 2026

Global pork production is expanding again, but the rules governing who can sell — and where — are quietly changing. While output is climbing in major producing regions, disease risk is increasingly acting as a filter on global trade, shaping market access just as much as price or volume. This shift marks a structural change […]

The post More Pork, Tighter Markets: Why Disease Risk Is Becoming the New Trade Filter in 2026 appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Jan 28, 2026