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
Swine veterinarians focus on turning obstacles into opportunities at 57th AASV Annual Meeting

The American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) held its 57th Annual Meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada, February 28-March 3, 2026, at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel. Inspired by Dr. Al Leman’s quote, “We’re just not making mistakes fast enough,” program chair Dr. Rebecca Robbins themed the meeting, “Fail Forward: Turning Obstacles into Opportunities.” Dr. Robbins […]

The post Swine veterinarians focus on turning obstacles into opportunities at 57th AASV Annual Meeting appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Mar 13, 2026
Hogs broke more support

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 Hogs broke more support appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Mar 13, 2026
Using AI and Advanced Sensors To Transform Feed Production

Researchers plan to test sensor technology at the NC State’s Feed Mill Education Unit. The mill — on the left side of the photo, between Raleigh’s downtown skyline and its red-roofed buildings on the university’s Lake Wheeler Road Field Laboratory — is one of the nation’s few university-owned mills. Healthy, affordable feed is key to the vitality […]

The post Using AI and Advanced Sensors To Transform Feed Production appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Mar 13, 2026
Dr. Glen Almond Named Outstanding Swine Academic of the Year

Dr. Glen Almond has been named the 2026 Outstanding Swine Academic of the Year, recognizing his excellence in teaching, research, and service to the swine veterinary profession. Almond serves as a professor of swine health and production management at North Carolina State University, where he has spent decades educating future veterinarians and advancing research related […]

The post Dr. Glen Almond Named Outstanding Swine Academic of the Year appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Mar 13, 2026
Pork Processor Denied Bid to Exit Antitrust Case

A federal judge has denied an attempt by pork processor Triumph Foods to exit the long-running pork antitrust lawsuit that has been working its way through the U.S. court system for several years. The decision means Triumph will remain a defendant in the ongoing litigation as the case moves closer to trial. Triumph had filed […]

The post Pork Processor Denied Bid to Exit Antitrust Case appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Mar 13, 2026
Lawmakers Consider Additional Farm Aid as Emergency Spending Package Takes Shape

U.S. lawmakers are exploring the possibility of including additional agricultural assistance in a broader emergency spending package currently under discussion in Washington. The potential funding is being tied to a larger national security and military support bill, but farm policy leaders are pushing to ensure agriculture is included in the conversation. Producers across the United […]

The post Lawmakers Consider Additional Farm Aid as Emergency Spending Package Takes Shape appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Mar 13, 2026
Can Feeding the Same Ingredient to Sows and Piglets Improve Nursery Efficiency?

By Swine Web A new research trial exploring the use of a cheese co-product in both sow lactation diets and nursery pig diets is offering fresh insights into how ingredient continuity may influence early pig performance. The nursery phase is one of the most sensitive stages in pork production. Feed intake patterns, digestive adaptation, and […]

The post Can Feeding the Same Ingredient to Sows and Piglets Improve Nursery Efficiency? appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Mar 13, 2026
High Construction Costs Expected to Limit Pork Industry Expansion Despite Strong Market Outlook

Despite a period of strong hog prices and improving profitability across the pork sector, industry leaders suggest that high construction costs and ongoing financial uncertainty are likely to slow expansion across North America. Recent market conditions have created an environment where producers are seeing improved margins compared to recent years. Stable production levels in both […]

The post High Construction Costs Expected to Limit Pork Industry Expansion Despite Strong Market Outlook appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Mar 13, 2026
Insights from AASV: New Research Highlights Practical Factors Affecting Swine Medication Effectiveness

Research presented at the 2026 American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) Annual Meeting offered new insight into how medication delivery, water quality, and treatment protocols can influence health outcomes in commercial swine production. Several presentations and posters focused on practical issues veterinarians and producers face when delivering medications through water systems, as well as treatment […]

The post Insights from AASV: New Research Highlights Practical Factors Affecting Swine Medication Effectiveness appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Mar 12, 2026
Nor-Feed Appoints Nicolas Tessier as General Manager

Nor-Feed, a global specialist in plant-based extracts for animal nutrition and health and part of the Adisseo group, has announced the appointment of Nicolas Tessier as General Manager, effective March 1, 2026. Tessier succeeds Olivier Clech, who will transition to a non-executive role on the company’s Board of Directors after leading the organization for more […]

The post Nor-Feed Appoints Nicolas Tessier as General Manager appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Mar 12, 2026