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
April hogs over resistance

Every Sunken Ship has a Chart – Please visit our website for additional charts and research. – Please reply should you wish to receive daily commentary on supply/demand or additional charts in another category (financials, currencies, grains, livestock, metals, energy, or softs). Walt Breitinger, Commodity Futures Broker  “Pinion Futures, LLC d/b/a Breitinger & Sons” 800.411.FUTURES […]

The post April hogs over resistance appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

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People & Profiles: Brigham H. – Leadership Rooted in Responsibility, Culture, and Family

Schwartz Farms Inc. has built its reputation on strong people, long-term commitment, and a culture that values responsibility just as much as results. Few stories reflect that better than that of Brigham H., one of the company’s long-serving farm managers and its newest PAP manager. Brigham has been part of the Schwartz Farms team since […]

The post People & Profiles: Brigham H. – Leadership Rooted in Responsibility, Culture, and Family appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Dec 23, 2025
Registration now open for 2026-2027 SowBridge Educational Series

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The post Registration now open for 2026-2027 SowBridge Educational Series appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Dec 23, 2025
Hogs Creep Higher, By Ben DiCostanzo, Senior Market Strategist Walsh Trading, Inc., December 23rd 2025

If you would like to receive more information on the commodity markets, please use the link to join our email list  – Sign Up Now  For those interested I hold a weekly livestock webinar on Tuesdays and my next webinar will be Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at 3:15 pm. It is free for anyone who […]

The post Hogs Creep Higher, By Ben DiCostanzo, Senior Market Strategist Walsh Trading, Inc., December 23rd 2025 appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Dec 23, 2025
Pork Outlook: Tight Supplies Offer Support, but Demand Remains the Key Question Heading Into 2026

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The post Pork Outlook: Tight Supplies Offer Support, but Demand Remains the Key Question Heading Into 2026 appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Dec 23, 2025
Conagra Brands Reports Q2 FY26 Sales Decline, Reaffirms Full-Year Outlook

Conagra Brands reported second-quarter fiscal 2026 results showing continued pressure on sales volumes, reflecting ongoing consumer caution and broader marketplace challenges. While results came in softer year-over-year, the company reaffirmed its full-year guidance, signaling confidence in its operational strategy and second-half improvement plans. Key Takeaways from the Quarter Net sales declined during the quarter, driven […]

The post Conagra Brands Reports Q2 FY26 Sales Decline, Reaffirms Full-Year Outlook appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Dec 23, 2025
People & Profiles: Braden | Animal Care Technician at Christensen Farms

Behind every healthy pig and successful operation is a team of dedicated people doing the work that matters most—day in and day out. At Christensen Farms, that commitment comes to life through team members like Braden, a Nursery Grow-Finish Animal Care Technician, whose role centers on consistent, hands-on animal care during one of the most […]

The post People & Profiles: Braden | Animal Care Technician at Christensen Farms appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Dec 22, 2025
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Every Sunken Ship has a Chart – Please visit our website for additional charts and research. – Please reply should you wish to receive daily commentary on supply/demand or additional charts in another category (financials, currencies, grains, livestock, metals, energy, or softs). – Existing clients are welcome to call Walt to discuss this chart. – […]

The post Feb hogs sideways within upward channel appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Dec 22, 2025
NPPC Capitol Update: Key Policy Moves Shaping the Pork Industry Heading Into 2026

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The post NPPC Capitol Update: Key Policy Moves Shaping the Pork Industry Heading Into 2026 appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

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The post Hawaiʻi Moves to Rebuild Local Pork Production — From Near Disappearance to Self-Sufficiency appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

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