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
“Thank You, Chairman Thompson, for Standing Up for Pork Producers” America’s Pig Farmers Appreciate Proposed Prop. 12 Fix in Farm Bill 2.0

U.S. pork producers are one step closer to critical regulatory certainty—and consumers closer to keeping pork affordable—with House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson’s (R-PA) Farm Bill 2.0, which includes a federal fix to the massive issues caused by the impending and disastrous patchwork of state laws spurred by California Proposition 12. “America’s pork producers thank Chairman […]

The post “Thank You, Chairman Thompson, for Standing Up for Pork Producers” America’s Pig Farmers Appreciate Proposed Prop. 12 Fix in Farm Bill 2.0 appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Feb 13, 2026
U.S. Pork Secures Taiwan Access After Decades-long Effort

In a key win for U.S. pork producers, President Trump has finalized a beneficial trade agreement with Taiwan, a direct result of the National Pork Producers Council’s long-fought effort to secure greater market access in the Asian nation. “Our 15-plus year endeavor to break down trade barriers in the high-value market of Taiwan has paid […]

The post U.S. Pork Secures Taiwan Access After Decades-long Effort appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Feb 13, 2026
Minnesota Pork Congress 2026 Wraps in Mankato

The Minnesota Pork Board officially wrapped up Minnesota Pork Congress 2026, bringing together producers, exhibitors, and industry partners for two days of education, networking, and collaboration in Mankato. According to the organization’s recap, this year’s event featured a lineup of seminars alongside a busy trade show floor, where exhibitors connected directly with pork producers from […]

The post Minnesota Pork Congress 2026 Wraps in Mankato appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Feb 13, 2026
Environmental Leadership in Action: Dale Stevermer Earns 2026 Steward of the Year Honors

The Minnesota Pork Board recognizes Dale Stevermer as this year’s Environmental Steward of the Year. At Trails End Farm, environmental stewardship is a way of thinking, one shaped by generations, sharpened by experience, and guided by a willingness to make thoughtful investments to help pigs, people, and the planet. For Dale Stevermer, Minnesota Pork’s Environmental […]

The post Environmental Leadership in Action: Dale Stevermer Earns 2026 Steward of the Year Honors appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Feb 13, 2026
Hormel Dismisses Federal Case Against Johnsonville, Closing High-Profile Industry Dispute

In a move that quietly closes one of the more closely watched legal disputes in the processed meat sector, Hormel Foods Corporation has voluntarily dismissed its federal lawsuit against Johnsonville, LLC and two former Hormel executives. The case, which centered on allegations of employee poaching and misuse of proprietary business information, has been dismissed with […]

The post Hormel Dismisses Federal Case Against Johnsonville, Closing High-Profile Industry Dispute appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Feb 13, 2026
Many Producers “Fighting for Survival” in 2026 — What It Means for the Swine Sector

A recent report highlighted by Farm Policy News underscores the financial pressure facing U.S. agriculture in 2026. Survey data referenced by the University of Illinois suggests many producers describe current conditions as a fight for survival, citing compressed margins, elevated input costs, and persistent market uncertainty. While much of the discussion has centered on crop […]

The post Many Producers “Fighting for Survival” in 2026 — What It Means for the Swine Sector appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Feb 13, 2026
2026 Pork Promoter of the Year

Each award is highlighted in the 2026 Minnesota Pork Congress magazine. Read the full magazine here. This award is sponsored by Elanco. The Minnesota Pork Board recognizes Lindsey Loken as this year’s Pork Promoter of the Year award recipient. Lindsey Loken: owner of Blondies Butcher Shop of Wanamingo, Minnesota. For Lindsey Loken, pork promotion is […]

The post 2026 Pork Promoter of the Year appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Feb 13, 2026
The Minnesota Pork Board recognizes Dr. Tom Wetzell as this year’s Distinguished Service award recipient.

Dr. Tom Wetzell: retired swine veterinarian and independent consultant. For decades, Dr. Tom Wetzell has helped shape the success, resilience and future of Minnesota’s pork industry. Through clinical practice, corporate leadership and independent consulting, his career reflects a deep commitment to service, collaboration and the long-term well-being of pig farmers and veterinarians alike. As the […]

The post The Minnesota Pork Board recognizes Dr. Tom Wetzell as this year’s Distinguished Service award recipient. appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Feb 13, 2026
Wakefield Pork Celebrates Employee Anniversaries, Honoring Decades of Dedication

Wakefield Pork, Inc. is recognizing team members celebrating work anniversaries this February, highlighting the people behind the company’s continued success in pork production. Several long-tenured employees are marking major milestones this month, including multiple team members with more than two decades of service. 20+ Years of Service Bill Lebrun – 29 years Chuck Grossmann – […]

The post Wakefield Pork Celebrates Employee Anniversaries, Honoring Decades of Dedication appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Feb 12, 2026