Episodit
-
In this episode of the SwineTime Podcast, Dr. Spencer Wayne sits down with Jim Marzolf, Executive Vice President of Pipestone Business Services, to discuss a topic that hits close to home for many farm families: succession planning. Passing the torch to the next generation isn’t just about keeping the farm running—it’s about protecting a legacy.
Jim shares practical tips and stories from his years of experience working with farmers, offering insight into how to approach some of the trickiest parts of the process. They discuss everything from setting up a solid plan and handling family dynamics to making sure the farm can keep thriving as it changes hands.
Whether you’re just starting to think about the future or knee-deep in conversations with your family, this episode is packed with advice to help you take the next steps toward a smooth transition—and set the next generation up for success.
-
In the latest episode of SwineTime, host Dr. Spencer Wayne sits down with Dr. Joel Nerem from PIPESTONE and Nikki Stolberg from New Roots Haiti, an organization doing incredible work to improve the lives of people in and around a small Haitian village. Together, they dive into the amazing ways New Roots Haiti is tackling poverty, hunger, and social challenges through sustainable farming, education, and building strong communities.
You’ll hear stories about the real struggles the Haitian people face every day and the creative, hands-on solutions New Roots has developed to make a difference. From teaching farming techniques that help families grow their own food to programs that empower kids through education, New Roots Haiti is about building a brighter, more sustainable future.
Dr. Nerem and Nikki also discuss why PIPESTONE is proud to support New Roots Haiti and how this partnership is making a real impact. It’s a powerful look at how agricultureand education can transform lives—and a reminder of the amazing things that happen when people come together to make a difference. Don’t miss it!
-
Puuttuva jakso?
-
In this SwineTime episode, Dr. Spencer Wayne sitsdown with UK swine veterinarian, Dr. Alex Thomsett, and explores the ins and outs of UK pig farming. Dr. Thomsett shares how UK farms operate under very different rules: weaning at 28 days, tail docking restrictions, minimalcastration, and higher welfare standards. Each of these regulations creates unique challenges—and opportunities—that shape the way British farmers runtheir operations.
Dr. Thomsett also discusses how UK farms handle outdoor systems, manage tail biting, and stay prepared for health threats like swine fever. This episode gives U.S. producers a valuable look at pig farming beyond our borders, offering insights into what drives welfare and productivity across the pond.
-
In the latest SwineTime Podcast, host Dr. Spencer Wayne chats with Alex Kremer, FarmPro’s new Market Sales Manager, about the crucial role pig selection plays in boosting profits. Kremer shares insights on how selling pigs at the right weight and at the right time can make a big financial difference for farmers.
They break down key terms like coefficient of variance (CV) and standard deviation and how tighter weight ranges in pigs lead to better payouts at market time. Kremer reveals that moving from a 10% to 7% CV can mean an extra $5 per pig—a game-changer for producers.
Alex offers practical tips on improving pig selection and explains how small changes in the marketing phasecan significantly impact your bottom line. Tune in and learn how to maximize your profits!
-
Join Dr. Spencer Wayne as he chats with Dr. Jeff Blythe and FarmPro Production Consultant, Nick Enfield about the everyday ventilation challenges pig farmers face. They dive into practical solutions to improve barn conditions, focusing on the importance of getting airspeed right, placing temperature probes effectively, and keeping equipment well-maintained. The trio discusses how poor ventilation can lead to high humidity and health issues for your pigs.
Take away with easy-to-follow tips on boosting fan efficiency, preventing air stratification, and adjusting ventilation based on how your pigs are behaving and the current barn conditions. By putting these expert strategies into action, you can create a healthier environment for your herd and help them thrive.
PIPESTONE’s mission is “Helping Farmers Today Create the Farms of Tomorrow.” The SwineTime podcast was created for pig farmers and individual pork producers around the country. Hosted by Dr. Wayne, the podcast contains pork industry news, advancements in animal care, and how to enhance your productivity.
Monthly podcasts are available on Pipestone.com and your favorite streaming platform.
-
In this episode of the SwineTime podcast, Dr. Spencer Wayne is joined by colleague Dr. Emily McDowell of Pipestone Veterinary Services for an in-depth discussion on managing E. coli in weaning pigs. They explore the evolving strategies and technologies, especially around weaning, a stage where pigs are most vulnerable to infections. Dr. McDowell emphasizes the importance of early intervention, outlining how industry best practices have shifted as E. coli strains adapt and become more resistant to treatments.
Preventing E. coli in weaning pigs starts with maintaining strict hygiene in barns. The use of “all-in, all-out” production methods, thorough cleaning between groups, and ensuring water quality through regular testing are vital steps. They also discuss antibiotics and water acidifiers as potential strategies to manage outbreaks. The episode stresses working closely with veterinarians and nutritionists to create comprehensive health plans. A holistic approach is crucial since E. coli resistance can render treatments ineffective, making integrated management tactics necessary for long-term success.
-
In this episode of the SwineTime podcast, hosted by Dr. Spencer Wayne of Pipestone Veterinary Services, listeners are treated to a fascinating discussion with Dr. Maggie Behnke, Director of the Animal Resources Unit and attending veterinarian at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan, Kansas. Dr. Karyn Havas, PIPESTONE’s Director of Foreign Animal Disease also joins the conversation.
Dr. Behnke provides an in-depth look at NBAF, an advanced research facility dedicated to studying andcombating the world's most dangerous animal diseases. The facility, which will replace the aging Plum Island Animal Disease Center, is designed to protect theU.S. from transboundary, emerging, and zoonotic diseases that threaten the food supply, agricultural economy, and public health. With stringent safety protocols, NBAF features biosafety level-2, -3 and -4 containment laboratories. It’s BSL-4 containment spaces have the highest level of safety protocols and are capable of housing large livestock — a first for the United States. NBAF’s capabilities allow USDA to expand its research and diagnostic mission with foot-and-mouth disease to also include diseases like Japanese encephalitis and Nipah virus.
The conversation highlights NBAF's crucial role in rapid diagnostics, research on disease transmission, and vaccine development. Dr. Wayne and his guests discussthe strategic location of NBAF in Manhattan, Kansas and emphasize the facility's transparency and public engagement efforts, ensuring community trust and safety. This episode provides a comprehensive overview of the cutting-edge work at NBAF and its significant impact on the pork industry and beyond.
-
In this episode of SwineTime, host Dr. Spencer Wayne dives into critical health issues and their impact on industry relations and trade with guests Terry Wolters, VP of Customer & Industry Relations with PIPESTONE, and Dr. Joel Nerem, a practicing veterinarian and Director of Industry Relations with Pipestone Veterinary Services. The discussion centers around the global spread of African Swine Fever, which has reached more countries in the past five years, underscoring the need for ongoing vigilance. The episode also addresses the implications of High Path Avian Influenza, especially its cross-species transmission risks, and the importance of biosecurity measures.
Wolters and Dr. Nerem highlight the crucial role ofhealth-related efforts in maintaining trade channels, which constitute 25% of total production, emphasizing the necessity of preserving these channels amidst health challenges. They stress the significance of traceability in managing outbreaks of foreign animal diseases, detailing its pivotal role in current disease prevention and control strategies. The conversation also touches on trade agreements between countries.
PIPESTONE’s mission is “Helping Farmers Today Create the Farms of Tomorrow.” The SwineTime podcast was created for pig farmers and individual pork producers around the country. Hosted by Dr. Wayne, the podcast contains pork industry news, advancements in animal care, and how to enhance your productivity. Monthly podcasts are available on Pipestone.com and your favorite streaming platform.
-
In this episode of SwineTime, Dr. Spencer Wayne sits down with Jake Geisler and Hayden Kerkaert, both with Pipestone Nutrition, to chat about the basics of commodity management.
They discuss the tools farmers can use to save money on better ingredients and boost their bottom line. Jake emphasizes the importance of customer service, simplifying the process, and delivering high-quality ingredients straight to the mill, so farmers can focus on what matters most—their farms.
PIPESTONE’s mission is “Helping Farmers Today Create the Farms of Tomorrow.” The SwineTime podcast was created for pig farmers and individual pork producers around the country. Hosted by Dr. Wayne, the podcast contains pork industry news, advancements in animal care, and how to enhance your productivity. Monthly podcasts are available on Pipestone.com and your favorite streaming platform.
-
In this episode of the SwineTime podcast, host Dr. Spencer Wayne interviews Dr. Megan Niederwerder, Executive Director of the Swine Health Information Center (SHIC). SHIC, established in 2015, focuses on identifyingand mitigating emerging disease risks for the U.S. swine herd.
SHIC is supported by pork checkoff funds and its missioninvolves global disease monitoring, data analysis, coordinated communications, preparedness activities, and targeted research investments to develop new toolsand technologies for swine health. Drs. Niederwerder and Wayne discuss SHIC’s work surrounding emerging diseases like African swine fever (ASF), classicalswine fever (CSF), pseudorabies, and Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). SHIC also supports programs like the Morrison Swine Health Monitoring Project andthe Swine Disease Reporting System to track domestic disease trends.
Listeners are encouraged to visit SHIC’s website (swinehealth.org) for resources, biosecurity protocols, and to sign up for newsletters with monthly disease monitoring reports and research updates.
Tune in for practical insights and the latest in swine health!
-
In this episode, Dr. Spencer Wayne sits down with Nick Fitzgerald, Director of Business Development for PIPESTONE for a great discussion on facilities.
The pair delve into essential considerations for optimizing swine farming operations. From wean-to-finish construction to barn remodeling and the repurposing of sow units, explore strategies and innovative solutions to enhance productivity and efficiency on your farm. Gain valuable insights into ventilation systems, flooring types, and the importance of expert consultation for successful project execution. If you are considering retrofitting your facilities, don't miss out on this expert advice.
-
In this episode, host Dr. Spencer Wayne sits down with Erin McCoy, a veterinary physician assistant with Pipestone Veterinary Services, to discuss proper barn ventilation as the weather begins to warm up.
Erin shares her warm-weather ventilation checklist and emphasizes the importance of opening soffit doors and ensuring proper ventilation by uncovering fans. She provides practical advice on checking alarms, settingemergency thermostats, and maintaining steady ventilation to ensure pig comfort and health. Erin highlights the significance of monitoring barn conditions and observing pig behavior for indications of discomfort or stress.
Throughout the conversation, Spencer and Erin stress theimportance of proactive management in optimizing swine barn ventilation systems, ultimately contributing to better pig health and productivity.
-
Join Dr. Spencer Wayne on the latest episode of SwineTime, where he dives deep into swine genetics with experts Erin Little, Pipestone Research, and Carrie Pollard, Pipestone Business.
In this engaging discussion, Erin and Carrie discuss how PIPESTONE is unlocking valuable insights into swine genetics for producers using both research and production data.
With over 4 million pigs' worth of production data at theirfingertips through the FarmStats program, Carrie reveals the power of records analysis in driving informed decision-making for pork producers. From mortalityrates to feed conversions, learn how this wealth of information transforms how we understand and optimize genetic lines in the swine industry.
Erin shares the journey from data to action, where findingsfrom cutting-edge research initiatives are transformed into actionable insights for pork producers. By simulating real-world conditions within commercial barns, they can observe how different genetic lines perform in variousenvironments and management practices. This level of scrutiny allows researchers to identify patterns, trends, and areas of improvement, ultimately driving advancements in swine genetics and production practices.
The trio underscores PIPESTONE's dedication to research and data collection, aiming to equip producers with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the dynamic landscape of pork production.
-
Join Dr. Spencer Wayne and Dr. Cameron Schmitt in a discussionof the ever-evolving landscape of swine diseases. In this episode, Dr. Schmitt, Executive Vice President of Pipestone Veterinary Services, delves deep into the nuances of various pathogens affecting swine health today. From the notorious PRRS virus to resilient strains of E. coli, they dissect the challenges andadvancements in disease management strategies.
The pair begin the discussion with the infamous diseases sharinginsights and practical advice, then transition to a few emerging viruses. With their down-to-earth approach, you'll gain a clearer understanding of the ongoing battle to safeguard swine well-being.
-
In this episode of the SwineTime podcast, host Dr. Spencer Wayne interviews Dr. Darin Madson, a diagnostician at the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Iowa State University. Dr. Madson shares his background in swine production, veterinary school, and his journey to becoming a diagnostic pathologist. The conversation covers the expansion of the diagnostic lab at Iowa State, new technologies in diagnostics, and specific tests like next-generation sequencing and RNA scope.
Dr. Madson highlights the significance of the new diagnostic lab at Iowa State, which is expected to be one of the newest and most advanced labs in the United States. The discussion also touches on the cost of diagnostics for producers, the value of next-gen sequencing, and the importance of interpreting findings in correlation with clinical information.
This episode explores RNA scope technology and its application in understanding the significance of pathogens. Drs. Wayne and Madson emphasize the importance of careful interpretation, as the detection of a pathogen doesn't necessarily imply causation or correlation with clinical symptoms.
The episode concludes with advice for producers including a reminder for robust biosecurity measures during cold months.
PIPESTONE’s mission is “Helping Farmers Today Create the Farms of Tomorrow.” The SwineTime podcast was created for pig farmers and individual pork producers around the country. Hosted by Dr. Wayne, the podcast contains pork industry news, advancements in animal care and how to enhance your productivity.
Monthly podcasts are available on Spotify, Google Music, iTunes, and on Pipestone.com.
-
In this episode of the SwineTime podcast, Dr. Spencer Wayne welcomes Dr. Kiah Berg, Senior Supervisor of Nutrition with Pipestone Nutrition, to discuss the state of feed costs and her recommendations for proper nutrition strategies. Dr. Berg explains the recent trends in feed costs, highlighting the notable decrease in prices for key ingredients such as corn and soybean meal, resulting in significant cost savings for pig production. Dr. Berg underscores the importance of regularly monitoring ingredient prices and reformulating diets to optimize cost efficiency while maintaining nutritional quality.
Drs. Wayne and Berg emphasize the need for adaptive feed management, they discuss the frequency of reformulation, suggesting regular reviews based on cost savings thresholds and market dynamics. Furthermore, Dr. Berg stresses the importance of adjusting feed orders based on herd size and mortality events to prevent overfeeding and optimize feed utilization. Overall, the podcast offers valuable insights and practical strategies for swine producers to enhance productivity and profitability in the pork industry.
-
In this episode of the SwineTime podcast, hosted by Dr. Spencer Wayne, the featured guest is Dr. Scott Dee who shares valuable insights for young veterinarians, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, recalling his journey from being told he couldn’t attend vet school to becoming a prominent figure in the field. The discussion also touches on the balance between scientific and artistic talents, with Dr. Dee highlighting his creative approach to scientific problem-solving.
Mentorship is a central theme as he encourages young veterinarians to remember and appreciate those who have played significant roles in their development. The conversation also explores Dr. Dee’s experiences living in Brazil, underscoring how exposure to different cultures and witnessing poverty profoundly shaped his perspective on making a positive impact on both animal and human lives.
The pair further cover themes such as embracing adversity, finding joy in one’s work, and the ultimate goal of finishing a career feeling accomplished and satisfied. The episode provides a rich and insightful discussion on veterinary medicine, research, mentorship, and personal growth, offering valuable lessons and inspiration for professionals in the swine industry.
PIPESTONE’s mission is “Helping Farmers Today Create the Farms of Tomorrow.” The SwineTime podcast was created for pig farmers and individual pork producers around the country. Hosted by Dr. Wayne, the podcast contains pork industry news, advancements in animal care and how to enhance your productivity.
Monthly podcasts are available on Spotify, Google Music, iTunes, and on Pipestone.com.
-
Dr. Spencer Wayne welcomes Dr. Cara Haden, Director of Animal Welfare at PIPESTONE, and Dr. Carissa Odland, Director of Sustainability for Wholestone Farms, a producer-owned packer enterprise.
The episode provides insights into the complex dynamics of animal welfare, sustainability, and consumer preferences in the swine industry.
-
Dr. Spencer Wayne welcomes Dr. Adam Schelkopf, Health Director for Pipestone Management, for a discussion on the overall health status of PIPESTONE-managed farms. Historically, this time of year brings an increase in illness, especially PRRS infections. Dr. Schelkopf reports less than 10% of PIPESTONE-managed farms breaking with PRRS over the last two years, which is far better than in the past. He attributes the improvement to compounding interventions over time. Feed mitigation is the most recent strategy implemented at PIPESTONE, having been in place for 2-3 years it correlates well to the reduction in PRRS over the last two years. Over the last 15 years air filtration has been implemented in nearly 70% of farms. And lastly, location selection. The good health reported from an isolated sow farm pays dividends.
In regard to the wean-to-finish side, Dr. Schelkopf stresses the importance of alternatives to antibiotics – management, environment, sanitation, and biosecurity. Though the availability of generic drugs may be greater, the introduction of new antibiotics is not expected. Dr. Schelkopf recommends this recipe for success: “Start with a high-health pig and protect it through the wean-to-market phase with biosecurity.”
PIPESTONE's mission is "Helping Farmers Today Create the Farms of Tomorrow." The SwineTime podcast was created for pig farmers and individual pork producers around the country.Hosted by Dr. Wayne, the podcast contains pork industry news, advancements in animal care, and how to enhance your productivity.
Monthly podcasts are available on Spotify, Google Music, iTunes, and on Pipestone.com.
-
Dr. Spencer Wayne welcomes Marty Rost, Environmental Specialist with PIPESTONE, to talk about the valuable commodity we have in manure. The pair discuss the importance of understanding its value and making it work for you and your neighbors.
Marty talks about the differences in facilities he sees and shares insight on finding opportune times to pump a farm. Additionally, Dr. Wayne asks Marty to explain why safety is such a crucial part of manure management and outlines procedures to minimize health risks for both humans and livestock.
PIPESTONE's mission is "Helping Farmers Today Create the Farms of Tomorrow." The SwineTime podcast was created for pig farmers and individual pork producers around the country. Hosted by Dr. Wayne, the podcast contains pork industry news, advancements in animal care, and how to enhance your productivity.
- Näytä enemmän
