Constructing a strong and productive placement plan can be critical to the success of a wean to finish or nursery operation. Joining us for this series is Jim Lolkema with Belstra Milling and Isaiah Spath with the PIC Wean to Finish and Product Development teams. Our guests share their experiences and knowledge of a successful placement plan and th…

This is part two of a two part episode series on weaned weight efficiency. Iowa State Univerity's Dr. Rodger Main (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodger-main-48b31078/), Seaboard Foods' Josh Flohr (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodger-main-48b31078/), and PIC's Nat Stas (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nat-stas/) discuss practical steps for improvement and …

This two part episode series is on weaned weight efficiency. Iowa State Univerity's Dr. Rodger Main (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodger-main-48b31078/), Seaboard Foods' Josh Flohr (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodger-main-48b31078/), and PIC's Nat Stas (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nat-stas/) meet up to share thoughts on how to measure weaned weight …

PICs communications authority Tim Heiller (PIC Senior Account Manager) sits down to discuss effective communications, how you could improve, and what it could mean to you. At PIC, our goal is to make our customers the most successful pig producers by providing them with the best genetics. We know our business success depends on yours. Thanks for li…

We are continuing our warm weather breeding conversation, looking at checklists for preparation and planning for successful conception. Kevin Isler (Kalmbach Feeds Sow Production Supervisor https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-isler-24928a19b/), Stacey Voight (PIC Reproductive Technical Services https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacey-voight-3268aa150/), a…

Time marches on and it's bringing summer with it. Is your breeding program ready? What does that look like for the summer months? Kevin Isler (Kalmbach Feeds Sow Production Supervisor https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-isler-24928a19b/), Stacey Voight (PIC Reproductive Technical Services https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacey-voight-3268aa150/), and Bra…

In this Squeal episode, the group discusses the maximizing weaning performance, focusing on real practical advice from farrowing experts. Nicole Comstock (Carthage Systems https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-jockisch-67a16063/) and Juan Orozco (PIC) provide some perspective on how often eyes on the sow, what should we be looking for, and what to do …

In this Squeal episode, the group discusses the maximizing weaning performance, focusing on keys to animal care and micro environment management. Nicole Comstock (Carthage Systems https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-jockisch-67a16063/) and Juan Orozco (PIC) provide some perspective on getting gilts into and through the farrowing unit with a positive…

In this Squeal episode, the group discusses the gilt development unit (GDU) as a large contributor to the success of the overall breeding program. Gilt development unit experts Jennifer Patterson (Research Associate at Livestock Gentec, University of Alberta, https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-patterson-aa30a957) and Kendall Weger (PIC Technical …

What are the benefits of a strong veterinarian relationship? Dr. Deanne Hemker (PIC Health Assurance Veterinarian) and Jason Pooley (PIC Health Programs Manager https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-pooley-bbb8566/ ) share information on developing and maximizing your servicing veterinarian as a key biosecurity resource. They address how often your vet…

Walking the barns is an activity that many seem like second nature to most of the people doing it. But why do we need to walk the barns? How should it be done? And how often? Stacey Voight (PIC Technical Services https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacey-voight-3268aa150/) and Isaiah Spath (PIC Technical Services) share the purpose and intent of walking t…

The Squeal wraps up a two part conversation on transportation handling. In this episode the panel talks about the tools and tips to move pigs down aisles and across the country. On the panel are Jason McAlister (CEO Cloverleaf Animal Welfare Systems https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-mcalister-b3b93381/) and Chock Booher (PIC Technical Service Team …

The Squeal begins an interesting two part conversation on transportation handling. In this episode the panel talks about the best use of facilities, training, and personnel. On the panel are Jason McAlister (CEO Cloverleaf Animal Welfare Systems https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-mcalister-b3b93381/) and Chock Booher (PIC Technical Service Team for …

For the New Year The Squeal provides a practical and achievable conversation with Tim Heller on great bosses and how to be one. Key great boss simple tasks: Day to day coaching, get the right people on your team, define and communicate what your team's role is in the company, and get results. Resources: * "Book: Radical Candor" - https://www.radica…

The Squeal continues its focus on practical production information. This episode series looks at early pig care with an expert panel including Mandy Gerhart (Swine Nutritionist, JBS Live Pork, https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandygerhart/), Isaiah Spath (Sr. Validation Specialist & Wean-Finish Technical Services, PIC, https://www.linkedin.com/in/isaiah…

The Squeal continues its focus on practical production information. This episode series looks at early pig care with an expert panel including Mandy Gerhart (Swine Nutritionist, JBS Live Pork, https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandygerhart/), Isaiah Spath (Sr. Validation Specialist & Wean-Finish Technical Services, PIC, https://www.linkedin.com/in/isaiah…

Gilt selection is fundamental to successful breeding outcomes. This episode continues the conversation on gilt selection with marking techniques and selection criteria with PIC's Pro Select Program. Joining us are PIC's Alison Bueltel (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-bueltel-744120150/), Malcolm Turley (https://www.linkedin.com/in/malcolm-turley…

Gilt selection is fundamental to successful breeding outcomes. Each selection today will affect your operation two years from now. Are you just providing a quantity or selecting to improve your program? Joining us for the next couple of episodes are PIC's Alison Bueltel (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-bueltel-744120150/), Malcolm Turley (https:…

We continue with the conversation on pork quality and consumer preference, focusing on tenderness and convenience discussions the industry should have, or continue. Joining the Squeal are Dr. Anna Dilger (University of Illinois, https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-dilger-80528938/), Dr. Clay Eastwood (PIC, https://www.linkedin.com/in/l-clay-eastwood-p…

Pork, it's what's for dinner. Well, maybe not, but why not? The next couple episodes of The Squeal are conversations on Consumer Preferences. Today the focus is on pork vs other proteins and how to talk about it. Joining the Squeal are Dr. Anna Dilger (University of Illinois, https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-dilger-80528938/), Dr. Clay Eastwood (PI…

Nat Stas (PIC Technical Services Director, https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathaniel-stas-63b78699/), Adam Walters (Tosh Farms Finishing Manager https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-walters-9b3b7ab9/), and Austin Baker (Hog Slat Ventilation Director, https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-baker-4467a931/) conclude their conversation on prepping for winter, wit…

Nat Stas (PIC Technical Services Director, https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathaniel-stas-63b78699/), Adam Walters (Tosh Farms Finishing Manager https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-walters-9b3b7ab9/), and Austin Baker (Hog Slat Ventilation Director, https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-baker-4467a931/) bring their experiences to the table around preparing f…

Anna Malakhova (PIC Russia), Daphne Licuan (PIC Asia, https://www.linkedin.com/in/daphne-licuan-29645a193), and John Quackenbush (Minitube, https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-quackenbush-81a60b42/) share an international perspective on semen management and handling, focusing on management concerns today, and what the future might hold. At PIC, our go…

Anna Malakhova (PIC Russia), Daphne Licuan (PIC Asia, https://www.linkedin.com/in/daphne-licuan-29645a193), and John Quackenbush (Minitube, https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-quackenbush-81a60b42/) share an international perspective on semen management and handling, focusing on Biosecurity, Hygiene, and Movement From Lab to Sow Farm in the lab & tran…

On The Squeal Tim Heiller with PIC shares how DISC personality assessments can help teams work better together. At PIC, our goal is to make our customers the most successful pig producers by providing them with the best genetics. We know our business success depends on your's. Thanks for listening to 'The Squeal', PIC's swine management podcast, fe…

The Squeal focuses on wean to finish mortality in a three part series. In this final episode of the series, the conversation reviews tips on training, as well understanding mixing pig flows to ensure good outcomes using good site preparation. The guests on this episode of the Squeal include Dr. Kate Dion (The Hanor Company), Dr. Rebecca Robbins (PI…

The Squeal focuses on wean to finish mortality in a three part series. In this episode, the conversation reviews wean to finish mortality factors to be considered and looks more closely at monitoring tools and tactics. The guests on this episode of the Squeal include Dr. Kate Dion (The Hanor Company), Dr. Rebecca Robbins (PIC Health Assurance, http…

The Squeal focuses on wean to finish mortality in a three part series. In this first episode, the conversation focuses on understanding the factors that contribute to wean to finish mortality. The guests on this episode of the Squeal include Dr. Kate Dion (The Hanor Company), Dr. Rebecca Robbins (PIC Health Assurance, https://www.linkedin.com/in/re…

Continuing on the 4 Pillars of Sow Longevity series, The Squeal focuses on implementation of the updated recommendations for sow body conditioning and feeding at the farm and slat level. The guests on this episode of the Squeal include Dr. Steve Dritz (PIC Director Global Technical Service https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-dritz-46543a140/), Dr. Se…

Wrapping up the 4 Pillars of Sow Longevity series, The Squeal focuses in on sow feeding and body condition management, starting with an introduction of the sow caliper and how it is applied. The guests on this episode of the Squeal include Dr. Mark Knauer (North Carolina State University Extension Swine Specialist https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-k…

In this episode of The Squeal the focus in on developing gilts for maximum life time performance. The guests will talk about when the biggest losses occur plus look at how production teams can achieve more females farrowing their second litter. The guests on this episode of the Squeal include Dr. Sergio Canavate (PIC Technical Service Director http…

Sow care and management can sometimes fall into a rhythm. Farrowing, weaning, gestation. Our special guests on this episode of The Squeal, Dr. Juan Carlos Pinilla (PIC, Director Global Technical Services, https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-carlos-pinilla-72701a74/), Stacy Voight (PIC, North America Technical Service Team https://www.linkedin.com/in/s…

There is no doubt that sow herds across the globe have seen substantial increases in mortality in the last 5 to 10 years. PIC and partners have invested in research to better understand sow robustness. In this episode of The Squeal, the 4 Pillars of Sow Longevity will be introduced ( 1) Genetics, 2) Successful P1 Development, 3) Individual Sow Care…

This is part three of a three part series looking at finding and retaining barn staff. This episode of The Squeal aims to provide insight on managing employee motivation, finding the right person to handle your training program, and growing your management team. On The Squeal is Ashley Hengen (PIC Senior Human Resources Generalist, https://www.link…

This is part two of a three part series looking at finding and retaining barn staff. In this episode The Squeal looks at approaches to recruiting barn staff and bringing people onboard. On The Squeal is Ashley Hengen (PIC Senior Human Resources Generalist, https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-hengen-328843146/), Stacey Voight (PIC Technical Service M…

This is part one of a three part series looking at finding and retaining barn staff. In this episode The Squeal looks at barn staff retention, tools to help, and compensation considerations. On The Squeal is Ashley Hengen (PIC Senior Human Resources Generalist, https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-hengen-328843146/), Stacey Voight (PIC Technical Serv…

Stacey Voight (PIC Technical Services https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacey-voight-3268aa150/), Juan Orozco (PIC Technical Services https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-orozco-56576a62/), and Beth Johnson (Eagle Creek Swine Manager) share sow treatment training options and processes employees should learn. Learn more at PIC https://www.pic.com/resources/g…

Sow herd managers, care-givers, and barn personnel will benefit from this next episode of The Squeal. Stacey Voight (PIC Technical Services https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacey-voight-3268aa150/), Juan Orozco (PIC Technical Services https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-orozco-56576a62/), and Beth Johnson (Eagle Creek Swine Manager) share insights on sow …

In this wrap up on the summer preparation conversation, Nat Stas (PIC Technical Services Manager https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathaniel-stas-63b78699/), Isaiah Spath (PIC Product Validation and Wean To Finish Technical Services), and Mark Wilkerson (PIC Regional Supply Chain Manager https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-wilkerson-695b47101/) talk about h…

Continuing the summer preparation conversation, Nat Stas (PIC Technical Services Manager https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathaniel-stas-63b78699/), Isaiah Spath (PIC Product Validation and Wean To Finish Technical Services), and Mark Wilkerson (PIC Regional Supply Chain Manager https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-wilkerson-695b47101/) talk about managing …

Spring-like conditions in many parts of the country promise an end to winter and provide a hint that summer is coming up. In this three part series on summer preparation, The Squeal brings on PIC experts to share insights. Nat Stas (PIC Technical Services Manager https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathaniel-stas-63b78699/), Isaiah Spath (PIC Product Valid…

In part 3 of this 3 part series, Jen Sorenson (Iowa Selects Farms Communications Director, https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-sorenson-a824558/), Ashley Hengen (PIC Human Resources Business Partner https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-hengen-328843146/), and Tiffany Schlomer (PIC Human Resources Business Partner https://www.linkedin.com/in/tschlomer/) s…

What is needed to start a community involvement and development program? In part 2 of this 3 series, Jen Sorenson (Iowa Selects Farms Communications Director, https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-sorenson-a824558/), Ashley Hengen (PIC Human Resources Business Partner https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-hengen-328843146/), and Tiffany Schlomer (PIC Human …

Why is community involvement and development important and what are the benefits to doing it right? In this 3 part series, The Squeal talks with Jen Sorenson (Iowa Selects Farms Communications Director, https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-sorenson-a824558/), Ashley Hengen (PIC Human Resources Business Partner https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-hengen-3…

Walking the barns is an activity that many seem like second nature to most of the people doing it. But why do we need to walk the barns? How should it be done? And how often? Stacey Voight (PIC Technical Services https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacey-voight-3268aa150/) and Isaiah Spath (PIC Technical Services) share the purpose and intent of walking t…

The pre-weaning management discussion continues in this second of two episodes. The Squeal team talks about practical considerations on identifying areas for potential improvement, training, and implementation tips, with special guests Jesus Melendez (Carthage System Production Manager), Dr. Sergio Canavate (PIC Technical Service Director), and Bri…

Pre-weaning management is an important part of raising pigs. In this episode (part 1 of 2) The Squeal team talks about piglet management and mortality. Questions they review include: What do you do? How often? Which pigs? Where to? All these questions and more are discussed with our special guests Jesus Melendez (Carthage System Production Manager)…

Is your staff doing all the little things right in your swine breeding program? How do you know if they are? PICs Dr. Lori Thomas Kociemba (PIC Technical Services Manager https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-thomas-kociemba-38a4155b) and Kendall Weger (PIC Reproduction Team https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendall-weger-033272139/) talk thru the keys to suc…

Understanding sow ventilation can help your operation in the long run. Nathan Schleman (Belstra Milling Company Assistant Director Of Sow Production https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-schleman-57219314b/) joins Nat Stas (PIC Technical Services Manager https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathaniel-stas-63b78699/) and Brad Schimmer (PIC Technical Services Sp…

Ventilation at weather extremes is challenging. By breaking ventilation down to monitoring and management then ventilation can be a winner this winter. Nathan Schleman (Belstra Milling Company Assistant Director Of Sow Production https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-schleman-57219314b/) joins Nat Stas (PIC Technical Services Manager https://www.linke…