In this episode of "Inside the Helix," you will hear from Dr. Iara Solar-Diaz, a geneticist with DNA Genetics, who will be talking about how training people impacts genetic progress.By DNA Genetics

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 …

The nutritional needs of our pigs change throughout the course of their life cycle. In this podcast, you will hear from Jason Schneider, a technical consultant with DNA Genetics, who will be discussing feeding strategies for sexually mature gilts and boars.By DNA Genetics

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 …

As the U.S. swine industry has shifted more toward a Duroc sire in the last decade, some producers have noticed a difference in how the pigs transition from weaning to nursery. Hear from Dr. Amanda Cross, director of genetic programs, on how the DNA Genetics Line 600 can improve your experience with starting your pigs properly in the nursery.…

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…

Precision livestock farming can assist producers with the increased production demand and decrease resources. Lexi Meister, nucleus support with DNA Genetics, discusses the benefits and opportunities of precision livestock farming. Using these new technologies decrease subjectivity and increase accuracy of production.…

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…

A fertile boar is an important component of any swine operation. In this episode, Dr. Ashley Hartman, research coordinator with DNA Genetics, explains her research focused on the terminal Duroc boar. Through her work, she's exploring pre-production boar management and its impact on future semen quality.…

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 …

Biosecurity protocols must be strictly followed in swine operations to prevent disease outbreaks. Having a truck wash system is an important component of a robust biosecurity plan. Ryan Strain, director of transportation with Pillen Family Farms and DNA Genetics, explains what swine producers should consider as part of their truck wash protocol.…

Through efficient semen usage, swine producers can reduce unnecessary expenses and minimize waste. Dr. Cory Faust, veterinarian and director of DNA Genetics' gene centers, describes strategies producers can implement to utilize their genetic supplies most effectively.By DNA Genetics

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…

Brazil is the world's fourth largest pork producing country. Recently, Glauber Machado, a Brazilian businessman, veterinarian and DNA Genetics distributor, was in the United States and visited with "Inside the Helix." He discussed reasons behind the industry growth, challenges and opportunities for Brazilian producers.…

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…

For many swine producers, gilts are the future of their farms. Ensuring gilts reach their full potential is key in overall gilt development. In this episode, Dr. Christine Mainquist-Whigham, veterinarian and director of health with DNA Genetics and Pillen Family Farms, describes DNA's research focused on stocking density. She also explains the impa…

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…

While weighing gilts can be a tedious process, it's critical to the reproductive success of a farm. In this episode, Brady McNeil, multiplication business lead with DNA Genetics, explains why weighing gilts is so beneficial, and he describes various ways to complete this process.By DNA Genetics

Swine producers want animals that are robust, meaning pigs that are resilient and can perform well no matter the environmental challenges that exist. In this episode, Dr. Tom Rathje, Chief Technical Officer with DNA Genetics, explains why improving robustness matters, and he describes how DNA Genetics is maximizing on this trait through its genetic…

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 …

Routine walk-thrus can help identify and troubleshoot potential problems producers may be experiencing on their farms. In this episode, Paul Faris, technical services specialist with DNA Genetics, explains why producers might schedule a walk-thru or troubleshooting visit, and he describes the process of these events.…

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…

In the fifth and final part of our miniseries focused on DNA Genetics' "Five Pillars of Reproductive Care," Dr. Jason Schneider, technical consultant, describes sow farrowing care. In the segment, Dr. Schneider discusses recommendations on gestation lengths, feeding rates, farrowing assistance and farrowing room temperatures.…

In the fourth segment in a five part series focused on DNA Genetics' "Five Pillars of Reproductive Care," Dr. Amanda Cross, director of genetic program implementation, explains first 48-hour pig care. Dr. Cross says pig survivability is greatly impacted by the first two days of life. She also provides a simple checklist producers can follow to maxi…

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…

Feeding for Body Condition Management is the third pillar in DNA Genetics' "Five Pillars of Reproductive Care." Joining the conversation on this topic is Brady McNeil, multiplication business lead with DNA Genetics. In this segment, Brady discusses body condition scoring methods, feeding rates and recommendations on target body condition.…

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…

In part two of our series focused on the "Five Pillars of Reproductive Care," we discuss estrus detection with Dr. Steve Terlouw, director of reproductive physiology with DNA Genetics. Dr. Terlouw describes strategies producers can implement to ensure a smooth gilt breeding process.By DNA Genetics

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 Development" kicks off part one of a five part miniseries focused on the "Five Pillars of Reproductive Care." These five pillars, developed by DNA Genetics, were developed to ensure producer success in gilt development, estrus detection, first 48-hour piglet care, sow farrowing care and feeding for body condition management. In this segment, …

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:…

As temperatures decline, swine producers may be focusing their efforts on winter ventilation. In this episode, Andy Jakubowski, a director with Pillen Family Farms, discusses strategies producers can implement to ensure pigs are healthy and comfortable throughout the winter months.By DNA Genetics

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…

Swine producers have long strived to optimize growth and reduce input costs. Over the last decade, DNA Genetics has been able to successfully reduce feed costs for producers by a 50 lb. bag of feed per pig in finishing. In this episode, Dr. Tom Rathje, geneticist and chief technical officer with DNA Genetics, describes what this means for producers…

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…

Creep feeding has long been a strategy for producers to transition piglets from the sow to solid feed. In this episode, Dr. Amanda Cross, director of genetic program implementation with DNA Genetics, discusses new research from DNA Genetics focused on creep feeding and its role in impacting growth.By DNA Genetics

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…

The body condition of each female plays a key role in her overall value. Having sows over or under conditioned can eat away at a producer's bottom line. In this episode, Brady McNeil, multiplication business leader with DNA Genetics, explains why it matters to consistently capture an accurate body condition score. He also discusses current research…

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…

Defects, such as umbilical hernias, scrotal hernias and cryptorchid, can be economically damaging to swine producers. In this episode, Dr. Iara Solar Diaz, geneticist with DNA Genetics, discusses these defects. She also describes what DNA Genetics is doing through its genetic program to significantly reduce the risk of future problems.…

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…

Technology is important to research just as research is vital to the improvement of the swine industry. Dalton Obermier is a graduate research assistant and Ph.D. candidate studying at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL). He recently was part of a joint research team between UNL and DNA Genetics focused on using camera systems to monitor genet…

Agalactia is a lactation condition in sows that can impact producers’ bottom lines. In this episode, Dr. Christine Mainquist-Whigham, a veterinarian and director of health with DNA Genetics and Pillen Family Farms, explains what Agalactia is, and she discusses current research efforts focused on this problem.…

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 most successful genetic programs are those that understand how their pigs perform in real-world environments. In this episode, Dr. Amanda Cross, Director of Genetic Program Implementation with DNA Genetics, describes commercial production research utilizing DNA Genetics' full genetic program.By DNA Genetics