While we know that feed is the largest expense in a wean-finish barn, and we all strive for a low feed cost per pound of gain, I don’t think we realize how important our investment in a feeder is. A … Continue reading
While it has been ‘warm’ in the Midwest this past week, it is nothing like conditions on the east coast. As I write this weeks blog, it is currently 89F in Clinton, NC with a dew point of 71F and … Continue reading
While much has been written about the progress of this year’s corn crop, I can attest that I saw a field of corn tasseling in southern Minnesota on July 4, with many more just at the edge of shooting a … Continue reading
Lots of random thoughts this week. My next blog will include my thoughts on the Hogs and Pigs report that was released last Friday. This past weekend we returned to northeast Nebraska to a wedding. A chance to meet with … Continue reading
While we don’t like to think about it, last night’s bad weather in Minnesota with tornados, loss of power and general destruction of building sites should be a good reminder that every production unit needs to have an updated emergency … Continue reading
At the World Pork Expo last week, I had the opportunity to visit with many of the readers of this blog. The most common questions asked of me were: 1) when will expansion begin 2) what new item caught my … Continue reading
I have been tracking the Iowa-Southern Minnesota live weight at slaughter (http://www.ams.usda.gov/mnreports/NW_LS270.txt) for several years. This report gives me some insight on producer’s thoughts and possible production plans. The average weekly live weight since 2004 has been: 2004 264.3 lb … Continue reading
I spent part of today reviewing a paper submitted for publication to a refereed journal that looked at drinkers for pigs. As I reviewed the paper, I was once again reminded how little we really know about the pigs drinking … Continue reading
This past week I spent some time reviewing the literature regarding the impact of weaning age on pig growth to slaughter weight. With profits returning to the swine industry, many producers are debating whether to invest in additional farrowing capacity … Continue reading
Every Friday afternoon the USDA releases its weekly National Feeder Pig price report (http://www.ams.usda/gov/NW_LS255.txt). I’ve been tracking this report for many years now. In today’s report, the composite formula base delivered price for weaned pigs was $39.60 per pig (up … Continue reading