Lots of discussion by analysts and producers on the sharp increase in slaughter numbers the past few weeks. Producers are telling me they are scheduling loads 2-3 weeks out right now. I think the biggest driver is the anticipated feed … Continue reading
I’m writing this blog from an auditorium in Salta, Argentina where Dr Larry Jacobson (extension ag engineer at the University of Minnesota) and I are doing presentations to swine producers and veterinarians from Argentina, Chile and other South American countries. … Continue reading
Earlier this week I had a chance to talk with a cull-market sow buyer. So far the consensus of the sow buyers appears to be 35-40,000 sows have been liquidated due to the drought and associated high feed prices. There … Continue reading
Yesterday I was involved with a nutritionist reviewing feed ingredient options for the coming year in swine diets. One of the more interesting items he put together for our discussion was review of how the price relationship among various diet … Continue reading
Last week I had the opportunity to work with a pork production system in Chile. On Thursday at the feed mill we compared corn and soybean prices. US corn and soybean prices were very comparable to the prices the mill … Continue reading
While it may be hot outside, it’s not too early for reviewing winter heating and ventilation details. This past week I was at a sow unit where the original 500 sow facilities were constructed in 1991 and the site has … Continue reading
If you’ve had any interaction with either grain farmers or livestock producers in the past few weeks, one of the first topics of conversation has been the worsening drought for much of the US grain production area. With another round … Continue reading
This past week I drove from Mankato, MN to Kearney, NE and back. While much of the US corn and soybean production areas are suffering severe drought stress, the area I drove through is fairing relatively well. Some of the … Continue reading
In last week’s blog I wrote about the cooling needs of today’s genetics. I received quite a few calls and emails asking about a lower limit (either age or weight) for cooling strategies to be used. I’m not sure if … Continue reading
Summer weather is upon us, with all the misery that comes with it for many of our production facilities. I’ve been doing quite a few meetings and presentations these past weeks with industry supplier sales forces and producer groups regarding … Continue reading