Episode Archive
79: What the Pig! Part 3 – Dr. Bradley’s reflections of her own career.
In this episode, our host Dr. Casey Bradley delivers another solo podcast to discuss her career experiences and needed changes our industry needs. Casey reflects on all the great mentors in her career and calls out Dr. Peter Wilcock with AB Vista for being one of her most influential and important people. As a follow-up to parts one and two, she highlights the needed changes in our industry.
Also, Dr. Bradley shares the upcoming refresh for The Real P3 as we plan to strike out pigs and change it for people. We can learn so much from others and other industries, and we hope to continue to drive thoughtful discussions and change within animal agriculture.
To join our community and stay up-to-date with The Real P3 and The Sunswine Group, join our email list bit.ly/3Wwnkq0
78: Mom Life – What The Pig! Series
Our guests for this episode are: Amanda Minton, Sara Hough and Whitney Lincoln.
Many of the women in our industry are also moms so this episode is dedicated to them. With this episode, we hope to shed light on the negative stigma that exists within our industry and many other industries around family leave, PTO, and health leave. Some of the conversation in this episode is around the feeling of having to choose between our families and our careers when there should be no need to choose one or the other. In recent years, we have proven that this balance can exists with more options for flexible work. We hope our listeners will enjoy this episode from the perspective of moms and that our listeners who are leaders in the industry will take the time to evaluate their ideals around employees who are moms. With that said, we hope the ideas and conversations in this episode are not limited to moms but to all employees. At The Real P3, we firmly believe that allowing employees to achieve a work life balance and maintain a high quality of life is the foundation of high performing individuals.
77: International Women
Our industry is full of wonderful people from all over the world. To kick off our “What the Pig” three-part series on women in the swine industry, we visit with women that have immigrated in various ways throughout their careers. In this episode, our guests share some of their struggles and successes. You will want to cheer them on and possibly cry as their stories resonate and inspire us all.
Meet our speakers:
Dr. Ximena Portal is originally from Bolivia but started her career in an exchange program in Australia. She then moved to Honduras, where she received her bachelor’s, followed by her master’s from Texas Tech. She was immersed in the swine industry when she began working for The Hanor Company. Ximena also completed her Ph.D. in swine nutrition while she worked for The Hanor Company and is now the Senior Business Analyst.
Dr. Caroline Gonzales is originally from Columbia. She has had a passion for animals which led her to study animal science at The National University of Columbia. Caroline completed an internship with swine in the Dominican Republic, followed by another training at The University of Illinois, where her passion for research ignited. Caroline then pursued her master’s and Ph.D. under Dr. Hans Stein. She began her professional career with Evonik in the US, then four years in Germany, and is currently working for Cargill on their innovation team back in the US.
Dr. Ursula McCormack is originally from Ireland, where she received her bachelor’s and master’s degree in agricultural sciences where she fell in love with the swine industry. She then completed her Ph.D. with the Irish Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, looking at the intestinal microbiome on feed efficiency in pigs. Ursula then did her postdoc in Northern Ireland, focusing on ammonia and odor emissions relating to growth performance. Following that, she began working with DSM as a scientist on the translational sciences team, focusing on feed additives aimed at improving nutrition, health, and the environment.
Kathrine Bell is from the Dominican Republic but moved to New York City at a young age. Love and meeting her husband is what brought Katherine into the swine industry. With her husband, they now manage multiple swine facilities in Washington County, Iowa.
76: Bringing Solutions and Change to the Swine Industry – Chris Bomgaars
75: By-Product Special – Insights from Dr. Bradley’s Career
74: By-Product Special – DDGS with Dr. David Rosero and Dr. Nick Shelton
73: Milk By-Products (3 part by-product special) – Philip van den Brink, Casey van der Bergh
72: Q3 2022 Updates – Vincent Ter Beek, Dr. Casey
71: Ben Greenfield – Contract Growing to the Meatshop
In this episode, the Real P3 visits with Ben Greenfield from Ohio. In addition to his 15 years of experience managing hog confinements, Ben has also worked in the meat and dairy industries.
Ben gives us some insight into the US swine industry from the perspective of a contract caregiver. Most of his experience is in the ween-to-finish phase of pork production. Ben also touches on some advice he has for managers and producers to confront the labor shortages and low retention rates the industry currently faces.
70: Ladies in Pigs & Outdoor Sows
69: Stewart Skinner – Antibiotic Free Pork Production
In this episode, we visit with Stewart Skinner from Ontario Canada. Stewart raises specialty pork and focuses on the antibiotic-free market. He went from growing up on a pig farm to pursuing a degree in agriculture business as well as a master’s in agriculture economics at The University of Guelph. After college, Stewart started his career in politics working as political staff for the minister of agriculture in Ontario. After a few years, Stewart decided to return to farming where he founded Imani Farms in 2016. His farm focuses on raising certified humane pigs.
This certification involves third-party inspections of their facilities and pigs. Today, Imani Farms produces 25000 pigs each year for certified humane and certified organic markets. Stewart’s farm is a mix between farrow-to-finish and ween-to-finish production. Stewart discusses several important challenges in this episode that range from water treatment to determining when to medically treat pigs while still maintaining the organic and humane principles he is so passionate about.
68: Dalton Obermier – ASAS special, Genetics and Technology
67: ASAS 2022 Special – Canadian Perspective on Zinc with Dan Bussières
We continue our journey with the series of swine research from ASAS meetings held in Oklahoma in June. Today is Dan Bussières’ turn. He is an agronomist and the co-founder of Groupe Cèrés from Québec. This company offers services in all fields of activity related to pig farming: genetics, nutrition, food production, research, management, and network production.
In this episode, we will discuss zinc in piglets’ diet, as well as other nutrition topics, such as creep feeding and other relevant topics in the swine industry, like droughts, and challenges to do better commercial level research, all from a Canadian perspective.
66: ASAS 2022 Special – Boar Taint
65: ASAS 2022 Special – Survey Says
This episode kicks off our series featuring swine research that was presented at the American Association of Animal Science (ASAS) Annual Meeting held in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma from June 26-30, 2022. We are featuring Dr. Arlene Garcia that we first met in Episode 34 and learned about her research around timely euthanasia. So, we thought it would be a great opportunity to feature Dr. Garcia again, as she presented the data from her research.
Almost all individuals on the farm are responsible for euthanasia with their day-day roles. Dr. Garcia was surprised by the demographics of the participants of her survey, as most of the employees had a degree from higher education institutions as part of their TN-60 VISA requirements. Within her survey, the majority of the subjects interviewed were from Mexico and ranged in age and gender, while the educational level was 84% of the subjects had a bachelor’s degree or higher, and more than half were veterinarians. Within the survey, there were numerous differences between gender, including job satisfaction. Dr. Bradley takes Dr. Garcia down the path of how her research is connected to the preparation of Foreign Animal diseases and potential mass-depopulation needs.
About our Guest
Dr. Arlene Garcia-Marquez is a Presidio, Texas, native with a research focus in animal behavior and welfare. She is a PAACO-certified multi-species animal welfare auditor, a licensed veterinary technician, and an animal welfare consultant for various industry groups.
Research
Her area of research is focused on the management of compromised livestock and timely euthanasia. She has also done extensive pig transportation research that has helped develop national guidelines and continues to work on finding innovative ways to reduce transport stress. Her research goals are to continue to improve animal welfare by addressing commercial needs and developing programs that educate caretakers on the relevance of humane handling and welfare.
Service
Dr. Garcia has vast experience in animal welfare auditing standards to prepare local producers for third-party audits. She is the Texas Tech University (TTU) president-elect for the Latino Hispanic Faculty and Staff Association, a co-chair for the Animal Behavior and Well-being Program for the American Society of Animal Science (ASAS), and a member of the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee for ASAS. Dr. Garcia provides service to other areas at her home institution, as well as for industry.
• To connect with Dr. Arlene Garcia to learn more about her research, visit www.depts.ttu.edu.
• To learn more about ASAS, visit www.asas.org.
• To connect with Dr. Casey Bradley, visit www.thesunswinegroup.com
• Check www.pigprogress.net to keep up to date with the global swine industry.
64: Employee Efficiency and Culture with Barrett Eller
Barrett Eller has a long history in the industry and community of the swine industry. His experience started with New Fashion as a Safety Manager, then stepped away for a few years in which he worked for a mining company, and then came back to New Fashion Pork as more of a Human Resources Manager and Operation Improvement Role. Now Barrett is now the Director of Sales for Swine Technologies.
Our host, Dr. Casey Bradley, and Barrett connect over their history at New Fashion Pork, even though it was at different times. The discussion includes components of worker safety, continuous improvement, and employee culture. All producers can relate to the banter about wearing rubber boots for 8+ hours on concrete floors. Barrett suggests that producers get caught up in the risk-reward equation before making changes that could lead to improvement. Also, many producers need to dial into their metrics and what are the highest priorities to truly drive continuous improvement and the culture on the farm. The conversation further dives into the comfort levels of technology and how to change your culture to adapt technology to drive efficiencies. Barrett mentions that is critical to provide continuous value to your team on the inside versus always looking outside of your organization for the next hire to breed the culture and pride that will ultimately seep out into the community. He also touches on the fact that the TN60 program is not always the long-term solution for labor but needs to develop the pool within our communities.
Connect with Barrett Eller and SwineTech at swinetechnologies.com/
Connect with Dr. Casey Bradley at www.thesunswinegroup.com
Learn more about New Fashion Pork at nfpinc.com/
63: 2022 Q2 Highlights – News & Interviews from around the globe
Keeping with tradition, this episode will feature highlights, critical news, and events from the second quarter of 2022 in the global swine industry. Meetings and events were in full swing after COVID for the worldwide swine industry in the second quarter. Our host, Dr. Casey Bradley, had an opportunity to attend both the World Pork Expo (Des Moines, IA, in June) and the National American Society of Animal Science Meeting (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in June), in which we will feature key take-aways and a few interviews. Other news is the continuous ramifications of the Ukraine-Russia war on the grain markets and the energy crisis that is being felt worldwide. In the Netherlands, farmers are protesting the new legislation around ammonia emissions that will ultimately destroy the agricultural industry within their country. Lasting COVID impacts are still being felt worldwide from the availability of ingredients. Weather patterns have also played a pivotal role in commodity pricing and mycotoxin levels across the globe for swine producers.
This episode includes interviews with Dr. Mike Tokach, Kansas State University; Shannon Dierking, South Dakota State University; Christine Snowden, Ohio State University; Brian Strobel, Gestal; Ric Karlin, JIMDI. Topics include gilt development, National ASAS Meetings focusing on the swine industry, turnaround farrowing crates, precision feeding solutions, the European situation, and more.
Want to read more about WPX or National ASAS Meetings? Make sure you visit www.pigprogress.net.
To learn more about the groups featured on this podcast, visit:
www.jimdiinc.com/
jygatech.com/
www.asi.k-state.edu/research-and-extension/swine/
www.sdstate.edu/animal-science
ansci.osu.edu/
www.asas.org/
www.worldpork.org/
www.swine.co.za/
thesunswinegroup.com/
62b: Doing Better in our Industry – the UK Example – Part 2 of 2
This is Part 2 of 2 with UK’s Mark Jagger, Assistant Growing Farms Manager for BQP (British Quality Pigs) of Pilgrims U.K. Mark grew up in agriculture and worked his way up through the ranks in the swine industry. You will instantly feel his passion and love for the swine industry and his 28 years at BQP. We discuss the two types of pigs raised in the U.K., the Red Tractor Pig or the RSPCA assured pig or conventional versus outdoor-grown with straw deep-bedded barns for finishing. In this part of the series, we discuss the importance of water. Through his career of trial and error, he invented a new waterer for finisher pigs. In case you don’t pick up on it, BQP’s performance in the finisher period is something to brag about and take note.
About our Guest: Mark Jagger worked with pigs since 1987. He started at the bottom and worked through to the roll has now. He has worked for BQP for 28 years all in the growing end of the business. Firstly, as a Fieldsman but now his role is predominantly to find new farmers to build new contract piggeries for BQP alongside working on improvements in the water systems on the farm and any other practical challenges are thrown our way. He was instrumental in kicking off BQP’s record-keeping systems on the farm which are now being developed by professionals to be a web-based portal. He loves pigs. He loves the challenge of working with pig people.
To connect with Mark Jagger – follow him on Twitter @piggy_jags
To learn more about BQP and Pilgrims UK visit www.pilgrimsuk.com
62a: Doing Better in our Industry – the UK Example – Part 1 of 2
In this episode, we get the pleasure of visiting with Mark Jagger, Assistant Growing Farms Manager for BQP (British Quality Pigs) of Pilgrims U.K. Mark grew up in agriculture and worked his way up through the ranks in the swine industry. You will instantly feel his passion and love for the swine industry and his 28 years at BQP. We discuss the two types of pigs raised in the U.K., the Red Tractor Pig or the RSPCA assured pig or conventional versus outdoor-grown with straw deep-bedded barns for finishing. The discussion also leads to the current market issues facing the U.K. swine industry. Mark discusses the retailer support of producers, but at the same time, possibly the negative aspects of keeping prices low to help the industry rebound.
The next component of this episode is around employee well-being. Mark is gracious to share his struggles with mass depopulation and the emotional toll it had on him. He discusses the Post-Combat Fatigue that he went through from these events and his love of his stock. And the importance of seeking help and talking about events with others allows others to open up, and you end up helping more than yourself. But the UK has stepped up and incorporated mental health aspects into their jobs as fieldsmen to ensure the well-being both of their animals and people.
The conversation then turns into the new generation of farm workers and the entrance of women into different roles. In Mark’s words, the growing team has gone from a group of old men to 60% females with equal opportunities. With these changes, BQP is looking for ways to make the work easier to maintain our staff. We need to learn what motivates our employees and not what motivates the bottom line.
About our Guest: Mark Jagger worked with pigs since 1987. He started at the bottom and worked through to the roll has now. He has worked for BQP for 28 years all in the growing end of the business. Firstly, as a Fieldsman but now his role is predominantly to find new farmers to build new contract piggeries for BQP alongside working on improvements in the water systems on the farm and any other practical challenges are thrown our way. He was instrumental in kicking off BQP’s record-keeping systems on the farm which are now being developed by professionals to be a web-based portal. He loves pigs. He loves the challenge of working with pig people.
To connect with Mark Jagger – follow him on Twitter @piggy_jags
To learn more about BQP and Pilgrims UK visit www.pilgrimsuk.com
61: Danish Market Update with Asger Krogsgaard
In this episode, we visit Danish Pork Producer Asger Krogsgaard, owner of Mogensgaard Farm in Western Jutland, Denmark. Mr. Krogsgaard is also actively involved as a member of the Danish Crown Cooperative. He has been a member of the board for 19 years and is now Vice-Chairman of the Danish Crown Board. The cooperative is owned by approximately 2,000 pork producers and 5,000 cattle producers. They slaughter 17.5 million pigs per year equating to 70% of Denmark’s swine production. During the episode, we discuss the current market state of Denmark due to rising grain prices and EU ASF export issues and then we also discuss current politics in the EU and how they are impacting swine producers in Denmark.
To learn more about Mr. Krogsgaard and free farrowing on his farm watch Pig Progress’s Webinar Free Farrowing now at www.pigprogress.net/webinar-free-farrowing/.
60: SwINE’s Inaugural Swine Research Day in South Africa
In this episode, we are excited to share The Real P3’s Co-Founder, Willem Steyn, and SwiNE Nutrition Management’s Inaugural Swine Research Day. We also have Chantel Pennicott back on the podcast. She has been both an Extern for The Real P3 and is now Technical Manager for the Baynesfield Estates and manages the research facility that ran many of the trials showcased at their Research Day. The purpose of the research program aligns very well with Mr. Baynesfield’s wishes to share knowledge and train the future in agriculture. Both Willem and Chantel discuss the need for relevant research and economically valuable research for producers.
59: Growth Models – Margin over feed cost versus FCR with Chantel Pennicott
In this episode, we have an interesting journey talking with Chantel Pennicott a South African M.S. graduate in pig simulation modeling and nutrition.
* 00:02:03 We start discussing if modeling is the way to mitigate risk in the swine industry and if it can be used in pig producers’ favor.
* 00:03:52 Feed efficiency or the highest gains, treatments, may not bring necessarily the highest profits
* 00:04:12 We discuss our guest model development, EFG pig modeling optimizers, and Gompertz equation, to predict pig’s performance, from feed intake to weight gain, and other important information.
* 00:06:35 We simulate a market scenario, in the summertime, discussing with the guest possible recommendations for the producers. Predicting the change in the animal’s feed intake, and providing feed with the highest or lowest nutrients according to the case.
* 00:10:06 The market is becoming more and more volatile, with lower and lower margins, so modeling will give farmers a competitive advantage in the now decision making.
* 00:15:05 About fiber, how to utilize it.
* 00:17:31 Components or ingredients in South African pigs’ diet.
To stay connected to The Real P3 subscribe at zfrmz.com/fKGhOXhbGkXbZScVeJXW.
To keep up-to-date on the global swine industry or to listen to more episodes visit www.pigprogress.net.
58: Sealing up the holes in bio-security with HALE
57: A New Approach to the Supply Chain with Joshua Toews
For this episode, we venture outside of swine production from a traditional perspective and discuss a new idea for the supply chain for grains and pulse crops with Joshua Toews with NGF Global. Through this startup, we find solutions to bring transparency and connection to our food chain while providing value to both the crop farmers and the customers they supply. While NGF is just starting with pulse crops, the future of agriculture is in its sights.
About our guest:
Mr. Joshua Toews, a U.S. Air Force Veteran, has over 15 years of experience in operational management. Joshua, a multi-generational farmer/rancher, has held positions within airlines where he oversaw the changes within maintenance departments during start-up, rebranding, and structuring. During this time, Joshua was tasked to build maintenance departments from the ground up. Joshua was recognized as one of the largest pulse crop and wheat originators in the United States. He managed two of the largest gross bushel originating facilities in Montana. Joshua is a proven successful entrepreneur; starting his own agricultural company, he was able to build and make it profitable within its first year of operation. He has since sold his venture to focus on the efforts of NGF Global. Joshua is one of the original co-founders of NGF Global. This company was created to bridge the gap between producers and pulse crop/oilseed buyers and implement full transparency and traceability throughout the entire process. NGF Global opens new opportunities for both grain buyers and producers through this process. Due to Joshua taking part on both sides of the grain trade, he was tasked with recognizing the shortfalls in the pulse crop and oilseed industry for NGF Global and creating a solution to these problems.
To learn more about NGF Global visit www.ngf-global.com.
56: Part 2 Biosecurity Innovation in the Swine Industry with Jeb Gent
In part 2 with Jeb Gent, we discuss the innovation behind Ascension Ag’s new product and company. The idea came from riding around with a veterinarian and PEDV reinfection from slaughter trucks. A liquid disinfectant was not practical, thus developing a dry disinfectant. Also, in this episode, we discuss the primary needs of biosecurity and the simple things we can do to protect our swine herds.
55: Highlights from the 2022 Midwest ASAS Meetings with Edward Yang
This episode highlights Midwest ASAS’s symposium “I am not Bossy – Professional Women in the Allied Industry” and other presentations from this year’s meeting. In the first part of the episode, our host Casey Bradley discusses the symposium and the inspiration beyond it.
We also chat with Edward Yang about the Midwest highlights and what it means to be a scholar, his research, and what’s next for the industry. This episode (and within the agricultural sector) focuses on finding solutions to natural climate change problems through sustainability, precision feeding, and pig production. Essential topics such as using different protein levels and ingredients – the US corn and soy meals – to improve production efficiency are addressed. What other options do we have besides the diet? Improving our sustainability and using it as an objective must be economical to make it advantageous. The importance of annual sustainability reports as the first starting point to sustainability through numbers and the ethical debate of how ‘data mining’ is dangerous. How to, as a student, network yourself as the next generation in the animal science industry as a valuable asset.
About the host:
Dr. Casey Bradley is an Animal Scientist and Nutritionist that has worked with swine and other livestock with many years of valuable experience. Her specialties include product development, technical writing, presentations, research, technical sales, mentoring, and networking. Her focus is on nutrition, immunology, and animal welfare. She has presented at large conferences in the USA, Canada, Greece, and Denmark with work experience in farm and research management, technical service and sales, regulatory, project, and employee management. An industry leader, guiding students and colleagues towards sustainable pork production.
About the guest:
Edward is a young scholar with great potential and aspirations who is also the young scholar award (ASAS) holder. A Ph.D. candidate at the University of Minnesota, originally from China, has spent the last ten years in the US working with pigs. He is a nutritionist with a focus on grower-finisher pigs and how we can reduce nitrogen production and nitrogen recycling through precision feeding practices.
Key takeaways
•We need to start paying attention to real and current data in order to understand where we are in terms of sustainability in the agricultural industry
•Agricultural symposiums bridge the gap of sustainability between the beef, dairy, poultry and pork producers, and the consumer
•Providing actual data and making proactive decisions are necessary to move forward as an industry
•Research projects and data are information-rich when analyzed properly
•We need to pay more attention to the benefits women offer to the industry, starting with men
54: Part 1: Being an Entrepreneur in the Swine Industry with Jeb Gent
This episode is part 1 of 2 featuring Jeb Gent Co-Founder of Ascension Ag. We will be discussing what it is like being an entrepreneur in the swine industry. We will highlight the challenges and considerations Jeb and his company faced as they developed a new product and how they are changing the way we think about biosecurity within our industry.
53: 2022-Q1 World Swine Industry Updates with Vincent ter Beek
Visit www.pigprogress.net to keep abreast of global swine industry news. To sign-up to join The Real P3 Podcast Newsletter, please fill out the form at zfrmz.com/fKGhOXhbGkXbZScVeJXW.
52: Biosecurity from a South African Perspective – Marc Raath
In this episode, we go on a safari – to South Africa. The Sunswine Groups’ new extern Marc Raath gives a different perspective on animal health and biosecurity. We address some of the pitfalls that producers experience with biosecurity and management. How have on-farm challenges changed over time and finding the balance between biosecurity and employee compliance through identifying simple solutions? We delve into what it means for a pig to be “content” and how fiber is “the missing link” for optimal pig health and economics. We sneak at Marc’s new research on tail biting and his day-to-day life as an animal health technician.
To read more about biosecurity in South Africa visit:
Highlights
• Marc has almost 20 years in agricultural industry and has been working in the pig industry for the last 7 years.
• Marc visits onsite to collect samples and he has seen first-hand that some disease protocols are not up to standard.
• Marc believes that biosecurity is a lifestyle and not just a set of rules that you have to follow.
• Marc sees too many things being taken into areas not allowed.
• Producers should try to build trust with the workers.
• The trust has to be mutual.
• You should be able to do whatever you are requiring a worker to do. They have to know that you aren’t requesting something of them that you cannot do.
• There is now more emphasis on vehicle disinfection.
• More effort is going into bird proofing.
• Fencing requirements are changing and becoming more stringent.
• Marc finds that older more naturally controlled facilities have better animal welfare.
• Proper control of feeding is critical to contentment which can be a key contributor on tail biting.
51: Microenvironments and innovation for piglets with Farrpro
In this episode, we visit Farrpro’s Founder and CEO Amos Petersen and COO Bill Winkelman about bringing innovations into the swine industry. We discuss their experiences in developing new ideas on creating microenvironments for piglets.
Key Highlights:
• Amos believes that there is a trust issue in the pork industry with some outside technologies that could be beneficial.
• Evaluating new technologies requires new metrics to measure success.
• Bill believes that the diversity of experiences coming into the industry is helping. People come in from outside industries, and they have different ideas and ways of seeing things.
• Today’s challenges, in particular labor, are driving innovation.
• A large part of Farrpro’s success is a true collaboration with clients.
• Regular heat maps frequently fail because of wire design.
• Farrpro’s NanoMat is designed with more durable and efficient materials.
• The NanoMat also has a better grip surface, and it is safer for pigs.
• Electrical heat use is approximately 65% less for the NanoMat than traditional heat maps.
• Pork producers need to look at the farm’s design. Other industries seem to be more innovative. Pork producers can learn from others.
To learn more, visit www.farrpro.com
50: Hidden Data and Genetic Actuality
In this episode, Stephen Hall discusses how the industry needs to focus more on the producer economics of what data is revealing and how genetics can help with herd management. He also talks about the importance of the industry controlling the narrative around the perception of how pork is produced.
49: Getting Back to Biology with Bradley Lawrence and Joe Crenshaw
This episode is another educational discussion with both Dr. Bradley Lawrence with Novus and Dr. Joe Crenshaw with APC. We will discuss why we need to go back to the basics of biology to bring real solutions to some our main problems in swine production. Our discussion starts around the issue of sow prolapses and mortality but takes a deep dive into what the next generation needs to know entering the industry.
48: Understanding Colostrum Needs with Willem Steyn
In this episode we discuss colostrum needs and how to measure success with The Real P3 Co-Founder Willem Steyn. He has been working hard with his producers on training them to identify pigs with poor colostrum intake through thermal scanning. We also get into discussions around developing gilts and maximizing mammary development to help our litters get off to a better start and thus reduce preweaning mortality.
47: Global Perspectives on Labor and Animal Health with Todd Thurman
In this episode, we visit Todd Thurman, a global swine consultant with SwineTex. In this episode, we will discuss the two main problems faced by all producers around the world, labor and animal health. As Todd has worked around the world with different systems and producers he brings great insights on how to handle these challenges. Want to learn more about SwineTex and how to work with Todd, visit www.swinetex.com.
46: A revisit with Sanne Baden on how to lower mortality
In this episode we head back to Denmark to interview one of our new friends and trusted advisors, Sanne Baden, on how to reduce mortality in both the farrowing crate and in sows. We discuss stockmanship, training and how to optimize any situation. Learn from one of the best trainers in our industry on how to get things right in your system.
45: Banff Pork Seminar 2022 Review with Vincent ter Beek
In this episode, we have a big announcement. We are not officially part of the Pig Progress Family. And what better way to start off the partnership by interviewing the Editor of Pig Progress, Vincent ter Beek, about Banff Pork 2022. Listen to his key take-a-ways from the seminar and get down to the real uncut opinions of the direction of the industry and animal welfare.
44: Understanding Technology in the Barns with Matthew Rooda – SwineTech
In this episode, we visit with the CEO and Found of Swine Tech – Matthew Rooda. Learn how his unique career path has created a successful innovation for the swine industry. Gain valuable insights into what is possible and potential solutions to not only your laid-on issue but your human capital issue for your production system.
43: Ring In 2022 with the Founders of The Real P3
This episode is the first in our new education series on The Real P3. Through the new series, we hope to bring you up to speed on different concepts in swine production. For our first episode, we visit with Dr. Darlene Bloxham from Adisseo. We will be discussing oxidative stress, the role of selenium, and getting the most consistent response with selenium by choosing the right source of Selenium. To learn more about Adisseo and their products visit www.adisseo.com.
42: Understanding Selenium with Darlene Bloxham – Adisseo
This episode is the first in our new education series on The Real P3. Through the new series, we hope to bring you up to speed on different concepts in swine production. For our first episode, we visit with Dr. Darlene Bloxham from Adisseo. We will be discussing oxidative stress, the role of selenium, and getting the most consistent response with selenium by choosing the right source of Selenium. To learn more about Adisseo and their products visit www.adisseo.com.
41: Family feeding with Trouw Nutrition’s Hubèrt van Hees
On October 19, 2021, Pig Progress published an article about “Family Feeding”. It is a collaborative research project in the Netherlands to help pigs get off to a better start by helping them to eat more prior to weaning. It sparked our interest at The Real P3 and we wanted to learn more from Trouw Nutrition’s Senior Researcher Hubèrt van Hees. In the conversation, Casey and Hubert discuss the project and the importance of creep feeding and getting pigs off to a better start post-weaning.
40: Bringing the internet to the swine industry with Jim Eadie
In this episode, we visit with Jim Eadie with Swineweb.com. He was one of the first companies to bring information to the swine industry via the worldwide web. We discuss his journey, Canadian-USA industry relations, and the future of the industry.
39: Creating a Positive Image of Swine Production with August Offenberg
In this episode, we visit August Offenber with “Sun Pork” or Zon Varken in the Netherlands. August grew up on a swine farm and has worked in the animal feed industry for most of his career. As a producer and professional in the industry he was concerned with the constant negative press swine operations were receiving. So with his partners, they set out to change this stigma that created a production system that tackled animal welfare, environmental, and human food waste concerns in their pilot farm. The first operation is a success and through the retailer, commitments will be expanding his operations. Learn more about their unique perspectives on raising pork and how they have changed a negative image into a positive image for swine producers in The Netherlands.
38: The right KPIs for your system with Francisco Tascon
In this episode, we meet with Francisco Tascon from Colombia – a veterinarian, pig producer, CEO of The Colombian Swine Association, and software manager for AgroVision. Francisco helps farmers make informed decisions using KPIs (Key Performance Indicators). We focus on measuring KPIs, why they are important for profitability and sustainability, as well as the long-term consequences your decisions may have. Francisco turns the tables and asks Dr. Casey how and why farms are using data in the US – is it effective?
37: Key Highlights from the International Conference on Pig Survivability
In this episode, you hear from Dr. Casey Bradley in a solo recording discussing her key take-a-ways from the International Conference on Pig Survivability. She will discuss mortality issues, biosecurity, correlation versus causation, the people problem, and the next steps to a solution. She will also highlight the grant that funded this project and conference and if you want to learn more visit their website: piglivability.org/.
36: Going Down Under with David Henman with Rivalea Australia
In this episode, David Henman, a swine nutritionist from Australia discusses important aspects of an integrated production system. The focus is on change: How the Australian system may change in the near future due to an amalgamation with the US and Brazil; How to manage enteric diseases with feed and reducing antibiotic use; How genetic selection for increased disease resistance affects other production criteria; How to manipulate sow diets – or not to; How COVID has affected the Australian market, genetic selection, and overall production. This episode reaches into multiple important aspects of pork production, its challenges, and their solutions, and how the future is changing.
35: Zinc 2021 Special – Global Perspectives
In this episode – sponsored by Zinpro, a panel of pork production experts comes together to discuss the hot topic of zinc oxide used in pig feed around the globe. The host, Vincent Ter Beek from Pig Progress discusses this important topic with Dr. Casey Bradley (USA), Philip van der Brink (Netherlands), Megan Edwards (Vietnam), JP Martineau (Canada), and Colin Twomey (Ireland). This educational episode brings to light some of the hazards of using zinc oxide, how we can better manage our pig herds into the future with increasing restrictions, as well as potential solutions which may allow us to mitigate zinc oxide use altogether. Whether the change is due to legislation or by choice, it is inevitable. To learn more about Zinpro’s products visit: www.zinpro.com
34: Employee Training and its impact on pig welfare – Dr. Arlene Garcia
This inspiring episode with Dr Arlene Garcia; a specialist in animal behaviour and welfare from Texas Tech; is synonymous with The Real P3 podcast in that both find solutions to industry-related problems. We delve into the topic of English as a second language amongst barn caretakers and the impact this has on animal welfare. As well as the importance of having welfare standards, effective training programs and understanding how your employees follow them. Help support her current project by taking the survey: www.surveymonkey.com/r/NeedsanalysisSSP
33: The Importance of Farm Visits
This episode is hosted by Mr. Vincent Ter Beek the Chief Editor of Pig Progress. Pressing questions about the importance of farm visits are addressed by Dr. Casey Bradley, a Swine Technology expert from the Sunswine Group in the US, and Mr. Philip van der Brink a senior Swine Nutritionist from Nutrition in the Netherlands. Some people frequent farms, while others do not; but the key question is: How to do it well? The experts explain why it is important to understand the situation on each farm before discussing nutrition as “problems are usually multifactorial.” As well the topics such as the importance of having reliable data, preparation, and biosecurity are discussed. To learn more about The Sunswine Group’s professional development program visit www.coffeeandcareersinanimalscience.com
32: The true cost of employee turnover in swine production with Jon Hoek
This thought-provoking episode forms part of the podcast series which addresses the trained labor shortage issue within the pork production industry. We visit with Jon Hoek, the president of Summit Smart Farms whose mission is to equip employees and their employers in ways that will optimize on-farm results. The economic impact of proper employee training is quantified and Cloverleaf – a program that simplifies industrial psychology – is discussed. To learn more about The Sunswine Group’s Coffee & Career’s program visit www.coffeeandcareersinanimalscience.com.
31: Living with ASF in South Africa with Johann Kotzé
In this episode, we visit SAPPO’s (South Africa Pork Producers Organization) Johann Kotzé about how producers in South Africa have lived with the endemic ASF (African Swine Fever). Some key highlights include how they have taken regionalization even further into compartmentalization to ensure trade remains open. This is essential as trade is considered within provinces of their own countries and with other countries. Mr. Kotzé describes the South African producer as passionate which then translates into resiliency, even in the face of constant ASF pressures from both the wildlife and cultural production practices.
30: Understanding the need for inclusion in the swine industry with Katherine Marcano-Bell
In this episode we travel to the United States to meet with Katherine and Brandon Bell, a dynamic duo who own a 12,000 pig contract grower farm in Iowa. We discuss different aspects of one of the most pressing issues in the US pork industry – labor. We talk through how to transition from urban life to farming, listening to your pigs, how new eyes notice small things and females in agriculture. Also, how we need to consider a different perspective to create a work-life balance for both you and your employees.
29: A trip to the Baynesfield Estate in South Africa with Myles van Deventer
In this episode, we travel to South Africa to meet with Myles van Deventer, the managing director of Baynesfield Estate – a diversified farming operation with a 2200-sow farrow-to-finish system. We tackle some unexpected but relatable challenges and solutions on the farm such as the consequences of expanding pig operations, having a research facility, political unrest, high maize mycotoxin levels, biosecurity, and more!
28: Summer 2021 Global Highlights
In this episode, the founders of The Real P3 come together for a mid-year recap of the different problems the industry has been facing around the world. Vincent starts it off with ASF, then we speak about Zinc, free-access stalls, and Prop 12 into free farrowing. There is also discussion on the lack of feedstuffs due to droughts in Western USA and Canada to riots in South Africa. Don’t miss the conversations and hopefully, it is a prelude into a new type of episode coming soon!
27: Global Swine Health Perspectives with Dr. Pablo Moreno
In this episode, we visit with Dr. Pablo Moreno and discuss his work with swine producers in Mexico, Russia, China, and the USA. We discuss the importance of training in the prevention of swine diseases and the need for continuance and new ways of communication in the swine industry.
26: Understanding Vaccines for Swine Production Success
In this episode, we discuss vaccines with Dr. Joel Flores with Cambridge Technologies. During the conversation, Dr. Flores explains why vaccinations are not always efficacy and what we can do about it from a producer standpoint. Dr. Flores also discusses the option of autogenous or custom vaccines and the potential benefits this approach has for swine producers.
25: Understanding Ingredient Pricing with Guy Soreq – Founder of Glowlit
In this episode we visit with the founder of Glowlit – Guy Soreq to better understand ingredient pricing and how to stay ahead of the markets. Guy explains the whys and hows behind his service and how it is changing the game for both livestock producers and suppliers. Also, we learn a little bit about pork production in Israel.
24.3: Happy 70th Birthday Dad – Part 3
In the final part of the series to celebrate Craig Bradley’s 70th birthday we will be visiting with his friend Dennis Wooden. The Wooden family has been raising purebred breeding stock for 3 generations in Cass County, Michigan. In this part, we will discuss the need for diversification in the swine industry and the challenges the smaller independent producers face in today’s industry.
24.2: Happy 70th Birthday to My Dad – Part 2
In continuation of celebrating Dr. Bradley’s father, in part 2 we will be visiting with Scott McKenzie from Cass County, Michigan. The Bradleys started in the swine industry working for Scott’s Father Don McKenzie and then his brother Raymond McKenzie. Scott will discuss his passion for his system and the challenges his family faces today and in the future.
24.1: Happy 70th Birthday to My Dad – Part 1
For Dr, Bradley’s father’s 70th birthday we gifting him and our audience with a three-part series visiting multi-generational swine producers from Cass County Michigan. We will have some insights into pork production in the past, present, and future. You will get to learn about Dr. Bradley’s past how it has shaped her today and what motivates her to support swine producers around the world. In part one we will be visiting with Craig Bradley – Casey’s Dad!!
23: Feeding Sows Her Way with Dave Klocke
In this episode, we are visiting with Dave Klocke, Pig Producer and Founder of Pig Easy about feeding sows and get the best out of them. In the discussion, we discuss wet-dry feeding for sows and how the meal meter came about. Dave has evolved the way we can provide fresh feed to her sows, her way. If you want to learn more about Pig Easy visit www.pigeasy.com.
22: Creating Applied Models for Swine – Daniel Columbus
In this episode, we visit with Dr. Daniel Columbus to discuss his current research at The Praire Swine Center in Canada. Dr. Columbus has been working on creating models to better understand nutritional requirements in disease and stressed states of swine. Most recently he has an interesting publication on the long-term effects of mycotoxins on finishing pigs and the results may just surprise you.
21: Getting Genetics Right in Your Herd – with Acuity
In this week’s episode, we sit down with Amanda Minton and Dr. Justin Fix with Acuity Genetics to discuss getting genetics right in your herd. Amanda touches on boar fertility and how The Maschhoffs and Acuity have researched this issue in their systems and Dr. Fix discusses how to make sure we get the right genetics utilizing the correct drivers within your herds. Acuity was born out of the Maschhoffs need for better genetics and is now available to other producers.
20: The Real P3 & Porcast – Piglet Crushing
In this episode, we have the opportunity to have a joint episode with JP Martineau and Louis-Philippe Roy from Porcast. Louis is a pork producer in Quebec Canada. We discuss how Louis’s farm solved their problems with piglet crushing and day 1 pig care without high-tech ideas during the conversation. Learn how 24-hour care makes a huge difference and enjoy some laughs along the way.
19: Ron Simmons – Chasing Greatness – Niche Pork Production
In this episode, we are visiting pork producer, Ron Simmons, with Masterblend Farms. When many people think of North Carolina and pork production, companies like Smithfield Foods comes to mind,. But in Kenansville, NC Ron and his crew take vertical integration in a different direction. They are 100% pasture-based and market all of their own pork products via restaurants like the famous “The Pitt” in Raliegh to their own storefront at the farm. Learn more about how Ron is chasing greatness and making a pasture-based system thrive in the heart of the mega-producers.
18: Understanding the USA-China Connection for the future of the global swine industry
In this episode, we will visit with doctoral candidate Edward Yang, formerly a pig producer from China, on the opportunities within the global swine industry from the USA to China. Edward will also discuss what he has learned in his business minor and how it applies to make producers profitable and sustainable. Edward is an upcoming leader in our industry and has the ability to bring the global swine industry into perspective from both the USA and China perspectives.
17_3: Midwest ASAS Highlights – Part 3 with Ana Lucia Pozzobon de Souza
In our final part of the MW ASAS, Dr. Ana de Souza will walk us through the key takeaways. One of the main presentations and discussions from the meetings and the last year came out of Dr. Stein’s laboratory again looking at effects of leucine-rich diets and the consequences it has on other amino acids, especially the branch chain amino acids. Learn from one of the best as Dr. de Souza gives you a rundown on the need to know information.
17_2: Midwest ASAS Highlights with Jim Smith – Kent Nutrition
This episode is part 2 of 3 featuring Kent Nutrition’s Dr. Jim Smith. this episode Dr. Smith will discuss the information from Midwest ASAS and how to apply it to the farm level. “So I’m always trying to balance the good statistical science with practicality.” You will definitely better understand how nutritionists determine if P < 0.05 versus $2/pig wins and what drives our decisions.
17_1: Highlights from Midwest ASAS with Evonik’s Caroline Gonzalez-Vega
Part 1 of 3: In this week’s episode we are reviewing Midwest ASAS meetings with Evonik’s Dr. Caroline Gonzalez-Vega. She will discuss the advances made in amino acid and protein nutrition on the opportunities for improved efficiency and feed cost savings.
16: Understanding the pork industry in Africa – Steven Payne
In this episode, Casey and Steven discuss Urban Farmer’s mission of enabling Africa to competitively produce livestock to foster the vision of producing affordable, safe, high-quality animal protein in Africa, Africa. They discuss some of the African market’s challenges and opportunities and some of the solutions and services that Urban Farmer provides to support producers. To learn more about Urban Farmer visit urban-farmer.co.za/
15: Swinco’s Big Litter Concept is Creating Success for Dutch Pig Producers
In this episode, we visit Pieter Beerens in the Netherlands to discuss what it takes to get up to 37 PSY. Pieter has been working with Swinco for a couple of years on implementing “The Big Litter” concept and has achieved over an 8% improvement in PSY while creating an easier system to manage bigger litters. This podcast is a follow-up to our milk deck discussion and was graciously sponsored by Swinco. For more information on how to implement “The Big Litter Concept” please visit www.swinco.nl and sign up for our newsletter at www.therealp3.com.
14: A trip to Ghana to learn about their growing swine market
In this episode, Nii talks about pig farming in Ghana. Today, Nii tells us about the challenges of pork production, processing swine for sales, and meeting the local pork demands. Living an hour and a half from the capital city, Nii tells us how his brother’s shop helps with his pork sales, and we hear how the increase in food prices has affected his business. How does Nii get around the effects of the Ghanaian temperatures on the pigs? What are the challenges with raising fourth-generation pigs? We hear Nii’s predictions on the Ghanaian GDP, and he tells us about the limitations to expand his production capacity.
13: Getting Ventilation Right with Brian Strobel
This is a special edition featuring Brian Strobel with Gestal. Brian is trained as an agriculture engineer but has also owned his own contract finishing units. He has spent most of his career working with pigs and producers and is passionate about getting things right in the barns. Learn about how to optimize your ventilation and performance with two seasoned professionals.
12: Back to Denmark to discuss how to manage Preweaning Mortality with Sanne Baden
In this episode, Sanne Baden talks about her 28 years of experience in the pig industry. Today, Sanne tells us about her “color system” for monitoring pig movement, turning around underperforming farms, and the difficulties of motivating others to join the industry. We get to hear about pre-weaning mortality, using sawdust to effectively dry pigs, and solving the problem of crushing.
11: The future of the swine industry with Shannon Dierking.
This week we visit with South Dakota State University Doctorate Candidate Shannon Dierking. Shannon was born and raised on a swine farm in NE Nebraska and is currently evaluating the impact of nutrition on the stress of sows. But the conversation goes deeper and reflects on Shannon’s passion for the industry and how we can attract future leaders back into our industry.
10: “The Apprentice” – A perspective from an urban consumer
In this episode we once again go down a different path and speak with The Sunswine Group’s Apprentice Henry Silva and gain valuable insights into marketing to an urban consumer. We also learn what is lacking to bring the new generation back into agriculture. You will gain valuable insights into this disconnect and the lack of information truly getting out to our consumers and potential workforce.
9: Real Pork and being authentic for our consumers
In this episode we have the privilege to visit with Angie Krieger – Vice President Domestic Marketing at the National Pork Board. We will discuss Real Pork and determine if it was fate or not that The Real P3 was created. We will learn how to use marketing strategies to connect to all of our consumers, regardless of our country. We will also discuss the new marketing strategies of the Pork Board beyond #realpork and how niche pork is going to be the year of growth.
8: Ring in 2021: highlights of 2020 and insights into 2021.
In this episode The Real P3 creators: Dr. Casey Bradley, Philip van den Brink, and Vincent ter Beek review 2020 and discuss insights into 2021 for the swine industry. Enjoy some laughs and hear some perspectives of African Swine Fever and feed mitigation.
7: Optimizing Milk Systems in Lactation with Paul Faris
Special Edition Episode featuring Paul Faris with Novus International. Paul has over 20 years experience managing swine systems for both Cargill Pork and then JBS. During this time he mastered the use of rescue decks and milk systems to optimize the systems PSY in both continuous flow and batch-farrow farms. This episode is in follow-up to the question Johan proposed in turn-the-table on Dr. Bradley. If you are struggling with or considering milk systems for your sow farm this episode is for you.
6: A trip to Ireland to learn how they are dealing with Zero Zinc
This week we visit an Irish Pork Producer, Colin Twomey. Colin discusses the changes in regulations around zinc oxide in nursery diets and the new challenges producers in Ireland face. Plus Colin asks Dr. Bradley on how to manage all the extra pigs being born.
5: Dr. Wayne Johnson: Boots on the ground in Post-ASF China.
This week we head off to China to visit with Dr. Wayne Johnson, a practicing veterinarian in China. We will learn about the new challenges facing pork production in China post-ASF as there is a mixture of new and old diseases now to manage.
3: A trip to Zimbabwe to learn about their challenges and opportunities in the pork industry
In this week’s episode we will visit with pig farm and author Johan Odendall in Zimbabwe. We will have the opportunity to discuss the challenges of managing sows in 40+C temperatures and their recent successes and future opportunities. In case you are curious to read Johan’s book its available at Amazon – “The Rise of the Vaesons” by P.J. Odendall.
1: A trip to Denmark to visit with Mihaela Angheluta
For our first episode we travel to Denmark to speak with a sow farm manager, Mihaela, about her role and current problems. Stay tuned to the end to hear from someone with boots on the ground working around ASF in Germany as her wean pigs are finished out in Germany and Poland.