PigTek Connections October 2024: Your Source for Swine Industry Advances

PigTek Connections October 2024: Your Source for Swine Industry Advances

Published: Oct 30, 2024


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Core Report

Vietnam Prop 12 comparison to the US

The comparison between Vietnam's and the United States' Prop 12 regulations reveal significant differences in swine production standards and market impacts. Prop 12 in the US, particularly in California, mandates stricter animal welfare standards and requires more space for breeding pigs, which has increased production costs and reshaped market dynamics. Conversely, Vietnam's regulations focus more on scaling production efficiency and meeting rising domestic and export demands without similar stringent welfare requirements. This divergence highlights the challenges and adaptations faced by producers in both regions as they navigate regulatory landscapes and consumer expectations.

PigTek Commentary: CEO REPORT

Leading the Charge for Innovation and Excellence in Swine Production, by Greg Bodak Vice President/General Manager, PigTek Americas


I'm Greg Bodak, General Manager of PigTek, and I'm here to talk pigs -- and not just any pigs. At PigTek, we have a mission: to help producers maximize efficiency, boost productivity, and unleash the full potential of their swine operations. Our work is about far more than just raising pigs; it's about transforming the swine industry one innovative solution at a time.

 

So, what sets PigTek apart? It's our unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence. From our groundbreaking PigTek HERO® Fan Series which is pushing the boundaries of ventilation technology, to our revolutionary Swing-Fix® Gestation Stall Gate solutions, we're creating products that are changing the way swine farming is done. We are redefining what it means to be a leader in swine production equipment and technology.

 

But for me, this journey is about more than just innovation -- it's about passion. We live and breathe swine production, and there’s nothing more rewarding than unifying our team to develop practical solutions that make a real difference on the farm. Whether it's brainstorming the next breakthrough in efficiency, collaborating with producers to tackle on-farm challenges, or creating solutions to improve animal welfare and production outcomes, we're all in.


Our team at PigTek is dedicated to empowering producers by offering cutting-edge tools that drive results. We know that in this industry, time, efficiency, and effectiveness are critical, and we’re committed to staying at the forefront of swine production technology to ensure our partners thrive.

 

Whether you’re facing challenges in ventilation, feed management or operational efficiency, we’re here to help you overcome obstacles and push the limits of what’s possible in swine production. Together, we can elevate your operation to new heights, and I’m excited to continue leading the charge in this mission.

 

Visit us at www.pigtek.net to learn more about our solutions and see how we can help your operation reach its full potential.

The Founding Story of PigTek: Innovating Swine Industry Solutions

PigTek’s story begins in 1952 with the founding of Chore-Time Equipment. One of the first products Chore-Time successfully developed and marketed was an electric hog fountain heater. Since that time, the company’s long product history for the hog industry includes the development and continuous improvements of the centerless auger FLEX-AUGER® Feed Delivery System, Feed Bin Storage Systems, HERO Fan line, as well as other innovative, high-quality, American-made commercial farming products. In 2007, Chore-Time Hog Production Systems was renamed PigTek®. Since then, we have continued to develop and expand our pig equipment product offerings to meet the needs of the modern commercial hog farmer. 


We think globally offering producers industry-leading technology and equipment solutions that serve customers all over North and South America as well as in Europe and Asia. We act locally when it comes to products and service, offering high-quality after-sales technical supervision and support for our network of PigTek dealers. That support includes quoting, drawings and professional expertise as well as training and seminars to help our dealers and customers get the best performance from their PigTek systems. We place a high value on all our relationships.

Featured Commentary

Revolutionizing Manure Management in Swine Operations: The Power of Manure Pit Additives By: Casey L. Bradley, Ph.D.; The Sunswine Group, LLC


Utilizing Formula 542 within swine manure pits reduced ammonia emissions by 85.5% on average throughout different seasons in a commercial swine operation. 

Discover the Power of Formula 542: Learn How It Improves Swine Health and Environmental Management

While the swine industry primarily focuses on the profitability metrics like margin over feed cost and the quality of the final pork products, there lies a by-product of production that presents both a challenge and an opportunity -- manure. Often overlooked until it becomes a problem, manure management is pivotal not just for operational efficiency but also for environmental stewardship.

 

From storage issues and odor control to nutrient management and land application, the complexities of handling manure are vast. Innovative solutions like pit additives are now changing the landscape, offering sustainable and efficient management strategies that can turn this by-product from a nuisance into a valuable resource.


Navigating the Complexities of Manure Management

One of the foremost challenges in effective manure management lies in the storage conditions and duration. Facilities must be engineered to accommodate up to a year’s worth of production, aligning with the agricultural calendar that typically permits manure application only during specific windows around the crop growing season. This necessity stems from two primary concerns: the management of solids and the mitigation of gaseous emissions. Read the entire article here

Video Central

PigTek PigCentral® Controller Overview

Since 2018, Banthsa Thonethevaboth has been PigTek’s Technical Service Representative where he has supported new product applications, development and launches. Prior to his employment at PigTek, Thonethevaboth worked as a Field Service Engineer for Mitsubishi Laser MC Machinery for 6 years. He received his Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.) from Indian Hills Community College, Ottumwa, Iowa, in 2012. He also earned his Bachelor of Applied Science Degree from Buena Vista University, Storm Lake, Iowa, in 2019 where he majored in Laser & Electro-Optics. Fluent in English and Laotian, Thonethevaboth resides in Norwalk, Iowa. 

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Swine News
Sask Pork Moves to Province-Wide Digital Biosecurity with Farm Health Guardian

Saskatchewan’s swine industry is taking a significant step forward in disease prevention—moving beyond traditional protocols and into a fully connected, digital biosecurity model. In a new partnership, Sask Pork will provide Farm Health Guardian’s transport biosecurity platform to all commercial swine farms across the province. The initiative will impact more than 140 farms and is […]

The post Sask Pork Moves to Province-Wide Digital Biosecurity with Farm Health Guardian appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Apr 14, 2026
Farrowing Systems: Practical Design and Performance Considerations

  By Marcel Feenstra, Canarm AgSystems Swine Territory Manager Farrowing is one of the most critical periods in swine production. A well-designed system supports sow comfort, piglet safety, and daily efficiency, creating a productive and manageable environment for producers. Modern farrowing systems combine thoughtful crate design, flooring, and environmental features to help animals thrive while […]

The post Farrowing Systems: Practical Design and Performance Considerations appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Apr 14, 2026
Ohio Pig Farmers Remain Committed to Fight Hunger in Northeast Ohio

Partnership brings high-quality protein to families. Ohio’s pig farmers are once again stepping up to support families across northeast Ohio, donating $5,000 to the Greater Cleveland Food Bank (GCFB) to provide nutritious pork to individuals facing food insecurity. This contribution reflects the Ohio Pork Council’s ongoing commitment to strengthening communities by expanding access to high-quality […]

The post Ohio Pig Farmers Remain Committed to Fight Hunger in Northeast Ohio appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Apr 14, 2026
JBS Perry Project Moves Into Structural Phase, Highlighting Continued Investment in U.S. Pork Processing

Construction on JBS USA’s new sausage production facility in Perry, Iowa has reached a visible turning point, as the project transitions from groundwork to vertical build. With structural steel now being set, the development is entering a phase that signals more than construction progress—it reflects continued confidence in value-added pork processing at a time when […]

The post JBS Perry Project Moves Into Structural Phase, Highlighting Continued Investment in U.S. Pork Processing appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Apr 14, 2026
When Price Breaks the System: Romania’s Pork Crisis Signals a Deeper Global Shift

This Isn’t Just a Romania Story Romania’s pork sector is under pressure—but not for the reason many would expect. It’s not disease.It’s not productivity. It’s price—and what happens when price disconnects from reality. With imported pork flooding the market, domestic prices have dropped to roughly 4.5 lei/kg (€0.88)—well below the estimated 6.57 lei/kg (€1.29) cost […]

The post When Price Breaks the System: Romania’s Pork Crisis Signals a Deeper Global Shift appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Apr 14, 2026
Rotavirus A and C: New Research Signals Broader Impact on Young Pig Health

A new study led by Ohio State University and supported by the Swine Health Information Center is adding important context to how Rotaviruses A and C are influencing pig health—well beyond their traditionally understood role. For years, Rotavirus A and C have been recognized as primary contributors to diarrhea in suckling and recently weaned pigs. […]

The post Rotavirus A and C: New Research Signals Broader Impact on Young Pig Health appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Apr 14, 2026
Tina Erickson Named Executive Director of South Dakota Pork Producers Council

The South Dakota Pork Producers Council has announced the appointment of Tina Erickson as its next Executive Director, marking a key leadership transition for one of the state’s most influential producer organizations. Erickson will officially step into the role on July 1, succeeding longtime Executive Director Glenn Muller, whose tenure helped shape the organization’s presence […]

The post Tina Erickson Named Executive Director of South Dakota Pork Producers Council appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Apr 14, 2026
Kemin Introduces Next-Generation EDIE System, Advancing Precision Water Disinfection for Livestock Operations

As water quality becomes an increasingly critical lever in livestock and poultry production, Kemin Industries has introduced its latest innovation: EDIE Generation 2, a next-generation application system designed to bring automation, connectivity, and precision to on-farm water disinfection. Unveiled at the 2026 PEAK convention, the system represents a meaningful step forward in how producers manage […]

The post Kemin Introduces Next-Generation EDIE System, Advancing Precision Water Disinfection for Livestock Operations appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Apr 14, 2026
Hogs Weaken to Start Week on a Sour Note, , By Ben DiCostanzo, Senior Market Strategist Walsh Trading, Inc., April 14th 2026

If you would like to receive more information on the commodity markets, please use the link to join our email list  – Sign Up Now  For those interested I hold a weekly livestock webinar on Tuesdays and my next webinar will be Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at 3:15 pm. It is free for anyone who […]

The post Hogs Weaken to Start Week on a Sour Note, , By Ben DiCostanzo, Senior Market Strategist Walsh Trading, Inc., April 14th 2026 appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Apr 14, 2026
Ontario Hog Market Update: Prices Ease Slightly as Volumes Tighten

Source: OMAFRA Weekly Hog Market Facts – Week Ending April 10, 2026 Ontario hog prices softened modestly this week, with the 100% base formula price declining to $226.37/cwt, continuing a gradual adjustment from late March highs. Despite the slight pullback, pricing remains generally in line with year-ago levels, suggesting the market is stabilizing rather than […]

The post Ontario Hog Market Update: Prices Ease Slightly as Volumes Tighten appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

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