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
South Dakota Swine Summit Returns June 6 at SDSU

The next generation of pork producers will take center stage this summer as the South Dakota Swine Summit returns on June 6, 2026, at South Dakota State University. Designed for youth ages 12–21, the one-day program offers hands-on exposure to the swine industry, combining practical learning with real-world insights into modern pork production. A Full […]

The post South Dakota Swine Summit Returns June 6 at SDSU appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Apr 06, 2026
Beyond the Barn: The Maschhoffs and the Growing Role of Community Investment in Pork Production

When The Maschhoffs were recently honored for their Community Impact initiative, the recognition reflected more than a single program—it highlighted a broader shift happening across the pork industry. Backed by meaningful investment into local projects—from youth-focused initiatives and county fair improvements to community infrastructure—their approach signals something increasingly important: Success in pork production is no […]

The post Beyond the Barn: The Maschhoffs and the Growing Role of Community Investment in Pork Production appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Apr 06, 2026
Leadership that empowers people to learn, lead and deliver results

Key takeaways Investing in continuous, inclusive learning builds confidence, motivation and shared ownership across teams. Open, peer-to-peer collaboration helps solve issues faster and builds consistency among teams. Hands-on and off-site learning turns protocols into practical actions that improve daily performance. Justin Kleinschmidt, director of Swine Vet Center Management (SVCM), understands effective leadership starts by empowering […]

The post Leadership that empowers people to learn, lead and deliver results appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Apr 06, 2026
Making Smart Barn Investments: A Practical Guide for Pork Producers By Damon Vander Maten

Every pork producer eventually faces the same set of questions: Should I fix this barn? Tear it down? Build new? Rent someone else’s? And with today’s construction prices, none of those decisions come easy. But there is a practical way to think through it — one that starts with understanding your financial footing, keeping your […]

The post Making Smart Barn Investments: A Practical Guide for Pork Producers By Damon Vander Maten appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Apr 03, 2026
USDA Reorganization Signals Flexibility—But the Real Test Will Be Execution

As the USDA moves forward with one of its most significant organizational shifts in decades, leadership is signaling flexibility for employees navigating the transition. That matters. Because while the strategy is clear—move resources closer to the field—the reality is far more complex. This is not just a relocation effort.It’s a fundamental reset of how USDA […]

The post USDA Reorganization Signals Flexibility—But the Real Test Will Be Execution appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Apr 03, 2026
Obtaining official identification tags for swine in 2026

Familiarize yourself with updates to the process for obtaining mandatory official identification tags for your 4-H swine project animals. The 2026 fair season is quickly approaching and there are some important changes to swine tagging that breeders, exhibitors and fairs should be aware of. All swine being shown at exhibitions, including fairs and jackpot shows, […]

The post Obtaining official identification tags for swine in 2026 appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Apr 03, 2026
Wholestone Prestage Recognized as Ag Innovator of the Year in Fremont

In an industry built on consistency, resilience, and long-term vision, recognition at the local level often reflects something bigger. It reflects how a company shows up—every day. Wholestone Prestage has been named Ag Innovator of the Year by the Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce, a recognition that speaks not just to innovation, but to impact—on […]

The post Wholestone Prestage Recognized as Ag Innovator of the Year in Fremont appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Apr 02, 2026
CIH Hog Margin Watch: March

Margins continued to erode slightly over the second half of March on lower hog prices, mostly in nearby contracts, while feed costs held relatively steady heading into the Prospective Plantings and Grain Stocks report at the end of the month. In addition to those two big reports for the corn and soybean markets, USDA also […]

The post CIH Hog Margin Watch: March appeared first on Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary, and Technical Info.

Apr 02, 2026