On today's follow-up episode of The Squeal, we continue the conversation on parity 1 development and its lasting impact on sow longevity and herd profitability. Our host, Brie Quick (PIC Technical Services Manager) returns with Kendall Weger (PIC Technical Services Manager) and Nathan Schleman (Director of Sow Production, Belstra Milling Group) to …

On today's episode of The Squeal, we dive into the critical role of parity 1 development in building better, longer-lasting sows. Our host, Brie Quick (PIC Technical Services Manager) is joined by Kendall Weger (PIC Technical Servcies Manager) and Nathan Schleman (Director of Sow Production, Belstra Milling Group) to discuss the keys to setting you…

In this second installment of our "Beating the Heat" series on The Squeal, our host, Tori Walers (PIC Technical Communications and Wean-to-Finish) dives deeper into strategies for keeping pigs comfortable and healthy as temperatures rise. Our expert guests, Nat Stas (PIC Wean-to-Finish Director) and Isaiah Spath (PIC Wean-to-Finish Manager) return …

As temperatures rise, keeping your barn cool and comfortable is essential for the health and performance of your pigs. Our host, Tori Walters (PIC Technical Communications Specialist) is joined by Nat Stas (PIC Wean to Finish Director) and Isaiah Spath (PIC Wean to Finish Manager) to discuss tips and recommendations on preparing for the upcoming wa…

In this episode of The Squeal, host Dr. Lindsay Case (PIC Technical Director of Product Sustainability) continues the conversation on the future of the PRRS-resistant pigs in consumer markets. Joining her are Marisa Pooley (PIC Director of Communications & Engagement) and Staci Covkin (Circana, Principal of Innovation Consumer & Shopper Insights), …

On today's episode of The Squeal, our host, Dr. Lindsay Case (PIC Technical Director, Product Sustainability) is joined by Marisa Pooley (PIC Director of Communications and Engagement) and Staci Covkin (Principal, Innovation Consumer & Shopper Insights - Circana.) The guests share insights into consumer acceptance in anticipation of the PRRS-Resist…

On today's episode of The Squeal, we are joined by Jason Pooley (PIC Health Programs Manager) and Megan Mitchell (PIC Health Operations Manager) to share insights on how people can impact the biosecurity of a farm. Our host, Dr. Rebecca Robbins (PIC Health Assuance Veterinarian) leads the conversation to better explain the importance of biosecurity…

On today's episode of The Squeal, our host, David McGee (PIC Supply Chain Senior Specialist) is joined by Reda Salimi (Country View Family Farms - Production Manager) and Gustavo Parizotto Santian (Country View Family Farms - Sow Farm Manager) to discuss the selection process to maintain high quality females in a system.…

On today's episode of The Squeal, Jack Kelly (PIC Key Account Manager) leads a conversation with Saskia Bloemhof (PIC Genetic Services Director) and Megan James (PIC Genetic Services Geneticist) to explain the value of an index point. The group explains what an index point is, how it is determined, how often the data is evaluated, and how it can pl…

On this week's episode of The Squeal, our host, Clay Eastwood (PIC Applied Meat Scientist) is joined by Neal Matthews (PIC Applied Meat Scientist) and Alexandre Furtado da Rosa (AgroCeres PIC). During this conversation, our guests share about the recent Compass milestone of adding 50 plants to the benchmark program and provide more details on how t…

On this episode of The Squeal, our host, Dr. Clay Eastwood (PIC Applied Meat Scientist) is joined by Brandon Field (PIC Product Development Senior Manager) and Dr. Justin Holl (PIC Product Development Senior Director) to discuss the relationship between genetics and meat quality. The guests dive deeper into the areas of focus for meat quality and h…

On this episode of The Squeal, our host, Tori Walters (PIC Technical Communications Specialist) is joined by Nat Stas (PIC Technical Services Director), Adam Walters (Tosh Farms Finishing Manager), and Austin Baker (Hogslat Ventilation Manager) to discuss the process of preparing a barn for cooler temperatures. This conversation provides many helpf…

On today's episode of The Squeal, our host Nichole Wilson (PIC Account Manager) is joined by Dr. Lori Kociemba (PIC Technical Services Manager) and Dr. Kyle Coble (JBS Live Pork, Director of Nutritional Services) as they walk through the importance of a body condition management program. On this episode, our guests share tips on how to use the cali…

On today's episode of The Squeal, our host Nichole Wilson (PIC Account Manager) is joined by Dr. Lori Kociemba (PIC Technical Services Manager) and Dr. Kyle Coble (JBS Live Pork, Director of Nutritional Services) as they walk through the importance of a body condition management program for the females on your farm. Our guests explain what data sho…

On this episode of The Squeal, our host Tori Walters (PIC Technical Communications Specialist) is joined by Carine Vier (PIC Nutrionist), Lori Kociemba (PIC Technical Services Manager) and Nat Stas (PIC NA Wean to Finish Director) to discuss the process of a Technical Services visit from PIC. The guests offer tips to prepare for the visit, what sho…

There are constantly new discoveries and data shared to improve swine production. These discoveries are found by research projects to enhance and improve the way pigs are raised to ultimately impact the end product that is purchased by consumers. On today's episode of The Squeal, our host, Luis Zaragoza (PIC Product Development Manager) leads the c…

The down time between groups of pigs can provide opportunity for maintenance repairs, cleaning, and disinfecting. On today's episode of The Squeal, our guests share tips on how to prepare a barn for an incoming group of pigs. Our host, Erik Darrington (PIC Account Manager) is joined by Jason Pooley (PIC Health Program Manager) and Isaiah Spath (PIC…

There are several moving parts when transporting weaned pigs from the sow farm to their next destination. The transition can be smoother if there is strong communication between the sow farm and the wean-finish site. There is always opportunity for these communication practices to improve, and our guests from Brenneman Pork share their experiences …

On today's episode of The Squeal, our guests share their experiences on maintaing employee satisfaction to retain great employees. Our host, Ashley Hengen (PIC Human Resources) is joined by Chock Booher (PIC Technical Services, Wean to Finish) and Jorge Cajamarca (PIC Technical Services, Female Reproduction) as they walk through different scenarios…

There's no doubt that hiring and retaining labor is an ongoing challenge for the swine industry. On today's episode of The Squeal, our guests share their experiences with successful training opportunities and tools to onboard new employees and provide continued trainings for experienced employees. Our host, Ashley Hengen (PIC Human Resources) is jo…

Constructing a strong and productive placement plan can be critical to the success of a wean to finish or nursery operation. Joining us for part two of this series is Jim Lolkema with Belstra Milling and Isaiah Spath with the PIC Wean to Finish and Product Development teams. Our guests share their experiences of a successful placement plan with our…

Constructing a strong and productive placement plan can be critical to the success of a wean to finish or nursery operation. Joining us for this series is Jim Lolkema with Belstra Milling and Isaiah Spath with the PIC Wean to Finish and Product Development teams. Our guests share their experiences and knowledge of a successful placement plan and th…

This is part two of a two part episode series on weaned weight efficiency. Iowa State Univerity's Dr. Rodger Main (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodger-main-48b31078/), Seaboard Foods' Josh Flohr (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodger-main-48b31078/), and PIC's Nat Stas (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nat-stas/) discuss practical steps for improvement and …

This two part episode series is on weaned weight efficiency. Iowa State Univerity's Dr. Rodger Main (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodger-main-48b31078/), Seaboard Foods' Josh Flohr (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodger-main-48b31078/), and PIC's Nat Stas (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nat-stas/) meet up to share thoughts on how to measure weaned weight …

PICs communications authority Tim Heiller (PIC Senior Account Manager) sits down to discuss effective communications, how you could improve, and what it could mean to you. At PIC, our goal is to make our customers the most successful pig producers by providing them with the best genetics. We know our business success depends on yours. Thanks for li…

We are continuing our warm weather breeding conversation, looking at checklists for preparation and planning for successful conception. Kevin Isler (Kalmbach Feeds Sow Production Supervisor https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-isler-24928a19b/), Stacey Voight (PIC Reproductive Technical Services https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacey-voight-3268aa150/), a…

Time marches on and it's bringing summer with it. Is your breeding program ready? What does that look like for the summer months? Kevin Isler (Kalmbach Feeds Sow Production Supervisor https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-isler-24928a19b/), Stacey Voight (PIC Reproductive Technical Services https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacey-voight-3268aa150/), and Bra…

In this Squeal episode, the group discusses the maximizing weaning performance, focusing on real practical advice from farrowing experts. Nicole Comstock (Carthage Systems https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-jockisch-67a16063/) and Juan Orozco (PIC) provide some perspective on how often eyes on the sow, what should we be looking for, and what to do …

In this Squeal episode, the group discusses the maximizing weaning performance, focusing on keys to animal care and micro environment management. Nicole Comstock (Carthage Systems https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-jockisch-67a16063/) and Juan Orozco (PIC) provide some perspective on getting gilts into and through the farrowing unit with a positive…

In this Squeal episode, the group discusses the gilt development unit (GDU) as a large contributor to the success of the overall breeding program. Gilt development unit experts Jennifer Patterson (Research Associate at Livestock Gentec, University of Alberta, https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-patterson-aa30a957) and Kendall Weger (PIC Technical …

What are the benefits of a strong veterinarian relationship? Dr. Deanne Hemker (PIC Health Assurance Veterinarian) and Jason Pooley (PIC Health Programs Manager https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-pooley-bbb8566/ ) share information on developing and maximizing your servicing veterinarian as a key biosecurity resource. They address how often your vet…

Walking the barns is an activity that many seem like second nature to most of the people doing it. But why do we need to walk the barns? How should it be done? And how often? Stacey Voight (PIC Technical Services https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacey-voight-3268aa150/) and Isaiah Spath (PIC Technical Services) share the purpose and intent of walking t…

The Squeal wraps up a two part conversation on transportation handling. In this episode the panel talks about the tools and tips to move pigs down aisles and across the country. On the panel are Jason McAlister (CEO Cloverleaf Animal Welfare Systems https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-mcalister-b3b93381/) and Chock Booher (PIC Technical Service Team …

The Squeal begins an interesting two part conversation on transportation handling. In this episode the panel talks about the best use of facilities, training, and personnel. On the panel are Jason McAlister (CEO Cloverleaf Animal Welfare Systems https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-mcalister-b3b93381/) and Chock Booher (PIC Technical Service Team for …

For the New Year The Squeal provides a practical and achievable conversation with Tim Heller on great bosses and how to be one. Key great boss simple tasks: Day to day coaching, get the right people on your team, define and communicate what your team's role is in the company, and get results. Resources: * "Book: Radical Candor" - https://www.radica…

The Squeal continues its focus on practical production information. This episode series looks at early pig care with an expert panel including Mandy Gerhart (Swine Nutritionist, JBS Live Pork, https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandygerhart/), Isaiah Spath (Sr. Validation Specialist & Wean-Finish Technical Services, PIC, https://www.linkedin.com/in/isaiah…

The Squeal continues its focus on practical production information. This episode series looks at early pig care with an expert panel including Mandy Gerhart (Swine Nutritionist, JBS Live Pork, https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandygerhart/), Isaiah Spath (Sr. Validation Specialist & Wean-Finish Technical Services, PIC, https://www.linkedin.com/in/isaiah…

Gilt selection is fundamental to successful breeding outcomes. This episode continues the conversation on gilt selection with marking techniques and selection criteria with PIC's Pro Select Program. Joining us are PIC's Alison Bueltel (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-bueltel-744120150/), Malcolm Turley (https://www.linkedin.com/in/malcolm-turley…

Gilt selection is fundamental to successful breeding outcomes. Each selection today will affect your operation two years from now. Are you just providing a quantity or selecting to improve your program? Joining us for the next couple of episodes are PIC's Alison Bueltel (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-bueltel-744120150/), Malcolm Turley (https:…

We continue with the conversation on pork quality and consumer preference, focusing on tenderness and convenience discussions the industry should have, or continue. Joining the Squeal are Dr. Anna Dilger (University of Illinois, https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-dilger-80528938/), Dr. Clay Eastwood (PIC, https://www.linkedin.com/in/l-clay-eastwood-p…

Pork, it's what's for dinner. Well, maybe not, but why not? The next couple episodes of The Squeal are conversations on Consumer Preferences. Today the focus is on pork vs other proteins and how to talk about it. Joining the Squeal are Dr. Anna Dilger (University of Illinois, https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-dilger-80528938/), Dr. Clay Eastwood (PI…

Nat Stas (PIC Technical Services Director, https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathaniel-stas-63b78699/), Adam Walters (Tosh Farms Finishing Manager https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-walters-9b3b7ab9/), and Austin Baker (Hog Slat Ventilation Director, https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-baker-4467a931/) conclude their conversation on prepping for winter, wit…

Nat Stas (PIC Technical Services Director, https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathaniel-stas-63b78699/), Adam Walters (Tosh Farms Finishing Manager https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-walters-9b3b7ab9/), and Austin Baker (Hog Slat Ventilation Director, https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-baker-4467a931/) bring their experiences to the table around preparing f…

Anna Malakhova (PIC Russia), Daphne Licuan (PIC Asia, https://www.linkedin.com/in/daphne-licuan-29645a193), and John Quackenbush (Minitube, https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-quackenbush-81a60b42/) share an international perspective on semen management and handling, focusing on management concerns today, and what the future might hold. At PIC, our go…

Anna Malakhova (PIC Russia), Daphne Licuan (PIC Asia, https://www.linkedin.com/in/daphne-licuan-29645a193), and John Quackenbush (Minitube, https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-quackenbush-81a60b42/) share an international perspective on semen management and handling, focusing on Biosecurity, Hygiene, and Movement From Lab to Sow Farm in the lab & tran…

On The Squeal Tim Heiller with PIC shares how DISC personality assessments can help teams work better together. At PIC, our goal is to make our customers the most successful pig producers by providing them with the best genetics. We know our business success depends on your's. Thanks for listening to 'The Squeal', PIC's swine management podcast, fe…

The Squeal focuses on wean to finish mortality in a three part series. In this final episode of the series, the conversation reviews tips on training, as well understanding mixing pig flows to ensure good outcomes using good site preparation. The guests on this episode of the Squeal include Dr. Kate Dion (The Hanor Company), Dr. Rebecca Robbins (PI…

The Squeal focuses on wean to finish mortality in a three part series. In this episode, the conversation reviews wean to finish mortality factors to be considered and looks more closely at monitoring tools and tactics. The guests on this episode of the Squeal include Dr. Kate Dion (The Hanor Company), Dr. Rebecca Robbins (PIC Health Assurance, http…

The Squeal focuses on wean to finish mortality in a three part series. In this first episode, the conversation focuses on understanding the factors that contribute to wean to finish mortality. The guests on this episode of the Squeal include Dr. Kate Dion (The Hanor Company), Dr. Rebecca Robbins (PIC Health Assurance, https://www.linkedin.com/in/re…

Continuing on the 4 Pillars of Sow Longevity series, The Squeal focuses on implementation of the updated recommendations for sow body conditioning and feeding at the farm and slat level. The guests on this episode of the Squeal include Dr. Steve Dritz (PIC Director Global Technical Service https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-dritz-46543a140/), Dr. Se…