Grandin expects farms to become more transparent
Well known for her strong opinions as well as her expertise on farm-animal handling and well-being, Temple Grandin, Colorado State University animal scientist, says the next advances in the area need to come on the farm.
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Swine disease management sets a good example
Livestock production today is efficient and for the most part conducted under the best management available, including close relationships with veterinarians.
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CME: Hog weights down 2 pounds from 2010
As part of our discussion of production levels on Monday, we mentioned that hog weights last week were down 2 pounds from year-ago levels but the size of hogs coming to market at present warrants a bit more attention than we were able to give it in Monday’s edition.
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Barn maintenance, feeder repairs help feed efficiency
Achieving better feed efficiency can be a challenging objective and may require a review of the full scope of your operation, beginning with the basics of barn management and feeding practices. The time period between groups of pigs offers a prime opportunity for you or your barn employees for cleaning and making needed repairs.
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ISU swine farm named for Al Christian
The Swine Teaching Farm at Iowa State University has been named for Allen Christian, who managed the farm for more than 50 years.
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Watch for mycotoxins
As corn harvest winds down, farmers need to watch for potential molds and fungus in corn. Fields that were hit with late-summer hail could pose a particular risk. Also drought-stressed corn is susceptible to aflatoxin.
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Brumm Speaks Out: Optimism in weaned pig prices
You can’t pick up a magazine associated with the pork industry without reading an optimistic story or column about the potential for profits in the coming 12 months. This optimism is now in the weaned pig market. In the past 3 weeks the average spot market price for weaned pigs reported by the USDA has risen $13.52 per pig.
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Hog Outlook: FTA's to add $2.31 billion to U.S. ag exports
Last week the President finally sent the free trade agreements with Panama, Colombia and South Korea to Congress for approval. The Colombian agreement was signed in November 2006. The agreement with Panama was signed in June 2007. USDA estimates that once approved, increased trade with these three countries will add $2.31 billion to U.S. ag exports.
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Brumm Speaks Out: Feeding new lower fat DDGS products
In last weeks blog I wrote about the changing economics of ddgs inclusion in swine diets. Corn is now under $6/bu just about everywhere in the upper Midwest, while ddgs prices remain around $180+/ton.
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Feed efficiency conference early registration deadline Oct. 7
The objective of the conference is to provide the current state of the art on all aspects of feed efficiency in growing/finishing swine. The conference is set for Nov. 8-9 at the Hilton Hotel/Qwest Center in Omaha, Neb.
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Hog Outlook: Some producers thinking expansion following record hog prices
USDA’s September hogs and pigs report said the breeding herd was 0.6% larger than a year ago and the market hog inventory was up 1% compared to September 1, 2010. Record hog prices this summer appear to have put some hog producers in an expansionary mood.
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