SwineCast Update

A quick update from the SwineCast ConferenceConnection team: Great turnout in Minnesota with a lot of interest in tools to maximize efficiency, especially in the feed arena. Dr. Steve Meyer notes we're in nearly the same corn supply situation as last year. Sufficient rain will probably give corn a $4 handle. Another dry year will push it to $8 and force another round of producers to the sidelines. You can view his presentation to the Minnesota Pork Congress here [video].

Also from Minnesota is an excellent PRRS update from Dr. Scott Dee, now with Pipestone Vet Clinic. If it seems like your PRRS challenge is greater these days, his research says it is [audio].

For the Iowa Pork Congress, snow wasn't an issue in Des Moines, though it was bitterly cold on the drive over from Indianapolis. Producers are warily optimistic with feed supply issues on their minds. They're all sure the corn is out there, just not certain how easy it will be to obtain in August. We talked with Automated Production Systems Mark Oberreuter about ventilation issues under current winter conditions and what to watch for in your barns in coming weeks [audio].

SwineCast Conference season coincides with cold, blustery days in the swine industry. I remember it as a top travel time for Mom and Dad. They said there was less to do at home. I believe it relieved them of frozen pipe concerns.

Hope you caught the end of year presentation featuring General Stanley McChrystal discussing management techniques when you don’t hold the reins of control (if you missed it, here is the audio link).

University of Illinois’ Dr. Mike Ellis walked through some top-of-mind issues on improving production efficiency. It's a five minute reminder of practical barn management you’ll want to share with your team.

Also featured this week is an update on the Canadian Swine Health Intelligence Network. This government-funded, industry-led effort provides resources to share what’s going on health-wise in the Canadian industry. Data is entered by swine vets to track illness they deal with day-to-day.

Don’t forget the upcoming Minnesota Pork Congress January 16-17, Iowa Pork Congress January 23-24. SwineCast will be on hand for interviews and conversations. Here’s the links to review last year’s educational seminars before you head to town [MN Pork 2012] [Iowa Pork Congress 2012].

Starting a new year is always an exciting time. Many people look to make changes in habits by making New Year's resolutions. Research into human behavior suggests that if you make a New Year's resolution that you are much more likely to make improvements than someone who hasn't made a formal resolution. And, if you make it through the rest of January, you have a greater chance of maintaining those new habits and changes.

According to swine managers and production staff, the cost of inputs is the number one issue for 2013 (animal health and animal well-being are second and third, respectively). What does cost of inputs mean to you and what are you doing in 2013 to change your input costs? To help you make changes, we are sharing several of our top SwineCast presentations that offer some perspective on production, economics, and people. Have a great start to 2013!

SwineCast is back from China and on to North Carolina. The annual Boehringer Ingelheim Carolina Swine Health Conference offers excellent producer discussion and interaction in a family friendly environment. Please keep an eye out for the next set of presentation videos at Conference Connection to see what went on.

Three top-notch conversations/presentations are now available via SwineCast.com: 1) Dr. Bob Morrison's At The Meeting reviews current knowledge on Mycoplasma Hyopneumoniae [audio]; 2) We visit the groundbreaking ceremonies for Legacy Farms at the Fair Oaks Pig Adventure [audio]; and 3) A timely update on feed efficiency in swine from the International Feed Efficiency in Swine conference [audio].

Like what you read here?

SwineCast^® Conversations

• Audio: Ractopamine Clears The Codex Hurdle - The Codex Alimentarius Commission – established by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and its World Health Organization to promote food safety and fair practices in trade – has approved an international standard for ractopamine. NPPC's Laurie Hueneke, Director of International Trade Policy, Sanitary & Technical Issues, shares an update from the meeting in Rome, Italy [audio].
• Audio: Swine Dysentery Update - Dr. Mike Hammer, Professional Services Veterinarian, Novartis Animal Health, provides information on the re-emergence of swine dysentery in U.S.
  

SwineCast^® Conversations

• Audio: U.S. - Canadian Swine Industry Have Much In Common - While the U.S. and Canada joust on issues like mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) and cross-border trade, the need for protein around the world should forge closer ties in the future [audio].
• Audio: Where Are We On Air And Water Environmental Regulation? - Air quality standards have not gone away for livestock producers and we are still fighting against burdensome water run-off regulation. National Pork Producers Council Chief Environmental Council Michael Formica briefs press and producers at the recent World Pork Expo [audio].

• Video: Economic Grain Situation and Outlook - I am NOT opposed to ethanol. I do prefer it aged in oaken barrels or pretty glass bottles! sums up how Dr. Steve Meyers feels about corn used in ethanol.

Livestock producers' access to antibiotics will change in the near future and now is the time to build the relationship with prescribing veterinarians, if you haven't already. Dr. Liz Wagstrom, chief veterinarian for the National Pork Producers Council, explains how the Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) will be imperative for herd health issues [audio].


If you find the conversation frustrating when your guests use subjective, emotional arguments, then this most recent post at SwineCast will offer you insight. Shawn Lawrence Otto is an author, filmmaker, political strategist, speaker, science advocate, and screenwriter and co-producer of the movie House of Sand and Fog. He was also keynote speaker at the recent Animal Ag Alliance Stakeholder's Summit, sharing thoughts on the dissonance between consumer perception and science reality. Curious on how to deal with that gap? He offers suggestions to better understand the soft side of that argument and win the day [audio].

We've featured several episodes recently on the importance of putting our best foot forward before the consumer [episodes]. That's not just dressing up in our Sunday best. It's taking the working side of swine production and sharing what we do and why, then listening to the questions and concerns of our customer.

Think for a minute of how much time you spend in waste management and manure handling compared to... say, 20 years ago. Now, take the amount of time you spend talking to neighbors, consumers and other interested parties and extrapolate that out 20 years. Maybe it's time to review/revise that 5 year plan [resources].

What do you think sustainability means? Arlin Wasserman shares what it means to him and many consumers in this episode from the Animal Ag Alliance Stakeholder's Summit. Insightful comments about your customers to give you food for thought on your way to World Pork Expo. BTW, SwineCast will be capturing valuable info from the seminars and events so if you can't make one, check SwineCast.com in a couple of weeks and prime your management training toolbox for the coming months.

The World Pork Expo is clearly in our sights as North American Pork Production converges on the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines June 6-8. As you mull over your visitation plans, don't forget to check out the business seminars series and the Pork Academy seminars. Of note will be the sessions Doing what’s right vs. looking for the camera and Feeding for 30.

SwineCast will be using a couple of new tools in our kit to keep you up to date on the conversations so keep an eye on SwineCast.com and follow us on Twitter at @SwineCast