PigX

We are kicking off a new season of the PigX Podcast discussing the history of the Pig Livability Project, the current efforts and resources used to share information with the swine industry and how the project is continuing in the months ahead. Joining us on this episode are Dr. David Rosero, assistant professor at Iowa State University, and Dr. Joel DeRouchey, professor and state extension leader at Kansas State University. They will also highlight the upcoming Second International Conference on Pig Livability, taking place on November 5–6 in Omaha, Nebraska. For more details about the conference, visit https://piglivability.org/2025-conference. For project updates and additional resources, visit www.piglivability.org.

A recent research collaboration between a university and a commercial farm studied 1,500 sows and 22,000 piglets and discovered unexpected findings about the common practice of split suckling. Their research found that this long-standing practice might not be benefiting piglets on day one as much as producers previously thought. Discussing the research are Mikayla Spinler, a graduate research assistant at Kansas State University, and Ashley Hartman, a research coordinator at Pillen Family Farms and DNA Genetics. The two discuss how the research was chosen, conducted and next steps on today's episode.

The final episode of this month's special niche production series on the PigX Podcast explores how small-scale producers can take advantage of direct marketing opportunities. Dr. Colt Knight, state livestock specialist at the University of Maine, shares how producers can successfully market and sell their meat directly to consumers. These strategies are not only helpful for pork producers, but they are relevant to anyone with an entrepreneurial mindset. This episode highlights many considerations for building a supportive community, boosting sales and how embracing creativity can make a big impact.

This week's third episode of this month's special mini-series focused on niche production, we are focusing on the importance of protein in swine nutrition. This week, we hear from Dr. Laura Greiner, director of the Iowa Pork Industry Center and an associate professor of animal science at Iowa State University. Dr. Greiner shares insights from her research, discusses the reasons behind variations in protein levels and breaks down key nutritional concepts, acknowledging that swine nutrition can sometimes be confusing for producers.

Episode two of our four-part special series this month features a thoughtful conversation on whether form matters when comparing energy and fiber. We also explore alternative swine production systems, including what our guest believes to be the only certified organic swine facility in the nation. Dr. Lee Johnson, professor of swine nutrition and management at the University of Minnesota, dives into topics like energy sources, ingredient density and how hay can play a role in a producer's operation.

Kicking off our four-part special series this month, we delve into the results of a recent survey and focus group from the World Pork Expo, highlighting opportunities to expand education for pork producers and veterinarians. Joining us is Casey Zangaro, a Swine Production Extension Educator from Michigan State University. Tune in to learn where the biggest educational gaps are, what resources are currently available and how a National Pork Board grant is helping to bridge those gaps.

This month on the PigX Podcast, we explore the research and insights from two producers on the advantages of maintaining clean market hauling equipment, including the financial considerations. Beyond the overall benefits to swine health, we discuss best practices implemented by these companies and the country of Denmark, strategies for introducing the proposition and methods for measuring the return on investment, in addition to much more. Joining us in today's episode are Dr. Edison Magalhaes, assistant professor at Iowa State University, Dr. Pete Thomas, director of health services at Iowa Select Farms and Dr. Tyler Bauman, herd veterinarian with The Maschhoffs.

In this month's PigX episode, we look into research to identify the health status of pigs - especially for PRRS – utilizing key performance indicators.. Researchers have developed a formula to help detect diseases earlier, offering a tool that facilitates faster and potentially more cost-effective data analysis compared to investing in additional farm technologies. Joining us from Iowa State University are Drs. Gustavo Silva, an assistant professor in Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, and Mafalda Mil-Homens, a PhD student and veterinarian. They share insights from their global experiences and how these have influenced their work in the Midwest swine industry.

This month on the PigX Podcast, we dive into key considerations for adopting technology in managing livestock. From research insights to practical applications, we explore how technology can enhance farm operations. Our guest, Dr. Isabella Condotta, an assistant professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, shares her expertise on the intersection of technology and livestock management. While many farms have begun integrating these tools, others are still weighing their options. Tune in to this episode for insights to help you make informed decisions about implementing and maintaining technology on your farm with the resources you have.

In this episode of the PigX Podcast, we hear the specifics of POP and discuss actionable ways breeders and producers can take to mitigate the condition. The conversation dives into how nutrition, management and other contributing factors can play part of the solution in addition to research contributions. Joining us are Dr. Jenelle Dunkelberger, a geneticist with Topigs Norsvin, and Dr. Jack Dekkers, a distinguished professor of animal breeding and genetics at Iowa State University. Additionally, we highlight research contributions from Ph.D. student Vishesh Bhatia, shedding light on the latest developments in understanding and preventing POP. Tune in to this informative discussion, marking it the final episode of 2024!

NBAF, located in Manhattan, Kansas, succeeds the Plum Island Animal Disease Center in New York, which has been a cornerstone in protecting American agriculture. In this episode, we explore how the facility is set to enhance the nation's biosecurity and unique additions to make a positive impact on the swine industry. We'll hear from key stakeholders who played a role in bringing NBAF to the Midwest, including Dr. Chad Mire, research leader for foreign arthropod-borne animal disease research unit with the Agricultural Research Service, and Dr. Robin Holland, the director of the foreign animal disease diagnostic laboratory with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service within the USDA.

The U.S. is on track for its second-highest pork production ever and has recently become the largest exporter of pork. There's growing optimism for American pork producers, and Jessica Spreitzer, Director of Trade Analysis at the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), explains the reasons behind this continued growth. Currently, a record 31% of U.S. pork and variety production is being exported. Spreitzer will also discuss rising imports across global markets, emerging opportunities, an update about China's pork production and the outlook for consumer demand both domestically and internationally.

The Veterinary Diagnostic Lab at Iowa State University focuses on answering important "how" and "why" questions for veterinarians, producers, and swine industry professionals. In this episode, Dr. Marcelo Almeida, an assistant professor with a PhD, Master's, and DVM in swine health, shares his expertise. He will discuss recent trends in swine health diagnostics, the diseases his team is currently studying and the future direction of their research. Dr. Almeida will also explain how he hopes veterinarians and producers can use this information to improve swine health practices.

It takes up to two years for employees from outside of the country to receive their green card, but the upcoming election may have an impact on the timeline and opportunities for foreign labor. Agriculture, including many swine organizations and companies, rely on help beyond the United States borders. Rachel Beardsley, partner and immigration attorney at Fragomen provides the potential effects on visas from November's presidential election, what she's recommending to clients currently and the variety of visas available.

Completing our two-part mini-series, we are welcoming back Dr. Jordan Gebhardt of Kansas State University and Ph.D. student Larissa Becker to explore the topic of phosphorus and calcium requirements for gestating and lactating sows. In this episode, we will dive into Larissa's literature review, along with the key takeaways she discovered in the process!

In this two-part mini-series, we will investigate both swine bone mineralization and calcium and phosphorus requirements for gestating and lactating sows. Focusing on the prior for this episode, we will be highlighting research conducted by Dr. Jordan Gephardt of Kansas State University. Ph.D. student Larissa Becker will then begin to give us insight into the research she is conducting.

Welcome to season five, episode one, of the PigX Podcast! We have an exciting season ahead, so to kick it off, we brought Janae Metzger and Stacie Matchan as this month's guests. Janae discusses her presentation from the 2023 Iowa Swine Day Event on establishing a winning culture on the farm. Stacie touches on both the history of this event and what attendees should look forward to for the 2024 Iowa Swine Day. Be sure to listen to learn about all things described here and so much more!

For the May edition of the PigX Podcast, joining us is Kate Dion, a PostDoc Research Associate at Iowa State University, and Dr. Derald Holkamp, a professor in Veterinary Preventative Medicine with a focus on biosecurity. Throughout this episode, we will take a deep dive into the Standardized Outbreak Investigation Program they are developing, including how it will be used, why it is necessary, the timeline for adopting this new program, and so much more.

Joining the PigX Podcast this month is Jack Bobo, the director of Global Food and Water Policy at one of the world's largest conservation organizations, the Nature Conservancy. Jack will be discussing his Iowa Swine Day presentation that covered the future of animal agriculture. In the second half of this episode, Dan Bussieres, who is the co-founder of and swine nutritionist for Group Ceres Inc., joins to chat about the topic of the Canadian pork production system, which he highlighted at Iowa Swine Day.

Giovani Trevisan, Guilherme A Cezar, and Daniel Linhares, three swine industry specialists, join the PigX Podcast this month to discuss the Swine Disease Reporting System (SDRS). Throughout this episode, we touch on topics including the research this team is conducting on SDRS, tools that are available for veterinarians and producers on this matter, and so much more.

Joining the PigX Podcast for February are Dr. Chris Rademacher, a Clinical Associate Professor and Swine Extension Veterinarian at Iowa State University, to help lead the discussion with Dr. Tom Petznick, a vet owner and veterinarian at ARK-CARE. The focus throughout this month is on the Porcine Sapovirus but, more specifically, the history of PSaV, where we are currently at in our PSaV research, and where we see this virus heading in the future.

This month, longtime friend of the podcast, Matt Romoser, a swine field specialist for Iowa State University, along with a new voice for our listeners, Derek Henningsen, who is the gilt flow manager for JBS Live Pork, join us for an in-depth chat on many topics. For this episode, we explore the importance of gilt selection and sow longevity, but more specifically, how factors such as foot health, nutrition, the environment, and diseases impact longevity over time.

Becca Walthart and Gabi Doughan, two Iowa State University graduate students, join the PigX Podcast for the month to discuss water biology and water quality. Throughout the episode, we touch on a wide array of water-related subjects, including why we should care about its biology, how to tell if there are issues with the quality of your water, and what to do if you encounter those issues.

Joining the PigX Podcast this month are Dr. Chris Rademacher, a Swine Extension Veterinarian and the AssociateDirector for the Iowa Pork Industry Center, and Dr. Daniel Linhares, an Associate Professor and theDirector of Graduate Education for Iowa State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. Take a listen to hear Chris and Daniel discussing past outbreak management programs for the PRRS virus.

Peering into two conversations from the 2023 Iowa Swine Day, we are featuring a chat with Dr. Jordan Graham, a veterinarian for the Swine Vet Center, discussing swine biosecurity. Later into the episode, we begin a discussion with Dr. Dusty Oedekoven, Chief Veterinarian for the National Pork Board, who is looking into Foreign Animal Diseases, or more specifically, the successes and failures of African Swine Fever.

Matt Romoser, Swine Extension Specialist, and Dr. Spenser Becker, Nutritionist at AB Vista, discuss all things related to gilt nutrition. Take a listen to the September episode of the PigX Podcast to learn about setting realistic gilt development nutrition goals, nutritional strategies, and more!

Shane McAuliffe of McAuliffe Pig Farms & Munster Technological University in Ireland, along with Tom Battagliese, Senior Manager of Global Sustainability Metrics for BASF in New Jersey, join us this month to discuss the topic of sustainability in the industry.

To jump into July, we are looking into two important topics for the swine industry: gilt eligibility and sow longevity. Jennifer Patterson, Research Associate with the University of Alberta, and Matt Romoser, Swine Extension Specialist with Iowa State University, offer us deeper insights on this topic.

Kicking off Season 4 with a great topic looking at a parallel grant, the PROSPER Grant. Spearheaded by Dr. Daniel Linhares and Edison Magalhaes, the PROSPER Grant is focused on how to integrate data more efficiently into swine production systems.

Joining the PigX Podcast this month to discuss in utero heat stress are Dr. Jason Ross, Animal Science Department Chair and the Lloyd Anderson Endowed Professor at Iowa State University, along with Dr. Lance Baumgard, Jacobson Endowed Professor and a Distinguished Professor at Iowa State University.

This month is part three of four in our series on heat stress. Dr. Brett Ramirez and Matt Romoser join this month to carry on the discussion by focusing on ventilation. They touch on proper ventilation systems, how to prep the barns for summer, and how to minimize the effects heat stress can have on the swine.

For part two of four in the heat stress series, we have Josh Selsby to take us through an in-depth discussion of how the sex of the pig directly affects heat stress results. He also touches on why they chose heat stress to study with the grant they received and the different stages they will go through in this process.

This month we are sharing part one of a four-part series on heat stress in its different stages. Dr. Josh Selsby begins by sharing information covering the grant this research project received. Dr. Kara Stewart then takes us into more detail, discussing what heat stress is and the effects of its losses.

We're kicking off 2023 with Dr. Christine Mainquist-Whigham, the Director of Health at Pillen Family Farms! Delaney and Chris move through a discussion with Dr. Mainquist-Whigham over the research she has presented on. She covers the development of the Elimination Diet Technique, sanitation methods, and vaccination protocols, in order to achieve the desired survivability rate. Chris takes us back to the basics with Christine to cover some data analytics that helped the farm to maintain consistency in pig living conditions to alleviate stress and over-chilling.

Kent Mogler, Mogler Family Farm's CFO and IT leader, joins us to discuss the importance of engaging frontline workers on swine operations. He shares some great tools for accomplishing this task.

Dr. Paul Yeske, Swine Veterinarian with the Swine Vet Center, and Dr. Giovani Trevisan, Research Assistant Professor at Iowa State University, talk through the topic of biocontainment, specifically in grow-finish hogs. They each share research-backed tips for protecting your own herd this season, the difference between biosecurity and biocontainment, and of course, share a few take-home messages!

Dr. Derald Holtkamp and Dr. Marcelo Almeida join us on this month's episode of PigX to talk through their research on the bacteria Actinobacillus Pleuropneumoniae (APP). They give insight to what could have caused the 2021 outbreak in Iowa, and things that swine producers should be doing to protect their herds.

Joined by Dr. Chris Rademacher from Iowa State University, Dr. Justin Brown, Assistant teaching professor from Iowa State University, and Dr. Pete Thomas, Director of Health Services at Iowa Select Farms, Delaney guides the conversation around individual sow care. The men share how they have seen this concept work and tips on how to implement it on your own operation.

Dr. Ryan Brook, who spoke at the Iowa Swine Day, joins us to discuss a topic that isn't brought up much in the swine industry, wild hog populations. He shares the importance of this issue and what can be done to mitigate the risks it causes.

Dr. Jack Dekkers talks through the idea of genetic resiliency in swine and ways to employ it on an operation. He shares research behind this idea and tips on how to discovery resiliency in your own hogs.

On this special episode of the PigX podcast, we are joined by geopolitical expert, Peter Zeihan, to discuss some impending impacts we will soon face due to the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. He was one of the many incredible guests to have spoken at the Iowa Swine Day conference in Ames, and we will bring you a few more special edition episodes soon. In the meantime, you can hear from some of those guests and watch their talks at https://www.ipic.iastate.edu/iowaswineday.html. We return in a few short weeks with our next regularly scheduled episode to talk resiliency.

Return guests of the podcast, Dr. Derald Holtkamp and Dr. Chris Rademacher, define and discuss the concept of staged loading. Dr.Holtkamp shares findings from a study on this concept and gives tips on how to implement the practice in your own swine operation.

Chris and Lance share some insight from their recent discussion at the Sow Summit on the importance of sow management.

Sustainability has been a buzzword floating around the industry for years now, but what does it mean within pork production? Dr. Justin Ransom, Senior Director of Sustainable Food Strategy for Tyson Foods, and Dr. Brett Kaysen, Vice President of Sustainability for National Pork Board, join us to talk about the definition of sustainability, establishing and attaining sustainable goals, and a whole lot more. Tune in next month when we kick off Season 3 with fresh topics impacting pork production and survivability.

Dr. Jim Pillen and Dr. Deb Murray join us for this month's episode of PigX! We talk about a smorgasbord of topics, including industry changes, the post-wean transition, and more.

On this installment of PigX, we have not one but two guests! Tune in as Dr. Sarah Probst-Miller and Valerie Duttlinger talk to us about the importance of people on the farm.

Welcome to the February episode of the PIgX podcast! This month, we talk to Dr. Ron Ketchem about the important relationship between piglet survivability and sow care.

Welcome to 2022! We are kicking off the New Year right with more coverage of the International Conference on Pig Survivability from October 2021. Join us for post-conference recaps with Dr. Noel Williams.

Welcome to the final PigX episode of 2021! We are airing this episode early as a special treat. Host Delaney Howell sat down with Dr. Joel DeRouchey and Dr. Jason Ross to talk about the swine survivability conference that took place back in October. Tune in to hear more about the conference and how it came to be!

Welcome to the second part of our discussion with Dr. Chris Rademacher, Clinical Professor at ISU college of Vet Medicine and Associate Director of the Iowa Pork Industry Center, and Dr. Steve Pollman of DSP Consulting. We kick things off with a recap of last month's episode. Then, we talk more about stocking density, the importance of weaning age, and get some take home messages from our guests.

Dr. Chris Rademacher, Clinical Professor at ISU college of Vet Medicine & Associate Director, Iowa Pork Industry Center, and Dr. Steve Pollman of DSP Consulting join the PigX podcast for a two part conversation! In part one, we introduce our guests and their work, identify industry changes, and post-weaning mortality. Tune in next month for part two!