Take Precautions When Pumping Manure Pits
Reports of flash fires and explosions occurring recently in livestock barns while liquid pit manure was being agitated and pumped magnifies the need for farm safety when working on a hog operation...
Pinpointing the Principles of Biosecurity
In today's pork industry, perhaps no issue is as critical to protecting and maintaining the health and efficiency of swine herds as a scientifically based...
Building Functional Biosecurity Plans
Biosecurity efforts cost considerable resources, both human and financial, and must be predicated on economic considerations. However, when we consider...
Routine Sampling Helps Keep Herd Health Stable
Biosecurity programs, designed to prevent new disease entry and control diseases that already exist, have two parts: Procedures used every day to keep...
Four Steps to Effective Cleaning And Disinfecting
Cleaning and disinfecting are critical parts of all biosecurity programs. The goal is not to completely sterilize the environment, but rather to decrease...
Minnesota Pork Groups Look at PRRS Eradication
At a joint meeting recently, the board of directors of the Minnesota Pork Board and the Minnesota Pork Producers Association agreed to consider drafting a resolution for the eradication of the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus from the state, according to David Preisler, executive director of the two groups...
Cost-Cutting Measures Needed to Surive Hog Market Downturn | Adapting to Smaller Margins
The pork industry has entered a new supply-and-demand paradigm, and cost-cutting measures may be needed to survive the current downturn. Looking back...
Hot Water Alternative
Hot water pads are joining the short list of products designed to keep pigs snug and warm. The challenge of keeping pigs warm and cozy during the two...
Hog Barns Don't Come with Owner's Manuals
An effective operations manual can help barn staffs keep production facilities running smoothly. Pork producers commonly invest hundreds of thousands...
Stalls Versus Pens
The University of Minnesota's swine research facility at Waseca, MN, compares sows housed in individual stalls vs. pens, but the jury is still out. The...
