The Squeal_0247: Setting a New Standard for Sustainability in Pork Production
The Squeal
In this episode of The Squeal, host Dr. Craig Lewis, PIC Genetic Services Director for the EU, sits down with Dr. Lindsay Case, PIC Technical Director or Product Sustainability, Dr. Greg Thoma with Colorado State University, and Pieter Knapp, PIC Genetic Strategy Manager, to unpack groundbreaking research that puts real numbers behind genetic progress and sustainability in pork production. Together, the group explains what a life cycle assessment is, why it matters, and what makes PIC’s LCA different from anything done before in the industry. They break down how improvements in traits like...
info_outline
The Squeal_0246:From Entry to Excellence: Selecting to Avoid Early Setbacks
The Squeal
In this episode of The Squeal, Alison Stagemeyer, PIC Supply Chain Account Representative is joined by David McGee, PIC Supply Chain Sr. Specialist and Mauricio Gonzalez, PIC Technical Services Sr. Manager for a practical conversation on setting pigs up for success from the very beginning. From Entry to Excellence: Selecting to Avoid Early Setbacks dives into the critical decisions made at entry that can prevent costly challenges later in production. The group discusses what to look for when selecting pigs, common early mistakes that lead to downstream performance issues, and how early...
info_outline
The Squeal_0245: Sow Body Condition: Getting it right at weaning
The Squeal
In episode two of the Sow Body Condition series, Sow Body Condition: Getting it Right at Weaning, host Michael McKinney, PIC Sales Representative, is joined by Dr. Lori Kociemba, PIC Technical Services Manager, and Dr. Carine Vier, PIC Nutritionist, to dive into the importance of sow body condition at weaning and how it influences both sow longevity and future reproductive success. This episode explores what optimal body condition looks like at weaning, how lactation demands and feed intake affect condition loss, and why managing that loss is critical for successful rebreeding. The group also...
info_outline
The Squeal_0244: Sow Body Condition: Getting it right at Farrowing
The Squeal
On this episode of The Squeal, host Isaiah Spath, PIC Wean to Finish Manager, is joined by Brie Quick and Kendall Weger, PIC Technical Services Managers, to discuss what it takes to get sow body condition right at farrowing. From defining the ideal sow condition to understanding how it impacts farrowing performance, piglet viability, and colostrum quality, our guests share practical insights and on-farm strategies to help producers set their sows up for success.
info_outline
The Squeal_0243: The Power of One More Pig_ Connecting the dots
The Squeal
In this final installment of The Power of One More Pig, host Brie Quick, PIC Technical Services Manager, brings back Isaiah Spath, PIC Wean-to-Finish Technical Services Manager, and Kendall Weger, PIC Technical Services Manager, to explore one of the most influential—but often overlooked—drivers of pig performance: communication between the sow farm and the wean-to-finish facility. From weaning age and transport details to health status, pig quality, and placement planning, the team discusses how clear, consistent, two-way communication forms the bridge that helps every pig—especially...
info_outline
The Squeal_0242: The Power of One More Pig_Managing the Transition After Weaning
The Squeal
In this episode of The Squeal, host Brie Quick, PIC Technical Services Manager, continues our series The Power of One More Pig—exploring what it takes to help that extra pig thrive after leaving the farrowing room. Brie is joined by Isaiah Spath, PIC Wean-to-Finish Technical Services Manager, and Kendall Weger, PIC Technical Services Manager, to discuss post-weaning management strategies that set piglets up for long-term success. Together they cover key topics including ideal weaning age and weight targets, minimizing stress during transport and transition, early disease prevention,...
info_outline
The Squeal_0241: The Power of One More Pig_Maximizing Piglet Performance
The Squeal
In this first episode of The Power of One More Pig series, host Isaiah Spath, PIC Wean-to-Finish Manager, is joined by Kendall Weger and Brie Quick, both PIC Technical Services Managers, to discuss how producers can get the most out of every piglet born. Together, they explore practical strategies to maximize piglet performance—from cross-fostering and supporting underperforming sows to improving survivability and growth potential. Tune in to hear how small management decisions early in life can make a big difference in reaching that “one more pig” goal.
info_outline
The Squeal_0240: The Price of PRRS: Economic Toll and Genetic Breakthrough_Part 2
The Squeal
In the second episode of The Price of PRRS series, host Dr. Lindsay Case, PIC Technical Director of Product Sustainability, continues the conversation with Dr. Perry Harms, PIC Health Assurance Global Director, and Dr. Derald Holtkamp, Professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University. Building on the discussion of PRRS’s economic toll, this episode dives deeper into how the disease spreads within and between herds, the ongoing challenges of control and elimination, and what progress the industry has made in reducing its impact. The guests share insights from...
info_outline
The Squeal_0239: The Price of PRRS: Economic Toll and the Genetic Breakthrough_Part 1
The Squeal
In this first episode of The Price of PRRS series, host Dr. Lindsay Case, PIC Technical Director of Product Sustainability, is joined by Dr. Perry Harms, PIC Health Assurance Global Director, and Dr. Derald Holtkamp, Professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University, to explore the economic burden of one of the most costly diseases in swine production—Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS). Together, they break down what makes PRRS such a persistent challenge for producers, the factors that drive its financial impact, and why understanding the true cost...
info_outline
The Squeal_0238: Cold-Weather Checklist: Barn Preparation_Part 2
The Squeal
When cold weather hits, it’s natural to want to tighten up barns to hold in as much heat as possible. But cutting back too far on ventilation can create problems that are just as harmful as the cold itself. In this second episode of our Cold Weather Preparation series, host Isaiah Spath, PIC Technical Services Manager, is joined by Nat Stas, PIC Wean-to-Finish Director, and Curtis Possberg, Senior Production Manager at Olymel, to explore the consequences of under-ventilating barns. From poor air quality and higher humidity to increased disease pressure and reduced pig performance, the group...
info_outlineThere 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 conversation between research experts Dr. Laura Greiner (Director of Iowa Pork Industry Center and Associate Professor in Animal Science, Iowa State University) and Dr. Dustin Boler (Director of Research, CISS) as they discuss the importance of research projects and how they can make a positive impact on the future of the pork industry.