It was mid-May when my delight with a good rain began to morph into concern quickly followed by worry. Plentiful May rainfall is always a two-edged sword when its schedule impedes crop planting progress. Continued measurable rain quickly begins...
Farm Updates
This year has been challenging due to excessive rains leading to inconsistent crop conditions. Some fields are thriving, while others are completely underwater. One of our fields is half submerged, and we're trusting God as we navigate these...
Let me just start with, raising healthy pigs is not easy.
Raising healthy pigs start before the pigs are born by choosing the right genetics. There are certain pig issues that coincide with specific genetics. This is why we work...
Someone turned on the water spigot and forgot to turn it off. I am always nervous talking about not wanting more rain right now because more times than not, it comes back to haunt us in July. But ....
A few summers ago, two UMN Extension colleagues and I hit the road with the University’s BEET (Biosecure Entry & Education Trailer) teaching 4-H members and their families the basics of biosecurity. Pig folks had already heard the term,...
I have been pondering this subject for quite some time. I remember not long ago when no one talked about mental health (and especially rural mental health). But, the great news is we are hearing and learning more about...
Research shows that if more piglets are positive for Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (M. hyo) at weaning, there will be more problems in finishers, with decreased average daily gain, increased mortality and poor feed conversion.1 There will be a lower percentage of...
Spring’s coming and a young farmer’s heart turns to …..manure?!? Maybe your manure plan involves fall application, but as the soils thaw and the tiles begin to run, it’s a good idea to review a few environmental protection habits...
All in all, pigs are doing well.
We are scheduled to have newly weaned pigs arrive on Friday. Because we are no longer part of a sow farm, access and scheduling new pigs is different. When we were part of...
Should We Sell Directly to Consumers?
This question has been asked of me several times. With the hardships going on with the hog market, is it time to sell directly to consumers?
First and foremost, I am not opposed to anyone...