Ashley, a Wean-to-Finish Supervisor at Iowa Select Farms, is redefining what hands-on leadership looks like in swine production—using her sow farm experience to drive healthier pigs, lower mortality, and better closeouts across 14 finishing sites in southern Iowa.
Before stepping into her current role, Ashley served as head of the farrowing department at Sow 44 Hooper. That background, she says, is the foundation of her success today.
“When you’ve been on the sow side, you see how much work goes into getting pigs out the door healthy,” Ashley explains.
“Now I’m receiving those pigs, and I want to give them every chance to succeed.”
Power of Early Detection
Ashley’s finishing sites receive healthy pigs from clean sources, but she knows challenges can emerge quickly. Her strategy is built on one principle: act fast.
-
She walks pens daily to observe pigs at the individual level.
-
ABC pigs are flagged immediately.
-
Spot treatments begin with 2–4 pigs per pen—before problems escalate.
“Eventually, pigs are going to get sick—it’s about how fast you catch it,” says Ashley.
“You’ve got to be in those barns, know what ‘normal’ looks like, and act as soon as things start to go off track.”
Hands-On Leadership
Unlike many supervisors, Ashley performs necropsies herself.
-
Immediate diagnosis means immediate treatment.
-
Results are communicated to veterinarians only when escalation is needed.
-
Her proactive approach saves time—and saves pigs.
“If I can figure it out right then and there, we don’t lose time—and we don’t lose pigs.”
Data-Driven Routine with People at the Center
Each week, Ashley starts with her highest-mortality sites. She builds a plan, ensures her managers can execute, and then follows up to measure impact.
She is in contact with her three site managers every day and every weekend—building a culture of accountability and responsiveness.
“If Plan A isn’t getting results, we move to Plan B. But we don’t wait around.”
Why Sow-Farm Experience Matters
Ashley credits her sow background for giving her a sharp eye and a strong start.
“If I hadn’t come from the sow system, I probably would’ve been lost,” she says.
“But instead, I hit the ground running—and now I’m able to help others do the same.”
Driving Toward a Common Goal
The focus is simple, Ashley says: show up, walk pens, intervene early, and stay committed.
“We all want the same thing—healthy pigs and a good closeout,” she says.
“That starts with acting fast. It’s not complicated—it just takes commitment.”
Swine Web will continue to highlight leadership from the front lines of pork production, where innovation meets dedication—one pig at a time.
