Pipestone Journal
The Pipestone Journal is the premiere pork print journal featuring and serving producers just like you. The challenges and speed of business that independent producers face today are different than the generations before them. By utilizing PIPESTONE’s world-renowned resources and expertise, we can work together to create the farms of tomorrow. The Pipestone Journal provides top-notch, timely information in the areas of health, management, nutrition, and business. The Pipestone Journal is released quarterly in January, April, July, and October.
Fall 2024
Pig Care Basics. I’ll never forget one of my first barn walk-throughs with Dr. G. F. Kennedy. “People try to overcomplicate pig farming. It comes down to air, water, and feed and if you get those right, this really isn’t that hard,” he shared. While that may be oversimplifying it at times, his general wisdom was right, and pig production has always relied on these three fundamental pillars:
– Good AIR quality.
– Access to fresh, clean WATER.
– Balanced, nutritious FEED.
In this publication, we will dive deeper into these timeless principles, exploring how these elements continue to drive the efficiency and success of today’s pig—and on the advice of Doc Kennedy, try to not overcomplicate.
Summer 2024
Prioritizing People. At the core of every successful business lies its people— dedicated individuals whose passion, expertise, and shared values drive the organization forward. At PIPESTONE, this truth is especially resonant. Our people are not just employees; they are the lifeblood of our mission, working tirelessly to help farmers every day.
This unified goal fosters a culture of collaboration and dedication that permeates every level of PIPESTONE. Whether it’s through research, wean pig transport, on-the-farm caretakers, or all other team members helping provide solutions for healthier pigs every day, our people are the driving force—as you will see in the pages throughout the Summer 2024 issue.
Sustainability Report 2023
Taking care of our natural resources and environment is something farmers have done for generations. We take pride in continuing this tradition by not only monitoring the use of natural resources but also finding ways to be more efficient and sustainable. Our commitment to Pigs, People, and Planet is shown in this report and outlines some of our plans for future sustainability efforts.
Winter 2024
Overcoming Challenges. Hog production is a game of generations, not months. In this issue of the Pipestone Journal, we provide expert advice as it relates to health, management, nutrition, and business to aid farmers in overcoming the challenges of the past year and beyond.
Fall 2023
Shut- Out Disease. Ben Franklin is credited with saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” The proverb holds true today and is particularly relatable for pork producers. In this issue of the Pipestone Journal, we look at disease prevention and provide expert advice as it relates to health, management, nutrition, and business to aid farmers in keeping their farms healthy.
Sustainability Report 2022
Though previously undefined or under-defined, sustainability is a concept that has been known long and well in the community of agricultural producers. Maximizing resources, reducing waste, using efficient practices and responsible stewardship of the land are not new concepts to those of you reading this. However, understanding that each of those factors results in an industry that is way ahead of the sustainability game is something that is only now being brought into the eye of the public. This report is intended to show the PIPESTONE commitment to sustainability and the ways in which we wish to be an industry leader to those ends.
April 2023 Issue
Strategy. Have you considered the strategies at work on your farm? I bet in more ways than one, you have. But have you been intentional about writing them down, sharing them with others in your team, or benchmarking progress toward goals? Have you given the big picture another look or made any adjustments as the world of agriculture changes? In our April 2023 issue of the PIPESTONE Journal, we examine different strategies and share examples of how you can put them to work for you in the areas of health, management, nutrition, marketing & business. The Journal is kicked off by Sean Simpson, PIPESTONE Strategy Officer, giving an overview of business strategy.
Winter 2023
Sustainability. Economic sustainability is a cruical topic on the minds of pig farmers across the World, especially when faced with the dynamic changes in the market. The Winter 2023 edition of the PIPESTONE Journal provides a glimpse in economic sustainability in the areas of health, nutrition, marketing and business. The Journal is kicked off by Dr. Joel Nerem, Chief Veterinary Officer, and Dr. Adam Schelkopf, Health Director, as they discuss what they believe to be the most high priority topic in swine health today, the cost of disease. But that is just the beginning. Dive deep into all things profitability with articles on risk management, ingredient purchase price, and feed mill ownership. On page 16, Damon Vander Maten, Director of FarmBooks, breaks down profitability and financial sustainability utilizing key financial report references.
Fall 2022
Sustainability. America’s pig farmers stand out in today’s culture for their ability to make decisions that impact the environment, pigs & people. Here at PIPESTONE, we work to match that passion and seek to continuously improve how we care for our pigs, people and planet. In this issue of the PIPESTONE Journal, our team focused on content specifically geared toward sustainability. From the do’s and don’ts of manure management (page 14), to the importance of biosecurity in wean-to-market barns (page 12), we are excited to provide you tools and resources on a variety of avenues.
Summer 2022
The Building Blocks of Pig Care. As a kid, colorful blocks are put together when building a tower or building. Each block is necessary to maintain the structure design and finalize the finished product. We may not be building a fun colorful tower anymore, but rather a successful business and healthy pig farm. Animal welfare, biosecurity, a secure feed source, a safe water source, well maintained ventilation, and I can go on — all building blocks necessary to establishing pig care on farm. Separately we look at each aspect of pig care (or building block), but together, it builds upon effective pig care. Join us for this issue as we will dig deep into each ”building block” of pig care, so that you too can build and maintain an effective pig farm!
Spring 2022
Data Driven Decisions Data. Data reporting. Data analyzing. We live in a world of data, with data analysis right at our fingertips. Although it often feels overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be. Here at PIPESTONE, and in the pork industry, reporting and understanding data is a valuable tool for ensuring your farm is profitable, efficient, and vital to drive your farm into the next generation. Throughout this Spring issue of the PIPESTONE journal, key data managers will provide you with both valuable tools, as well as insights and helpful methods to ensure you understand and can apply your data results directly to the success of your farm.
Winter 2022
Global Experience. Pork production is a global endeavor, and PIPESTONE is not a rookie to the global market. With sow farm management in the United States, Mexico, and China, as well as research touch points in multiple other countries, PIPESTONE is global. In this January issue of the PIPESTONE Journal, team members share the value of being involved in a global market, and share tips and insight gained from global experience for the benefit of the family farmer in the United States. Throughout the next 44 pages, you will learn from team members about PIPESTONE’s involvement globally in veterinary services, management, nutrition, markets, business and research. Furthermore, this global issue contains knowledge, insight, and tips to serve as a guide through the potential risk of an emergence of a Foreign Animal Disease, particularly African Swine Fever, into the United States.