Pipestone Journal

Pig farming is a balance of tradition and innovation. For generations, we have relied on time-tested methods to raise livestock. These tried-and-true techniques—rooted in experience and refined through practice—form the foundation of our industry.

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. We will dive deeper into these timeless principles, exploring how these elements continue to drive the efficiency and success of today’s pig.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Have you considered the strategies at work on your farm? I bet in more ways than one, you have.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.