NHF_WEEKLY PREVIEW_ A Penton Media Property June 22, 2009 If you want to view this on the web go to: http://enews.penton.com/enews/nationalhogfarmer/v/402 MARKET PREVIEW --More Pigs Drag Summer Market Down In last week's Preview, I pointed out that one of the factors in lower-than-expected hog prices this summer is being driven by some unexpected production. Those extra head and extra pounds continue to be a drag on this market and have now persisted long enough to call into question some of the lighter-weight category inventory numbers in USDA's March Hogs and Pigs Report. That's the bad news. The good news, of course, is that we will get a fresh count of pig numbers this Friday, June 26, when USDA's June Hogs and Pigs report is released. Next week's Market Preview will address the key numbers and their implications for hog markets over the next 12 months. But what's going on now? To view the full article go to: http://nationalhogfarmer.com/marketpreview/0622-more-pigs-drag-summer-market-down PRODUCTION PREVIEW --Improving Wean-to-First Service Interval To improve farrowing rate and increase litter size, it is critical that sows cycle fairly quickly after weaning. Several factors affect how soon a sow cycles after weaning -- number of pigs nursed, pigs' age at weaning, parity, body condition, weight loss during lactation, feed and water intake during lactation, temperature of farrowing room, ventilation design, supplemental cooling system, feed intake from weaning to first service, and estrous detection procedures and capabilities of breeding technicians. Chart 1 shows the wean-to-first service interval for the most recent 52 weeks in the Swine Management Services database, ranging from less than four days to over 10 days and averaging 7.03 days. Table 2 shows the sows in the top 10% of farms averaged 6.30 days to first service with a farrowing rate of 88.3%. All farms averaged 7.14 days to first service with a farrowing rate of 83.1%, while the bottom 25% of farms averaged 8.52 days to first service and a farrowing rate of 78.5%. Wean-to-first service interval is a key driver for improving farrowing rate and increasing litter sizes of the subsequent litters. The sooner a weaned female returns to heat, the more fertile she is and the more eggs she will shed, thus improving litter size. To view the full article go to: http://nationalhogfarmer.com/genetics-reproduction/0622-improving-wean-to-first-service-interval LEGISLATIVE PREVIEW --Animal Identification Funding Eliminated The House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee zeroed out funding for USDA's National Animal Identification System (NAIS). Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), chair of the subcommittee, said, "After receiving $142 million in funding since fiscal year 2004, USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has yet to put into operation an effective system that would provide needed animal health and livestock market benefits." There has been growing congressional frustration over the past two years regarding USDA's animal identification (ID) efforts. USDA is currently conducting animal ID listening sessions and is expected to announce its plan afterward. To view the full article go to: http://nationalhogfarmer.com/industry-resources/animal-id-funding-eliminated NEWS FLASH --NPPC: Climate Change Bill Would Raise Producer Costs The National Pork Producers Council (http://www.nppc.org/) (NPPC) has voiced opposition to climate change legislation it said will raise the cost of pork production. "The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-h2454/show), HR 2454, could come up for a vote in the House of Representatives this week. Among other things, the bill would set a limit or cap, on the amount of greenhouse gases that specific large industries such as energy utilities could release to the atmosphere. A business that has an emissions amount that falls below its cap could sell the unused amount up to the cap as offset credits; one that exceeds its cap would need to buy credits or reduce its emissions. In addition, uncapped sectors could sell offset credits for adopting practices and technologies that reduce emissions. HR 2454 treats agriculture as an uncapped sector," NPPC says. "America's pork producers are intensely concerned over any policy proposals that will further raise the cost of production," NPPC adds. "In particular, producers fear the impact that HR 2454 will have on the cost of electricity, diesel fuel, propane, animal health products, fertilizer, chemicals, farm equipment and materials such as steel and concrete that are necessary for the continued operation of their farms and well-being of their animals. To view the full article go to: http://nationalhogfarmer.com/environmental-stewardship/news/0622-climate-bill-raise-costs (http://www.themaschhoffs.com)Senior Field Advisor - Western Iowa The Maschhoffs, one of the largest independent pork producers in the U.S., is looking for a Senior Field Advisor based in the Western Iowa region. Responsibilities Include: Leading a small tactical management team with accountability for the business performance of a geographically limited portfolio of wean-to-market swine production farms. Building relationships with his/her own Production Partners to drive innovation and change. Management input and physical assistance in all necessary tasks required in the care, handling and transportation of growing swine. Oversee the welfare of their assigned region as well as the maintenance, repair, and housekeeping status of the production facilities and equipment. Qualified candidates will have: A proven history of leadership. An Associate's degree, 3-5 years job related experience and 2 years management experience or a combination of education and experience. Strong communication skills and commitment to the family farm are essential. This position includes use of a company vehicle with proof of a clean driving record and valid insurance. Competitive wages and an exceptional benefits package are available. Please email resume & salary history to humanresources@pigsrus.net (mailto:humanresources@pigsrus.net) or mail to Human Resources, 7475 State Route 127, Carlyle, IL 62231 -- EOE Visit us at www.TheMaschhoffs.com (http://www.themaschhoffs.com) for additional information. ABOUT THIS NEWSLETTER You are subscribed to this newsletter as #email# To subscribe to this newsletter go to: http://subscribe.nationalhogfarmer.com/?tc=NLSUB To unsubscribe from this newsletter go to: http://subscribe.nationalhogfarmer.com/?tc=NLSUB&cid=#message_id#&lid=#list_id#&email=#email# Send Comments & Questions Dale Miller, Editor, National Hog Farmer, mailto:dale.miller@penton.com Penton Media | 249 W. 17th Street | New York, NY 10011 Copyright 2009, Penton Media. All rights reserved. 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