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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?
FULL ARTICLE
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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.
FULL ARTICLE
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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.
FULL ARTICLE
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NPPC:
Climate Change Bill Would Raise Producer Costs
The National Pork Producers Council (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, 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.
FULL ARTICLE
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 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
or mail to Human Resources, 7475 State Route 127, Carlyle, IL 62231 –
EOE
Visit us at www.TheMaschhoffs.com for
additional information.
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