In this episode of the SwineTime Podcast, Dr. Spencer Wayne sits down with Jim Marzolf, Executive Vice President of Pipestone Business Services, to discuss a topic that hits close to home for many farm families: succession planning. Passing the torch to the next generation isn’t just about keeping the farm running—it’s about protecting a legacy.

Jim shares practical tips and stories from his years of experience working with farmers, offering insight into how to approach some of the trickiest parts of the process. They discuss everything from setting up a solid plan and handling family dynamics to making sure the farm can keep thriving as it changes hands.

Whether you’re just starting to think about the future or knee-deep in conversations with your family, this episode is packed with advice to help you take the next steps toward a smooth transition—and set the next generation up for success.

In the latest episode of SwineTime, host Dr. Spencer Wayne sits down with Dr. Joel Nerem from PIPESTONE and Nikki Stolberg from New Roots Haiti, an organization doing incredible work to improve the lives of people in and around a small Haitian village. Together, they dive into the amazing ways New Roots Haiti is tackling poverty, hunger, and social challenges through sustainable farming, education, and building strong communities.

You’ll hear stories about the real struggles the Haitian people face every day and the creative, hands-on solutions New Roots has developed to make a difference. From teaching farming techniques that help families grow their own food to programs that empower kids through education, New Roots Haiti is about building a brighter, more sustainable future.

Dr. Nerem and Nikki also discuss why PIPESTONE is proud to support New Roots Haiti and how this partnership is making a real impact. It’s a powerful look at how agriculture and education can transform lives—and a reminder of the amazing things that happen when people come together to make a difference. Don’t miss it!

In this SwineTime episode, Dr. Spencer Wayne sits down with UK swine veterinarian, Dr. Alex Thomsett, and explores the ins and outs of UK pig farming. Dr. Thomsett shares how UK farms operate under very different rules: weaning at 28 days, tail docking restrictions, minimal castration, and higher welfare standards. Each of these regulations creates unique challenges—and opportunities—that shape the way British farmers run their operations.

Dr. Thomsett also discusses how UK farms handle outdoor systems, manage tail biting, and stay prepared for health threats like swine fever. This episode gives U.S. producers a valuable look at pig farming beyond our borders, offering insights into what drives welfare and productivity across the pond.

In the latest SwineTime Podcast, host Dr. Spencer Wayne chats with Alex Kremer, FarmPro’s new Market Sales Manager, about the crucial role pig selection plays in boosting profits. Kremer shares insights on how selling pigs at the right weight and at the right time can make a big financial difference for farmers.

They break down key terms like coefficient of variance (CV) and standard deviation and how tighter weight ranges in pigs lead to better payouts at market time. Kremer reveals that moving from a 10% to 7% CV can mean an extra $5 per pig—a game-changer for producers.

Alex offers practical tips on improving pig selection and explains how small changes in the marketing phase can significantly impact your bottom line. Tune in and learn how to maximize your profits!

Join Dr. Spencer Wayne as he chats with Dr. Jeff Blythe and FarmPro Production Consultant, Nick Enfield about the everyday ventilation challenges pig farmers face. They dive into practical solutions to improve barn conditions, focusing on the importance of getting airspeed right, placing temperature probes effectively, and keeping equipment well-maintained. The trio discusses how poor ventilation can lead to high humidity and health issues for your pigs.

Take away with easy-to-follow tips on boosting fan efficiency, preventing air stratification, and adjusting ventilation based on how your pigs are behaving and the current barn conditions. By putting these expert strategies into action, you can create a healthier environment for your herd and help them thrive.

PIPESTONE’s mission is “Helping Farmers Today Create the Farms of Tomorrow.” The SwineTime podcast was created for pig farmers and individual pork producers around the country. Hosted by Dr. Wayne, the podcast contains pork industry news, advancements in animal care, and how to enhance your productivity.

Monthly podcasts are available on Pipestone.com and your favorite streaming platform.

In this episode of the SwineTime podcast, Dr. Spencer Wayne is joined by colleague Dr. Emily McDowell of Pipestone Veterinary Services for an in-depth discussion on managing E. coli in weaning pigs. They explore the evolving strategies and technologies, especially around weaning, a stage where pigs are most vulnerable to infections. Dr. McDowell emphasizes the importance of early intervention, outlining how industry best practices have shifted as E. coli strains adapt and become more resistant to treatments.

 Preventing E. coli in weaning pigs starts with maintaining strict hygiene in barns. The use of “all-in, all-out” production methods, thorough cleaning between groups, and ensuring water quality through regular testing are vital steps. They also discuss antibiotics and water acidifiers as potential strategies to manage outbreaks. The episode stresses working closely with veterinarians and nutritionists to create comprehensive health plans. A holistic approach is crucial since E. coli resistance can render treatments ineffective, making integrated management tactics necessary for long-term success.

In this episode of the SwineTime podcast, hosted by Dr. Spencer Wayne of Pipestone Veterinary Services, listeners are treated to a fascinating discussion with Dr. Maggie Behnke, Director of the Animal Resources Unit and attending veterinarian at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan, Kansas. Dr. Karyn Havas, PIPESTONE’s Director of Foreign Animal Disease also joins the conversation.

Dr. Behnke provides an in-depth look at NBAF, an advanced research facility dedicated to studying and combating the world's most dangerous animal diseases. The facility, which will replace the aging Plum Island Animal Disease Center, is designed to protect the U.S. from transboundary, emerging, and zoonotic diseases that threaten the food supply, agricultural economy, and public health. With stringent safety protocols, NBAF features biosafety level-2, -3 and -4 containment laboratories. It’s BSL-4 containment spaces have the highest level of safety protocols and are capable of housing large livestock — a first for the United States. NBAF’s capabilities allow USDA to expand its research and diagnostic mission with foot-and-mouth disease to also include diseases like Japanese encephalitis and Nipah virus.

The conversation highlights NBAF's crucial role in rapid diagnostics, research on disease transmission, and vaccine development. Dr. Wayne and his guests discuss the strategic location of NBAF in Manhattan, Kansas and emphasize the facility's transparency and public engagement efforts, ensuring community trust and safety. This episode provides a comprehensive overview of the cutting-edge work at NBAF and its significant impact on the pork industry and beyond.  

In this episode of SwineTime, host Dr. Spencer Wayne dives into critical health issues and their impact on industry relations and trade with guests Terry Wolters, VP of Customer & Industry Relations with PIPESTONE, and Dr. Joel Nerem, a practicing veterinarian and Director of Industry Relations with Pipestone Veterinary Services. The discussion centers around the global spread of African Swine Fever, which has reached more countries in the past five years, underscoring the need for ongoing vigilance. The episode also addresses the implications of High Path Avian Influenza, especially its cross-species transmission risks, and the importance of biosecurity measures.

Wolters and Dr. Nerem highlight the crucial role of health-related efforts in maintaining trade channels, which constitute 25% of total production, emphasizing the necessity of preserving these channels amidst health challenges. They stress the significance of traceability in managing outbreaks of foreign animal diseases, detailing its pivotal role in current disease prevention and control strategies. The conversation also touches on trade agreements between countries.

PIPESTONE’s mission is “Helping Farmers Today Create the Farms of Tomorrow.” The SwineTime podcast was created for pig farmers and individual pork producers around the country. Hosted by Dr. Wayne, the podcast contains pork industry news, advancements in animal care, and how to enhance your productivity. Monthly podcasts are available on ⁠Pipestone.com⁠ and your favorite streaming platform.

In this episode of SwineTime, Dr. Spencer Wayne sits down with Jake Geisler and Hayden Kerkaert, both with Pipestone Nutrition, to chat about the basics of commodity management.

They discuss the tools farmers can use to save money on better ingredients and boost their bottom line.  Jake emphasizes the importance of customer service, simplifying the process, and delivering high-quality ingredients straight to the mill, so farmers can focus on what matters most—their farms.

PIPESTONE’s mission is “Helping Farmers Today Create the Farms of Tomorrow.” The SwineTime podcast was created for pig farmers and individual pork producers around the country. Hosted by Dr. Wayne, the podcast contains pork industry news, advancements in animal care, and how to enhance your productivity. Monthly podcasts are available on Pipestone.com and your favorite streaming platform.

In this episode of the SwineTime podcast, host Dr. Spencer Wayne interviews Dr. Megan Niederwerder, Executive Director of the Swine Health Information Center (SHIC). SHIC, established in 2015, focuses on identifying and mitigating emerging disease risks for the U.S. swine herd.  

SHIC is supported by pork checkoff funds and its mission involves global disease monitoring, data analysis, coordinated communications, preparedness activities, and targeted research investments to develop new tools and technologies for swine health. Drs. Niederwerder and Wayne discuss SHIC’s work surrounding emerging diseases like African swine fever (ASF), classical swine fever (CSF), pseudorabies, and Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). SHIC also supports programs like the Morrison Swine Health Monitoring Project and the Swine Disease Reporting System to track domestic disease trends.

 Listeners are encouraged to visit SHIC’s website (swinehealth.org) for resources, biosecurity protocols, and to sign up for newsletters with monthly disease monitoring reports and research updates.

 Tune in for practical insights and the latest in swine health!

In this episode, Dr. Spencer Wayne sits down with Nick Fitzgerald, Director of Business Development for PIPESTONE for a great discussion on facilities.

The pair delve into essential considerations for optimizing swine farming operations. From wean-to-finish construction to barn remodeling and the repurposing of sow units, explore strategies and innovative solutions to enhance productivity and efficiency on your farm. Gain valuable insights into ventilation systems, flooring types, and the importance of expert consultation for successful project execution. If you are considering retrofitting your facilities, don't miss out on this expert advice.