In this episode of the SwineTime podcast, Dr. Spencer Waynewelcomes futurist and author, Jack Uldrich, along with Hannah Walkes, President of Pipestone Services to discuss how swine producers can prepare for an ever-changing future. Jack shares insights from his "BIG AHA" framework—Awareness, Humility, and Action—helping farmers stay ahead of emerging trends that will impact their operations.

From advancements in artificial intelligence to shifts in labor and technology, Jack emphasizes the importance of staying informed, unlearning outdated practices, and taking action to adapt. He highlights how AI is already influencing agriculture and why producers should invest time inthinking strategically about the future of their farms.

Whether it’s integrating new technology, preparing for market changes, or developing a forward-thinking mindset, this conversation is all about helping swine producers stay resilient and ready for what’s next.

In this episode of the SwineTime, Dr. Spencer Wayne sits down with Damon Vander Maten, Director of FarmBooks, an offering of Pipestone Business Services, to discuss the crucial role of risk management in farming and how financial discipline can make or break an operation. They explore the pitfalls of emotional decision-making, the importance of maintaining a consistent strategy, and the financial tools available to producers.

Whether you're just starting out or have been in the business for years, you'll hear valuable advice on balancing risk, usingthe right financial tools, and maintaining a disciplined approach to farming—ensuring that you're ready for the opportunities and challenges ahead. Tune in to learn why disciplined risk management leads to greater freedom andsuccess in agriculture.

In the latest episode of the SwineTime podcast, host Dr. Spencer Wayne takes a deep dive into the U.S. Swine Health Improvement Plan (US SHIP), joined by experts Drs. Tyler Holck, Tom Wetzell, and Vienna Brown, all of whom play key roles within the program.

U.S. SHIP is a voluntary program designed to safeguard, improve, and represent the health status of swine across participating farm sites, supply chains, states, and regions. Dr. Holck breaks down how this program isn’t just about

Dr. Wetzell shares how U.S. SHIP builds teamwork, bringing

Dr. Vienna Brown outlines how U.S. SHIP is transitioning

Learn more here:

Find USDA draft rule and proposed standards: www.regulations.gov.

Official State Agencies:

Iowa: https://iowaagriculture.gov/ship

Minnesota: https://bah.state.mn.us/swine

South Dakota: https://aib.sd.gov/swine.html

In this continuation of our discussion on succession planning, host Dr. Spencer Wayne sits down again with Jim Marzolf of Pipestone Business Services to dive deeper into building the next generation of family farm leaders. While the first episode focused on family dynamics, this part tackles the structural and strategic elements of succession, including

Learn how to create clear job descriptions, define responsibilities, and empower future leaders while navigating the challenges of transitioning control from one generation to the next. Jim shares insights on fostering intentional growth, balancing authority, and avoiding common pitfalls in family business transitions. If you're navigating succession in your own operation, this episode offers valuable advice and practical steps to build a strong foundation for future success.

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

In this SwineTime episode, Dr. Spencer Wayne sits

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

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.