In this episode of the SwineTime podcast, host and swine veterinarian, Dr. Spencer Wayne, is joined by Dr. Kim VanderWaal from the University of Minnesota to tackle a complex but critical topic for pig farmers: PRRS virus classification.

Dr. VanderWaal is an associate professor in Veterinary Population Medicine with expertise in swine disease ecology, epidemiology, and big data research. She has spent nearly a decade studying swine viruses, particularly PRRS (Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome)—one of the most costly and persistent diseases in pork production. With more than 80,000 virus sequences collected in the U.S., researchers now have a wealth of genetic data to study how PRRS evolves and spreads.

The discussion highlights how the industry has shifted fromthe old RFLP typing system, which often gave confusing or misleading results, to a new framework built around lineages, sub-lineages, and variants. This updated approach offers veterinarians and producers more consistent, accurateinformation to evaluate outbreaks and determine whether a farm is facing a repeat infection or something entirely new.

Dr. VanderWaal also explains why some PRRS variants—like the well-known 1C.5 strain—spread so aggressively. These viruses require only a tiny infectious dose to jump between pigs, making traditional biosecurity measures more difficult to hold. The conversation further explores how new viruses emerge, whether through gradual mutation or recombination, when pigs carry multiple strains at once.

For farmers, veterinarians, and others in the swine industry, this episode offers valuable insight into how PRRS is studied, why accurate classification matters, and how ongoing research is equipping the industry to better respond to emerging health challenges.

In this episode of the SwineTime Podcast, host Dr. Spencer Wayne talks with Paul Frahm, Director of Research Operations, about how research can help pig farmers make practical, informed decisions on their farms.

Paul shares his background in the swine industry, starting in sow barns in Iowa before moving into research more than a decade ago. Today, he leads a team that focuses on answering real questions pig farmers face every day—questions about pig health, feed efficiency, genetics, and new technology in barns.

Pipestone Applied Research operates 2,400-head barns set up like commercial pig barns, but with additional tools to measure results accurately. Automated feed delivery, precision scales, and split water lines allow the team to test everything from pig feed additives to vaccine programs under conditions that closely resemble what farmers see in their own barns.

For producers, this kind of applied research offers meaningful value:

• Health and welfare – Trials comparing vaccines and treatments can help reduce pig losses and improve overall herd health.
• Cost efficiency – Studies on feed space, pig density, and nutrition strategies identify ways to get the most out of every pound of feed.
• Confidence in decisions – Results are based on unbiased data, giving farmers reliable information they can use.
• Relevant insights – Projects are chosen because they address current challenges in swine production, from disease prevention to barn management.

Paul explains that not every study produces groundbreaking results, but even finding that two options perform equally well can help farmers make better choices. “Our job isn’t to prove a product right or wrong,” he says. “It’s to provide good data that farmers can trust.”

The goal is simple: give producers the knowledge they need to raise healthier pigs, improve efficiency, and stay strong in a competitive industry. Farmers who want to learn more can connect with their Pipestone veterinarian, swine nutritionist, or production consultant to see how these findings might apply to their own herds.

What happens when you’ve got feed left in the bin after the pigs leave the barn? In this episode, Dr. Spencer Wayne is joined by experts Emily Radcliffe of Pipestone Nutrition and Kim Morgan with FarmPro, to talk through practical options—and potential pitfalls—of handling leftover feed.

From when it’s safe to blend feed for the next group to when it needs to come out of the bin entirely, this conversation is packed with real-world advice on managing feed transitions, preventing health issues, and minimizing costly mistakes.

Ileitis might be one of the most common gut diseases in pigs—but that doesn’t mean it has to take a toll on your herd or your bottom line. In this episode of SwineTime, Dr. Spencer Wayne sits down with Dr. AJ Smit to unpack the real-world impact of ileitis and how producers can get ahead of it.

From catching sub-clinical signs in the barn to making sense of diagnostics and choosing the right vaccination approach, Dr. Smit shares practical strategies that can help you minimize losses and protect performance.Whether you're battling ileitis today or planning ahead for tomorrow, this conversation has tools you can put to work.

On this episode of SwineTime, Dr. Spencer Wayne is joined byDr. Kiah Berg from Pipestone Nutrition and Erin Little from FarmStats to dig into how wean age affects pig growth, feed efficiency, market weights, and sow productivity. They share real-world data and tips to help you make smart, profitable decisions on your farm. Evaluating your weaningstrategy could be the key to improving swine health and overall farm profitability.

Dr. Spencer Wayne sits down with Carly Bates, a soon-to-be college graduate, to discuss what young professionals look for in agriculture careers and how employers can stand out. They cover the importance of mentorship, networking, and communication, as well as the strong sense of community in the swine industry. Carly shares insights on stepping outside comfort zones, building connections, and why the swine industry offers great opportunities for those willing to put in the work. Whether you're hiring or job hunting, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways!

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.