In today's episode of The Squeal, we take a deep dive into the hidden risks posed by fomites—objects and materials that can carry disease—and explore the strategies producers can use to mitigate external threats to herd health. From contaminated boots and feed deliveries to visitors and equipment, our expert guests break down where the vulnerabilities lie and how to build a stronger line of defense. 

Tune in and learn how to tighten your biosecurity protocols, improve team training, and develop proactive plans that stop disease before it starts.

On today's follow-up episode of The Squeal, we continue the conversation on parity 1 development and its lasting impact on sow longevity and herd profitability. Our host, Brie Quick (PIC Technical Services Manager) returns with Kendall Weger (PIC Technical Services Manager) and Nathan Schleman (Director of Sow Production, Belstra Milling Group) to take a deeper dive into common pitfalls in gilt development and how to avoid them and fine-tuning reproductive management strategies in parity 1. Building on Part 1, this epsidoe delivers practical tips, lessons learned from the field, and next-level management strategies to help you maximize the potential of your young females. Don't miss this opportunity to sharpen your approach and strengthen your sow herd for the future. 

On today's episode of The Squeal, we dive into the critical role of parity 1 development in building better, longer-lasting sows. Our host, Brie Quick (PIC Technical Services Manager) is joined by Kendall Weger (PIC Technical Servcies Manager) and Nathan Schleman (Director of Sow Production, Belstra Milling Group) to discuss the keys to setting young females up for success — from gilt selection and management, environment, and early reproductive performance. Tune in for actionable insights and research-backed strategies that can help you improve sow longevity, lifetime productivity, and overall herd profitability.

In this second installment of our "Beating the Heat" series on The Squeal, our host, Tori Walers (PIC Technical Communications and Wean-to-Finish) dives deeper into strategies for keeping pigs comfortable and healthy as temperatures rise. Our expert guests, Nat Stas (PIC Wean-to-Finish Director) and Isaiah Spath (PIC Wean-to-Finish Manager) return to explore advanced cooling technologies, ventilation management, and real-world tips for optimizing barn environments during the hottest months of the year. Whether you're fine-tuning existing systems or planning long-term upgrades, this episode delivers practical insights to help you stay ahead of the heat and support animal well-being.

As temperatures rise, keeping your barn cool and comfortable is essential for the health and performance of your pigs. Our host, Tori Walters (PIC Technical Communications Specialist) is joined by Nat Stas (PIC Wean to Finish Director) and Isaiah Spath (PIC Wean to Finish Manager) to discuss tips and recommendations on preparing for the upcoming warm weather across North America. In this episode, our guests dive into practical strategies for managing heat, improving ventilation, and optimizing barn design to beat the summer heat.

In this episode of The Squeal, host Dr. Lindsay Case (PIC Technical Director of Product Sustainability) continues the conversation on the future of the PRRS-resistant pigs in consumer markets. Joining her are Marisa Pooley (PIC Director of Communications & Engagement) and Staci Covkin (Circana, Principal of Innovation Consumer & Shopper Insights), two experts in communications and consumer perception. They explore how gene-edited livestock fits into the evolving food landscape, addressing public perception, and the role of transparent communication in building consumer trust.

On today's episode of The Squeal, our host, Dr. Lindsay Case (PIC Technical Director, Product Sustainability) is joined by Marisa Pooley (PIC Director of Communications and Engagement) and Staci Covkin (Principal, Innovation Consumer & Shopper Insights - Circana.) The guests share insights into consumer acceptance in anticipation of the PRRS-Resistant Pig. 

On today's episode of The Squeal, we are joined by Jason Pooley (PIC Health Programs Manager) and Megan Mitchell (PIC Health Operations Manager) to share insights on how people can impact the biosecurity of a farm. Our host, Dr. Rebecca Robbins (PIC Health Assuance Veterinarian) leads the conversation to better explain the importance of biosecurity and how people can help protect farms from a disease break. 

On today's episode of The Squeal, our host, David McGee (PIC Supply Chain Senior Specialist) is joined by Reda Salimi (Country View Family Farms - Production Manager) and Gustavo Parizotto Santian (Country View Family Farms - Sow Farm Manager) to discuss the selection process to maintain high quality females in a system. 

On today's episode of The Squeal, Jack Kelly (PIC Key Account Manager) leads a conversation with Saskia Bloemhof (PIC Genetic Services Director) and Megan James (PIC Genetic Services Geneticist) to explain the value of an index point. The group explains what an index point is, how it is determined, how often the data is evaluated, and how it can play a role in making improvements in a system.