Ken Maschhoff, The Maschoffs, Inc. and VP of the National Pork Producers Council, was on hand during the World Pork Expo to talk all things vital to the pork industry. I picked his brain on trade and other policy issues impacting swine production. “The pork industry is exporting 27% of our pork today. Exports are tremendously important. They represent $6.6 … Read More
Paul Sundberg Named Director of SWIC
In November of last year, the National Pork Board (NPB) approved $15 million in funding for a new Swine Health Information Center (SWIC). The venture will focus efforts on implementing preparedness for disease challenges that could affect U.S. swine herds. During the 2015 World Pork Expo, Dr. Paul Sundberg who is currently serving as the vice president and technology for … Read More
NPPC CEO Provides Organization Update
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) is continually hard at work ensuring the needs of swine producers across the country are met. During the World Pork Expo, I met with CEO of the NPPC, Neil Dierks, so he could provide us an update on the organization and the issues they support. “We have been dealing with a number of issues. … Read More
West Central Puts Farmers First
West Central, based in Ralston, Iowa, is located in a agricultural sweet spot with great harvests for both corn and soybeans. So much in fact, West Central announced a $27 million production, storage and receiving expansion scheduled for completion by the 2016 harvest. Roger Fray, executive vice president for the grain side of West Central, spoke to Animal AgWired about … Read More
West Central to Add 6M Bushel Bean Demand
West Central recently announced a $27 million expansion to their SoyPlus production facility located in Ralston, Iowa. Mark Cullen, executive vice president of animal nutrition, spoke to Animal AgWired about what this means to the local community. Among multiple roles, Cullen oversees the company’s dairy business including their SoyPlus feed product. He said that majority of the dollars will be … Read More
Swine Production Without Antibiotics
Swine industry issues were all the rage during the recent 2015 World Pork Expo and the hottest of those issues was antibiotics. As host of the event, the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), had their staff on hand to help inform producers and consumers. I spoke with Dr. Liz Wagstrom, Chief Veterinarian, NPPC, and she said the topic of antibiotics … Read More
Value-Added Ag in West Central Expansion
West Central’s announcement that they are kicking off a $27 million expansion is adding value said Grant Kimberley, executive director of Iowa Biodiesel Board during West Central’s event to announce the new project. Kimberley noted that Iowa is the leading producing of soybeans – more than 500 million bushels per year. “It’s all about value-added agriculture and being able to … Read More
Swine – Surviving Tough Economic Times 101
Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. (BIVI) is committed to its customers, the swine producer. Hard economic times are inevitable in the agriculture industry, but the pork community has hit some tough times in recent years and BIVI is here to help. During last week’s World Pork Expo, they hosted a Lunch & Learn to give advice for producers in managing swine … Read More
West Central to Help Meet Protein Demand
West Central last week announced a $27 million, multi-year expansion to increase soybean processing capacity by 50 percent and build additional grain storage at its Ralston, Iowa complex. Iowa Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says the project is set to have great benefits not only for Iowa but globally. Naig says West Central’s expansion is a great example of … Read More
Managing Swine Production Costs
Managing swine production costs during tough economic times is something producers across the country constantly have on their minds. The folks at Boehringer Ingelheim understand that and put together a Lunch & Learn session during the 2015 World Pork Expo to share tips on handling costs, production and profitability. Dr. Daryl Olsen, AMVC, provided a historical perspective on costs in … Read More