Swine

Preparing for a PQA Plus Site Assessment

The PQA Plus site assessment is an on-farm evaluation of a production site by a qualified PQA Plus Advisor. A review of standard operating procedures and office records, including caretaker training, animal observations, and the facilities will occur during the site assessment.

Pig Barn Turnover Rates: Challenges & Costs

Employee turnover is inevitable, but how managers respond to it and learn from it determines the resiliency of a pig barn’s future and the level of productivity that is achieved.

Test Emergency Backup Systems in the New Year

Animal care starts with having confidence in facilities and ventilation systems that safeguard health in all weather conditions. Testing emergency backup equipment at the start of a new year is a good preventative practice.

How Much Room Does a Pig Need?

Let’s take a moment to consider one of the animal observations from the Pork Quality Assurance Plus (PQA Plus) Site Assessment and its impacts. Recommendations exist in facility planning books about the square footage for an animal at each phase of production.

Livestock Loss Assistance Available

Has your operation experienced a sudden catastrophic loss of livestock due to weather? Financial assistance may be available through the USDA Livestock Indemnity Program.

What Is Green About Pig Farming in South Dakota?

From reducing energy waste to state-of-the-art facility designs, learn some of the many ways South Dakota hog producers are working together to reduce their impact on the environment.

South Dakota pork producers have a chance to tell their story

March 14, 2023

South Dakota State University Extension is encouraging South Dakota hog farmers to join the Your Farm Sustainability Report, a Pork Checkoff-funded project.

Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations training to be held March 29

March 06, 2023

South Dakota State University Extension, the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service are offering an environmental training session for operators of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) on March 29 at the Crossroads Convention Center, 100 Fourth St. S.W., in Huron.

Love is in the air, but don’t kiss your pigs!

While Valentine’s Day is celebrated during the month of February, physical affection should be reserved for human companions and not your pigs! Learn some important safety considerations to help prevent zoonotic diseases when handling swine.

South Dakota Master Pork Producer winners announced

February 24, 2023

The 2022 South Dakota Master Pork Producer winners were announced Jan. 11 during the 54th annual South Dakota Pork Congress in Sioux Falls.