The Squeal

Nutrition is one of the most powerful tools we have to build and maintain boar robustness, but successful feeding goes far beyond simply filling feeders. In Part 2 of our Boar Robustness series, we take a closer look at the feeding strategies that support boar longevity, fertility, and overall performance throughout every stage of life. Our host, Carine Vier, PIC Nutritionist is joined by Dr. Stev...

Boar robustness starts with the daily decisions made on the farm. In this episode of The Squeal, we kickoff our Boar Robustness series by exploring the care and management practices that help boars reach their full genetic potential and remain productive throughout their working lives. Host, Carine Vier, PIC Nutritionist leads a conversation with Michael Kleve-Feld, PIC Technical Services Director...

On today's episode of The Squeal, our host Emily Mauch-Swinford, PIC Genetic Research Scientist leads a conversation to introduce the science, purpose, and vision around the Pork Chop Studio. Our guests, Brandon Fields, PIC Product Development Sr. Manager, and Justin Holl PIC Product Development Sr. Director explain the technology and development behind the camera technology that can tell the indu...

On this episode of The Squeal, we're taking a closer look at one of the most critical, but often overlooked, components of swine health management: truck wash biosecurity.  Our host, Dr. Rebecca Robbins, PIC Health Assurance Veterinarian is joined by Dr. Kate Dion, Postdoctoral Research Associate at Iowa State University, and Emiliano Hidalgo, PIC Technical Operations Manager to discuss the import...

In episode two of the Global Sire Traits series, host Dr. Dan Hamilton , PIC Sr. Director, Americas-Product Performance,  continues the conversation by taking a deeper dive into how sire traits are not only prioritized—but put into practice across different regions. Joining Dan for this conversation is Dr. Saskia Bloemhof , PIC Genetic Services Director, Brandon Fields , PIC Product Development Sr...

In this first episode of the Global Sire Traits series, host Dr. Dan Hamilton, PIC Sr. Director, Americas-Product Performance, brings together experts from across the globe to explore how sire trait priorities vary by region- and what those differences mean for producers, worldwide. Joining Dan for this conversation is Dr. Saskia Bloemhof , PIC Genetic Services Director, Brandon Fields , PIC Produ...

As temperatures rise, so do the challenges across every phase of pork production. In this episode of The Squeal , we take a whole-system approach to summer management—connecting the dots between the sow farm and wean-to-finish to help producers stay ahead of heat stress. Carine Vier, PIC Nutritionist, is joined by Juan Orozco, PIC Technical Services Manager, and Isaiah Spath, PIC Technical Service...

On this episode of The Squeal , host Tori Walters leads a timely and practical conversation on preparing wean-to-finish barns for the quickly approaching warm weather months. She is joined by Nat Stas, PIC Wean-to-Finish Director and Isaiah Spath, PIC Wean-to-Finish Manager, who bring real-world experience and insights into what it takes to set barns up for success before temperatures rise. 

On this episode of The Squeal , host Brie Quick, PIC Technical Services Manager, continues the Heat No Service (HNS) conversation by building on the foundation laid in Episode 1 and taking a deeper dive into practical application and real-world impact. Joined again by Sergio Canavate, PIC Applied Repro Technical Services Director, and Jennifer Patterson, University of Alberta, this episode shifts...

On this epsidoe of The Squeal , host Brie Quick, PIC Technical Services Manager, leads a foundational conversation on the importance of HNS and why it plays such a critical role in long-term performance and profitability. She is joined by Sergio Canavate, PIC Applied Repro Technical Services Director, and Jennifer Patterson, University of Alberta, to explore how HNS impacts herd health, reproducti...

This episode of The Squeal is a replay worth revisiting. Transporting weaned pigs from the sow farm to the next phase of production comes with plenty of moving parts, and strong communication between teams can make all the difference. Hosted by Brie Quick (PIC Technical Services Manager) , this conversation brings together real-world perspectives from Chad Bermel and Ted Recker of Brenneman Pork ,...

In this episode of The Squeal , host Dr. Craig Lewis, PIC Genetic Services Director for the EU, sits down with Dr. Lindsay Case, PIC Technical Director or Product Sustainability, Dr. Greg Thoma with Colorado State University, and Pieter Knapp, PIC Genetic Strategy Manager, to unpack groundbreaking research that puts real numbers behind genetic progress and sustainability in pork production. Togeth...

In this episode of The Squeal , Alison Stagemeyer, PIC Supply Chain Account Representative  is joined by David McGee, PIC Supply Chain Sr. Specialist and Mauricio Gonzalez, PIC Technical Services Sr. Manager for a practical conversation on setting pigs up for success from the very beginning. From Entry to Excellence: Selecting to Avoid Early Setbacks dives into the critical decisions made at entry...

In episode two of the Sow Body Condition series, Sow Body Condition: Getting it Right at Weaning , host Michael McKinney, PIC Sales Representative, is joined by Dr. Lori Kociemba, PIC Technical Services Manager, and Dr. Carine Vier, PIC Nutritionist, to dive into the importance of sow body condition at weaning and how it influences both sow longevity and future reproductive success. This episode e...

On this episode of The Squeal , host Isaiah Spath, PIC Wean to Finish Manager, is joined by Brie Quick and Kendall Weger, PIC Technical Services Managers, to discuss what it takes to get sow body condition right at farrowing. From defining the ideal sow condition to understanding how it impacts farrowing performance, piglet viability, and colostrum quality, our guests share practical insights and...

In this final installment of The Power of One More Pig , host Brie Quick, PIC Technical Services Manager, brings back Isaiah Spath, PIC Wean-to-Finish Technical Services Manager, and Kendall Weger, PIC Technical Services Manager, to explore one of the most influential—but often overlooked—drivers of pig performance: communication between the sow farm and the wean-to-finish facility. From weaning a...

In this episode of The Squeal , host Brie Quick, PIC Technical Services Manager, continues our series The Power of One More Pig —exploring what it takes to help that extra pig thrive after leaving the farrowing room. Brie is joined by Isaiah Spath, PIC Wean-to-Finish Technical Services Manager, and Kendall Weger, PIC Technical Services Manager, to discuss post-weaning management strategies that se...

In this first episode of The Power of One More Pig series, host Isaiah Spath, PIC Wean-to-Finish Manager, is joined by Kendall Weger and Brie Quick, both PIC Technical Services Managers, to discuss how producers can get the most out of every piglet born. Together, they explore practical strategies to maximize piglet performance—from cross-fostering and supporting underperforming sows to improving...

In the second episode of The Price of PRRS series, host Dr. Lindsay Case, PIC Technical Director of Product Sustainability, continues the conversation with Dr. Perry Harms, PIC Health Assurance Global Director, and Dr. Derald Holtkamp, Professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University. Building on the discussion of PRRS's economic toll, this episode dives deeper into how the...

In this first episode of The Price of PRRS series, host Dr. Lindsay Case, PIC Technical Director of Product Sustainability, is joined by Dr. Perry Harms, PIC Health Assurance Global Director, and Dr. Derald Holtkamp, Professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University, to explore the economic burden of one of the most costly diseases in swine production—Porcine Reproductive an...

When cold weather hits, it's natural to want to tighten up barns to hold in as much heat as possible. But cutting back too far on ventilation can create problems that are just as harmful as the cold itself. In this second episode of our Cold Weather Preparation series, host Isaiah Spath, PIC Technical Services Manager, is joined by Nat Stas, PIC Wean-to-Finish Director, and Curtis Possberg, Senior...

As temperatures begin to drop, making sure barns are ready for winter is critical to maintaining pig comfort and performance. In the first episode of the Cold Weather Preparation series on The Squeal , host Isaiah Spath, PIC Wean-to-Finish Technical Services Manager, sits down with Nat Stas, PIC Wean-to-Finish Director, and Curtis Possberg, Senior Production Manager at Olymel to talk about the fun...

In this episode, we break down two key artificial insemination techniques — Conventional AI (CAI) and Post-Cervical AI (PCAI) — and explore how each can impact productivity, labor efficiency, and reproductive success. Jorge Cajamarca (PIC Technical Services Sr. Specialist), Bruno Cortes Espejo (Supervisor, Farm Operations), and Dr. Brad Didion (PIC Reproduction Services Manager) explain the practi...

In this episode of The Squeal , we reflect on the critical role farm teams played in achieving FDA approval of the gene edit used to breed PRRS-resistant pigs. From rigorous data collection to enhanced biosecurity protocols, the journey required years of dedication and precision. Throughout the process, pigs were raised just like any other—managed with the same high-quality care and commitment to...

In Part 2 of our summer feeding series, host Brie Quick (PIC Technical Services Manager) returns with Dr. Lori Kociemba (PIC Technical Services Manager) and Jordi Camp (European Nutritionist Manager) to dive deeper into strategies for keeping sows productive and comfortable during the heat of the season. This episode focuses on real-world adjustments that can help drive feed intake, support litter...