By Diane DeWitte, UMN Extension swine educator Originally printed in The LAND - as the October 9, 2026, Swine & U column Minnesota’s harvest wheels are turning, and, as livestock producers, we focus on yield and quality to ensure a dependable feed source for the pigs. Crop growing conditions, coupled with harvest weather and available drying and storage all contribute to the impact grain quality has on pig feed. Since nearly 60-70 percent of the U.S. crop is destined for feed, the implications of decreased feed quality could affect many livestock producers. The pig industry is not immune to these issues, and pork producers need to remember this as the 2026 crop makes its way into various rations. Being aware of the different quality issues that could occur because of growing or storage conditions and knowing how to properly test feed is important to achieve optimal performance in the pig barn. MYCOTOXINS IN THE GRAIN SUPPLY One major concern related to feed quality is the presence ...
By Diane DeWitte, UMN Extension swine educator Originally printed in The LAND - as the November 6, 2026, Swine & U column Harvest season is ending with fall tillage on everyone’s mind. Minnesota’s pig farms are also considering manure cleanout before winter. Recently, UMN Extension Communications specialist Jack Wilcox visited with Nutrient researcher Nancy Bohl Bormann, and Chryseis Modderman, Extension Educator focused on manure nutrient management, to evaluate fall manure application strategies and to introduce the new UMN manure application rate updates. Nancy Bohl Bormann reminded that fall manure application needs to correspond with soil temperatures, not simply calendar dates. Watch for cooler trends and make sure the soil temps are 50 degrees and trending lower. Listen to the Nutritent Mangement podcast . Manure Handling Safety UMN Extension Ag Engineer, Dr. Erin Cortus, advises having a set of safety protocols on the farm prior to pumping manure pits. The UMASH farm sa...