Swine Extension

September Sept. 2: SowBridge program - “ On-farm semen management - tips and tricks” by Kara Stewart of Smithfield Sept. 19-22: Allen D. Leman Swine Conference , Saint Paul River Centre, St. Paul, MN Sept. 23 & 24: Minnesota Nutrition Conference , Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center, Mankato, MN October Oct. 7: SowBridge program - “What’s the latest PRRS research” by Daniel Linhares of Iowa State University November Nov. 4: SowBridge program - “Fixed time AI with gilts” by Rob Knox of University of Illinois Nov. 17: PQA+ Advisor training session , MN Pork Board Office, Mankato, MN. December Dec. 2: SowBridge program - “Satisfaction and stress factors of barn employees” by Mag Lopez of University of Missouri Dec. 2: PQA+ & TQA certification, MN Pork Board Office, Mankato, MN January 2027 Jan. 6: SowBridge program - “Anemia: impact on sow removal” by Rafe Royall of South Dakota State University

 Congratulations to the following swine faculty and educators from the swine Extension team who have had their work published recently. Angulo, J., Yang, M., Rovira, A., Davies, P. , Rendahl, A., Torremorell, M. (2026). Risk factors associated with introduction of wild-type porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus into growing pigs in the Midwestern US. Preventive Veterinary Medicine , 256, Article 106987. Doi: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2026.106987. Berrio, S., Urriola, P. E. , Boerboom, M. J., Frobose, H., Uitermarkt, A., & Johnston, L. J. (2026). Accuracy of volumetric supplement doser for gestating sow electronic feeders. Journal of Animal Science , 104, Supplement 3, Abstract 76. Doi: 10.1093/jas/skag107.050. Johnston, L. J. (2026). Economics of precision nutrition: investment, profitability, and ROI. Journal of Animal Science , 104, Supplement 3, Abstract 125. Doi: 10.1093/jas/skag107.293. Kawasaki, K., Zhao, J. L., Ramirez-Camba, C., Kawasaki, T., Salfer...

By Diane DeWitte, UMN Extension swine educator Originally printed in The LAND - as the July 20, 2026, Swine & U column A high-octane friend, many years ago, first exposed me to one of his favorite phrases: “Lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on mine”! The first time I heard it hit home hard; since then, I’ve tried to stay ahead of a deadline, as do all producers growing livestock and crops. Most of my work this summer has revolved around some special projects and a large conference focused on the livestock industry being ready for a disease that we do not want. Of course, in the pig business, the foreign animal disease (FAD) we prepare against is African swine Fever (ASF), but a close second which can affect every hooved animal is Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). In all FAD outbreak preparedness, the planned response is to stop livestock movement and stamp it out. Two projects in which I was recently involved focused on specific steps within the disea...

By Diane DeWitte, UMN Extension swine educator Written for submission to The LAND - as the September 11, 2026, Swine & U column Summer’s winding down; a late Labor Day and diminishing warm temperatures remind us that harvest season is approaching quickly. As producers test their harvest equipment and schedule manure hauling, the topic of ag safety becomes an important element of fall farm planning in Minnesota. This year the 82nd National Farm Safety & Health week, September 21-25, initiated by the National Safety Council and first proclaimed by President Franklin Roosevelt, focuses on five specific farm safety concerns. The 2026 National Farm Safety & Health week theme is “Safety Today, Success Tomorrow”. The National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS) will provide individual topic-specific webinars daily from September 21-25. The daily themes are familiar and timeless. Please check each of them for a complete understanding of the safety hazards and rem...

Episode 52: Fall/Winter ventilation basics for swine barns is now available on our Minnesota Swine & U podcast channel. In this podcast, Swine Extension Educator Sarah Schieck Boelke once again speaks with Lyle Lange and Mike Walker, both of Lange Ag Systems of Willmar, MN. This time she speaks to Lyle and Mike about Fall/Winter ventilation basics for swine barns. Lyle has over 46 years of experience in the livestock industry, and Mike has 26 years of experience. With the change of season to Fall and then Winter, there are some fundamental things producers should evaluate in the swine barn to ensure ventilation is at optimal performance. Lyle and Mike define basic ventilation terminology and provide practical strategies for common ventilation issues, such as cleaning soffits and fans, checking belts, and calibrating inlets. Lyle and Mike also discuss how to ensure the heating system is ready when needed. Listen to episode 52 podcast (~ 50 minutes, recorded August 10, 2026)

In this podcast, Swine Extension Educator Sarah Schieck Boelke speaks with Lucas Ferreira, Master’s student in Veterinary Science in the Department of Veterinary Population Medicine about his research on trailer contamination at the harvest plant facilities during the unloading of market hogs. The study includes two harvest facilities that Lucas and others visit regularly through the year to collect environmental samples from the unloading dock and trailers to analyze for pathogens, such as PRRSv, PEDv, PDCoV, and SVA. The research also includes talking to the drivers about their biosecurity practices. In the podcast Lucas gives preliminary results and explains the research is ongoing. Year 1 of 2 has been completed. Learn more about trailer contamination at the harvest plant facilities during unloading of market hogs as featured in the podcast. Assessment of PEDV Trailer Contamination at the Harvest Facility blog post on Minnesota Swine News. SHIC-Funded study quantifies trailer cont...