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Hello and welcome to 'The Squeal', PIC's swine management podcast, featuring in-depth conversations on topics that matter to you.
PIC is the global leader in swine genetics. At PIC, our goal is to make our customers the most successful pig producers by providing them with the best genetics. We know our business success depends on yours..
PIC is the global leader in swine genetics. At PIC, our goal is to make our customers the most successful pig producers by providing them with the best genetics. We know our business success depends on yours..
236 Episodes
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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 on-farm strategies to help producers set their sows up for success.
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 age and transport details to health status, pig quality, and placement planning, the team discusses how clear, consistent, two-way communication forms the bridge that helps every pig—especially that extra one—transition successfully. They break down practical communication tools, what information matters most, how feedback loops strengthen both ends of the production chain, and why collaboration between teams directly impacts health, growth, and overall barn success. If we want to produce not just more pigs, but better pigs, connecting the dots between sow farm productivity and wean-to-finish execution is essential.
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 set piglets up for long-term success. Together they cover key topics including ideal weaning age and weight targets, minimizing stress during transport and transition, early disease prevention, nutrition strategies, and the critical role of communication between farrowing and wean-to-finish teams. Tune in to hear how the right management, environment, and stockmanship can turn one more pig into one more success story.
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 survivability and growth potential. Tune in to hear how small management decisions early in life can make a big difference in reaching that "one more pig" goal.
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 disease spreads within and between herds, the ongoing challenges of control and elimination, and what progress the industry has made in reducing its impact. The guests share insights from both research and field experience—highlighting practical steps producers can take today to better protect herd health and profitability.
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 and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS). Together, they break down what makes PRRS such a persistent challenge for producers, the factors that drive its financial impact, and why understanding the true cost is the first step toward long-term solutions.
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 Production Manager at Olymel, to explore the consequences of under-ventilating barns. From poor air quality and higher humidity to increased disease pressure and reduced pig performance, the group discusses why balancing airflow and temperature is critical for keeping pigs comfortable and productive all winter long.
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 fundamentals of preparing wean-to-finish barns for the cold months ahead. Together they discuss how barn environment impacts pig health, the importance of getting ahead of maintenance needs, and practical steps producers can take now to set their barns up for success this winter.
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 practical differences between the methods, share tips for selecting the right approach for your herd, and discuss how improved breeding efficiency can boost overall farm performance. Whether you're considering making the switch or just want to fine-tune your current program, this conversation will help you make informed, results-driven decisions.
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 animal well-being. Tune in to hear how this collaborative effort helped make PRRS resistance a reality and what it means for the future of swine health. Join our host, Marisa Pooley (PIC Director of Communications and Engagement) as she leads the conversation with Dr. Clint Nesbit (PIC Sr. Director, Regulatory and External Affairs) and Greg Ellis (PIC Supply Chain Senior Manager).
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 performance, and maintain sow body condition through lactation.
As temperatures rise, so do the challenges of keeping lactating sows eating, healthy, and productive. In this episode of The Squeal, our nutrition and production experts dive into practical summer feeding strategies to combat heat stress and maintain sow performance. Our host, Brie Quick (PIC Technical Services Manager) leads the conversation with Dr. Lori Kociemba (PIC Technical Services Manager) and Jordi Camp (PIC European Nutritionist Manager-Technical Services). From feed formulations and cooling systems to feeding schedules and hydration tips, you'll get actionable insights to keep your lactation herd thriving—even when the heat is on.
In Part 2 of our biosecurity series on controlling fomites and external threats, we move from identifying risks to implementing solutions. Our expert guests return to share real-world examples of how farms are successfully managing external threats and reducing the risk of disease introduction. From enhanced sanitation protocols to controlled access points and visitor management, we explore the tools and habits that make biosecurity stick. Our host, Dr. Lori Kociembia (PIC Technical Services Manager) is joined by Dr. Rebecca Robbins (PIC Health Assurance Veterinarian) and Dr. Joseph Fent (PIC Health Assurance Veterinarian). Tune in to learn how to build a culture of accountability, use technology to your advantage, and turn good intentions into daily practice. Don't miss this deeper look at what it takes to protect your herd from the outside in.
In today's episode of The Squeal, we take a deep dive into the hidden risks posed by fomites—objects and materials that can carry disease—and explore the strategies producers can use to mitigate external threats to herd health. From contaminated boots and feed deliveries to visitors and equipment, our expert guests break down where the vulnerabilities lie and how to build a stronger line of defense. Tune in and learn how to tighten your biosecurity protocols, improve team training, and develop proactive plans that stop disease before it starts.
On today's follow-up episode of The Squeal, we continue the conversation on parity 1 development and its lasting impact on sow longevity and herd profitability. Our host, Brie Quick (PIC Technical Services Manager) returns with Kendall Weger (PIC Technical Services Manager) and Nathan Schleman (Director of Sow Production, Belstra Milling Group) to take a deeper dive into common pitfalls in gilt development and how to avoid them and fine-tuning reproductive management strategies in parity 1. Building on Part 1, this epsidoe delivers practical tips, lessons learned from the field, and next-level management strategies to help you maximize the potential of your young females. Don't miss this opportunity to sharpen your approach and strengthen your sow herd for the future.
On today's episode of The Squeal, we dive into the critical role of parity 1 development in building better, longer-lasting sows. Our host, Brie Quick (PIC Technical Services Manager) is joined by Kendall Weger (PIC Technical Servcies Manager) and Nathan Schleman (Director of Sow Production, Belstra Milling Group) to discuss the keys to setting young females up for success — from gilt selection and management, environment, and early reproductive performance. Tune in for actionable insights and research-backed strategies that can help you improve sow longevity, lifetime productivity, and overall herd profitability.
In this second installment of our "Beating the Heat" series on The Squeal, our host, Tori Walers (PIC Technical Communications and Wean-to-Finish) dives deeper into strategies for keeping pigs comfortable and healthy as temperatures rise. Our expert guests, Nat Stas (PIC Wean-to-Finish Director) and Isaiah Spath (PIC Wean-to-Finish Manager) return to explore advanced cooling technologies, ventilation management, and real-world tips for optimizing barn environments during the hottest months of the year. Whether you're fine-tuning existing systems or planning long-term upgrades, this episode delivers practical insights to help you stay ahead of the heat and support animal well-being.
As temperatures rise, keeping your barn cool and comfortable is essential for the health and performance of your pigs. Our host, Tori Walters (PIC Technical Communications Specialist) is joined by Nat Stas (PIC Wean to Finish Director) and Isaiah Spath (PIC Wean to Finish Manager) to discuss tips and recommendations on preparing for the upcoming warm weather across North America. In this episode, our guests dive into practical strategies for managing heat, improving ventilation, and optimizing barn design to beat the summer heat.
In this episode of The Squeal, host Dr. Lindsay Case (PIC Technical Director of Product Sustainability) continues the conversation on the future of the PRRS-resistant pigs in consumer markets. Joining her are Marisa Pooley (PIC Director of Communications & Engagement) and Staci Covkin (Circana, Principal of Innovation Consumer & Shopper Insights), two experts in communications and consumer perception. They explore how gene-edited livestock fits into the evolving food landscape, addressing public perception, and the role of transparent communication in building consumer trust.
On today's episode of The Squeal, our host, Dr. Lindsay Case (PIC Technical Director, Product Sustainability) is joined by Marisa Pooley (PIC Director of Communications and Engagement) and Staci Covkin (Principal, Innovation Consumer & Shopper Insights - Circana.) The guests share insights into consumer acceptance in anticipation of the PRRS-Resistant Pig.
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