PigTek https://www.pigtek.net/ Pig Equipment Group Wed, 30 Sep 2026 13:55:17 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.4 https://www.pigtek.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/favicon.png PigTek https://www.pigtek.net/ 32 32 Integrating Ventilation with One-Health & Biosecurity in Swine Operations https://www.pigtek.net/integrating-ventilation-with-one-health-biosecurity-in-swine-operations/ Wed, 30 Sep 2026 13:55:17 +0000 http://www.pigtek.net/?p=15994

Ventilation does more than keep pigs comfortable—it may be one of the most overlooked pieces of your biosecurity plan. See why a One Health perspective is changing how producers think about the air inside the barn.

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Integrating Ventilation with One-Health & Biosecurity in Swine Operations

VENTILATION MASTER SERIES  |  By: Chris Elvidge
Originally published on SwineWeb.

The air inside a swine barn doesn’t just influence temperature. It connects pigs, people, pathogens and performance.

Biosecurity in swine production is often viewed from the outside in. We think about trucks entering the farm. People crossing the line of separation. Equipment moving between sites. Animal movements. Cleaning and disinfection. Downtime. All are critical.

But there is another environment producers manage every hour of every day: The air inside the barn. Ventilation is typically discussed in terms of temperature, airflow and pig comfort. But when we look at the barn through a broader One Health lens — considering the interconnected health of animals, people and their environment — ventilation takes on a much larger role.

The question becomes, should ventilation be considered part of a swine operation’s overall health and biosecurity strategy? Increasingly, the answer is yes.

Biosecurity Doesn’t Stop at the Barn Door

Strong external biosecurity helps reduce the risk of disease entering an operation.
Once pigs and people are inside the barn, however, environmental management becomes another important layer of defense. Air movement, humidity, dust, gases and temperature all influence the conditions in which pigs and employees spend their day.

Poor ventilation can contribute to:

    • Excessive humidiity
    • Condensation
    • Elevated ammonia and other gases
    • Dust accumulation
    • Uneven temperatures
    • Drafts and areas of stagnant air
    • Increased respiratory stress

None of these factors alone determines whether disease occurs, but together they can influence the environment in which pigs are expected to remain healthy and perform. That is where ventilation and biosecurity begin to intersect.

The One Health Connection

PigTek infographic showing how the health of the animals, humans, and hog barn environment are all interconnected pieces affecting one another.

One Health recognizes that animal health, human health and environmental health are interconnected. A swine barn provides a practical example.

The same air being managed for the pig is also the air employees breathe. The same humidity that affects pig comfort can influence building conditions. The same airflow patterns moving heat and moisture through the barn can also move dust and airborne material.

This creates a different way of thinking about ventilation. Instead of asking only, “Is the barn at the right temperature?” producers can begin asking, “Are we creating the healthiest and most consistent environment possible for pigs and the people caring for them?” That is a much broader management objective.

Airflow Is Part of the Health Environment

Moving enough air through a barn is important. Moving it correctly is just as important.

A properly designed and managed ventilation system needs to introduce fresh air, mix it with existing barn air and distribute it throughout the animal space without creating harmful drafts. When that balance is lost, environmental inconsistencies develop.

One section of a barn may have acceptable conditions while another experiences excessive moisture, cold air or inadequate air exchange. Those differences matter because pigs don’t experience the barn average. They experience the environment directly around them. This is why inlet management, static pressure, fan performance and air distribution should be viewed as interconnected parts of environmental management rather than individual pieces of equipment.

Humidity: The Variable Producers Can’t Ignore

Humidity may be one of the clearest examples of the relationship between ventilation and barn health.

During colder weather, producers naturally want to conserve heat, but reducing ventilation too aggressively can allow moisture to accumulate. That can contribute to condensation, wet surfaces, deteriorating air quality and challenging barn conditions.

During warmer weather, excessive humidity can reduce the effectiveness of evaporative cooling and make it more difficult for pigs to dissipate heat. The objective isn’t simply to remove air but to manage the relationship between temperature, moisture and airflow throughout changing conditions.

Dust, Gases and the Air We Don’t See

Some of the most important environmental conditions in a barn aren’t immediately visible. Dust and gases can accumulate gradually. Because the change isn’t always dramatic, declining air quality can become normalized.

This is where monitoring and ventilation management become increasingly important. Modern barn controls can provide producers with greater visibility into environmental conditions and system performance. PigTek’s PigCentral® platform, for example, integrates ventilation management with barn controls, remote access, alarms and historical data, giving managers additional information for understanding how the barn environment changes over time.

The value isn’t simply having more data. It’s being able to identify patterns before they become larger problems.

Can Environmental Data Become an Early Warning System?

This may be one of the most interesting opportunities ahead for swine production. Today’s barns can monitor variables such as temperature, humidity and ventilation performance. Increasingly sophisticated sensors and control systems are expanding the amount of environmental information available to producers.

Individually, a change in one measurement may mean very little. But what happens when several environmental variables begin changing together? Could shifts in temperature, humidity, air quality, animal behavior or ventilation demand eventually help alert managers that something inside the barn is changing?

Ventilation data should not be confused with disease diagnosis. But environmental information can provide another layer of visibility into barn conditions — and potentially help managers recognize abnormalities earlier. The future may be less about controlling individual pieces of equipment and more about understanding what the entire barn is telling us.

Ventilation and Biosecurity Must Work Together

There is an important distinction. Ventilation does not replace biosecurity. Strong sanitation, controlled movement, proper entry procedures, animal-health protocols and disease-prevention practices remain essential. Instead, ventilation should complement those practices.

Think of biosecurity as a series of layers. One layer helps prevent pathogens from reaching the farm. Another manages movement between barns and animal groups. Another protects the environment pigs encounter once they are inside. Ventilation belongs within that larger system.

Technology Helps — Management Makes It Work

Modern ventilation equipment gives producers capabilities that previous generations didn’t have. Variable-speed fans can provide more precise airflow. Automated inlets can improve air distribution. Controllers can continuously respond to changing barn conditions. Remote monitoring can allow managers to see what is happening without physically standing inside the barn. Historical information can help identify recurring problems.

But technology alone doesn’t create a healthy environment. The system still has to be properly designed, maintained, calibrated and adjusted. Sensors need to provide useful information. Fans need to perform as expected. Inlets need to direct air correctly. Alarms need to reach the right people. And managers need to understand what the information is telling them. The best ventilation technology becomes significantly more valuable when paired with strong barn management.

The Bigger Shift: From Climate Control to Environmental Management

For decades, ventilation has largely been discussed as climate control. Keep pigs warm in winter. Keep pigs cooler in summer. Remove moisture. Move enough air. Those fundamentals aren’t changing.

What is changing is our ability to understand how those fundamentals connect with the larger production system. Ventilation affects comfort. Comfort affects behavior and feed intake. Air quality affects pigs and employees. Humidity affects the building environment. Environmental consistency supports more predictable production. And increasingly, sensors and controls allow producers to see those relationships in ways that weren’t previously possible. That makes ventilation more than a mechanical system. It becomes part of the management infrastructure of the farm.

Looking Ahead

The next generation of swine barns may not be defined by how much equipment they contain. They may be defined by how effectively their systems communicate and respond.

Ventilation, feeding, water, environmental monitoring, alarms and production information are increasingly becoming connected. That connectivity creates an opportunity to move from reacting to individual problems toward managing the barn as one integrated environment. The goal isn’t simply to move more air…It’s to create the right environment for the pigs and the people caring for them — and to maintain that environment as consistently as possible.

Final Takeaway

Biosecurity protects the farm from threats. Ventilation helps manage the environment inside it. Increasingly, those two responsibilities should not be viewed independently.

When producers connect ventilation, air quality, animal health, employee health and environmental management, the barn becomes part of a broader One Health strategy. Because ultimately, the air moving through a swine barn touches nearly everything inside it. The pigs. The people. The environment. And the performance of the operation.

The post Integrating Ventilation with One-Health & Biosecurity in Swine Operations appeared first on PigTek.

]]> 5 Fall Maintenance Tips for Your Swine Barn https://www.pigtek.net/5-fall-maintenance-tips-for-your-swine-barn/ Wed, 30 Sep 2026 13:54:27 +0000 http://www.pigtek.net/?p=15987

Prepare your ventilation system now for consistent performance, air quality and pig comfort when cold weather arrives.

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5 Fall Maintenance Tips for Your Swine Barn

Prepare your ventilation system now for consistent performance, air quality and pig comfort when cold weather arrives.

1. Inspect & Clean Ventilation Fans

Fall is the time to find problems before winter minimum ventilation becomes critical. Clean fan blades, shutters and guards, inspect belts and moving components, and verify that fans are operating properly. Dirt, wear and restriction can reduce the airflow you think you’re getting.

2. Check Inlets & Static Pressure

Winter ventilation depends on controlling where incoming air goes. Inspect inlets for proper movement and sealing, confirm actuators are functioning correctly, and verify static-pressure settings so cold air mixes properly before reaching pig level.

3. Test Heaters Before You Need Them

Don’t wait for the first cold night to discover a heating problem. Clean and inspect heaters, confirm ignition and controls are functioning, and make sure heating and ventilation stages are working together rather than fighting each other.

4. Verify Sensors, Controls & Alarms

Your ventilation system can only react properly when it receives accurate information. Check temperature and humidity sensors, review controller settings and test alarms. Confirm that remote notifications are reaching the people responsible for responding.

5. Transition to Winter Ventilation Strategically

Don’t simply turn ventilation down because temperatures drop. Review minimum ventilation settings, inlet operation and moisture levels as conditions change. The goal is to conserve heat while still removing moisture and maintaining air quality.

The post 5 Fall Maintenance Tips for Your Swine Barn appeared first on PigTek.

]]> Seasonal Strategies: Summer Cooling vs. Winter Ventilation for Pig Performance https://www.pigtek.net/seasonal-strategies-summer-cooling-vs-winter-ventilation/ Mon, 13 Jul 2026 20:01:41 +0000 http://www.pigtek.net/?p=15756

As swine production becomes more precise, one truth continues to stand out: Ventilation isn’t a system. It’s a seasonal strategy.

The barns that perform best aren’t just well-built or recently upgraded. They’re managed differently in July than they are in January. Because while the goal remains the same—consistent pig performance—the path to get there changes dramatically with the season.

The post Seasonal Strategies: Summer Cooling vs. Winter Ventilation for Pig Performance appeared first on PigTek.

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Seasonal Strategies: Summer Cooling vs. Winter Ventilation for Pig Performance

VENTILATION MASTER SERIES  |  By: Chris Elvidge
Originally published on SwineWeb.

As swine production becomes more precise, one truth continues to stand out:
Ventilation isn’t a system. It’s a seasonal strategy.

The barns that perform best aren’t just well-built or recently upgraded. They’re managed differently in July than they are in January.

Because while the goal remains the same—consistent pig performance—the path to get there changes dramatically with the season.

Two Opposite Challenges, One System

Summer and winter don’t just present different conditions. They demand opposite approaches.

  • Summer → remove heat, maximize airflow, protect intake
  • Winter → conserve heat, control moisture, maintain air quality

Trying to manage both with the same mindset is where performance gaps begin.

Summer: It’s Not About Temperature — It’s About Heat Load

One of the biggest misconceptions in swine production is that summer ventilation is about keeping barns “cool.” In reality, it’s about managing heat load.

Pigs generate heat.
Buildings retain heat.
Humidity compounds it.

And once pigs start to reduce intake, performance loss accelerates quickly.

What High-Performing Operations Focus On in Summer

  1. Airspeed at Pig Level
    It’s not enough to move air — it needs to reach the pig.

    Targeted airflow helps:

      • Increase heat dissipation
      • Improve comfort
      • Maintain feed intake

  2. System Capacity (Not Just Fans)

    Many barns technically have enough fans.

    But not enough effective airflow due to:

      • Poor inlet management
      • Airflow restriction
      • Imbalance across the barn

  3. Evaporative Cooling (When Used Correctly)
    Cooling systems can be effective—but only when humidity allows.


    Used incorrectly, they:

      • Increase moisture load
      • Reduce air quality
      • Create inconsistent environments

The Real Risk in Summer

It’s not mortality.

It’s lost performance you don’t fully recover.

Winter: Control Is More Important Than Capacity

Winter ventilation is often misunderstood as “minimum ventilation.” But that framing misses the point.

Winter is about precision.

What High-Performing Operations Focus On in Winter

    1. Air Exchange Without Drafts
      Fresh air is still required—but how it enters matters more than how much.

      Poor inlet control leads to:

        • Cold air dropping directly on pigs
        • Uneven environments
        • Stress and health challenges

    2. Moisture Management
      Moisture is the hidden challenge of winter.

      Unchecked, it leads to:

        • Poor air quality
        • Increased ammonia
        • Condensation issues
        • Higher disease pressure

    3. Static Pressure & Inlet Performance
      Winter performance depends heavily on:
        • Maintaining proper pressure
        • Ensuring inlets are working correctly

This is where many barns fall short — not due to equipment, but setup.

The Real Risk in Winter

It’s not temperature.

It’s air quality degradation over time.

Where Most Barns Struggle

The biggest issue isn’t equipment. It’s not adjusting strategy between seasons.

Common mistakes include:

    • Running summer airflow logic in winter
    • Overcorrecting with heat and under-ventilating
    • Ignoring inlet performance
    • Treating ventilation as “set and forget”

Case Insight: Same Barn, Different Results

In many retrofit situations, producers don’t change equipment first. They change how the system is managed seasonally. And the results show up quickly:
    • More consistent intake in summer
    • Improved air quality in winter
    • Reduced variability across groups
Same barn. Different outcomes.

The Shift:
From Equipment to Strategy

The next evolution in swine production isn’t just better barns. It’s better seasonal management of those barns. Because ventilation systems don’t fail from lack of capacity.

They fail from lack of adjustment.

Looking Ahead

The best-performing barns aren’t the ones with the most equipment, they’re the ones that adapt to the season–and stay consistent for the pigs. 

Final Takeaway

Summer and winter require different strategies. But they share one outcome: Consistency.

And in modern swine production, consistency is what drives:

    • Performance
    • Efficiency
    • Profitability

Because the barns that perform best year-round… Are the ones that change with the season.

The post Seasonal Strategies: Summer Cooling vs. Winter Ventilation for Pig Performance appeared first on PigTek.

]]> Why Remote-Mounted VFDs Outperform Direct-Mounted Drives in Pig Barns https://www.pigtek.net/why-remote-mounted-vfds-outperform-direct-mounted-drives-in-pig-barns/ Mon, 15 Jun 2026 15:18:14 +0000 http://www.pigtek.net/?p=15667

Variable frequency drives (VFDs) have become an essential part of modern swine ventilation. They allow fans to run at variable speeds, which can save energy costs, improve animal comfort and reduce wear on equipment. But as VFD technology has spread through the industry, an important debate has emerged: should the drive be mounted directly on the fan, or remotely, away from the barn environment?

The post Why Remote-Mounted VFDs Outperform Direct-Mounted Drives in Pig Barns appeared first on PigTek.

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Why Remote-Mounted VFDs Outperform Direct-Mounted Drives in Pig Barns

Variable frequency drives (VFDs) have become an essential part of modern swine ventilation. They allow fans to run at variable speeds, which can save energy costs, improve animal comfort and reduce wear on equipment. But as VFD technology has spread through the industry, an important debate has emerged: should the drive be mounted directly on the fan, or remotely, away from the barn environment?

It may seem convenient to put the VFD right onto the back of the fan motor. Less wiring, fewer components to run across the building — what’s not to like? But at PigTek, we’ve been down that road. We’ve tested direct-mount designs firsthand, and we came back to remote mounting for good reasons. Here’s what experience and engineering tell us:

The Pig Barn Is a Harsh Place for Electronics

To understand why drive placement matters, you have to remember what the inside of a pig barn does to equipment. Swine facilities are characterized by high humidity, ammonia, airborne dust and particulate matter — a combination that is genuinely hostile to sensitive electronics.

VFDs are built around circuit boards, power electronics, and cooling systems — components that behave a lot like the inside of a computer. And like a computer, they have real vulnerabilities. Moisture is one of the most common causes of VFD failure, as it can cause corrosion and electrical shorts. Dust and airborne particles compound the problem by clogging cooling vents, causing the drive to overheat. Furthermore, when those particles are electrically conductive, they could potentially create short circuits across the circuit board.

In a typical industrial setting, these risks are manageable with proper enclosures and routine maintenance. In a pig barn, they’re relentless. Now imagine putting a VFD directly on the back of a fan, right in the path of the airflow the fan is exhausting from the barn. That drive is exposed to everything the barn air carries, every hour of every day.

We Tried It – Here’s What Happened.

PigTek didn’t arrive at a remote-mount design by guessing. We actually pursued direct-mounted VFDs and learned from the experience. The core problem: even in a completely sealed unit, moisture wicks through the lead wire connecting the drive to the motor and gets inside the controls. In fact, in one of our test units with a direct-mounted VFD, water literally poured out of the enclosure when we opened it up on site. That water can result in a host of problems, like short circuits, board corrosion and premature drive failure.

The pig barn environment accelerates every one of these failure mechanisms. High humidity, temperature swings between night and day (or season to season), and the constant presence of corrosive gases create conditions where a sealed enclosure that might survive years in an industrial plant can fail in a fraction of that time when mounted on a fan housing in a hog barn.

The lesson was clear: keeping the VFD out of direct exposure to barn air dramatically reduces the environmental stress on the drive.

Remote Mounting: A More Dependable Drive

PigTek’s HERO® Fan VFD is completely sealed and can be mounted up to 50 feet away from the fan itself — outside the barn wall or in a protected utility space. This design choice delivers three meaningful advantages:

    • Greater Durability –

      Mounting the VFD away from the fan keeps it better protected from the corrosive, moisture-heavy air that exhausts through the fan. The drive operates in a cleaner, more stable environment, which translates directly into a longer service life and fewer unexpected failures. Years of experience with this design have confirmed it: remote drives equal reduced problems.

    • Easier Maintenance –

      When a VFD is mounted on the back of a fan motor, accessing it for inspection, cleaning, or service is an awkward job at best. You’re working at height, in tight quarters, often with limited visibility. With a remotely mounted drive, the technician can access the unit much more easily. As an added bonus, routine maintenance gets done more consistently when it’s actually convenient to do it.

    • Improved Biosecurity –

      This is perhaps the most underappreciated advantage of remote-mount VFDs, and it matters enormously to modern pig producers. 

      Research has made clear that every entry into a pig barn carries risk. People can transfer pathogens to pigs on their clothing, footwear and skin. Even small amounts of contaminated material on a worker’s boots can be enough to introduce disease to a herd. This is why serious swine operations track and minimize unnecessary barn entries.

      When the VFD is mounted inside the barn on a fan, any inspection, adjustment or service call requires a barn entry. With a remotely mounted drive accessible from outside, those service visits can often happen without anyone setting foot inside. Fewer entries mean fewer opportunities for pathogen introduction — a genuine biosecurity benefit that directly protects herd health.

The Bottom Line

Direct-mounted VFDs might look like a streamlined solution on paper. But the pig barn environment is unforgiving, and real-world experience shows that placing sensitive drive electronics directly in the fan’s airstream can shorten drive life, complicate maintenance and add unnecessary barn traffic.

Remote mounting keeps the drive where it belongs: in a protected location where it can do its job reliably, where a technician can reach it without difficulty, and where service potentially doesn’t require suiting up for another barn entry.

At PigTek, we don’t just recommend remote-mounted VFDs in theory. We’ve built our HERO® Fan system around this design because we know from experience that it’s the right approach for the swine industry. When it comes to protecting your ventilation investment, and your herd, where you put the drive is just as important as the drive itself.

 

  •  

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]]> 5 Winter Readiness Tips for Your Swine Barn https://www.pigtek.net/5-winter-readiness-tips-for-your-swine-barn/ Thu, 08 Jan 2026 21:56:45 +0000 http://www.pigtek.net/?p=14346

Protect performance, control costs, and maintain animal comfort during the coldest months with these essential winter prep steps.

The post 5 Winter Readiness Tips for Your Swine Barn appeared first on PigTek.

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5 Winter Readiness Tips for Your Swine Barn

Protect performance, control costs, and maintain animal comfort during the coldest months with these essential winter prep steps. 

1. Optimize Minimum Ventilation Rates

Cold weather reduces natural airflow, making proper minimum ventilation critical. Ensure fans and inlets are adjusted to balance fresh air exchange while retaining heat. Under-ventilation can increase humidity, ammonia levels and disease risk.

2. Protect Water Lines and Nipple Drinkers

Frozen or partially restricted water lines reduce intake and impact feed conversion. Inspect insulation, add heat tape in vulnerable areas and verify flow rates to prevent supply issues during extreme cold. 

3. Monitor Air Quality & Humidity

Winter often traps moisture inside barns. Use your PigTek environmental controls to monitor humidity and adjust ventilation to maintain ideal conditions. Excess moisture can lead to respiratory stress and manure pit foaming. 

4. Evaluate Brooder & Heat Zone Performance

Confirm that supplemental heat sources, such as PigTek V-FLECTOR™ brooders, are distributing warmth evenly. Uneven heat zones cause pigs to pile, leading to stress, growth setbacks and potential losses.

5. Maintain Consistent Barn Pressurization

Cold winds can affect building pressure and create drafts in pen-level areas. Inspect curtains, wall inlets and tunnel doors to ensure tight closure and proper pressure regulation during storm events. 

The post 5 Winter Readiness Tips for Your Swine Barn appeared first on PigTek.

]]> Unlocking Opportunities: How Pig Farmers Can Leverage USDA Energy Efficiency Grants to Upgrade Barn Ventilation https://www.pigtek.net/unlocking-opportunities-how-pig-farmers-can-leverage-usda-energy-efficiency-grants-to-upgrade-barn-ventilation/ Wed, 31 Dec 2025 15:52:22 +0000 http://www.pigtek.net/?p=14116

In today’s competitive agricultural landscape, every dollar counts. Whether upgrading housing systems or adopting more sustainable technologies, financing these improvements can be a challenge. Fortunately, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers grant programs that help pig farmers offset the cost of these investments.

The post Unlocking Opportunities: How Pig Farmers Can Leverage USDA Energy Efficiency Grants to Upgrade Barn Ventilation appeared first on PigTek.

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Unlocking Opportunities:

How Pig Farmers Can Leverage USDA Energy Efficiency Grants to Upgrade Barn Ventilation

By Randy Curless, Sales & Marketing Manager, PigTek

In today’s competitive agricultural landscape, every dollar counts. Whether upgrading housing systems or adopting more sustainable technologies, financing these improvements can be a challenge. Fortunately, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers grant programs that help pig farmers offset the cost of these investments. By understanding how to find, apply for and complete these programs, producers can transform energy efficiency projects from costly upgrades into funded opportunities.

USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)

The USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) is the flagship program designed to encourage renewable energy adoption and efficiency upgrades in rural businesses, including livestock operations. The program provides:

  1. Grants for up to 50% of project costs for energy efficiency upgrades.
  2. Maximum awards of $500,000 for efficiency projects and $1 million for renewable energy systems.
  3. Loan guarantees for larger projects, which can be paired with grants.

Upgrading traditional fans, heaters and cooling systems can be an excellent way to take advantage of the REAP program, due to the amount of energy they consume on the farm. For instance, modern fans, like PigTek’s HERO fans that use permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) technology, have been shown to reduce energy costs by up to 90 percent. Such a dramatic improvement can help make a strong case for grant approval.

How to Apply for REAP Funding

Applying for a USDA grant requires preparation, but the process is straightforward when broken into steps. Farmers should focus on three key phases:

1) Pre-Application Preparation

    • Confirm Eligibility: Farmers must be agricultural producers with at least 50% of their income derived from farming. Operations must be located in a rural area as defined by USDA. Farm addresses can be entered in the interactive map at https://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility/welcomeAction.do to check eligibility.
    • Identify the Project: Projects must clearly qualify as an energy efficiency improvement.
    • Complete an Energy Audit or Assessment: USDA requires documentation of projected energy savings. A certified energy auditor or engineer must perform this analysis, showing baseline consumption and expected improvements.

2) Completing the Application

    • Application Forms: Farmers must submit the official REAP application package, including SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance) and other USDA-specific forms.
    • Project Narrative: This section outlines the farm’s current challenges, proposed upgrade, expected savings and broader benefits to sustainability.
    • Budget Documentation: Detailed cost estimates, vendor quotes and financing arrangements must be included. Farmers must show how the grant will be paired with their own investment or other funding.
    • Supporting Documents: Energy audits, environmental impact statements (if needed) and certifications from equipment suppliers strengthen the application.

3) Submission and Review

Applications are typically accepted in funding cycles with deadlines published on USDA’s website. Once submitted, projects are scored on energy savings, financial need and broader impact. Higher-scoring applications are prioritized for funding.

How to Complete a USDA Grant Project

Receiving a grant is not the end of the process. Farmers must demonstrate that the project is completed as promised and delivers measurable benefits. Several key responsibilities include:

    1. Project Implementation: Equipment must be purchased, installed and operational within USDA’s required timeframe. Approved vendors and contractors should be used where applicable.
    2. Record Keeping: Farmers must maintain invoices, receipts and energy use records to prove that funds were spent appropriately.
    3. Progress Reports: USDA often requires updates during installation, particularly for large projects.
    4. Final Reporting: Once complete, farmers must submit documentation showing the project’s impact. For energy efficiency, this means comparing actual energy use before and after installation.
    5. Site Visits: USDA may inspect completed projects to ensure compliance.

Successfully completing one USDA-funded project builds credibility, making farmers more competitive for future funding opportunities.

Helpful Resources

REAP is publicly available through USDA Rural Development. Although the process may seem a bit overwhelming, multiple resources are available to help make it easier for farmers to navigate:

    • USDA Rural Development Website: The REAP program page on USDA’s website lists eligibility requirements, deadlines and application forms. Farmers can also find state-specific resources and contacts. For those seeking timely updates, subscribing to USDA newsletters or setting alerts on federal grant websites helps ensure no funding cycle is missed.
    • Local USDA Offices: Rural development state and regional offices have staff who assist applicants. Farmers can schedule consultations to review requirements and prepare applications.
    • Extension Services: University extension agents often distribute USDA funding announcements and provide guidance on preparing supporting documents, like energy audits.
    • Industry Associations: Pork producer councils and ag organizations regularly notify members of funding opportunities and deadlines.
    • Technical Service Providers (TSPs): Certified energy auditors and grant consultants often advertise their services to livestock producers preparing REAP applications.
    • Suppliers: It’s in the best interest of pig equipment suppliers for producers to take advantage of programs like REAP. Therefore, companies like PigTek are happy to help point people in the right direction. For instance, we often help introduce producers to some of our close industry contacts, such as Dr. Casey L. Bradley with Animistic or Chad Kloberdanz with Kloberdanz Consulting.

Turning Grants Into Growth

The USDA’s REAP program represents a powerful tool for farmers looking to reduce energy costs, improve sustainability and modernize their operations. Ventilation systems, including energy-efficient fans, are practical, grant-eligible solutions that allow producers to meet USDA requirements while enhancing barn performance. For those ready to take the next step, REAP funding provides the support to help make these energy-efficient upgrades a reality.

The post Unlocking Opportunities: How Pig Farmers Can Leverage USDA Energy Efficiency Grants to Upgrade Barn Ventilation appeared first on PigTek.

]]> Out of Feed = Out of Profit https://www.pigtek.net/out-of-feed-out-of-profit/ Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:14:54 +0000 http://www.pigtek.net/?p=14050

Whether you’re managing a 2,400-head finishing barn or a 6,000-sow farrow-to-wean operation, the assumption is that if the bin has feed, the pigs are eating. But what if they’re not?
Feed outages—defined as either full-blown empty feeders or subtle inconsistencies in delivery—remain one of the most under-diagnosed performance problems in swine production.

The post Out of Feed = Out of Profit appeared first on PigTek.

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Maintenance:

Out of Feed = Out of Profit:

How to Help Producers Protect Performance with Smarter Feed Delivery Systems

Dealer Guide | Featuring Insights from PigTek’s Engineering Team

By: Casey L. Bradley, Ph.D. – ANIMISTIC

Why Every Missed Feed Cycle Matters

Out-of-feed (OOF) events may not always make it into barn logs, but they are quietly draining profitability from even the best-run swine operations.

Producers have invested heavily in genetics and precision nutrition, but without reliable, verifiable delivery, those investments are at risk. As their trusted advisor, you can help them protect margins and minimize emergency repairs by upgrading outdated equipment with modern, feedback-driven solutions.

“The reality is, if you’re not monitoring the system, and if you don’t have redundancy in design, you’re gambling with every feeding cycle,” says Chris Elvidge, Engineering and Tech Service Manager at PigTek.

The Case for Selling Feed System Upgrades

PigTek’s feed delivery systems are designed with reliability, visibility and control in mind. This makes them not just another equipment line, but a way for you, as a dealer, to solve a hidden and costly production problem.

Here are potential issues your customers face:

    • Single-prox switch systems: These stop the auger based on the end of the line, even if half the drops are still empty.
    • Dead-end feed lines: No recirculation means one mechanical hiccup can starve an entire pen.
    • Labor-reliant bin switches: Missed tandem bin switches (especially on weekends) cause preventable OOF events.
    • No alerts, no feedback: Most older systems don’t tell producers what didn’t happen; they just silently fail.

3 Things You Can Offer as a Solution-Focused Dealer

  1. Feed System Redesign with Recirculation and Sensor Feedback: Upgrade producers from dead-end flex augers to recirculating loop systems or chain disc systems that give each drop box multiple fill opportunities and reduce reliance on a single endpoint signal. This can improve feed consistency throughout the barn while adding real-time feedback with motor monitoring and sensor integration.

    “It’s not just about pushing feed—it’s about knowing it got delivered,” Elvidge says. “That’s what producers need you to bring them.”

  1. Remote Control with an Automatic Bin Slider: This is your premium upsell item and one of the easiest values to prove. With PigTek’s Automatic Bin Slider, producers can switch between tandem bins remotely using a smartphone app. “It’s the easiest ROI story you can tell,” says Elvidge. “The cost of one missed bin switch on a Saturday is more than the cost of the Automatic Bin Slider system.”

    When paired with a bin-level sensor, the system provides real-time bin fill data, notifications before bins run dry, and elimination of missed weekend or overnight bin switches. Position this upgrade around labor savings, feed assurance and remote peace of mind to help secure the sale.

  1. Value Added Maintenance Kits
    Sell maintenance kits that may include some of the following items:
      • Shear Pins
      • Anchor Bearings
      • Short Auger Flighting
      • Gear Oil
      • Agitator Balls and Baffles
      • Hand tools

    Offer these as a “Bin Maintenance Kit” or bundle them during install visits. Fewer panicked service calls equal happier customers and more substantial service margins.

How to Frame the Sale

PigTek Solution: 

Recirculating loop system
» Learn more

Dealer Selling Point:

Protect ADG, reduce weight variation

PigTek Solution: 

Automatic Bin Slider + Sensor
» Learn more

 

Dealer Selling Point:

Remove labor bottlenecks, avoid downtime

PigTek Solution: 

Feed motor + drop sensors

Dealer Selling Point:

Add data to nutrition program, reduce guesswork

PigTek Solution: 

Maintenance kits

Dealer Selling Point:

Proactive service, faster fixes, higher uptime

How to Lead the Conversation

Start with questions like, “Have you ever walked in Monday and realized pigs didn’t get fed Saturday night? Are you sure every feeder gets fed on every cycle? What’s your plan if the bin doesn’t switch over and no one’s there?”

Then offer a solution, not a product. For instance, you could say, “Let’s walk through how a remote-controlled bin slider and a sensor could eliminate that risk completely. It’s one less thing your crew must remember — and one less way to lose a weekend.”

Bottom Line for Dealers

Out-of-feed events are silent profit killers. PigTek equipment allows you to bring your producers a more innovative, safer, and resilient system, while positioning yourself as the go-to expert for feed flow reliability.

The post Out of Feed = Out of Profit appeared first on PigTek.

]]> Curless promoted to Sales Manager for PigTek https://www.pigtek.net/cureless-promoted-to-sales-manager-for-pigtek/ Thu, 20 Nov 2025 17:59:12 +0000 http://www.pigtek.net/?p=14013

Randall Curless has been promoted to Sales Manager for PigTek, according to Will Mabee, Vice President and General Manager of the CTB, Inc. business unit.

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Curless Promoted to Sales Manager for PigTek

Randall Curless has been promoted to Sales Manager for PigTek, according to Will Mabee, Vice President and General Manager of the CTB Inc. business unit. Curless’s responsibilities in this position include coordinating the efforts of the sales team, determining goals, and determining where to focus efforts.

Curless has been employed with CTB since 2019. He previously held the position of Senior Marketing Specialist. He has a degree in Agricultural Economics and Animal Science from Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana.

A native of Wabash, Indiana, Curless currently resides there.

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]]> Out of Feed, Out of Luck: The Real Cost of Feed Delivery Failures in Swine Operations https://www.pigtek.net/the-real-cost-of-feed-delivery-failures-in-swine-operations/ Tue, 04 Nov 2025 19:53:49 +0000 http://www.pigtek.net/?p=13888

Whether you’re managing a 2,400-head finishing barn or a 6,000-sow farrow-to-wean operation, the assumption is that if the bin has feed, the pigs are eating. But what if they’re not?
Feed outages—defined as either full-blown empty feeders or subtle inconsistencies in delivery—remain one of the most under-diagnosed performance problems in swine production.

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Maintenance:

Out of Feed, Out of Luck: The Real Cost of Feed Delivery Failures in Swine Operations

By: Casey L. Bradley, Ph.D. – ANIMISTIC

From Science to the Barn: What We Know About Feed Gaps

Whether you’re managing a 2,400-head finishing barn or a 6,000-sow farrow-to-wean operation, the assumption is that if the bin has feed, the pigs are eating. But what if they’re not?

Feed outages—defined as either full-blown empty feeders or subtle inconsistencies in delivery—remain one of the most under-diagnosed performance problems in swine production.

Two decades ago, Brumm et al. (2005) showed that out-of-feed (OOF) events in grow-finish (GF) pigs could delay market weight by a full day or more. At the time, feed interruptions were usually obvious and tied to major mechanical failures or power issues. But today’s barns, with automated systems and fewer people walking pens, face a new kind of OOF event: the hidden kind.

“Just because the last switch turns off the auger doesn’t mean the first five feeders got filled,” explains Chris Elvidge, PigTek’s COO and Lead Engineer. “That’s the issue with dead-end systems—you’re trusting a single sensor to tell you the whole barn’s been fed.”

Grow-Finish: Hidden Feed Gaps, Hidden Costs

In modern GF systems, pigs are often grouped by body weight or flow stage, making it challenging to identify variability in feed intake. Add in variable bin moisture, fines, and feeder design—and you’ve got the perfect storm for inconsistent intake.

The 2007 study by Linneen et al. revealed that a single out-of-feed event in nursery pigs had a significant impact on average daily gain (ADG) during the affected period. That effect, while more subtle in heavier pigs, still leads to skewed closeouts, poor uniformity and economic loss, especially when marketing under tight packer specs. Elvidge says, “You might not see a feeder go empty, but if drop #3 fails to open and only the last drop triggers the shutoff, those pigs are losing feed time. And in GF, even 30–60 minutes matters when feed intake drives margin.”

Moreover, as pigs become heavier, their feed demand increases—but so does the risk of bridging, shear pin failure or auger wear, especially in single-run setups.

Farrowing & Lactation: A Systemic Blind Spot

Out-of-feed events during lactation are even more damaging. Sows that miss meals show faster body condition loss, reduced milk output and delayed weaning weights. You may not realize the sow missed a drop until you’re wondering why she weaned 2.5-pound lighter litters—or why the same sow is always the one needing extra bodyweight recovery before rebreeding.

“These problems repeat because we’re not always connecting them to feed outages,” says Elvidge. “If we tracked every feed event like we track litter weights, we’d make the connection faster.”

This becomes especially true in larger sow farms, where feed delivery is often scheduled or automated. One small electrical glitch, improperly wired sensor or dead-end feeder system could cascade into widespread performance losses across farrowing rows.

Why Traditional Systems Don’t Cut It Anymore

Many systems in use today are “good enough”—until they’re not. Common limitations include:

    • Dead-end auger runs that shut off once a final switch is triggered.
    • Feed bridging in bins leading to false full/empty readings.
    • Drop boxes that miss delivery – due to poor design or unmonitored malfunction.

Elvidge notes, “We’ve seen barns where the team thought pigs were fed because the controller said the system ran—but the auger skipped three sections due to a bad boot or wrong wiring. You’d only know if you’re out there checking every feeder.”

Modern Systems with Redundancy and Flow Feedback

To combat feed delivery gaps, recirculating systems like flex augers or chain discs offer significant advantages. Instead of terminating at a final feeder, the system loops—giving each drop box multiple opportunities to fill before the system shuts off.

But the key isn’t just physical system design; it’s smart automation.

Technologies like PigTek’s automatic bin slider, when paired with bin level sensors, provides producers with complete control over bin usage, eliminating the need for on-site labor. From a smartphone, a producer can open or close tandem bin sliders, monitor bin fill levels in real time and avoid bin switching delays that cause pigs to run out of feed.

“We’ve seen barns where the only issue was someone forgetting to switch bins,” says Elvidge. “With the automatic bin slider and a sensor, that mistake doesn’t have to happen anymore.”

This simple upgrade prevents one of the most common and costly feed outages: tandem bins running empty over the weekend or overnight, simply because no one was there to flip the gate. Producers using these tools report fewer emergencies, less guesswork and better peace of mind.

When Nutrition Plans Meet the Floor

Swine nutritionists can create the most scientifically precise diet formulation possible—but that effort is worthless if the feed doesn’t reach the pig consistently. Feed outages aren’t just system failures; they’re failures in execution, and they directly undermine nutritional strategy, animal health and profitability.

Whether it’s a few sows in lactation or a GF pen not hitting target weights, if feed isn’t consistently available, performance is compromised from the floor up.

The Producer’s Action Plan: Prevent, Monitor, Upgrade

    • Reassess feed system wiring and switch placement—especially in older barns.
    • Monitor drop performance across all feeders, not just endpoints.
    • Upgrade to looped, recirculating systems where practical.
    • Choose feed delivery systems that offer redundancy and data feedback.
    • Implement preventative maintenance protocols to avoid hidden failures.

“Feed is your biggest input,” says Elvidge. “If you’re not ensuring every pig gets it when they need it, you’re leaving money on the floor.”

Final Thought: Consistency Over Convenience

Feed delivery systems must match the complexity and scale of today’s swine operations. “Out-of-feed” can no longer mean “totally empty”—it must include missed drops, partial fills and untracked shutdowns.

Producers who act now to assess, modernize and monitor feed flow will be more competitive, more efficient and more profitable than those relying on aging, underperforming systems.

REFERENCES:

Brumm, Mike; Richert, Brian; Marchant-Forde, Jeremy; and Marchant-Forde, Ruth, “Out-of-Feed Events in
Grow-Finish Pigs: Causes and Consequences” (2005). Nebraska Swine Reports. 24. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/coopext_swine/24


Linneen, S K.; Goodband, Robert D.; Tokach, Michael D.; DeRouchey, Joel M.; Nelssen, Jim L.; and Dritz,
Steven S. (2006) “The effects of frequent out-of-feed events on growth performance of nursery, growing,
and finishing pigs,” Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports: Vol. 0: Iss. 10. https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.6945

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]]> PigTek Offers New, Reliable Anchor Bearing For Flex-Auger® System https://www.pigtek.net/new-reliable-anchor-bearing-for-flex-auger-system/ Mon, 28 Jul 2025 21:58:32 +0000 http://www.pigtek.net/?p=13640

PigTek has updated its FLEX-AUGER® Feed Delivery Systems with a new anchor bearing that’s designed for maximum reliability and made in the U.S.A.

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PigTek Offers New, Reliable Anchor Bearing For Flex-Auger® System

PigTek® Anchor Bearing

PigTek has updated its FLEX-AUGER® Feed Delivery Systems with a new anchor bearing that’s designed for maximum reliability and made in the U.S.A. Compatible with Chore-Time Model 75 and Model 75 Plus FLEX-AUGER Systems, the bearing also includes an updated clamp pin that enhances auger-to-anchor bearing attachment.

The new anchor bearing features a grease zerk with a generous internal grease reservoir for easy maintenance and extended bearing lubrication. The triple lip bearing seal design provides a high level of dust and water protection, while eliminating the risk of damage from over-greasing.

Made in the U.S.A., PigTek’s anchor bearing combines superior durability with reliable sourcing. It has been rigorously tested at 3,000 continuous hours (61 million revolutions) under a demanding 100-pound (45-kg) axial load, equivalent to two years of running time. It is backed by a five-year warranty.

“Our new anchor bearing isn’t simply a greaseable sleeve, but a true bearing with a highly robust design that gives producers longer service life and greater dependability,” said Randall Curless, Senior Marketing Specialist. “Customers will appreciate the large grease reservoir to extend times between greasing, as well as PigTek’s industry-leading warranty for peace of mind.”

The post PigTek Offers New, Reliable Anchor Bearing For Flex-Auger® System appeared first on PigTek.

]]> PigTek Announces New 5-Year Warranties On Stainless-Steel Feed Line Products https://www.pigtek.net/new-5-year-warranties-on-stainless-steel-feed-line-products/ Thu, 24 Jul 2025 16:05:55 +0000 http://www.pigtek.net/?p=13621

Following recent updates to its feed line offering, PigTek has announced new five-year limited warranties on select products.

The post PigTek Announces New 5-Year Warranties On Stainless-Steel Feed Line Products appeared first on PigTek.

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PigTek Announces New 5-Year Warranties On Stainless-Steel Feed Line Products

PigTek® Anchor Bearing
Solid Welded Seems on PigTek's Stainless-Steel Boots
Stainless Steel Control Unit for FLEX-AUGER® Feeding System

Following recent updates to its feed line offering, PigTek has announced new five-year limited warranties on select products. The company’s anchor bearing, stainless-steel boots and control units now come with the industry-leading warranties for customer peace of mind.

PigTek’s new anchor bearing, featuring a triple lip seal for superior dust and water protection, now includes the enhanced five-year warranty. The bearing is made in the U.S.A. for even greater durability and more reliable sourcing.

Next, PigTek’s stainless-steel boots come with the five-year warranty. The boots were recently updated with solid welded seams, unlike products that are more prone to failure due to weaker spot-welded designs.

Finally, the boxes on PigTek’s stainless-steel control units are backed by five-year warranties, thanks to their long-lasting design. Switches and internal components continue to have a one-year warranty.

“We’re so confident that we have the most robust feed line in the industry that we’ve introduced these five-year warranty programs,” said Chris Elvidge, COO and Lead Engineer at PigTek. “It’s also another reason for customers to choose our long-lasting stainless-steel finishes for only a minimal cost upgrade from galvanized options.”

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]]> Spring Maintenance: Preventing Auger Failures & Costly Out-of-Feed Events https://www.pigtek.net/preventing-auger-failures/ Tue, 22 Jul 2025 20:35:56 +0000 http://www.pigtek.net/?p=13478

Swine producers know that a well-functioning feed delivery system is the backbone of their operation. When an auger fails and pigs go without feed, the consequences are immediate—and costly. Research has shown that even short-term feed interruptions can reduce growth rates, increase feed intake variability, and contribute to serious health risks such as gastric ulcers, ileitis, and hemorrhagic bowel syndrome (HBS)​​.

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Spring Maintenance:

Preventing Auger Failures & Costly Out-of-Feed Events

By: Casey L. Bradley, Ph.D.

Swine producers know that a well-functioning feed delivery system is the backbone of their operation. When an auger fails and pigs go without feed, the consequences are immediate—and costly. Research has shown that even short-term feed interruptions can reduce growth rates, increase feed intake variability, and contribute to serious health risks such as gastric ulcers, ileitis, and hemorrhagic bowel syndrome (HBS)​​.

A study by Linneen et al. (2007) found that just one out-of-feed event in nursery pigs resulted in significantly lower average daily gain (ADG) during the affected period​. Meanwhile, Brumm et al. (2005) reported that out-of-feed events increase variation in pig growth and could lead to an additional day or more in time to market​.

Beyond performance losses, health consequences can be severe. Pigs experiencing feed disruptions exhibit increased aggression, erratic feeding behaviors, and higher stress levels, which can lead to intestinal distress and increased mortality in severe cases​.

As a swine nutritionist, I’ve meticulously studied, improved, and adapted diets to optimize pig performance for over two decades. Every decision in swine nutrition — from ingredient selection to formulation adjustments — ensures pigs receive the precise nutrients needed for growth and health.

However, even the most scientifically formulated diet is worthless if feed doesn’t reach the pigs. A single out-of-feed event due to a broken auger can derail productivity, disrupt growth, and compromise animal health.

PigTek, a leading systems provider to the pig industry, echoes the importance of maintaining consistent feed supply. According to Chris Elvidge, Engineering and Tech Service Manager, an out-of-feed event isn’t just an inconvenience — it’s a production failure that directly impacts performance, health, and profitability.

Spring Maintenance: The Best Defense Against Auger Failures

Preventing feed disruptions starts with spring maintenance and preparedness. As farms transition into warmer months, inspecting, repairing, and stockpiling essential parts for uninterrupted feed flow is critical.

PigTek’s Senior Marketing Specialist and seasoned swine producer, Randall Curless, believes that by catching small issues now, producers can prevent major breakdowns when they can least afford them. Spring is the perfect time to do a full system check, including the items listed below:

The Three Most Common Auger Failures & How to Prevent Them

  1. Motor Failures & Overheating: Overloaded augers and excessive wear on motors can cause overheating and failure.

    Prevention:
      • Ensure motors are correctly sized for the auger load.
      • Lubricate motor bearings regularly.
      • Inspect electrical connections and replace worn-out wiring.

  1. Feed Bridging & Clogs in the System: Bridging in bulk bins prevents feed from flowing correctly, starving pigs despite full bins.

    Prevention:
      • Use agitator balls and baffles to maintain feed flow.
      • Adjust feed formulations to prevent excess fines and moisture buildup.
      • Periodically check and clean bin interiors for residue buildup.

  1. Broken Flighting & Shear Pin Failures: Excessive wear on auger flighting and overloading can snap shear pins, halting feed delivery.

    Prevention:
      • Inspect auger flighting for wear and tear every season.
      • Keep spare shear pins on hand to quickly restore operation.
      • Ensure feed bin boots and tubes are properly aligned to reduce stress on the auger system.

Essential Spare Parts Every Farm Should Have on Hand

The best way to minimize downtime is to stockpile key replacement parts before an emergency. PigTek’s Elvidge believes that farmers who keep a dedicated maintenance kit save hours of downtime when an issue arises. If producers have what they need on hand, a simple fix can take 10 minutes instead of shutting down operations for half a day. As a result, he recommends keeping the following items onsite at all times:

    • Shear Pins & Bushings – The most common failure point and most straightforward to replace.
    • Agitator Balls & Baffles – Critical for preventing bridging in bins.
    • Anchor Bearings – A worn-out bearing can cause an auger to seize completely.
    • Spare Auger Flighting (Short Sections) – Quick fixes can restore function until a permanent repair is possible.
    • Grease & Gear Oil – Prevents excessive wear on moving parts.
    • Basic Tools (Pipe Wrenches, Vice Grips, Volt Meter) – Ensures quick troubleshooting and repair.

The 5S Method: Organizing Auger Maintenance for Efficiency

Will Mabee, Vice President & General Manager of PigTek, suggests that disorganization is one of the biggest obstacles that gets in the way of proper maintenance. When everything has its place, the effort ends up being much more efficient. He recommends tapping into the “5S Method,” a core principle of Lean manufacturing designed to improve efficiency, accessibility, and workplace organization.

  1. Sort (Seiri) – Remove unnecessary tools and parts from the repair area.
  2. Set in Order (Seiton) – Designate a clearly labeled space for each tool and part, ensuring they are easy to find.
  3. Shine (Seiso) – Keep maintenance areas clean and free of dust that could damage equipment.
  4. Standardize (Seiketsu) – Create a checklist to track part usage and ensure that tools are returned to their designated locations.
  5. Sustain (Shitsuke) – Train all employees to use and maintain the system properly to prevent future inefficiencies.

Preventative Maintenance Saves Time, Money, and Stress

While managing farm operations, I’ve experienced firsthand the frustration of having to bucket-feed pigs by hand when an auger failed — a situation that could have been prevented with proactive maintenance.

Feed system failures also present serious safety risks for farm workers. Having grown up in agriculture, I’ve witnessed my father lose part of a finger in an auger accident.

These examples demonstrate how a well-maintained auger system is more than just a mechanical necessity — it’s a commitment to animal well-being, efficiency, worker safety, and the farm’s overall success.

In summary, out-of-feed events are avoidable with proper planning and routine maintenance. Producers can drastically reduce downtime by:

    • Inspecting auger systems before peak feeding seasons.
    • Stocking spare parts so breakdowns don’t lead to extended disruptions.
    • Organizing repair tools and training employees to make quick fixes.

The bottom line? Preventative maintenance isn’t just good practice — it’s essential for keeping swine operations running smoothly. For personalized assistance and even more advice, reach out to your pig equipment manufacturer or local distributor. They work with these systems daily, understanding all the ins and outs, and they’d be happy to guide you on setting up a solid preventative maintenance schedule to help avert any out-of-feed events in your operation.

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