January2024 - Journal-No PN Final WEB - Flipbook - Page 9
Management
abilities were crucial to reaching
their worldwide success and
fame. Similarly, pigs are born
with a maximum genetic
potential, which, unlike humans,
cannot be improved through
practice. Our impact can only
maintain or reduce the genetic
potential of the animals in
our care. A pig with a lifetime
of 昀氀awless air, feed, water,
care, comfort, and health can
maintain the maximum genetic
potential. Any challenge to air,
feed, water, care, comfort, or
health could reduce what the
pig had the potential to do.
When we place pigs in a barn,
we apply all the pressure on
ourselves as caregivers to supply
everything for that pig’s daily
and performance needs.
Non-Negotiables
When we analyze variations
in performance among farms
with similar genetic lines,
caregiver practices emerge as
a key determinant. Despite
similar genetic backgrounds,
performance discrepancies are
attributed to the caregivers’ role
in ensuring optimal conditions
for the pigs. Some may assume
newer facilities provide a
performance advantage, but
when we look closer, it is
far more important to make
improvements to operational
execution rather than focus on
facility age.
Proven production practices
consistently yield superior
results. It is the caregivers’
responsibility to promptly
address common problems in
the barn. But, a caregiver cannot
do so without proper training
to complete a job correctly.
Untrained employees will not
duplicate excellent
performance day after
day.
Observation of employee
execution will ensure
animals have the appropriate
care to reach their genetic
potential. Additionally, daily
feedback on how employees are
completing tasks is essential to
yield continued positive results
and/or improve behaviors.
The impact of great caregivers
minimizes situations that hinder
genetic potential, contributing
to improved farm ef昀椀ciency and
昀椀nancial performance.
A 昀椀nancially successful farm
lies in the careful management
of various factors, from genetic
potential to caregiver practices
to animal health. At Pipestone
Management, we expect our
team to provide excellent care
consistently to the animals and
we audit their performance daily,
we challenge you to do the
same.
WINTER 2024 | 9
