Pipestone Veterinary Services Swine Time Podcast

In this episode of the SwineTime Podcast, host Dr. Spencer Wayne welcomes Dr. Adam Schelkopf, Pipestone veterinarian and partner, for a candid discussion on air filtration in wean‑to‑market pig barns and where it realistically fits into today’s PRRS control strategies.PRRS continues to be one of the most challenging and costlydiseases in pork production. While air filtration has been successfully used for decades in sow farms and boar studs, applying that same technology to growing pig barns has long been considered impractical. However, increasing pig density, neighborhood disease pressure, and repeated outbreaks are pushing some producers to re‑evaluate whether filtration could serve as an additional biosecurity tool in select wean‑to‑market systems.Dr. Schelkopf is clear throughout the episode: filtration is not a solution to PRRS. It does not eliminate risk, and it does not replace foundational biosecurity practices. Instead, filtration should be viewed as a risk‑management option—one that may help certai

In this episode of the Swine Time Podcast, host Dr. Spencer Wayne welcomes fellow Pipestone veterinarian Dr. Evan Koep to break down key takeaways from the 2026 American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) Annual Conference. Fresh from Las Vegas, Dr. Koep shares the most important discussions influencing today’s U.S. swine industry — including disease management trends, emerging technology, and national herd‑level health initiatives.Dr. Koep highlights how PRRS virus evolution continues to challenge the swine industry. Compared to several years ago, current viral strains show greater virulence, increased persistence, and reduced elimination success rates, pushing veterinarians to reconsider traditional timelines and strategies for herd stabilization and virus removal. The conversation also touches on the appearance of newer PRRS variants, which have contributed to widespread finishing‑site outbreaks across the Midwest. Another major topic from AASV was the growing momentumtoward national-level eradicati

On this episode of the Swine Time Podcast, host and swine veterinarian Dr. Spencer Wayne sits down with Erin Little, Director of Farm Stats and nutrition enthusiast, to discuss why pork is one of the most protein-efficient, high-quality protein sources available today. Together, they explore how pork can be a lean, affordable, family-friendly staple, breaking down the science behind protein intake, calorie efficiency, andpractical meal planning. This episode connects the farm to thetable—highlighting why pork deserves a leading role in healthy eating and modern nutrition.Erin shares her insights from years of working in swine production and farm data, applying that same analytical mindset to human nutrition and meal planning. Listeners will learn practical tips for getting the most out of pork while keeping meals healthy, efficient, and delicious. Erin dives into the concept of protein efficiency, showing how a simple pork loin delivers twice the protein per calorie compared to processed snacks like protein b

In this episode of the SwineTime podcast, staff veterinarian Dr. Spencer Wayne is joined by fellow veterinarian and former partner, Dr. Jean Paul Cano, for a discussion on African Swine Fever (ASF).Dr. Cano is a swine veterinarian originally from Venezuela who completed his PhD in Minnesota and spent years working in U.S. production systems before relocating to Spain with his family. Now practicing near Barcelona, Dr. Cano offers a firsthand perspective on Spain’s recent detection of ASF in wild boar populations—and the ripple effects it has had across the pork industry. ASF is a highly complex, resilient virus that affects only pigs, with a very high fatality rate and no commercially viable vaccine. Unlike more fragile viruses, ASF can survive for weeks in fresh pork, months in cured meats, and even years in frozen products, making biosecurity and containment especially challenging. In late November 2025, Spain confirmed ASF in two wild boars found dead in a state park near Barcelona—the country’s first dete

In this episode of the SwineTime podcast, staff veterinarian and Pipestone Holdings owner Dr. Spencer Wayne is joined by fellow veterinarian and partner Dr. Joseph Yaros for a practical discussion on one of the most critical aspects of swine production: identifying sick pigs early and responding appropriately.The conversation centers on real-world, barn-level observations that help producers and caretakers detect health challenges before they turn into larger performance or mortality issues. Dr. Yaros emphasizes that early recognition and timely intervention are essential to protecting pig health, animal welfare, and overall production efficiency. To simplify daily pig assessments, Dr. Yaros introduces the “SANTA” acronym, an easy-to-remember framework for evaluating individual pigs: Stance – Pigs standing with drooped heads, low ears, or a dull posture may be showing early signs of illness.Appetite – Slab-sided pigs or those lacking proper belly fill often indicate reduced feed intake and should be monitored

In this episode of the SwineTime podcast, host Dr. Spencer Wayne sits down with Damon Vander Maten, Director of FarmBooks at Pipestone, to dig into one of the biggest questions farm families face: When is the right time to reinvest in your farm assets?Damon brings extensive experience analyzing farm financials,helping producers make sense of balance sheets, debt loads, cash flow, and long-term planning. Together, Spencer and Damon walk through practical, down-to-earth ways farmers can evaluate whether to repair, replace, or rebuild barns and other infrastructure—and how to decide which part of a multi-enterprise operation (pigs, cattle, crops, etc.) deserves capital first.Key topics include:How to know if you're financially ready to invest, usingsimple rules of thumb like matching your percent equity to your age.Prioritizing repairs vs. new construction, and why youshould fix barns before they start hurting production.Comparing returns across your operation—hog barns vs. crops vs. cattle—and how to identi

In this episode, Dr. Spencer Wayne sits down with Hayden Kerkaert, Director of Pig Sales & Marketing for Pipestone Management, to break down the current weaned pig market and what it means for producers across the country. Hayden shares practical insights on what drives pig value, pricing,and performance.The weaned pig market has stayed strong longer than manyexpected. Unlike past short-term spikes, today’s high prices have lasted nearly a year, driven by tight pig supply, health challenges like PRRS, and some producers exiting the industry. Understanding why prices remain high—and whatbuyers are looking for—is critical for anyone raising or purchasing pigs.Hayden and Spencer cover the key factors affecting weanedpig prices, with health status at the top of the list. Buyers need clear, detailed information on a pig’s health, including PRRS status, vaccination history, and disease exposure, because it’s critical for them to know what’s coming into their barn. Vaccinated pigs generally perform better and ca

In this episode of the SwineTime podcast, host and veterinarian Dr. Spencer Wayne sits down with fellow veterinarian, Dr. Rachel Stika-Jensen and veterinary intern, Emma Zwart, to take a closer look at what it’s really like to participate in a veterinary internship within the swine industry. Together, they share practical insights for students, parents, swine veterinarians, and pig producers who want to better understand the value of hands-on training in pig health and production.The conversation begins with what drew them to the ag industry, specifically swine medicine. Emma explains how her internships helped bridge the gap between veterinary school and working directly with pigs, allowing her to build confidence in diagnosing herd health issues, understanding biosecurity protocols, and learning the day-to-day realities of swine practice. Dr. Stika-Jensen offers her perspective as both a practicing swine veterinarian and a mentor, highlighting how internships give future veterinarians a realistic view of wh

In this episode of the SwineTime podcast, host and swine veterinarian, Dr. Spencer Wayne, is joined by Dr. Kim VanderWaal from the University of Minnesota to tackle a complex but critical topic for pig farmers: PRRS virus classification.Dr. VanderWaal is an associate professor in Veterinary Population Medicine with expertise in swine disease ecology, epidemiology, and big data research. She has spent nearly a decade studying swine viruses, particularly PRRS (Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome)—one of the most costly and persistent diseases in pork production. With more than 80,000 virus sequences collected in the U.S., researchers now have a wealth of genetic data to study how PRRS evolves and spreads.The discussion highlights how the industry has shifted fromthe old RFLP typing system, which often gave confusing or misleading results, to a new framework built around lineages, sub-lineages, and variants. This updated approach offers veterinarians and producers more consistent, accurateinformation t

In this episode of the SwineTime Podcast, host Dr. Spencer Wayne talks with Paul Frahm, Director of Research Operations, about how research can help pig farmers make practical, informed decisions on their farms.Paul shares his background in the swine industry, starting in sow barns in Iowa before moving into research more than a decade ago. Today, he leads a team that focuses on answering real questions pig farmers face every day—questions about pig health, feed efficiency, genetics, and new technology in barns.Pipestone Applied Research operates 2,400-head barns set up like commercial pig barns, but with additional tools to measure results accurately. Automated feed delivery, precision scales, and split water lines allow the team to test everything from pig feed additives to vaccine programs under conditions that closely resemble what farmers see in their own barns.For producers, this kind of applied research offers meaningful value:Health and welfare – Trials comparing vaccines and treatments can help reduc

What happens when you’ve got feed left in the bin after the pigs leave the barn? In this episode, Dr. Spencer Wayne is joined by experts Emily Radcliffe of Pipestone Nutrition and Kim Morgan with FarmPro, to talk through practical options—and potential pitfalls—of handling leftover feed.From when it’s safe to blend feed for the next group to when it needs to come out of the bin entirely, this conversation is packed with real-world advice on managing feed transitions, preventing health issues, and minimizing costly mistakes.

Ileitis might be one of the most common gut diseases in pigs—but that doesn’t mean it has to take a toll on your herd or your bottom line. In this episode of SwineTime, Dr. Spencer Wayne sits down with Dr. AJ Smit to unpack the real-world impact of ileitis and how producers can get ahead of it.From catching sub-clinical signs in the barn to making sense of diagnostics and choosing the right vaccination approach, Dr. Smit shares practical strategies that can help you minimize losses and protect performance.Whether you're battling ileitis today or planning ahead for tomorrow, this conversation has tools you can put to work.

On this episode of SwineTime, Dr. Spencer Wayne is joined byDr. Kiah Berg from Pipestone Nutrition and Erin Little from FarmStats to dig into how wean age affects pig growth, feed efficiency, market weights, and sow productivity. They share real-world data and tips to help you make smart, profitable decisions on your farm. Evaluating your weaningstrategy could be the key to improving swine health and overall farm profitability.

Dr. Spencer Wayne sits down with Carly Bates, a soon-to-be college graduate, to discuss what young professionals look for in agriculture careers and how employers can stand out. They cover the importance of mentorship, networking, and communication, as well as the strong sense of community in the swine industry. Carly shares insights on stepping outside comfort zones, building connections, and why the swine industry offers great opportunities for those willing to put in the work. Whether you're hiring or job hunting, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways!

In this episode of the SwineTime podcast, Dr. Spencer Waynewelcomes futurist and author, Jack Uldrich, along with Hannah Walkes, President of Pipestone Services to discuss how swine producers can prepare for an ever-changing future. Jack shares insights from his "BIG AHA" framework—Awareness, Humility, and Action—helping farmers stay ahead of emerging trends that will impact their operations.From advancements in artificial intelligence to shifts in labor and technology, Jack emphasizes the importance of staying informed, unlearning outdated practices, and taking action to adapt. He highlights how AI is already influencing agriculture and why producers should invest time inthinking strategically about the future of their farms.Whether it’s integrating new technology, preparing for market changes, or developing a forward-thinking mindset, this conversation is all about helping swine producers stay resilient and ready for what’s next.

In this episode of the SwineTime, Dr. Spencer Wayne sits down with Damon Vander Maten, Director of FarmBooks, an offering of Pipestone Business Services, to discuss the crucial role of risk management in farming and how financial discipline can make or break an operation. They explore the pitfalls of emotional decision-making, the importance of maintaining a consistent strategy, and the financial tools available to producers. Whether you're just starting out or have been in the business for years, you'll hear valuable advice on balancing risk, usingthe right financial tools, and maintaining a disciplined approach to farming—ensuring that you're ready for the opportunities and challenges ahead. Tune in to learn why disciplined risk management leads to greater freedom andsuccess in agriculture.

In the latest episode of the SwineTime podcast, host Dr. Spencer Wayne takes a deep dive into the U.S. Swine Health Improvement Plan (US SHIP), joined by experts Drs. Tyler Holck, Tom Wetzell, and Vienna Brown, all of whom play key roles within the program. U.S. SHIP is a voluntary program designed to safeguard, improve, and represent the health status of swine across participating farm sites, supply chains, states, and regions. Dr. Holck breaks down how this program isn’t just about compliance—it’s about giving producers the tools and resources to protect their herds and stay competitive in the global market. Dr. Wetzell shares how U.S. SHIP builds teamwork, bringing together farmers, veterinarians, packers, and regulators to focus on herd health and disease preparedness. From practical tips for tracking herd status to how this program can open market opportunities even in the face of a foreign animal disease outbreak, the conversation is packed with real-world insights for producers who want to stay ahead o

In this continuation of our discussion on succession planning, host Dr. Spencer Wayne sits down again with Jim Marzolf of Pipestone Business Services to dive deeper into building the next generation of family farm leaders. While the first episode focused on family dynamics, this part tackles the structural and strategic elements of succession, including organizational roles, accountability, and leadership development. Learn how to create clear job descriptions, define responsibilities, and empower future leaders while navigating the challenges of transitioning control from one generation to the next. Jim shares insights on fostering intentional growth, balancing authority, and avoiding common pitfalls in family business transitions. If you're navigating succession in your own operation, this episode offers valuable advice and practical steps to build a strong foundation for future success.

In this episode of the SwineTime Podcast, Dr. Spencer Wayne sits down with Jim Marzolf, Executive Vice President of Pipestone Business Services, to discuss a topic that hits close to home for many farm families: succession planning. Passing the torch to the next generation isn’t just about keeping the farm running—it’s about protecting a legacy. Jim shares practical tips and stories from his years of experience working with farmers, offering insight into how to approach some of the trickiest parts of the process. They discuss everything from setting up a solid plan and handling family dynamics to making sure the farm can keep thriving as it changes hands. Whether you’re just starting to think about the future or knee-deep in conversations with your family, this episode is packed with advice to help you take the next steps toward a smooth transition—and set the next generation up for success.

In the latest episode of SwineTime, host Dr. Spencer Wayne sits down with Dr. Joel Nerem from PIPESTONE and Nikki Stolberg from New Roots Haiti, an organization doing incredible work to improve the lives of people in and around a small Haitian village. Together, they dive into the amazing ways New Roots Haiti is tackling poverty, hunger, and social challenges through sustainable farming, education, and building strong communities. You’ll hear stories about the real struggles the Haitian people face every day and the creative, hands-on solutions New Roots has developed to make a difference. From teaching farming techniques that help families grow their own food to programs that empower kids through education, New Roots Haiti is about building a brighter, more sustainable future. Dr. Nerem and Nikki also discuss why PIPESTONE is proud to support New Roots Haiti and how this partnership is making a real impact. It’s a powerful look at how agriculture and education can transform lives—and a reminder of the amazin