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If there was one word to sum up the 2025 World Pork Expo—it was energy. With one of the highest turnouts in recent years, the show was buzzing with optimism, urgency, and new ideas. For PigTek, it wasn’t just a show of numbers—it was a show of need. And that need is clear: producers are seeking clarity, dependability, and partners who speak their language.
1. High Traffic, High Value
The PigTek booth stayed busy from open to close. But it wasn’t just about the volume—it was about the depth of conversation. Producers arrived with real questions and stayed for real answers.
We saw a renewed sense of urgency around barn upgrades, ventilation control, feeding efficiency, and technician support. More importantly, we heard producers voice what the industry doesn’t always talk about—they’re tired of overbuilt solutions that don’t fit their reality.
“What we experienced this year was different,” said Randy Curless, Marketing Specialist at PigTek. “There was a hunger for common-sense solutions—equipment that works, support that’s available, and partners that show up after the sale.”
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2. The Buzz: Practical Wins Over Complex
There was a clear buzz in the aisles: producers are shifting toward practical, barn-ready innovations—and they’re done chasing technology for technology’s sake.
PigTek’s new shelf feeder, introduced at World Pork Expo, drew strong interest for its simplicity, durability, and ease of integration. It’s designed to drop into existing barn systems without the need for a full operational overhaul or retraining staff.
Another standout was the newly launched anchor bearing—described by many as a “beast.” Producers appreciated its heavy-duty construction and practical engineering. With a greaseable design and a seal that holds—even when overgreased—this bearing earned high marks for longevity and reliability.
3. Dealer Power: The Force Behind the Brand
Our dealer event was a highlight—not just for camaraderie but for alignment. Dealers are feeling the pace pick up in their regions. They need faster turnaround, better factory support, and confidence that the company behind them is evolving with the times.
“Our dealers are our advantage,” Randy said. “They’re the first call when something breaks. The reason PigTek continues to win is because our gear and our people are both field-tested and ready.”
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Why It Matters
WPX 2025 was a mirror held up to the industry—and it showed that producers aren’t standing still. They’re looking ahead. But they’re also becoming more selective about who they trust to build that future with.
PigTek showed up with a clear message: We’re not here to impress—we’re here to improve. From the feed lines to the fan controls to the service teams behind it all, our brand is grounded in simplicity, strength, and support.
As Randy put it, “Innovation isn’t just a product—it’s a promise to solve the right problem, at the right time, for the right producer.”
We left WPX energized, validated, and more connected than ever. Now it’s time to keep building. Together.
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By Chris Elvidge, PigTek
In today’s swine production environment, efficiency isn't a luxury—it's a necessity. As margins tighten and expectations rise, producers must turn every lever available to optimize performance. One of the most powerful—and often underutilized—tools is precision feeding control. When aligned with smart ventilation systems, the impact is transformative.
Welcome to the future of barn management, where feeding and climate control work in harmony to boost productivity, safeguard animal welfare, and lower operational costs.
🔄 Feeding Smarter, Not Harder
Feed represents the single largest cost in swine production. Precision feeding allows producers to fine-tune delivery by pig weight, age, and barn conditions—ensuring each animal gets exactly what it needs, when it needs it.
This level of accuracy helps reduce feed waste, improve feed conversion, and support consistent growth across pens. It’s not just automation—it’s strategy.
🌬️ The Ventilation Connection
Here’s where it gets powerful: integrating your feeding controls with ventilation data.
When barn temperatures spike or humidity increases, pig behavior shifts. Appetite drops. Metabolism slows. Without responsive adjustments, feed gets wasted, pigs underperform, and margins erode.
A well-integrated system responds in real time. Feed delivery adapts to changing environmental conditions—backed by data from ventilation sensors. The result is a smart, responsive barn where pigs stay on target regardless of outside conditions.
🧠 Control That Puts You in Charge
At the heart of this evolution is a central control system that brings together feed, climate, and barn activity in one seamless platform. With real-time monitoring and remote access, producers gain complete control over:
- Feeding schedules and quantities
- Environmental conditions like temperature and airflow
- Alarm management and data tracking
- Performance trends over time
Whether you're managing a farrowing barn or a finishing site, this technology empowers you to make fast, informed decisions that drive results.
📈 Tangible Benefits for Producers
Producers leveraging integrated feeding and ventilation controls report:
- Up to 5% improvement in feed conversion
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More uniform weight gain across pigs
- Fewer feed-related disruptions during extreme weather
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Reduced labor time and guesswork
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Greater confidence in meeting production targets
This isn’t just a convenience—it’s a competitive edge.
🔧 Best Practices for Feeding Control Integration
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1. Inspect and Service Heating Equipment
Test and clean all heaters, pilot lights, and thermostats. Replace filters and check for proper combustion. Ensuring your heating system is fully operational now prevents emergency fixes when cold hits.
2. Seal and Insulate
Check barn doors, curtains, and vents for gaps, tears, or poor seals. Replace worn weatherstripping and consider additional insulation to keep heat in and drafts out—saving energy and improving pig comfort.
3. Calibrate Ventilation Controls
Transitioning from summer to cooler weather means adjusting ventilation rates. Recalibrate sensors and controls, such as PigTek’s PigCentral®, to ensure appropriate airflow and prevent condensation or respiratory issues.
4. Test Alarm and Backup Systems
With more reliance on automated controls during cold months, test barn alarms, power backups, and generator systems now. A few minutes of prep can save critical time in an outage.
5. Schedule a Preventive Equipment Checkup
Now is a great time to work with your PigTek dealer to inspect feed systems, ventilation units, and environmental controls. Preventive maintenance catches small issues before they become costly problems in winter.
🍂 Fall is the season of preparation. Let PigTek help you stay ahead with smart barn solutions, technical expertise, and dependable dealer support.
🔗 Learn more or connect with your dealer at www.pigtek.net
| | PigTek is excited to showcase its cutting-edge solutions for swine production at upcoming industry events. As a leader in innovative swine management technologies, PigTek offers advanced ventilation systems, precision feeding solutions, and expert support designed to enhance animal welfare, productivity, and operational efficiency. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with the PigTek team, explore live demonstrations, and discover how their products are shaping the future of swine farming. Visit our booth to learn more about our commitment to delivering smarter, sustainable solutions that empower producers to succeed in today’s competitive market. See you there | |
🗓️ Featured Events
📍 Passion for Pigs Seminar & Trade Show
July 30, 2025 – Great Falls, Montana
An engaging, producer-focused event bringing innovation and insight to the swine industry.
📍 Ag Progress Days
August 12–14, 2025 – Furnace, Pennsylvania
One of the largest outdoor ag expos in the Northeast, covering swine and beyond.
📍 Carthage Vet Swine Conference
August 26, 2025 – Quincy, Illinois
A key event for swine veterinarians and progressive producers focused on health and performance.
📍 Indiana Midwest Pork Conference
December 2nd, 2025 – at the Horizon Convention Center in Muncie Indiana
A year-end gathering of producers, industry experts, and researchers from across the Midwest.
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🐷 Built Tough. Designed Smart.
Meet the all-new PigTek®️ Shelf Feeder—engineered for optimal feeding and long-lasting performance in your barn.
✅ Wet/dry design for flexible feeding
✅ 304 stainless steel resists corrosion and stands up to wear
✅ Easy clean-up with tight-hemmed edges and removable water tube
✅ Durable brackets & adjustable shelf for feeding comfort and efficiency
From easier maintenance to better pig growth, this feeder does it all.
Contact your PigTek dealer to learn more or visit the link below:
https://www.pigtek.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/chore-time-shelf-feeders-fact-sheet-pt-2578-202504-em.pdf
| | PigTek News- New Additions | | |
Will Mabee has been named a CTB Vice President and General Manager for PigTek, according to Victor A. Mancinelli, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for CTB, Inc. In his new position, Mabee will oversee all aspects of CTB’s PigTek business unit and be responsible for continuing the growth of PigTek products both domestically and in select global markets.
Mabee has over 27 years of experience with CTB, serving most recently as Vice President of Global Credit and Risk Management. Prior roles at CTB include Vice President Corporate Controller, supporting business decisions as Controller for several of the company’s business units, including PigTek, and Financial Reporting Manager in the corporate headquarters.
A graduate of Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana, with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting, Mabee is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
Mabee is a native of Indiana and currently resides in Winona Lake.
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Michelle Workman has been named Sales Account Manager for PigTek, according to Will Mabee, Vice President and General Manager of the CTB, Inc. business unit. Her responsibilities include developing and supporting PigTek’s dealer network, delivering high-quality customer service, continually expanding and applying comprehensive product knowledge and strategically negotiating mutually beneficial agreements to meet both client and company needs.
Workman comes to CTB with 21 years of swine production experience. She served the last seven years as a Senior Production Manager for wean to finish operations with a midwestern swine farm management and consulting service. Her role included leading contract negotiations, fostering client relationships and delivering tailored solutions for farm owners. She helped improve client farm operations through product enhancements, team development, and financial management for savings and performance.
A graduate of Ivy Tech Community College, Kokomo, Indiana. Workman earned an associate degree in agricultural science. She is also a graduate of the Pork Leadership Institute.
She currently resides in her home area of Lagro, Indiana.
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