1,000 Pigs Died in Iowa Hog Farm

Feb 05, 2013

Officials say that about 1,000 pigs died in a barn fire that broke out on a hog operation located in eastern Iowa. The fire was reported on Friday around 1pm on a hog farm located 10 miles west of Columbus Junction. The hog facility included eight connected buildings, spanning 20 acres.

By the time firefighters arrived on scene, two of the farrowing barns were fully engulfed in flames. It took 45 firefighters from surrounding communities to put out the fire. The blaze was difficult to extinguish due to the location of the facility. The swine barn was located on a hilly property, which made it difficult to truck water in freezing temperatures.

Authorities say that 500 to 600 pigs that were killed were sows and the rest were piglets. No humans were injured.

The fire is still under investigation.

Video: Industry–University Collaborations in Swine Research - Dr. Jordan Gebhardt and Matt Einarson

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show, Dr. Jordan Gebhardt from Kansas State University and Matt Einarson from SAM Nutrition explore how academic–industry partnerships are driving innovation in swine nutrition. They share how collaborations support graduate training, create credibility, and translate research into practical strategies for producers. Discover real trial outcomes, sustainability initiatives, and why bridging science with industry is essential for the future. Listen now on all major platforms!

"The partnership with universities allows research to stay current, answering real questions that nutritionists and producers are asking today." - Dr. Jordan Gebhardt

Meet the guest: Dr. Jordan Gebhardt / jordan-gebhardt-9a6b4b120 , Associate Professor of Swine Production at Kansas State University, combines expertise in veterinary medicine and applied swine nutrition to improve herd health and productivity through research and student training. Matt Einarson / matt-einarson-7a00a123 , Vice President of Sales and Business Development North America at SAM Nutrition, brings more than two decades of leadership in global agribusiness, specializing in strategy, market development, and feed innovation.