Farms.com Home   News

Agenda Focuses On Helping Producers Stay Competitive In The Swine Industry

Kansas State University’s 2023 Swine Profitability Conference is planned for Tuesday, Feb. 7 in Manhattan.

The annual conference focuses on providing information to improve knowledge for pork producer business decisions.

“We hold two major swine events each year at K-State,” said Mike Tokach, Distinguished Professor in K-State’s Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, and K-State Research and Extension specialist.

“At Swine Day (in November), we share our latest research results. At Swine Profitability Conference, we focus on business decisions and industry-wide issues facing pork producers.”

The conference will take place at the Stanley Stout Center, 2200 Denison Avenue. The day begins with coffee and donuts at 9:15 a.m. and the program starting at 9:30 a.m. Lunch is included in the conference, which will end at 3 p.m.

Pre-registration is $25 per participant and due by Jan. 27. Attendees can register at the door for $50 per participant. More information, including online registration, is available at KSUSwine.org.

Tokach said the lineup of speakers for this year’s Swine Profitability Conference “bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to help producers increase their competitiveness.”

The agenda includes an array of swine-related businesses and organizations, including:

  • Paul Yeske, Swine Vet Center, will address recent PRRS outbreaks and lessons learned.
     
  • Glynn Tonsor, K-State Department of Agricultural Economics, will discuss the industry outlook in a period of elevated uncertainty.
     
  • Randy Prather, Curators’ Distinguished Professor at the University of Missouri, will talk about genetically engineered swine for agriculture and medicine.
     
  • Doug and Cole Claassen and families, Whitewater, Kansas, will discuss their family story and experiences with batch farrowing.
     
  • Christine Mainquist-Whigham and Ethan Stephenson, Pillen Family Farms, will speak on improving efficiency through collaborative efforts in health, nutrition and management innovation.
Source : k-state.edu

Trending Video

CEOs of the Industry – Rob Brenneman, CEO of Brenneman Pork

Video: CEOs of the Industry – Rob Brenneman, CEO of Brenneman Pork

“From Pork Production to Performance Nutrition: A Candid Conversation with One of the Industry’s Most Unconventional Thinkers”

CEOs of the Industry, we sit down with Rob Brenneman, the visionary behind Brenneman Pork, for an unfiltered, in-depth conversation on leadership, survivability, nutrition, and the future of pig farming.

Rob shares how a deep-rooted commitment to **health—both animal and personal—**drives his philosophy and decision-making. From reshaping pork nutrition and advocating for the return of well-marbled, flavorful pork to confronting the ongoing battle with PRRS and other health threats, Rob’s insights reflect decades of hands-on experience and bold innovation.

Key themes include: Nutrition Reimagined: Why the industry went off course—and how Brenneman Pork is leading change by prioritizing gut health, fat quality, and real performance.

Health & Survivability: Rob’s take on biosecurity, disease management, and the systems and protocols that protect both pigs and profitability.

Well-Marbled Pork as Premium Protein: The science, consumer insights, and culinary feedback behind Rob’s mission to reintroduce pork as a premium, flavorful protein.

Sustainability & Farm Culture: How Brenneman Pork balances environmental responsibility with day-to-day positivity and resilience.

Generational Impact: Strategies to attract, inspire, and retain the next wave of pork producers with pride and purpose.

Plus, a fast-paced finale where Rob shares his top pork pick, leadership lessons, and what he’d change overnight in the industry.

Whether you're a producer, nutritionist, policymaker, or future leader, this episode offers a masterclass in where pork production is headed—and how visionaries like Rob are shaping it.