Farms.com Home   News

Agriculture This Week: Farming always evolving

When you have grown up on a farm in the 1960s and ‘70s it is almost beyond belief the changes in farming we see today. 

It was a mixed farm for me, and that meant pigs and grain. 

In my youth I hauled a lot of ground grain to feed the pigs using cleaned five-gallon pails that originally were filled with some weed spray, or another. 

Looking back over some 40-years it seems like it was such a crazy thing, but repurposing the pails was pretty standard. I’m pretty sure potatoes came from the garden to the cellar bin in similar pails. 

Of course I clearly recall Dad taking plugged nozzles off the sprayer, his gloves getting soaked in the process, and then simply blowing out the nozzle with his breath. 

Knowing what we do now it’s a wonder what health problems were caused in a time we didn’t know better, or were reluctant to change. Dad lived to a considerable age, his heart giving out one day, but one wonders. 


Trending Video

Nutrition and Sow Livability - Dr. Mark Knauer

Video: Nutrition and Sow Livability - Dr. Mark Knauer


In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show, Dr. Mark Knauer, Swine Extension Specialist at North Carolina State University, discusses nutritional strategies to improve sow livability and piglet outcomes. He shares research insights on vitamin programs, antioxidant support, and nutrition-based approaches in commercial production systems. Dr. Knauer highlights opportunities to reduce mortality, enhance sow longevity, and improve overall performance. Listen now on all major platforms!

“Disease challenges create oxidative stress, and replenishing antioxidants can help to support sow and piglet livability.”

Meet the guest: Dr. Mark Knauer / mark-knauer-0475b921 is a Swine Extension Specialist at North Carolina State University, where he conducts applied research to improve sow productivity, longevity, and herd performance. He earned his Ph.D. from North Carolina State University and previously served as Director of Animal Science at the National Pork Board. Learn more from Dr. Mark Knauer on The Swine it Podcast Show, available on all major platforms.