Expand Your Knowledge of Regenerative Agriculture at Dudley Smith Farm Field Day

May 17, 2023

By Jenna Braasch

Whether you are a farmer, producer, or consumer, it is important to stay informed on current and upcoming agricultural practices. The ag industry is fast-paced and filled with technology pushing efficiency forward. Without these advancements, farmers could not continue to feed the growing world. The challenge remains to do it sustainably.

Dudley Smith Farm is one location where tradition pushes sustainable agriculture practice into the future through hands-on research opportunities. Look forward to hearing industry updates and application examples on-site at the upcoming Field Day beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 29, near Pana, IL, in Christian County. A free lunch is provided.

Field Day topics will include:

Factors influencing beef cow nutrition and the cost of beef cow diets.
Developing a grass-fed beef enterprise and direct marketing methods to consumers of grass-fed beef.
What regenerative agriculture really means. Explore practical findings around regenerative ag.
Updates on the drainage and cover crop research at Dudley Smith Farm.
Discuss related crop sciences research findings from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

There is no cost to attend the field day. Advance registration is required for lunch by June 23. Check out the full agenda, speakers, and registration at go.illinois.edu/DSFFieldDay23.

Source : illinois.edu

Video: CEOs of the Industry: John McIntire, Partner at Pike Pig Systems

CEOs of the Industry, Jim sits down with John McIntire, Partner at Pike Pig Systems, one of the most quietly impressive 26,000-sow operations in the U.S. John shares how he grew from operator to partner, how Pike built a people-first culture with long-tenured managers, and why they’re committed to weaning bigger, stronger pigs at 25+ days.

John breaks down how Pike stays efficient in a tough economic environment, the power of their shareholder-owned farm model, and how their work with PIC and a 240-head boar facility drives genetics and health outcomes. He also opens up about the innovations Pike adopts — and how they decide what’s truly valuable versus industry hype.

From Prop 12 and labor challenges to trade, consumer expectations, and sustainability, John chooses a hot-button issue and shares how Pike is preparing for the future. The episode closes with a rapid-fire “Fast Five” — mindset, leadership, daily habits, and three words that define Pike Pig Systems in 2025.

If you want a look inside a people-driven, purpose-driven, quietly elite pork system, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.