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More Uncertainty for Pork Industry in a Very Uncertain Market

The Supreme Court’s ruling on Proposition 12 has added “a whole bunch more uncertainty to a very uncertain market,” said Lee Schulz, Iowa State University ag economist and Extension livestock specialist.

The entire pork production system will experience great financial burden from the expense of retrofitting existing barns and building new facilities to the expense incurred for further processing and retail segregation. 

“A lot of those exact cost estimates are yet to be determined,” Schulz told AgriTalk’s host Chip Flory. “But what we know is this will result in a much higher cost to producers and those costs are going to vary throughout the different segments of the industry.”

The industry has to reconfigure, and some already have, Schulz explained. 

“We know there's been some new construction that meets the Prop 12 guidelines. It's relatively small, but the first movers have decided to adjust. Often, those are ones that have a lower cost of production which may be because of economies of size, or operations that have been able to secure premiums.”

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Building Better Barns: Innovations in Hog Facility Design with PSI’s Tim Messinger

Video: Building Better Barns: Innovations in Hog Facility Design with PSI’s Tim Messinger

In this exclusive interview from the 2025 Iowa Pork Congress Rachel Fishback and Swineweb sit down with Tim Messinger, a seasoned expert from Precision Structures Inc. (PSI) of Wellman, Iowa, to delve into the latest trends and innovations in hog barn construction and remodeling.

With nearly two decades at PSI, Tim shares his journey from draftsman to sales, highlighting the company’s comprehensive services in building farrow-to-wean complexes, finishers, and nurseries. He emphasizes the critical role of proper site layout and grading in barn construction, ensuring long-term efficiency and scalability for pork producers.

Tim also discusses the increasing importance of advanced ventilation systems and smart controllers like Maximus and AP Edge, which offer producers enhanced monitoring and control over barn environments. As construction costs have risen, PSI has seen an uptick in remodeling projects, particularly in slat replacements, roof refurbishments and barn gating remodels to extend the lifespan of existing facilities.

A key takeaway from Tim is the value of partnering with reputable builders who offer robust post-sale support. PSI’s dedicated service team stands ready to assist clients 24/7, addressing emergencies and ensuring optimal barn performance.

For pork producers looking to build or upgrade their facilities, this conversation offers valuable insights into best practices and the latest industry developments.