Take Necessary Precautions Hauling Manure

Apr 04, 2014

The presence of the Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus (PEDv) in South Dakota and region requires producers, manure haulers and land owners to cooperatively work together to reduce the risk of disease spread during the manure application season, explained Erin Cortus, Assistant Professor & SDSU Extension Environmental Quality Engineer.

"Biosecurity measures during the manure hauling season are not new to pork producers, but it never hurts to take a fresh look at procedures on your operation, especially in light of new and ongoing research," said Cortus. "Heat and time combinations can deactivate the virus, and limiting exposure can help reduce the risk of spreading this virus."

What research says

Ongoing research by Dr. S Goyal at University of Minnesota titled Environmental stability of PEDv has shown PEDv can survive in slurry for 14 days at room temperature, which is 77 degrees Fahrenheit. At storage temperatures of -4 degrees Fahrenheit and 39 degrees Fahrenheit, the virus was still alive after 28 days.

Fresh fecal material stored at temperatures of 104 degrees Fahrenheit to 140 degrees Fahrenheit and relative humidity between 30 percent and 70 percent survived for up to seven days. A deactivation period of seven days at room temperature was also measured by Iowa State University Researchers.

Another separate study titled, Evaluation of time and temperature sufficient to kill PEDv in swine feces on metal surfaces, provides more research data to work with.

Click here to see more...

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.