NDSU Specialist Bullish on ND's Swine

OMAHA (DTN) -- The future of the swine industry in North Dakota is promising, according to the new North Dakota State University (NDSU) Extension swine specialist, Taw Scaff. He said opportunities exist for future hog production expansion in the state.

"I have witnessed the swine industry's positive impact on rural communities," Scaff said in an NDSU news release. "Swine production facilities engage in sustainable production practices to foster relationships while building and advancing communities."

There are two main areas of potential growth in hog production in North Dakota, according to Scaff. One is nucleus and multiplier herds and the other is commercial sow and wean-to-finish farms.

Nucleus and multiplier herds are important to the swine industry, as they house sows, gilts and boars for genetic advancement. Housing these herds in remote areas away from other swine facilities helps ensure animal health.

In addition, multiplier herds receive progeny and semen from different nucleus herds for crossbreeding to produce animals specific to their farm needs.

"North Dakota, with its current low inventory of pigs and available land, is poised to become a prime location for swine production systems to house nucleus and multiplier herds," Scaff said. "This potential could provide other swine-producing states such as Minnesota, South Dakota and Iowa with greater flexibility and access to these herds, sparking a new era of collaboration and growth in the swine industry."

Commercial sow farms supply wean-to-finish operations with weaned pigs to raise to market weight for pork production. Wean-to-finish farms raise hogs from weaning for about six months until the animal reaches market weight.

Scaff said the expansion potential for swine production systems in neighboring states is limited due to land availability or proximity to other swine farms. Relocating or expanding sow operations into North Dakota could provide nearby states additional space for finishing pigs while maintaining a higher health status in the sow herd.

Another advantage for North Dakota would be the state's abundant crop production, which could supply the swine industry with feedstuffs. The recent addition of soybean crushing and ethanol facilities and the continued processing of other grains and crops could provide valuable byproducts to swine producers.

Scaff said benefits also exist for North Dakotans.

"The swine industry gives back to the community by providing jobs in rural areas, creating manure rich in nutrients as an economical fertilizer for farmers, and generating income to support local businesses," he said.

Scaff joined NDSU in the Department of Animal Sciences this summer. His duties include conducting applied studies and demonstrations on campus and at commercial swine farms, and he will also collaborate with Extension agents and specialists to support their education and research programs.

"Dr. Scaff is passionate about developing relationships and helping new and current swine producers and allied industry representatives to grow the swine industry in North Dakota," said Mohamed Khan, NDSU Extension assistant director and program leader for agriculture and natural resources.

Scaff received his Ph.D. from Purdue University, where his research focused on swine nutrition and reproduction. He grew up in a small, rural community in Oklahoma and received both his bachelor's and master's degrees from Oklahoma State University.

Russ Quinn can be reached at Russ.Quinn@dtn.com

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