Beating the summer carcass weight dip: Strategies with soybean meal

Every summer, pig farmers face a frustrating reality: heat stress causes carcass weights to drop by 8-10 pounds precisely when market prices peak. But what if you could capture those lost pounds and the profits they represent?

Dr. David Rosero of Iowa State University and Dr. Bart Borg of Passel Farms reveal game-changing strategies to combat the summer weight dip through strategic soybean meal utilization. Their research demonstrates that understanding the minimum effective levels of soybean meal for each growth phase can maximize pig performance even during challenging heat conditions. With current markets offering dollar-plus prices during summer months, producers stand to gain $3-4 per head by implementing these approaches.

Beyond soybean meal, the experts share critical insights about ingredients that may worsen summer performance problems. High-fiber ingredients like corn DDGs can reduce feed intake during heat stress, further diminishing carcass weights. Making these nutritional decisions requires planning months ahead – typically December or January – for pigs marketed during summer. The researchers are developing new economic tools that integrate diet costs, animal performance data, and market forecasts to help producers make optimal feeding decisions.

Don't let summer heat melt away your profits. Listen now to discover how strategic nutrition management can help you maintain growth performance when market prices are at their peak. Share this episode with fellow producers who struggle with seasonal production challenges and subscribe for more practical insights that directly impact your bottom line.