August 2007 ,  Vol. 10, No. 8
PEAK OF PERFORMANCE NEWS                        
 
General Manager Comments
 
The June 1 USDA Hogs and Pigs Report shows inventory of all hogs and pigs at 62.8 million head. This was up 2% from both June 1, 2006 and March 1, 2007. Breeding inventory, at 6.12 million head, was up 1% from last year, and 2% from the previous quarter. Market hog inventory, at 56.6 million head, was up 2% from both last year and last quarter. The March-May 2007 pig crop, at 27.1 million head, was up 2% from 2006 and up 4% from 2005. Sows farrowing during this period totaled 2.97 million head, up 1% from 2006 and up 3% from 2005. The average pigs saved per litter was 9.15 for the March-May 2007 period, compared to 9.08 last year.

It’s perhaps not surprising from this report that hog prices on the futures market are significantly lower than expected or than necessary to make a reasonable profit.

 
PEAK Growth Summit

GROWTH in Carcass Improvement:

Twenty-eight carcasses measured in May 2007 at Salmon Creek Farms Marketing Association from Summit gilts and Duroc boars had the following excellent carcass measurements and meat quality:

Dressing percentage, %

77.3

10th rib backat, inches

0.9

Loin eye area, sq inches

6.9

Percentage carcass lean, %

51.1

pH

5.8

Firmness

3.0

Lean color

3.8

Marbling

3.0

 
Peak Customers
 

Thank you to every one of our continuing clients!

 
PEAK BookOf World Records
 
Compared to an average weekly weaning rate of 1180 piglets, BarrWest Pork reached its own record of 1253 piglets weaned in the week of May 21. Higher litter size numbers are the contributor, rather than additional weaned sows.

Peaceview Colony is quite ecstatic that 2 of its purchased Summit gilts farrowed litters of 17 live piglets each. All look quite identical, are equally big, vitally healthy and appear strong. We’re looking for digital photos!

MacMillan Colony now has its nutrition and feeding program in place, along with leaner, bigger-loined Trailblazer boars to get the following results, compared to pigs with 4 index points less on average in the past:

Trait

Value

No. pigs

80

Carcass weight, kg

94.2

Backfat average, mm

17.4

Average index

111.9

Loin depth, mm

61.8

60-66 mm lean, %

43

Gilts June 11, 2007

Trait

Value

No. pigs

67

Carcass weight, kg

93.6

Backfat average, mm

20.0

Average index

109.3

Loin depth, mm

59.3

60-66 mm lean, %

23

Barrows June 11, 2007

 
Territory Managers
 
For more information, contact:
 
  Manager Territory Cell Telephone
Les Robinson Southern & Central Alberta (250) 833-6196
Paul Klingeman Pacific Northwest  (509) 989-1347
Mike Miller Saskatchewan and Montana (403) 317-0543
 
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