Software and Tools

  Tracking performance and optimizing space allocation

  Analyzing market timing and profit potential

  Making genetic selection and culling decisions

  Managing feed costs and testing uniformity

  Maintaining comprehensive production records

  Calculating manure nutrient value and setback requirements

Breeding and Reproduction

Tool

This software is designed to allow for data entry, calculations and report generation for reproductive traits in swine and will aid in starting a farm on computerized sow records. These records can be uploaded to more comprehensive commercially available industry programs. Developed by John Mabry, Iowa State University. Cost is $500 per copy. Use the link to contact Colin Johnson on multiple herd price, for more information or to order.

Tool
Sow Tracker v2.33
Tool

Use to determine optimal breeding and farrowing dates based on individual operations and inputs. Developed by Ken Stalder and Garland Dahlke, Iowa State University. Cost is $50 per copy. Iowa residents please use the link to connect with your specialist to order.

Tool
Breeding and Farrowing Schedule v7.4
Tool

This tool helps the producer determine the optimum maximum culling parity for commercial sow herds by estimating the economic value for the genetic improvement that occurs over time (also known as genetic lag.) Developed by Ken Stalder and Caitlyn Abell, Iowa State University.

Tool
Optimum Maximum Parity Calculator
Tool

This spreadsheet estimates the total costs associated with genome-enabled selection. Producers can see how much improvement in a weaned pig will be necessary in order to break even, on the costs associated with genome-enabled selection. Developed by Ken Stalder and Caitlyn Abell, Iowa State University.

Tool
Genomic Selection Spreadsheet

Economic Analysis

Tool

This spreadsheet is utilized to determine optimum time for keeping sows. It uses operation-specific production and financial information, so producers can determine how long sows must remain in the herd to generate a positive net value. Developed by Ken Stalder, Iowa State University, and Curt Lacey, University of Georgia. Also available: English, Metric measurement, Chinese, Metric measurement, Portuguese, Metric measurement, Spanish, Metric measurement

Tool
Farrow-to-Finish Sow Longevity Spreadsheet v2
Tool

This spreadsheet is utilized to determine optimum time for keeping sows. It uses operation-specific production and financial information, so producers can determine how long sows must remain in the herd to generate a positive net value. Developed by Ken Stalder, Iowa State University, and Curt Lacey, University of Georgia. Also available: English, Metric measurement, Chinese, Metric measurement, Portuguese, Metric measurement, Spanish, Metric measurement.

Tool
Breed-to-Wean Sow Longevity Spreadsheet v2
Tool

Allows producers to vary input and operational costs to see how differing scenarios affect their operation’s economic bottom line. Developed by John Mabry, Colin Johnson and Garland Dahlke, ISU. Cost is $20 per copy. Use the link to contact Colin Johnson for more information or to order.

Tool
Pig Profit Tracker v3.21
Tool

Use to help evaluate a current or potential swine producing scenario in terms of both budget and cash flow for a period of up to 11 years. Developed by Ken Stalder and Garland Dahlke, Iowa State University. Cost is $50 per copy. Use the link to contact Colin Johnson for more information or to order.

Tool
Budget Cash Flow v1.2
Tool

This calculator can help producers evaluate if it pays to reduce breeding herd inventory, in order to increase weaning age. Determine how much the breeding herd inventory must change for alternative weaning ages, to ensure farrowing capacity of the farm is not exceeded. Developed by Derald Holtkamp, Iowa State University.

Tool
Economics of Weaning Age Calculator
Tool

Estimate the margin of return for cattle or hogs placed on feed at a user defined date. Chicago Mercantile Exchange futures data are used. Corn and soybean meal are used to generate the margin. The margin provides an estimate of gross return that will need to cover the other costs and profit goals.

Tool
Crush Margin Calculator
Tool

Use this decision tool to evaluate the added return per head from marketing hogs a few days later and at a heavier weight.

Tool
Simple Hog Market Calculator
Tool

Use this decision tool for help in evaluating optimal marketing weight.

Tool
Swine Marketing Decision Calculator

Environmental Management

Tool

University of Minnesota, Odor From Feedlots Setback Estimation Tool (OFFSET) Based on Minnesota climatic conditions. OFFSET user guide and worksheet

Tool
OFFSET calculator
Tool

University of Minnesota tool provides estimates of the economic value of manure based on manure type, application method, soil nutrient status and crop need.

Tool
What’s Manure Worth?
Tool

Compares manure nutrient values to commercial fertilizer. Developed by Kelvin Leibold and Tom Olson, Iowa State University.

Tool
Manure Nutrient Value Calculator
Tool

Includes P-index information for Iowa producers. Developed by Ken Stalder and Garland Dahlke, Iowa State University.

Document
/files/documents/ManureNutrientValue1.2PIndex.xls
Tool
Manure Nutrient Value Calculator v1.2
Document
/files/documents/ManureNutrientValue1.2PIndex.xls

Nutrition and Feed

Tool

Calculate results from feed uniformity testing. Enable macros for correct calculations. Developed by Mark Storlie, Iowa State University.

Document
/files/documents/FeedUniformityTracker.xlsm
Tool
Feed Uniformity Test Tracker
Document
/files/documents/FeedUniformityTracker.xlsm
Tool

Helps determine costs of using distillers dried grain in swine rations. Developed by Robert Thaler, South Dakota State University.

Tool
Distillers Dried Grain with Solubles (DDGS)
Tool

This tool can help producers extend on-hand feed supply by restricting feeding group housed pigs. This tool can be used as a guide to estimate daily pen feed allowance utilizing two input factors. 

Document
/files/documents/FeedRestrictionCalculator.xlsx
Tool
Feed Restriction Calculator
Document
/files/documents/FeedRestrictionCalculator.xlsx
Tool

In the event of supply chain disruptions in which feed trucks cannot access grow-finish sites for a variety of reasons, this tool can help producers extend on-hand feed supply by restricting feeding group housed pigs. (Enable macros).

Document
/files/documents/FeedCalculatorSheet.pdf
Tool
Estimating Pen Feed Allocations Based on Maintenance Metabolizable Energy Requirements
Document
/files/documents/FeedCalculatorSheet.pdf

Production Management

Tool

Allows for consistent collection of data for comparison within an operation and between aggregated group data. The program creates a closeout summary for individual finishing pig groups and calculates all performance and production parameters using the NPPC Standards. Developed by Mark Storlie, Iowa State University. Cost: In Iowa -- $30 with data sharing, $100 without sharing; outside Iowa -- $50 with data sharing, $150 without sharing. Use the link to contact Mark Storlie for more information.

Tool
Group Tracker v1.42
Tool

This tool will help pork producers provide an adequate number of grow-out spaces for weaned pigs, ensuring production standards are met year-round. Developed by Ken Stalder and Garland Dahlke, Iowa State University.

Document
/files/documents/WeanFinishCrowdingImpact.xlsm
Tool
Wean-Finish Crowding Impact
Document
/files/documents/WeanFinishCrowdingImpact.xlsm
Tool

Graphs daily water disappearance as a measure of the growth process for groups of pigs. Developed by Mark Storlie and Mike Brumm.

Document
/files/documents/WaterchartV100.xls
Tool
Water Usage Chart
Document
/files/documents/WaterchartV100.xls

Questions?