Today we continue our Meet the Experts of New Standard series with a focus on one of the founders, Kees van Ittersum. And in case you didn't already know, Kees is pronounced just like Kase. 

Over the next few weeks we'll be featuring the faces of New Standard in several question and answer posts. If you're a current customer, most of these staff faces won't be strangers, but we still think that some of their answers might surprise you!

It is no secret that Europe markets lead the way in swine regulations. So if something is happening in Europe it is worth our attention, as North American trends usually fall in their wake. Read on for three notable regulatory trends that we are seeing in Europe. 

Alec Boekhoven is a hog producer in Southern Ontario who recently made the transition to loose sow housing. In his search for the right hog barn design and ESF equipment for his operation, he met with numerous equipment salesmen and barn designers. In this article, you will hear from Alec on why he chose New Standard to design and equip his barn. Take it away, Alec!

When we think about creating efficient poultry barn ventillation systems, many times the focus is on the hot summer temps. But winter can be an issue for birds too. After all, heat rises and turkeys spend their time on the ground. In this video we use a fog machine to show how establishing a good ventillation system can redirect the air flow down to your birds to keep them warm, even during the coldest winter months. 

If there is one thing that we consistently hear from customers it is that they appreciate our excellent support through our staff. With that in mind, we wanted to introduce you to the people who help New Standard maintain that excellence.

Over the next few weeks and months we will be featuring the faces of New Standard in several question and answer posts. If you're a current customer, most of these staff faces won't be strangers, but we think some of their answers might surprise you!

Our US office and warehouse is in a brand new building! If you ever visited us in the past then you know that our former office was tucked away on a little side street. Not so with our brand new building! Read on to learn more from Tim Kurbis! 

We love to celebrate the success of our customers! Thomas Livestock, based out of Broken Bow, Nebraska, was recently featured by the National Hog Farmer. We've been honored to partner with Thomas Livestock in their conversion to group sow housing. 

The major question that arises in the group housing planning process relates to pen design and sow grouping strategy. Should I design around static or dynamic sow pens? And should I house the sows in large or small groups?

The research is in and it shows you should go with...well either really. In practice and in research facilities, both static and dynamic pens will produce at a high level with skilled management. According to a review of research by the Prairie Swine Centre, there are no significant differences in birth rate, still births, lameness, or any other major production measurements among sows in static groups and dynamic groups. 

While either pen strategy could work for you, it is important to know the advantages and disadvantages of both.

I know we spend a lot of time sharing information about the care and housing of sows; so much so that sometimes we may appear to lose sight of the bigger picture. Which in this case is actually the little picture. If great care for the sows is important, and increased production is the result, then it stands to reason that once you have done all of that you also need to focus on what you’re going to with all those little piglets.

It doesn’t matter if you are an ISO-wean barn selling your piglets or are responsible for feeding them to market, the job just gets started once they are born. So let’s look at a few things that can be done to ensure that the little guy has the best chance possible.