Striving to Find the Better Way

“There’s a way to do it better – find it.”
– Thomas Edison

While innovation never quits at PigEasy, it can certainly ebb and flow.  Sometimes great ideas get stuck in Dad’s noggin for quite a while before he begins messing around in the shop creating the first proto-type. Even then, parts and pieces to the "next big thing" have been known to collect dust waiting to prove their worth.

Who can blame the guy? We’ve been busy.

Traveling all around the Midwest has us thinking we wished we would have tracked all the back roads we’ve zoomed through driven the appropriate speed on back when we started promoting the MealMeter almost four years ago. We aren’t sure if they really look familiar or the landscape is just beautiful everywhere we travel.

For instance, we were up in Winnipeg, Manitoba a few weeks ago for the Prairie Livestock Expo. We thought we knew cold weather here in Iowa…that is until we visited our Canadian neighbors. WOW! That’s a whole new level of freezing cold. Not counting a little run-in with black ice and a median on the way home, the trip was all positive. Everyone at the Expo was exceptionally friendly and we look forward to heading back there again (preferably when it’s warmer).

Our time back in Iowa has been spent developing new products as well as creating different options of our tried and true ones.

Chuck-It Bucket XL

We’ve had some customers request larger Chuck-It Buckets. Our regular Chuck-It Bucket size is great for a typical 3000 head sow farm with a regular loader bucket size, but could be small for larger operations. The Chuck-It Bucket XL is the answer for your larger farm with a 3,000lb and 48 cu. ft. holding capacity.

New MealMeter Applications

We often hear positive feedback on the MealMeter feed dispenser and have found other areas in a farm that benefit from maximizing feed intake while eliminating feed waste, such as a sick pen or boar pen. Customers have been happy with the amount of feed saved, in addition to eliminating the need for another watering pan.

More applications for the MealMeter are in store for 2017 – unfortunately, we’re not at a point where we can disclose all of them, so we’re going to have to leave you hanging in suspense!

Feedback Cart

Another item that has been working on our farm for years is a feedback or back-feeding cart. Ours is an easy tool (go figure!). To use, simply open the valve and walk down the aisle at a pace that gives you the recommended dosage. This is a superior solution in many ways. 1) There’s no heavy lifting or bending involved, and 2) feedback dosage is uniform. You know that the first sow in the row is getting the same amount as the last sow in the row. A 5 gallon bucket just can’t compete.

The PigEasy feedback cart is so new, it’s not even on our website or brochures yet. Call (888) 354-0112 for more details.

ISU Ventilation Project

The most exciting news I have is one I can tell you the least about. What I can disclose, though, is that PigEasy is working with Iowa State University on a preliminary trial to improve pit ventilation with one of Dad’s patented inventions. This idea pre-dates even the MealMeter. Dad was beginning to see all the benefits of this ventilation proto-type right around the time the MealMeter was taking off and requiring more attention.

With the original proto-type in for over 5 years and what we’ve seen with improvements to air quality and pit foaming issues, we have high hopes for the trial’s results and simply cannot wait to get this solution out to producers!

Upcoming Trade Shows

We will be showcasing a lot of the stuff discussed up above at the winter pork shows in January/February. Make sure to check out our booth location at the Expo you’re attending and stop by. We’d love to catch up with you!

 

South Dakota Pork Congress

Wednesday & Thursday, January 11-12, 2017

Sioux Falls, SD

http://www.sdppc.org/events-4/pork-congress/

Booth #112

Minnesota Pork Congress

Tuesday & Wednesday, January 17-18, 2017

Minneapolis, MN

https://www.mnporkcongress.com/

Booth #641

Iowa Pork Congress

Wednesday & Thursday, January 25-26, 2017

Des Moines, IA

http://www.iowaporkcongress.org/

Booth #114

Missouri Pork Expo

Tuesday, February 7, 2017

Columbia, MO

http://www.mopork.com/event/missouri-pork-expo/

We hope you and your family had a very Merry Christmas and wish you all the best in 2017!

Until next time,

Katie

To the World Pork Expo We Go...

The 2016 World Pork Expo is upon us and once again we have a lot going on in the PigEasy booth (#V729).

PigEasy’s Farrowing Crate takes center stage with its unique design that gets every pig person excited. Built with durability in mind, the front and rear gates and frames are made with stainless steel. As the first function of its kind, the PigEasy Flip Over feature is the leading solution to power washing farrowing rooms. By flipping the feeder 180 degrees, it completely drains the water and cleaning solution, keeps feeders out of the walkway and takes away the headache of water spraying back at the operator. Another key component of the PigEasy Farrowing Crate is its quietness. All pig people know the hardships of one startled sow in a rattled crate and the domino effect that takes place on the entire room. Visit the booth and see for yourself how PigEasy’s exclusive crate design alleviates a lot of issues that arise from your standard farrowing crate.

The Chuck-It Bucket is offered as a show special in this year’s PigEasy booth. The Chuck-It Bucket simplifies the handling of pig mortalities and afterbirth as a transition dumpster. We will have additional Chuck-It Buckets on hand that will fit in the back of a truck. Get a leg up on your upcoming industry audits and pick up a Chuck-It Bucket at the booth this week!

As always, the MealMeter feed dispenser is and will be the hot

topic of the PigEasy booth. Not only does it greatly save on labor and feed, but its biggest benefits are increase production and longevity. All of these benefits and more make for a quick return on investment. Head on over to the PigEasy booth at the World Pork Expo to learn more.

For the Klocke family, the World Pork Expo is a time to catch up with old friends and meet new. We hope to see you there! 

World Pork Expo

Iowa State Fairgrounds

www.worldpork.org

PigEasy Booth #V729 in the Varied Industries Building

PigEasy, LLC Awarded US Patent for MealMeter feed dispenser

Templeton, Iowa – January 28, 2016 –

PigEasy, LLC, a family owned company based in Templeton, Iowa, announced today it has received intellectual property protection in the form of patent US 9,220,236B2 for the premier product, the MealMeter feed dispenser. This new patent was awarded on December 29, 2015 to PigEasy founder Dave Klocke by the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

The MealMeter feed dispenser is an ad lib feeding device that is able to be inserted into the drop feed tube in a breeding barn or via the PigEasy set up in lactation for the pork industry.  The MealMeter is used by numerous pork producers throughout the United States and is sold through PigEasy and a number of national dealerships.

MealMeter feed dispenser

Developed over three years ago by lifetime pork producer and PigEasy President Dave Klocke, the MealMeter feed dispenser promotes feed consumption for sows and gilts at critical points in their reproductive cycle, which increases production and condition and health of the animal. “In our sow farm we discovered that allowing the gilt or sow the time and control to consume the feed she wants when she wants it prior to being bred and in lactation, we have a herd that is in optimal uniform condition, which subsequently increases litter production as well as the overall herd health and longevity.”

In addition to the MealMeter, PigEasy, LLC offers a complete line of innovative products focused on increasing pig production and operational efficiency.  All products are developed and used in Klocke’s own sow farm near Templeton.

For more information on the MealMeter feed dispenser and PigEasy, LLC, visit www.pigeasy.com or call 1-888-354-0112.

###

PigEasy, LLC
31423 Jade Avenue
Templeton, IA 51463
(888) 354-0112
www.pigeasy.com

See you at the show!

2015 South Dakota Pork Congress

Every year, it seems that January hits us like a ton of bricks no matter how organized we (think we) are... 2016 trade show season is here! 

2015 Midwest Pork Conference Booth

The PigEasy booth will feature some new products and some old products with new features.  As always, we look forward to meeting new producers in addition to catching up with our old customers.

MealMeter with Stainless Steel Nose
maximizes durability.

The MealMeter has always been a main focus in the PigEasy booth, as it will continue to be. We love hearing how much labor it saves and how it brings your production to the next level. The MealMeter is showing off an updated nose piece and we now offer a stainless steel nose piece option for maximum durability.

PigEasy Farrowing Crate

After testing it out and adding features in the Klocke Farms operation, we are proud to showcase the PigEasy Farrowing Crate.  Our most popular feature would have to be the flip over head gate. Yep, that's right... not flip out... FLIP OVER. No longer will you have to maneuver around feeders on the floor. No longer will you deal with water spraying back at you or dirty water settling in the bottom of the bowl. This flip over feature makes the difficult job of washing out a room (Pig)easy and convenient!

Chuck-It Bucket

Lastly, we're here to please - the Chuck-It Bucket will now be offered in galvanized steel. This economical option makes it an easy choice when deciding how to best handle mortalities and afterbirth.


As always, we have a lot going on in our booth and are excited to catch up with you. Check out our schedule below and make sure to stop by wherever you plan to attend!


South Dakota Pork Congress - Booth #115

• January 13 - 14 · Ramkota Exhibit Hall - Sioux Falls, SD

Minnesota Pork Congress - Booth #641

• January 19 - 20 · Minneapolis Convention Center - Minneapolis, MN

Iowa Pork Congress - Booth #122

• January 27 - 28 · Iowa Events Center - Des Moines, IA

Missouri Pork Expo

• February 9 · Holiday Inn Executive Center - Columbia, MO

2015 Missouri Pork Expo

Until next time,

Katie

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?! - Charlie Brown Linus:  Sure Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about. Lights please? And there were in the same country shepherds, abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them! And they were so afraid. And the angel said unto them, “Fear not! For, behold, I bring you tidings o great joy, which shall be to all my people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ, the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” And suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the Heavenly Host praising God, and saying, “Glory to God in the Highest, and on Earth peace, and good will toward men.  Luke 2:8-14 That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown. Watch Video »   Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! - The PigEasy & Klocke Family

Friday Feature: Ben & Mitch

This summer, Klocke Farms and PigEasy were fortunate to add a couple members to the team. Their involvement with PigEasy varies, but as with everyone else in our operation, they are a part of just about everything.  

Welcome to PigEasy and Klocke Farms, Ben and Mitch!

Ben Klocke and Mitch Tiefenthaler began working for Klocke Farms and PigEasy this summer.

Ben

No, this is not my brother Ben that I’m talking about here, and yes, there have been some confusing moments.

Ben Klocke (the other Ben Klocke in Carroll County!) started working with Klocke Farms in July.

We knew early on that one of the Bens would need a nickname. After much deliberation, Ben Klocke (new Ben Klocke) accepted the nickname of “FJ”. Can anyone guess what “FJ” stands for? Let’s have an informal contest; the first one who figures it out and comments below gets a free t-shirt! (Karen says keep it clean!)

Ben’s main focus is Klocke Farms’ day to day tasks, but does help with PigEasy production.

Mitch

Mitch joined the team in August and hit the ground running getting up to speed with PigEasy operations and products in addition to taking part in Klocke Farms.  While Mitch has spent a lot of his first few months in a tractor helping with harvest, he has taken on the role of PigEasy inventory, order management and shipping. 

Post-harvest, Mitch’s main focus will be PigEasy; we look forward to streamlining our system with Mitch’s help!

Now that we are finished with harvest, we often look back and wonder how the heck we did it all without these guys.

Have a great weekend,

Katie

World Pork Expo Reflections

The PigEasy Booth was located on the southwest wall
of the Varied Industries Building.

As you saw in Katie’s prior blog post, the World Pork Expo has been a family interest for years.  I now have a different perspective on the other side of the booth.

Beyond the planning and organizing prior to, the “move in” day becomes a group effort.

One of my favorite moments was watching this man with his young boy work together in preparing his booth.  First the young boy was directing his Dad in parking his trailer.  Then they both made trips carrying and pulling in various items for their booth (and the young boy had such a serious task-driven look on his face).  The next time I saw them, they were laughing and high fiving each other.  Each moment brought back memories of our kids working with us.  Made my heart swell.

So on the other side of the booth, you realize what it takes to be a vendor. For PigEasy, third time was a charm.  With the debut of our PigEasy products, the first couple of years the attendees were like buying a car –“kicking the tires and looking it over”.  This year, it was exciting to talk to those that have used our products and to people with a real intent.

We couldn't do it without our leadership!

It is great to see familiar faces and spend time with them – vendors and attendees.  The food was excellent, the weather turned out great, and the attendance was a constant buzz of people.  I was in a mother’s dream – all four kids were able to attend; one spouse (the other was out of state dutifully serving our country), my brother and sister-in-law, our PigEasy Board members and spouses, and employees.

As we pulled away from the four days of the Expo 2015, it made me wonder – will that young son join his Dad in his business like Ben and Katie did with us. Makes my heart swell!

- Karen

These Little Piggies are heading to the World Pork Expo...

The 2015 World Pork Expo is exactly one week away and we couldn't be more excited.

In our younger years, we would love to tag along with Dad to sneak treats (everyone remember the flavored slushies in the semen bags at the ZFI booth??) and eat as much barbecued pork as our stomachs would allow. Oh, and I suppose we would learn about all the new products and technologies while Dad stopped by his favorite booths to talk to old friends.


Since we morphed from attendee to exhibitor a few years ago, some of our focus has changed, but most stayed the same.

We look forward to catching up with old friends, but now it's usually moved to our own booth (#729). And I still like to eat as much barbecued pork as humanly possible, but it's now a quick stop before I get back in the Varied Industries Building to spread the word on PigEasy  innovations. The one thing that will never change is the World Pork Expo is a family event. 

And while I do miss being able to leisurely wander through the aisles on the day we'd attend, it is a captivating experience to meet so many people in a mere three days that are as enthusiastic about pork production as we are.

This year we are featuring the redesigned MealMeter. As Dad continues to observe and innovate, he also improves our current products. The updated MealMeter nose piece design funnels the feed flow and increases durability.  

In addition to the MealMeter itself, we have a freshly designed farrowing crate that is made of stainless steel where you need it and mild steel in the areas where wear isn't an issue in order to keep it reasonably priced.

The Chuck-It Bucket holding/disposal tank will be displayed at the QC Supply booth (#V489). 

We have a lot to look forward to next week, barbecued pork included, and we can't wait to visit with pork producers from around the world!


- Katie

Why I’m celebrating Earth Day

I think Earth Day in the past has left a bad taste in most farmers’ mouths because activists tend to use this day as a platform and a launch pad for their attacks on innovation and progress in the Ag industry. I can’t blame farmers in some ways.  Animal and anti-GMO activists are like that annoying mosquito who would rather be flattened with a belly full of your blood, than to have the sense to get what they need, leave a mark and move on to their next victim. See the latest on HSUS here, here and here.

So on a day when a farmer should truly be celebrated, they get eaten alive by people who have zero experience cultivating the land or raising livestock.  That can leave quite a lasting mark on someone who is typically very proud of their livelihood.

A beautiful evening during the 2014 planting season.

Even so, today is a day that is supposed to celebrate all of the resources we have the responsibility to care for, and I am proud to say that my family is a part of an industry and a population that is achieving the highest production in human history on less land all the while leaving a smaller footprint on the environment, nurturing our resources for the next generation and keeping our animals as comfortable and content as possible.

Very few professions are as in tune with and care as much for our earth as farmers do.  They wouldn’t be in the business or successful at it if they didn’t.  And with the vast majority of farms being family operated, farmers want to pass their heritage and livelihood down to the next generation in better shape than how they received it.

You can’t improve without innovation and progress.  And sometime change like that can be scary.  I’ve always been of the mindset that it’s good to question as it means your mind is working and you are thinking for yourself.  The only thing I ask of you is to look closely at your source of information, carefully discern what is news and what is opinion and talk to an expert before making up your mind.

I'm looking forward to Bobcat rides around
our waterways again this summer!

As for me and my family, it’s a treat to be a part of this innovation and progress.  We are thankful for the blessings God has bestowed on us and we take seriously our responsibility to leave the Earth in better shape for the next generation.  Happy Earth Day, everyone!

Until next time,

Katie

The Kitchen Table

Friday Feature:

The HUB of our house has always been the kitchen table.  When outstretched to capacity, it is a 113 inch massive Farm Table. 

It started as a place for candlelit dinners when we were first married, a place to gather with friends for coffee, the little artist’s workbench for different crafts, the laundry folding table, the homework station for the young ones, the central place for prayer, the base for pictures of family celebrations.

A typical look at our "desk" set up.

The kitchen table has always been my place to do bookwork -  a convenient way to multi-task – keep an eye on the kids, watch the cookies in the oven and listen for the drier bell to go off.  Not to mention, you can spread your work out easily.  With the start of PigEasy, the Kitchen Table has become a hot commodity. 

You usually think of everyone having their “seat” at the table ready to eat.  Now Katie and I have our “seat” at the table for business.  It is a good location for Dave to pop in to answer questions and Ben to pick up order sheets.  We have gathered around the table to have product naming contests, have prepped some of our products for production, and yes, we still eat at our table. Preparing for lunch includes shoving the piles to the other end.

It is with some excitement that we will be moving the PigEasy office to a new location in town.  It is very exciting to have less clutter and less distraction – but I am going to miss the activity around the kitchen table. 

We are used to having a “mobile office”.  It may be a meeting in the shop, brainstorming on the long drives, or the “feet up for 10” in the living room.  We now have an “official office” in our future, but I have a feeling the HOME BASE of the KITCHEN TABLE will still be an active location for PigEasy developments.  And if any encouragement is needed, the cookies fresh out of the oven always seem to work.

Post-brunch product naming contest.

- Karen

Friday Feature: Clint, Aaron & Al

While I’m laying here on the couch recovering from recent back surgery, I thought I’d write a little something about a few people who are very important to PigEasy’s success.

Clint

Clint is one of our most seasoned employees.

Clint is a Templeton native who began working with Klocke Farms part time when he was a teenager.  Clint came on board full time after high school and is vital to both Klocke Farms and PigEasy.

With his ability and experience, Clint’s input with PigEasy manufacturing and our products has been essential.  He treats the business as his own and ensures that each job is a job well done.  In addition to PigEasy and general farm work, Clint is our construction man and he also keeps the shop and equipment organized and clean, which is not an easy task when working with us Klockes!

Aaron

Aaron began working for PigEasy and Klocke Farms last August and is quickly coming up to speed on the farm and PigEasy product line.  He handles a lot of the manufacturing and packaging for PigEasy.  Aaron also helps on other various jobs with Klocke Farms.  He is very eager to learn how and why we do what we do to understand our process better.  We’re lucky to have someone with that much enthusiasm.

You can find Al and Aaron working hard in the Klocke Farms and PigEasy shops.

Al

Al began working with Klocke Farms part time a handful of years ago. He helps with loading pigs and does the daily chores in the finishing barn and helps with loading out. He also assists with various tasks on the farm and is willing to step in and help when needed.  His years of previous experience at the local co-op have helped in many situations on the farm and we value his input.

I once heard that the key to success and happiness is to surround yourself with the right people and I believe we have done just that.

Have a great weekend!

-   Ben

Introductions

My name is Katie.  About a year and a half ago I gave up my corporate 8-5 job in Des Moines to help my family run a startup business called PigEasy.  My work station went from a cubicle and head set to a laptop, briefcase and kitchen table.  It’s been an exciting ride.

So, who’s involved?

Dave

Dad (Dave) is the brains behind both Klocke Farms and PigEasy.  He has always been an intuitive pig guy who doesn’t have any hobbies, unless you want to count inventing things.  If you asked him what his idea of a perfect Saturday is, he would answer a quiet shop and something to create.

Growing up on the heels of his father, Herbert, Dad always knew he wanted to be a farmer himself.  It has been said that Grandpa Herbert really didn’t have much of a passion for the crop side of farming or the mechanics of all the equipment, but loved working with livestock. Dad was working in the shop and planting corn by the time he reached double digits and shared in Grandpa Herbert’s love of caring for livestock, the hogs particularly.

After high school, Dad enrolled in an agricultural program at Iowa State University. He didn’t get the opportunity to finish, as Grandpa Herbert suffered a debilitating stroke while Dad was a sophomore and passed away that fall.  Dad left college soon after to return to the family farm.

Dad, along with his brother, Dennis, adapted their current operation of purebred swine breeding stock to an eventual 2700 head farrow to wean farm that Dad still owns and operates today.

While he hasn’t always held the title of inventor and patent holder, Dad has always created or “retrofitted” tools and items to make the process better or easier. He has never accepted an inefficiency or problem as is and continues to develop ways to make pork production more efficient and easier for the producer and for the pig.

You will see Dad at trade shows and events with me. He enjoys it because he gets to talk pigs with fellow producers… oh yeah, and promote PigEasy products too.

Ben

Ben is the oldest Klocke kid. He knew he was going to be a farmer from the moment he could walk.  During harvest season, Ben would beg Mom and Dad to let him stay home from school so he could help out and run the grain cart.

Today, Ben runs the day to day operations of the farm and coordinates the manufacturing and shipping of PigEasy products.

Because of Ben and his ability to take care of much of the farming operation, Dad and I are able to travel and promote PigEasy. We couldn’t have both Klocke Farms and PigEasy without him.

Karen

Mom (Karen) is our self-proclaimed OSHA representative, but her responsibilities don’t end there. She is also PigEasy and Klocke Farms’ CFO, office administrator, HR department, Controller, Accounting Specialist, Insurance procurer, rock picker-upper, harvest errand runner, dog walker, ambulance driver…. I think this list just scratches the surface.

Mom made the decision to leave her work as a recreational therapist when we were teenagers to be more available to Dad and the farming operation. Thank goodness, because if we were to hire out all that she does, we would have gone broke a long time ago!

Mary & Ross

Mary and Ross are the two younger Klocke kids. Mary graduated from Mount Mercy with her BSN and is a NICU nurse in Des Moines. When she’s not saving babies, she’s cuddling up with her puppy, Reese, and husband, Nick, in Ankeny.

Ross is a senior at the University of Northern Iowa and will be graduating this spring with a degree in Bio-Med. While we couldn’t talk him into veterinary medicine, he'll be heading to medical school in the coming year.

Mary and Ross are not just our medical consultants. On their days off, you will find them at trade shows and company events helping to promote PigEasy.

Clint & Nick

They call themselves The Outlaws. My husband, Clint, and Mary’s husband, Nick, also get involved in Klocke Farms and PigEasy. When Nick isn’t selling Capital City equipment, he can be seen running the PipePik at trade shows. Clint is a Purchasing Manager during the day, a Captain in the Iowa National Guard on weekends, and a PigEasy consultant and master field tiller during his free time.  Dad must have trained us well; marry guys who can drive a tractor!

Me

As the second oldest, in true second oldest fashion, I wasn’t quite sure what my calling was.  After high school, I attended the University of Northern Iowa and graduated with a degree in Political Communication and Business Communication. 

It wasn’t until my senior year that I knew I wanted to work in the agricultural industry.  That fall, I enrolled in a wellness course that was required to graduate. On the day they went over protein and human health, the professor chose to show videos of animal abuse and made claims that in order buy meat that was healthy and to avoid buying meat from farms that abuse animals, you must choose free range, organic, antibiotic free and hormone free (not possible!) at the grocery store.  I got angry, called Dad, called the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers and then wrote an email to my professor requesting time in front of the class to present the inaccuracies of her message and to talk about my personal experience being raised on a hog farm.  She gave me 20 minutes (woohoo!) and I think I changed some people’s minds. That was the day I realized what my passion is.

As for PigEasy, my title says Marketing and Sales, but it’s really an all-in-all fielding and dispersing of PigEasy information. I love it.

Why a Blog?

Often Dad and I talk about our observations and successes or find an article or theory that really goes hand in hand with what we are promoting, but we don’t know how to best communicate this information to fellow pork producers and industry professionals. We could post it to social media, but it’s tough to get that type of a message out in 250 characters or less.

Additionally, with over 50 years of experience Dad has a few tricks up his sleeve in general with pork production, and we would love to pass that on to anyone it would help.

So what’s this blog going to be about? It’s going to be about pork production, farming, agricultural advocacy, business and most importantly, family; because it all starts and ends with family, right?

Until next time,

Katie

“Other things may change us, but we start and end with family.” – Anthony Brandt