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<strong>Dykhuis</strong> <strong>Farms</strong> Mission Statement<br />
To glorify God through careful and deliberate management<br />
of the resources that have been entrusted to us;<br />
to produce high quality agricultural products in a way<br />
that betters the communities we are part of.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Bob’s Desk<br />
I have lived through a number of experiences the last few<br />
months that will shape how we manage aspects of our farm in the future. I worked closely with<br />
the crop and manure crews during the spring cycle this season. I attended the National pork<br />
industry conference with Erin and Cara and I participated in the Swine Welfare committee of<br />
the National Pork Board. We also spent significant time with Dr. Loula when he was out here.<br />
We see the threat of how fast the swine disease PED can spread.<br />
There are a number of common themes that will drive us in the decisions that we make for<br />
the future:<br />
Competition is fierce; everyone is trying to improve how they raise pigs.<br />
There is investment in facilities that reduce disease risk and spread.<br />
There is additional effort invested in taking care of baby pigs and sows to improve pigs<br />
per sow per year and the quality of the pigs weaned.<br />
We will continue to add more technology to most areas of production. Erin and I are looking at electronic sow feeding<br />
for gestation sows. It is amazing to know how an individual sow is eating every day. The feeding care and control is<br />
very exciting.<br />
I am the one watching the crops this year and we are trying to meet the needs of every field by watching and responding<br />
to what I see. We have added some leaf testing of the corn plants to fine tune our plant food delivery. We are spraying<br />
some micro nutrients on the plants and some fields have already had three applications of nitrogen based on what we<br />
are seeing in the field. We have a crying need to be able to separate and filter our manure so we can keep our pipeline<br />
free of large debris and so we can apply manure accurately and easily with the irrigation pivots.<br />
There are a lot of research results that are available that help us understand how to care and handle sows and pigs. The<br />
market hog transportation research helped design the trailers that we use to haul hogs. The truck drivers can see the<br />
difference in how chute angles and gates can make a difference in how hogs move. The excellent results during the hot<br />
weather week we had is an example of good drivers and handlers working with good equipment producing excellent<br />
results. We will see the research results applied to sow equipment and care along with pig raising.<br />
Bio-security will be more complicated and intense as we see new disease and as we try to reduce the cost and hassle<br />
of trying to live with and treat some of the bugs we have now. I do not have the plan yet but it will be different than it<br />
is now.<br />
Society, DEQ, FDA, Tyson, neighbors will hold us to ever changing higher standards. They have in the past and we<br />
continue to try to meet their expectations.<br />
These are crazy exciting times. We can meet these challenges. It takes championship effort from everyone.<br />
The weather forecast is for cool weather the next two weeks, that about gets us through the worst part of summer.<br />
Good weather for pigs.<br />
Bob<br />
<strong>Jul</strong>y/August <strong>2013</strong><br />
In This Issue:<br />
Page 1<br />
Bob’s Desk<br />
Page 2<br />
Finishing Production<br />
New Hires<br />
Page 3<br />
Employment Anniversaries<br />
Birthdays<br />
Employee Events<br />
Sow Production<br />
Page 4<br />
Maintenance<br />
Employee Assistance Program<br />
Page 1
Finishing Production by Brandon Hill<br />
A Big Thanks…<br />
On June 13 th severe weather swept across southern Michigan<br />
and northern Indiana producing strong winds, heavy rains and<br />
tornado activity.<br />
Unfortunately one of our contract growing sites owned by<br />
Kameron Donaldson of Peru Indiana was in its path. Kameron<br />
operates an 8,000 head wean-finish site as well as farms row<br />
crops with his father. The tornado struck early Thursday<br />
morning and did significant damage to his pig barns as well as<br />
other properties in its path. The site is currently being rebuilt<br />
and was basically a complete loss with the exception of a few trusses, some gating and feeders. While the buildings<br />
were in complete disarray, we were very fortunate in regards to the pigs. We were forced to move out all of the pigs<br />
the following day, all 9,100 of them. This was a formidable task to be able to load all of these pigs in one day and do it<br />
on clean trailers. As well, the planning and flexibility to move all of these pigs to other facilities was also daunting. We<br />
were fortunate that these pigs were feeder pig sized; we had a moderate temperature to load them, and most<br />
importantly had a tremendous amount of support from neighbors, DFI employees, and family of the Donaldson’s.<br />
Looking back it was an unreal loss of a site, but the people that rallied and came to help and went the extra effort to<br />
support Kameron and us during this time of need is truly heartwarming. It represents all of the reason that American<br />
Agriculture is good…the people behind it.<br />
I would personally like to thanks the DFI employees who went the extra mile in helping at the site loading, coordinating,<br />
or hauling pigs: Tony Grandstaff, Caton Howard, Arlyn Schreur, Mike Nykamp, Bob Fields, Kevin Kaiser, Sam Letcher, Bill<br />
Nykamp, Lee Becksford, Eric Paauwe, Jason Klein, Don VandeVusse, Tony Miller and Glenn Kleinheksel.<br />
Also, a big thanks to DFI contract growers who either came to the site or went above and beyond to help with pig<br />
placement: Daryn Cordes, Rod Miller, Jeff Hoeve, and Brian McKenzie.<br />
The following neighbors and friends of Kameron’s we would like to thank as well are: Mike Morris, Jamie Hopper,<br />
Aaron & Michelle Piercy, Alec Lefebvre, Herby Hunt, Mike Miller, Eric Miller, Brendan & Brock Oldfather, the Deardorff<br />
Family, Aaron See, Chris Leady, Trevor & Ann Hughes, Jenny See, Andrew See, Joey Seifried, Jaydee Parker, Brett & Lori<br />
Myers, Jesse Million, Kendal Hattery, Bob Kling, Dave Craft, Greg & Jamie Deardorff, Dr. Duane Long, Stephanie<br />
Coppler, Roy Smith, Ryan Donaldson, Jerry & Lane Eckrote, Dave Wildermuth, Evan Hughs, Mark York, Chuck Bellar,<br />
and all of the crew of Bellar Construction Management Inc.<br />
All of your hard work and dedication helped make a bad situation from becoming worse, after everything settled we<br />
remarkably only lost 33 pigs to this disaster due to the grace of God and the people listed above. Special thanks to<br />
Kameron and Hailey Donaldson for their sleepless nights and dedication to helping keep people and pigs safe.<br />
Employee Events<br />
Congratulations to Hermann Dittrich<br />
and Sylvia Torres, they celebrated<br />
25 years of marriage on <strong>Jul</strong>y 22.<br />
Congratulations Gabriela Dittrich (Sylvia &<br />
Hermann’s daughter), she graduated from<br />
West Ottawa High School. She will be attending<br />
GVSU in the fall.<br />
Congratulations to Jason Klein and his wife, Jessica, on the birth<br />
of their daughter, Elissa Joy. She was born August 1st, 6lb 11 oz<br />
and 19 1/2 inches. Big sister and big brother (Emma & Easton)<br />
are delighted to have a new playmate.<br />
<strong>Jul</strong>y / August <strong>2013</strong> Page 2
Sow Production<br />
by Erin Ehinger<br />
Five years ago when Dr. Tim Loula was here for a visit, he challenged the sow team to strive for 30 PSY.<br />
At the time, it was hard to even fathom 30 when we were achieving less than 23 PSY. There was pushback on<br />
if we should even shoot for that.<br />
Well, I’m happy to say, that our first farm did it for a quarter! Oak Grove hit 30 PSY in the second quarter of <strong>2013</strong>.<br />
Congratulations! Wendy said the key to their success is working together as a team and having fun while<br />
doing the work. They aren’t afraid to admit if they forgot to do something and quickly go back and fix it.<br />
They are always looking for ways to do things a little better.<br />
From the outside looking in, I think they have worked really hard on sow body condition and making sure<br />
the sows don’t get too fat or too thin but stay consistent. Dr. Loula said this is one of the key things he sees<br />
when farms achieve 30.<br />
The Oak Grove team also has a high farrowing rate and this high farrowing rate allows them to cull almost all<br />
of the problem animals including returns and aborts which are sows that all can affect farrowing rate negatively.<br />
Not directly related to production is their snack bar. Everyone pools money and they have granola bars and<br />
cookies, etc. available so no one is starving throughout the day which maybe helps with keeping people<br />
feeling and acting happy. (I know I feel better if I’m not hungry!)<br />
Feel free to talk to Wendy, Oscar or Zach to find out the secret to their<br />
success. 30 PSY on every farm helps everyone out in the long run.<br />
Who is going to be next?!<br />
New Employees<br />
Riverbend<br />
Yusmel Gonzalez<br />
Cynthia Martinez<br />
Hidden Hollow<br />
Ramon Gutierrez<br />
Oak Grove<br />
Luis Alverado<br />
Market Hogs<br />
Tony Miller<br />
Sandy Ridge<br />
Nicole Beverly<br />
Truck Wash / Shop<br />
Brian Sheridan<br />
<strong>Jul</strong>y<br />
Employment<br />
Anniversaries<br />
Jerry Royal<br />
Raquel Navarro<br />
Juan C. Perez<br />
Antonio Meza<br />
Tony Grandstaff<br />
Tino Ruiz<br />
Andy VanderKooi<br />
Cameron Kuipers<br />
August<br />
Angie Sinden<br />
Sylvia Torres<br />
Tim Hochthanner<br />
Arlyn Schreur<br />
Gregg Sheridan<br />
Luis Medina<br />
Martin Navarro<br />
Kyle Nykamp<br />
Kendall Weger<br />
Bill Nykamp<br />
Dan Breuker<br />
11 years<br />
9 years<br />
8 years<br />
7 years<br />
6 years<br />
6 years<br />
6 years<br />
2 years<br />
10 years<br />
9 years<br />
8 years<br />
7 years<br />
7 years<br />
6 years<br />
6 years<br />
3 years<br />
1 year<br />
1 year<br />
1 year<br />
Happy Birthday<br />
August<br />
1 Don Vande Vusse<br />
4 Frank Cronin<br />
7 Scott Duflo<br />
8 Sherwin Brower<br />
9 Heather <strong>Dykhuis</strong><br />
9 Katie Bosch<br />
21 Tim Hochthanner<br />
23 Dave Gerrits<br />
25 Dale Ryzenga<br />
26 Takoty Hochthanner<br />
27 Jose Guerra<br />
29 Dan Dalman<br />
September<br />
3 Tenecia Seals<br />
4 Keaven Noteboom<br />
5 Victor Cardenas<br />
7 Honorio Ortega<br />
14 Mario Silva<br />
16 Tony Grandstaff<br />
17 Brian Styf<br />
20 Jason Klein<br />
24 Anthony Kammeraad<br />
24 Lee Becksford<br />
24 Jose Macias<br />
28 Nicole Beverly<br />
29 Bob Fields<br />
<strong>Jul</strong>y / August <strong>2013</strong> Page 3
Maintenance<br />
by Dave Gerrits<br />
It’s the end of <strong>Jul</strong>y already, we have a couple of projects we want to complete before our summer help goes back to<br />
school. We have four barns by Village Central and two barns by Highway Hogs that need additional insulation in the<br />
attics. We have a barn by Village Central that we are putting vinyl siding on. There is a barn by Erin’s that needs to<br />
have the siding replaced and Riverbend needs some siding work done as well. We also have a number of curtains to<br />
replace by Hidden Hollow and a couple by Sandy Ridge. We also have two barns by Hidden Hollow, that we need the<br />
screws replaced in the roof.<br />
The guys have been busy with irrigation and getting center pivots up and running. It was good to get the rain we had<br />
this past weekend, it will give us a little break.<br />
Wolters Gardens is allowing us to haul some manure on there wheat ground, this should get us by until fall.<br />
Employee Assistance Center<br />
It’s that time of year again! Get the kids (and yourself) prepared for the new school year with 10 great tips, complete<br />
with suggestions and advice from experts. For the complete article visit: www.education.com<br />
1. Start a Morning Wake-up Routine. Waking up in the morning may be the toughest part of the back to school season.<br />
Kids will benefit from having a few extra days to adjust to a new sleeping schedule. Encourage the whole family to start a<br />
wake-up routine at least a week before school starts up again. Be sure to start enforcing earlier bedtimes too.<br />
2. Ground Rules for TV, Internet, and Cell Phones. Even if you don’t pull the plug completely, it is wise to set new<br />
ground rules for TV, internet, and cell phone use before back to school hits.<br />
3. Brainstorming Lunch Ideas. Make sure your child is getting the nutrition he needs! Have a lunch brainstorming with<br />
him so he gets a say in what goes in his lunchbox.<br />
4. Fill in the Calendar with a Color Code. Super mom (or dad), it’s time to show that hectic schedule who’s boss! Fill in<br />
your family calendar using a different color for each member of the family. Fill in any lessons, vacations, or activities.<br />
5. Make a Map of the School. Download a copy of your school campus map, and have your child mark key locations,<br />
such as classroom(s), bus stop, auditorium, the spot where he will eat lunch, etc.<br />
6. Clear out the Closet and Donate! Before you purchase a slew of brand new outfits, go through your child’s closet and<br />
help her make a donation pile. Give away anything that no longer fits or that she doesn’t like to wear any more. This “fall<br />
cleaning” exercise is a great opportunity to teach your young one about the importance of sharing and giving.<br />
7. Make a Back to School Budget. Get your kid in on the action by setting a budget and asking him to prioritize. What’s<br />
more important: new jeans or new backpack? Its never too early to teach money skills. Let him pick out his own clothes<br />
and supplies, so long as they all stay within his budget.<br />
8. Get to Know the New Teacher. Don’t wait until parent/teacher night to get to know your child’s new teacher! Ask<br />
other parents who have had experience with him or her. Be sure not to make snap judgments. An ineffective teacher for<br />
one student can be highly effective for another.<br />
9. Create a Homework Space. Everyone needs a study space to stay productive. Have your child pick out her favorite<br />
spot in the house. Help her organize pencils, pens, crayons, rulers, and other supplies in a handy homework caddy. We<br />
also recommend designating a special spot at home for everything that goes out the door to school. Eliminate morning<br />
stress of trying to find lunchboxes or notebooks by having a bin, shelf, or special school-work caddy where all school<br />
related items can live.<br />
10. Prepare Healthy After-School Snacks. Make some healthy snacks to have on hand to keep his energy going after<br />
school. Some of our favorites include ants on a log, homemade guacamole, individual glasses of yogurt parfait, and<br />
pre-made smoothies.<br />
The Employee Assistant Center offers free, confidential help to all <strong>Dykhuis</strong> Farm’s employees<br />
and their family members. Call 1.800.227.0905 or visit www.eacworklife.com for more details.<br />
<strong>Jul</strong>y / August <strong>2013</strong> Page 4
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