Dekalb restructures production, |
DEKALB, Ill. — Dekalb Swine Breeders, Inc., announced today that it plans to restructure its company-owned production system and dedicate more resources toward new technology development and genetic improvement at the nucleus level.
As part of the restructuring plan, Dekalb will discontinue production at several of its foundation farms in southwest Kansas.
According to Gary Kahle, president of Dekalb Swine Breeders, the company has spent several years building a new production infrastructure — one that features three-site multiplication systems operated by independent firms that “have demonstrated excellence in production and quality control.”
“All segments of the pork industry have had to become more specialized, and genetic companies are no exception,” Kahle says. “By placing multiplication in the hands of these production experts, Dekalb will have more resources to devote to its aggressive R&D program.”
Kahle thinks this more focused approach will accelerate genetic improvement at the nucleus level, which is essential to further increase the volume of Dekalb genetics available to the industry. “It will also strengthen our position and enhance the development of new technologies that will yield long-term benefits for the pork industry,” he adds.
Dekalb has taken several major steps in recent years to enhance the performance, health and quality of its genetic lines. This included introducing two new genetic pyramids. The company has also taken numerous measures to expand its R&D program and to improve operational efficiency. The recent changes have prompted many in the pork industry to describe the company as “The New Dekalb.”
“It is our view that the technological advances in the pork industry will largely lie in the hands of scientists — specifically geneticists, biotechnologists, meat scientists, veterinarians, reproductive physiologists, nutritionists, statisticians, and other specialists who can pool their skills to develop new technologies and products,” Kahle says.
“We see our role as providing technology and superior genetics to the pork industry.”