Released: February 05, 2002

Murphy Farms Official Outlines Keys for Success in Swine Industry

MANHATTAN, Kan. – A representative of Murphy Farms Midwest told Kansas swine producers Tuesday, Feb. 5 that they can be profitable no matter the size of their operation.

Rodger Main said success still hinges on basic concepts that include building a clear vision for the operation, executing a well-defined plan, looking for opportunities to improve, and capitalizing on the operation’s strengths.

"Whether you’ve got 100 sows or 100,000, the principles are the same," said Main, who spoke during the annual Swine Profitability Conference hosted by Kansas State University. "However, the strengths and weaknesses may be different."

Main said the five keys to remaining profitable include:

* Positive leadership;

* Controlling costs of production (including feed, facility and labor costs);

* Tracking "throughput," or charting the pounds sold per sow each year;

* Developing a marketing strategy; and

* Communicating information internally and externally.

"As any organization gets larger, communication becomes increasingly more difficult and a challenge, but it always goes back to the local level," Main said. "The people leading the organization have to have tremendous leadership and empathy for the people working in that organization."

The annual Swine Profitability Conference attracted more than 100 producers to Manhattan this year. The event is co-sponsored by the K-State Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, and K-State Research and Extension.

Persons interested in more information on developing a business plan or marketing strategy for their swine operation can contact their local Extension agent.

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K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus, Manhattan.

Story by:
Pat Melgares, News Coordinator
pmelgare@oznet.ksu.edu
K-State Research& Extension News