Cartwright Sow 22 is Looking to Secure A Place in the Top Ten Sow Farms for the Q3 Rankings of SelectPride
posted on Thursday, September 26, 2019
It’s been a big year for Cartwright Sow 22. The farm, who hasn’t graced SelectPride sow farm top ten rankings for three years, has consistently been placing in the weekly rankings sent out periodically throughout the quarter. Although it’s too soon to know for sure if the farm will secure a place in the Q3 overall rankings, the farm is feeling hopeful.
“Every week we get closer and closer to the top and it feels good,” said assistant farrowing department head, Brenda Schamp. “Earlier this year, we placed first in born alive and definitely weren’t expecting that. Now, we make sure to celebrate even the smallest of victories.”
So, what exactly has changed at Sow 22 this past year? Well, for starters, herd health has improved and for the first time in three years, the farm started testing PRRS negative. The biggest improvement; however, has been in the culture of the farm.
“We like to joke around and have a good time. The culture at our farm is really fun,” grinned Tate. “Our team is somewhat tenured now and we’ve got a good thing going. Teamwork has gotten better; we’re learning how everyone operates and making solid connections.”
In addition to Tate and Brenda, the farm’s team is comprised of Farrowing Department Head, Lilia Magallon, Assistant Breeding Department Head, Jose Gomez-Cerda, Assistant Farrowing Department Head, Breed Leads, Anabel Lorena-Pacheco, Ricardo Lorenzana, Francisco Marin-Cabrera and Gonzalo Ruiz, Newborn Pig Specialist, Artemio Sanchez and Animal Caretakers, Jerod Eklund, Mickey Fuller, Holly Tripp and Vanessa Tamayo.
Another big win at the farm has been recent improvements in safety. The farm struggled with on-the-job injuries and realized it was because they were rushing through their days.
“When we took a step back and started making little changes, those were the ones that had the biggest impact overall,” said Lili. “Everyone is more aware and looking out for each other now more than ever. If someone forgets a sort panel or any of their PPE, we remind them.”
Another “little change” that the farm has implemented is their morning safety chant. The chant starts out with, “We will not take shortcuts” and ends with a bold statement (that we think Safety Director Eric Wiechmann would be a big fan of!), “We will leave work uninjured!”
So far, the chant is working. Since being implemented several months ago, the farm has yet to experience an injury.
“It feels like all of our hard work is finally paying off,” said Lili. “Some days you question what you’re doing and if it’s good enough, so when you see your hard work start to pay off, it lifts your spirits.”
Congratulations on a great year so far, Sow 22! We can’t wait to see what the rest of 2019 has in store for you.
Subscribe to our newsletter: Get fresh articles delivered straight to your inbox.
Subscribe