Veterinarian Joe Connor founded Carthage Veterinary Service Ltd., a mixed animal practice and had a strong interest in pigs. He also saw a need for managed hog farm services. In 1996, Dr. Bill Hollis joined him and later partnered with him to further develop the idea. The men saw a need for a more progressive veterinary practice using new technology. Their services focused on raising the highest quality, healthy pigs. The practice experienced explosive growth.
“The system continued to add swine operations as producers changed their business structures,” explains Bill Hollis, DVM. “The industry matured, and we were at the right place at the right time. Our producers were successful hog farmers and grain farmers. We help oversee health, training, hiring, medicine and animal welfare. Our producers trust us.”
In 2000 the men started Professional Swine Management (PSM) to help operators manage and produce the best quality hogs using the very best practices. Their system was so successful that other farmers began reaching out to learn this new system.
The Carthage System was born. The Carthage System is made up of the farm families raising pigs. Professional Swine Management (PSM) is a management company providing guidance needed for these farms. To ensure success, Professional Swine Management hires the best people and keeps in front of an ever-changing business environment.
Dr Jack Coleman joined the group in 2002. His client base in Missouri was a welcome expansion to the management service. Additional responsibilities grew with the production of breeding stock for the herds.
In 2003, Dr Doug Groth joined the team. The additional expansion of boar stud management came into focus at this same time. Dr Groth quickly developed the service to provide farms with boar genetics by building state of the art facilities with highly trained production teams.
“Production is people,” states Doug Groth, DVM. “People are key to PSM. Helping people grow is what makes the Carthage System work so well. From using the buddy system for new employees, to animal nutrition and record keeping, to finding the best markets.”
The independent farms that make up the Carthage System hire Professional Swine Management to oversee their operations. Millions of dollars of assets are trusted to these professional teams of people. Along with a strong management component and advanced veterinary services, farm owners also have access to one of the largest boar stud systems in the United States, and an innovative research division.
The future looks bright for The Carthage System. In 2013, Dr Aaron Lower and Dr Dyneah Classen joined Professional Swine Management as partners. Progress through the addition of key leaders secures the future.
As Joe Connor, DVM states, “The biggest challenge is change. We can’t worry about it, we need to move with that change – to harness it.”
PSM’s vision today is to support those grain farmers and hog farmers that want to continue growing the best quality pigs.
