About the Guests In 1980, as the farm crisis was beginning, Lyle Lange founded Lange Ag Systems. Looking back, it was likely one of the best times to start. Manufacturers were looking for dealers who had a genuine passion for the livestock industry and were committed to helping producers succeed. Many customers were purchasing existing facilities that had fallen out of use, and we worked alongside them to bring those facilities back to life and back into production. Lyle grew up on a farm in Redwood County, Minnesota. His family farm farrowed 50 to 60 sows twice each year, selling both feeder pigs and market hogs. In those days, every pen was cleaned daily with a fork and shovel, which taught me the value of hard work and responsibility at an early age. In addition to working on the farm, Lyle worked for neighboring farmers and spent time in carpentry, concrete construction, and at a ready-mix plant where I stocked aggregate bins and mixed concrete loads. During the late 1960s, he had the opportunity to help form and build one of the first concrete manure pits in the county. After high school, he attended Ridgewater College in Willmar, Minnesota, where he completed two years in Agricultural Business. Following college, Lyle entered the agricultural equipment industry, focusing primarily on swine and dairy equipment. Throughout his career, Lyle has enjoyed speaking to agricultural and entrepreneurship classes, sharing experiences and encouraging the next generation of agricultural leaders. He and his wife also had the privilege of managing the Willmar Ag Show for more than 36 years, helping connect producers with new ideas, innovations, and opportunities. One of the greatest blessings of Lyle’s life came in 2025 when two of his children assumed ownership and leadership of Lange Ag Systems. It is incredibly rewarding to see the business continue into the next generation. Together, they bring more than 45 years of combined experience working in and helping manage the company. Today, Lange Ag Systems employs more than 25 full-time team members, many of whom have been with us for 20 to 35 years. Their dedication and expertise have been instrumental in our success. They specialize in educating customers on the proper operation of the equipment we sell and provide complete design, installation, construction, and turnkey project management services. We build farrowing facilities that allow producers to produce their own weaned pigs for use in their production systems. We also work extensively with producers on nursery and finishing facilities, as well as remodeling and upgrading existing barns. Since 1981, we have been involved in the silage bagging industry, supplying both silage bagging equipment and silage bags. We also offer grain bagging systems capable of storing grain efficiently and economically. Our grain bagging equipment can load up to 25,000 bushels per hour, and our unloading systems are designed to recover virtually all grain from the bag. Individual grain bags can hold up to 15,000 bushels. Above all, we take pride in helping our customers before, during, and long after their projects are complete. Building lasting relationships and providing dependable service has always been the foundation of Lange Ag Systems. Mike Walker serves as Vice President of Business Development for Lange Ag Systems, where he helps livestock producers and agribusinesses improve facility performance, operational efficiency, and long-term profitability through construction, ventilation, equipment, and infrastructure solutions. Raised on a crop and beef farm in central Iowa, Mike developed a strong appreciation for agriculture, hard work, and rural communities from an early age. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Studies from Iowa State University before moving to Minnesota in 2005 to pursue opportunities in the livestock industry. With more than 26 years of experience in agriculture and livestock production, Mike has built a career focused on helping producers navigate the challenges and opportunities of modern agriculture. Prior to joining Lange Ag Systems, he spent over 20 years with Christensen Farms, advancing through a variety of operational and business development leadership roles. These experiences provided him with a practical understanding of livestock production and the importance of solutions that deliver real value for producers. Mike is known for his relationship-driven approach, industry knowledge, and commitment to helping customers succeed. He enjoys working alongside producers, contractors, and industry partners to identify solutions that support both immediate needs and long-term growth. Outside of work, Mike’s greatest passion is his family. He met his wife, Cassie, in 2010, and together they are raising four daughters ranging in age from 5 to 18. Much of Mike’s free time is spent supporting their busy schedules, which include hockey, volleyball, softball, and gymnastics. Between practices, games, competitions, and plenty of time on the road, transportation coordinator has become one of his unofficial titles. He wouldn’t have it any other way. For Mike, agriculture, family, and relationships are at the center of everything he does, both professionally and personally. What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig? How to decide whether an aging barn has the structure needed to make remodeling worthwhile. Why putting off maintenance can trigger bigger problems and increase costs across the barn. Where simple maintenance can help equipment work as designed without requiring a major investment. How to prioritize facility investments and avoid spending money on upgrades that may not deliver enough value. What larger finishing rooms and increased automation could mean for the next generation of pig barns.
