For the week of March 19, cash-traded weaner pig volume was below average this week with 32,650 head being reported which is 65% of the 52-week average. Cash prices were $53.56, down $3.02 from a week ago.

The meat war continues. On Friday, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds proclaimed April as “Meat on the Table Month.” She encourages Iowans to support the livestock industry through meat consumption and purchases.

The U.S. pork industry is suffering from a serious labor shortage that, if not urgently addressed, will constrain pork production and lead to serious challenges in our food supply chain.

Growing pork demand and building trust are not mutually exclusive. Gene Noem, National Pork Board vice president, says growing demand works hand in hand with building trust. He previews what’s ahead for the Pork Board.

Farmers for Free Trade wants to see a full implementation of the Phase One trade agreement. A year into the deal, there are still accountability and compliance issues with China.

Pseudorabies virus is ranked fourth in the SHIC Swine Disease Matrix due to the potential for the introduction of highly pathogenic PRV into the U.S. from Asia - an event which would have a major impact on pork exports.