Jennifer Shike

As the brand leader of Farm Journal’s PORK and host of “The PORK Podcast,” Jennifer Shike pairs her deep animal science expertise with a heart for the people in the pork industry. Her work is a vital resource on swine health and biosecurity, reporting on threats such as PRRS, PED and African swine fever. By keeping a close watch on national and state policy, she translates trade deals, California’s Proposition 12, environmental regulations and farm bill updates into what they mean for American pork producers.

Latest Stories

Hog Production

When Stress Stacks Up: The Secret to Weaning Success

To set your pigs up for future success, it has been well established that the 3 to 10 days post-weaning are crucial. What’s the most overlooked, and arguably most important, component of wean pig care?

September 20, 2023 11:35 AM

Jennifer Shike

Industry

Tough Lessons Learned in the Show Ring: Exhibitors Speak Out

Although there’s nothing like getting the grand champion slap in front of a huge crowd in the coliseum, youth livestock exhibitors point out that a lot of hard work and tough lessons were learned behind the scenes first.

September 20, 2023 11:02 AM

Jennifer Shike

Mohit Verma, professor of agricultural and biological engineering in Purdue University’s College of Agriculture, holds a prototype for a low-cost test to diagnose COVID-19 in animals.

Industry

Purdue to Develop Field Test to Detect SARS-CoV-2 Virus in Animals

Purdue University is developing a field test that can measure and predict the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in a wide range of wildlife and farm animals thanks to $2.7 million in federal funding from USDA’s APHIS.

September 20, 2023 09:15 AM

Jennifer Shike

Industry

Thoughts Worth Repeating from the 2023 Leman Swine Conference

From PEDV to pork productivity in difficult times, the conversations that took place at the Allen D. Leman Swine Conference covered a wide expanse of topics. Here are a few thoughts worth repeating.

September 19, 2023 01:48 PM

Jennifer Shike

Hog Production

A Quest to Improve Profitability for U.S. Pig Farmers

From lactose alternatives to the effects of varying feed intake levels during early gestation when sows are housed in a free-access housing setting, Rafe Royall is on a mission to improve profitability for pig farmers.

September 18, 2023 11:00 AM

Jennifer Shike

Hog Production

When Stress Stacks Up: It’s Time to Make Weaning a Better Experience

One day, he’s hanging out with his brothers, basking in the warmth of his mom. The next day, he gets mixed in with his neighbors and finds himself in a new home. Here’s why getting pigs off to a good start is essential.

September 18, 2023 08:13 AM

Jennifer Shike

Hog Production

When Stress Stacks Up: 8 Ways to Minimize Weaning Stress in Pigs

When you consider the number of stressors wean pigs face, it’s no surprise that starting pigs in the nursery can be challenging. So, the question becomes, what can you do to help? Here are eight tips to reduce stress.

September 18, 2023 08:13 AM

Jennifer Shike

Ag Policy

Pork Industry Leaders Share Urgent Messages at Fall Fly-in

“Speaking up for our industry is critical to having lawmakers understand that decisions they make in Washington affect how we can continue to provide safe, nutritious food,” says NPPC’s Scott Hays.

September 18, 2023 05:00 AM

Jennifer Shike

Ag Policy

The Fight for Pork Producers’ and Consumers’ Choice Continues

The uncertainty surrounding Proposition 12 is one reason why Scott Hays, a Missouri pork producer and president of the National Pork Producers Council, says he’s not interested in changing how his farm produces pork.

September 15, 2023 10:24 AM

Jennifer Shike

Industry

Olymel Announces Closure of Two More Pork and Poultry Plants

Olymel LP is planning to close two more plants in the coming months, affecting about 400 jobs in the company.

September 14, 2023 01:19 PM

Jennifer Shike