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

Don’t Miss the Bright Spots in the U.S. Pork Industry Benchmarking Data

Although the 2017-2021 Production Analysis Summary for the U.S. Pork Industry uncovered some mortality challenges, it also uncovered many bright spots in the industry. Here’s what you should know.

July 27, 2022 06:00 AM

Jennifer Shike

Education

The Swientist Craze: Why Kids Are Lining Up to Learn About Swine Biosecurity

Sticky, gooey glitter snot. Squirt guns. Vials of mucus. Sound appealing? There’s no question the Swientist is a popular stop for youth exhibitors at The Exposition and National Junior Summer Spectacular. But, why?

July 26, 2022 02:00 PM

Jennifer Shike

Ag Policy

Spot Market Hog Pandemic Program Payments Begin This Week

USDA is increasing the amount of funding available for the Spot Market Hog Pandemic Program and expects to issue approximately $62.8 million in pandemic assistance payments to hog producers starting this week.

July 26, 2022 12:57 PM

Jennifer Shike

Industry

Oral Rabies Vaccine for Raccoons, Skunks Continues Under Field Evaluation

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service will continue field evaluation of the oral rabies vaccine bait ONRAB in seven states with a focus on effectiveness in raccoons, skunks and other wildlife.

July 25, 2022 02:00 PM

Jennifer Shike

Hog Production

Protect Your Show Livestock from Heat Stress at the County Fair

Nothing says county fair week like a hot forecast. Don’t forget to prepare for the heat your animals will face at the fair.

July 25, 2022 12:55 PM

Jennifer Shike

Industry

Early Warning System to Detect Emerging Disease Among NPPC’s Comments to APHIS

NPPC submitted comments to APHIS’ new strategic plan framework. Suggestions included increasing staff within its Veterinary Services and developing an early warning system to detect emerging and zoonotic diseases.

July 25, 2022 11:28 AM

Jennifer Shike

Education

6 Ways to Protect Pigs and People at the County Fair

County fair season is here. Whether it conjures up memories of cotton candy and ferris wheels or purple banners and livestock shows, the last thing you want is to get left out of the fun by a case of influenza.

July 25, 2022 07:00 AM

Jennifer Shike

Ag Policy

Pressure Mounts as Environmental Groups Ask EPA to Target CAFOs

The Sierra Club and Food & Water Watch are among 218 environmental groups that sent a letter Tuesday to EPA Administrator Michael Regan asking him to unleash EPA’s powers on so-called “factory farms.”

July 21, 2022 03:37 PM

Jennifer Shike

Live hog prices have struggled to gain traction this year with weekly prices ranging from about $74 to $81 per cwt with an average weekly price of $77 per cwt through the first week of May.

Ag Policy

USDA Formally Proposes Pork Checkoff Rate to Drop by Five Cents

On July 20, USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service formally proposed reducing the Pork Checkoff rate from 40 cents to 35 cents per $100 value for live animals, in line with a National Pork Producers Delegate Body vote.

July 21, 2022 02:34 PM

Jennifer Shike

Industry Threats According to Pig Farmers

Hog Production

What are the Greatest Threats Facing Pig Farmers? Leaders Speak Out

From sow barn managers to CEOs, they agree the threats facing the global pork industry have similar themes. Here’s a look at what nine leaders have to say about top issues as we move into the second half of 2022.

July 21, 2022 02:05 PM

Jennifer Shike