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

Education

Super Bowl Stand-Outs: 8 Ways to Win With Pork

Here’s what some of our friends in the pork industry are fixing for the second biggest “food holiday” of the year. When you’ve got Super Bowl snacks this good, it doesn’t matter which team wins!

February 05, 2021 04:23 PM

Jennifer Shike

Industry

Cautious Optimism Abounds for Pork Industry in 2021

Despite everything 2020 has thrown at the pork industry, Scott Brown, University of Missouri ag economist, says hog production is lining up reasonably well right now. He shared his thoughts on what’s ahead on AgriTalk.

February 05, 2021 03:50 PM

Jennifer Shike

Hog Production

What Happens If? An Answer to the Question Everyone’s Asking

The COVID-19 pandemic caught our world by surprise. That’s one reason why the Swine Health Information Center is focused on preventing or preparing for emerging diseases. No one wants to be surprised like that again.

February 05, 2021 03:23 PM

Jennifer Shike

Industry

New Program Assesses Tyson Foods’ COVID-19 Risk Mitigation Efforts

Tyson Foods, Inc., is piloting a new Matrix Medical Network program that assesses, addresses, verifies and monitors the effectiveness of Tyson’s efforts to protect its workforce from COVID-19.

February 03, 2021 02:46 PM

Jennifer Shike

Ag Policy

Vilsack Returns to USDA With A Different Attitude

He’s the only USDA secretary that has served in one administration and has been asked to come back years later. For Tom Vilsack, it’s an opportunity he is looking forward to for many reasons.

February 02, 2021 04:05 PM

Jennifer Shike

Industry

Lawsuit Challenges FDA Approval of Additive in Impossible Burgers

The Center for Food Safety filed a legal brief challenging FDA’s approval of soy leghemoglobin (“heme”), a color additive used to make Impossible Foods’ Impossible Burger appear to “bleed” like real meat.

February 01, 2021 02:24 PM

Jennifer Shike

Hog Production

Vilsack Weighs In On Parallel Between COVID-19 and Animal Disease Outbreaks

If the COVID-19 pandemic has taught the country anything, it’s that there is a tremendous amount of synergy between the circumstances of a pandemic involving humans and those involving animals.

February 01, 2021 07:36 AM

Jennifer Shike

Industry

Smithfield Foods Commits to Reduce Sodium and Sugar by 2025

Although sodium and sugars are integral components of a well-rounded diet, Smithfield Foods, Inc., says shifts in consumer expectations have inspired a concerted effort to reduce the use of these ingredients.

February 01, 2021 07:36 AM

Jennifer Shike

Industry

Animal Protein Sector Needs to Realign with 2020 Foodservice Survivors, CoBank Says

Flexibility remains critical for animal protein industry, CoBank says, as foodservice sales are not likely to reach pre-pandemic levels before mid-2022.

January 28, 2021 10:00 AM

Jennifer Shike

Hog Production

How Does Reducing Your Herd’s Stillborn Rate Pencil Out?

Research points to the benefit of attended farrowing, but sometimes labor challenges stand in the way. If you could cut your stillborn rate in half, what is that worth?

January 28, 2021 06:01 AM

Jennifer Shike