As the dust settles on an eventful year, these six pork producers reflect on what they learned in 2025. A year filled with an exciting new campaign for the pork industry, lower feed costs and more opportunity for profitability, a fair share of health challenges, and more, these producers say some of the biggest lessons learned this year will be valuable to keep in mind as they move forward.
“I feel that the pork industry still relies on grit and resiliency to act on change. We have a lot thrown at us each year, and 2025 was no different. From changes in DC that affect our operations and market conditions to the work being done with our checkoff dollars to continue the sustainability journey and also the roll out of Taste What Pork Can Do campaign, our farms face change. I highlighted these examples, because in my opinion, the lesson I learned in 2025 is that the changes WE control, while seemingly glacial in progress, have been thoughtfully built to benefit our industry for years to come.” – Dale Stevermer, Minnesota pig farmer
“The biggest lesson I learned in 2025—and one I believe the pork industry learned alongside me—is simple but profound: people are the critical factor. For many years, our family farm was fortunate to have dependable, long-term labor. That changed this year when a valued employee, someone who had been with us for a long time, suffered a stroke and was unable to return to work. In the months that followed, as I searched for a replacement, I found myself back in the barns—working pigs, pressure washing, and handling the daily grind. In many ways, it was a return to my roots. That season came with sacrifices. I missed an opportunity to become involved in the pork industry at the national level, but as it always has, our family farm came first. What that experience reinforced is this: no matter how advanced our technology, genetics, or facilities become, success or failure ultimately comes down to people. Finding and keeping good employees—and being the kind of leader people want to work for—is absolutely critical. This reality isn’t unique to our farm; it’s true across the pork industry. As we look ahead, the industry’s ability to grow, adapt, and remain resilient will depend on how well we invest in people—through leadership development, training, and creating workplaces that value and retain the next generation of farm employees. People aren’t just part of the operation. They are the operation.” – Chad Herring, North Carolina pig farmer
“When I look back on 2025, the things that I most remember are the wins in the industry, including faster line speeds, funding for the “three-legged stool” for animal health programs, and funding for market access programs and foreign market development. I also remind myself that we can’t lose sight of other critical items like having good biosecurity, the importance of international trade and continuing advocacy for U.S. pig farmers. Advocacy work is never done: We must stay vigilant on important industry issues, including fixing Prop 12. As I reflect, I am also thankful for the friends I have in the pig industry and look forward to meeting many more.” – Trish Cook, Iowa pig farmer
“I would say the biggest “lesson” I learned in 2025 has to be how national organizations (National Pork Board and National Pork Producers Council) play a vital role for our producers. I was able to participate in the Pork Leadership Institute (PLI) in 2025. I worked with peer producers throughout the U.S. and very passionate and talented people from both those organizations. I have a new appreciation for all they do for our industry.” – Randy Kuker, Illinois pig farmer
“The biggest lesson learned is perseverance and resiliency. There are always challenges faced whether it is on a personal farm level or on an industry-wide level. The first to come to mind is our new Taste What Pork Can Do campaign. The main goal was to increase domestic pork demand, and we are on the right track to do such. That comes on the heels of increased tariffs, which has caused a decrease in global pork sales. What do pork producers do? We strive to create additional markets while renegotiating current market contracts. We produce the safest most wholesome pork in the world. We, as pork producers, need to persevere to maintain profitability in this industry. Our resiliency is proven over and over again. I am proud to be a pork producer, and I am proud to serve on local, state and national level in the pork industry.” – John W. Rauser, Montana pig farmer
“The 2025 pork industry review offers optimism as producers adopt technologies that improve efficiency, strengthen cost management, enhance understanding and management of herd health, and deliver measurable improvements in pork quality that leave consumers craving more. – Rob Brenneman, Iowa pig farmer
