One of the most talked-about questions at the 2023 World Pork Expo wasn’t about Proposition 12 or which new technology to implement, it was about how people were doing. What was the general mood of producers at the trade show? What were people talking about? How was the pulse of U.S. pork producers?
The answer: Surprisingly positive.
“The energy was much more positive than I was initially expecting,” says Alltech’s Andy Rash, general manager for U.S. Swine.
There’s no question the U.S. pork industry is in major turmoil and producers are struggling. But in general, the comments heard around the trade show were that despite the challenging industry environment, producers were optimistic, and conversations were good.
We’re in This Together
Integrity Builders and Supply Inc. President Darrell Wahe says he was encouraged by the number of people at the show.
“Most everyone had a good attitude,” Wahe adds. “I honestly didn’t think it’d be a good show and was worried about it coming in. I’ve been to a lot of doom-and-gloom shows before and this definitely wasn’t one.”
Tough markets provide unique opportunities to reflect on and think more deeply about why you do what you do.
“I was raised on a family farm and pigs have supported me my whole life,” says Jonathan Wakefield, sales manager at Farmweld. “I have faith pigs will support me in the future. The markets will turn around.”
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen a market like this, points out PigCHAMP product and sales manager Jayne Jackson.
“It will get better. Many of us have been through this before. We’ve got to put our heads down and do what we do best,” Jackson says. “It stinks, but we’ve got to hold tight, be together and help each other where we can.”
Allied industry leaders at the trade show agreed on the importance of reminding producers they are not alone.
“We’re all in this together,” says Ruben Beltran, ADM’s vice president of feed additives and ingredients for North America. “Producer success obviously brings us success, and we want them to be successful. We want to be a resource to our customers beyond the scope of how our products can help them. I think that’s important as we continue down the trend of where the market situation is.”
A crowd of attendees stops for a quick chat in between booths at the World Pork Expo. Photo by Allie Norton.
Helpful Advice for Producers
During challenging markets, Russell Fent, Ralco swine technical director, says he encourages people to look at ways to minimize waste.
“Everybody really wants to control their costs as much as possible. But at the same time, if you want to maximize efficiency, you need to control waste more than anything. Invest in technologies that will help you increase digestibility and improve feed conversion or technologies that will help you decrease mortality, especially in the finishing barn,” Fent says.
Megan Bollin, DVM, swine technical services veterinarian for Norbrook, encourages producers to keep biosecurity top of mind. Even though producers can’t control the markets, they can control biosecurity protocols on their farm.
“Review your biosecurity protocols at least quarterly with your veterinarian,” Bollin says. “See where your weak links are. If we can keep disease out, we don’t have to spend extra on antibiotics. The same is true with reviewing your vaccine protocol and incorporating diagnostics to better understand the diseases you are fighting in your barn.”
“Turning Animal Agriculture’s Toughest Challenges into Our Biggest Opportunities,” highlighted digital technology’s role in animal agriculture. Photo by JoAnn Alumbaugh.
Be Open to Change
When hard times hit, the more progressive people will be open to change, says Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech.
“These are the moments of change,” Lyons points out. “Don’t lose this opportunity. The market will come back.”
Lyons moderated a panel discussion at World Pork Expo titled, “Turning Animal Agriculture’s Toughest Challenges into Our Biggest Opportunities,” that highlighted digital technology’s role in animal agriculture and how challenges including pig health, labor shortages and profitability can turn into opportunities that improve environmental and economic sustainability.
As Rash stood in the back listening to the panel’s discussion, he says it wasn’t lost on him that some of the industry’s top innovators and thought leaders were whispering about ideas and different tactics they could put into motion as the panel took place.
“The question is – what will you go home and do differently? That’s not just applicable for the pork industry or for us as a company. It’s for you as a person. In times like this, what will you go home and do different based on what you saw and heard this week?” Rash says. “Leaders aren’t just going to talk about it, they are going to go home and do something.”
More from World Pork Expo:
Sol the Agriculture Detection Dog: A U.S. Hero
Ears to the Ground: World Pork Expo Conversations Focus on Top Industry Issues
West Coast Port Delays Cause Big Issues for U.S. Pork Exports
Meet Two Pig Farmers Finding Unique Ways to Serve Up More Pork Demand
NPPC’s Bryan Humphreys: Advocating for U.S. Pork Producers, Beyond World Pork Expo
Worse Than 1998? Why Explosive Exports May Not Even Be Enough to Change the Course of Pork Prices
Discouraging Outlook Ahead but Bright Spots Exist – Part 1
Supply Outlook: Fewer Sows Farrowing than in 2014 and 2015? - Part 2
