Latest News From Industry

Unleash Genetic Potential Through Careful Management
Unleash Genetic Potential Through Careful Management

In pig farming, maximizing genetic potential is a constant pursuit. Despite perceptions that pigs are the “easy part” compared to humans, the reality is ensuring optimal conditions involves overcoming various hurdles.

Meet AASV's 2024 Young Swine Veterinarian of the Year
Meet AASV's 2024 Young Swine Veterinarian of the Year

Meet the AASV Young Swine Veterinarian of the Year honored during the 55th American Association of Swine Veterinarians Annual Meeting in Nashville, Tenn.

EASY BIO Acquires U.S. Company Devenish Nutrition
EASY BIO Acquires U.S. Company Devenish Nutrition

South Korea’s leading animal nutrition company EASY BIO announced the acquisition of a 100% stake in Devenish Nutrition LLC, a U.S. corporation specializing in feed additives.

Company News: Novus, Hypor
Company News: Novus, Hypor

Here's a round-up of headlines in the pork industry. 

AASV Honors 2024 Technical Services/Allied Industry Veterinarian of the Year
AASV Honors 2024 Technical Services/Allied Industry Veterinarian of the Year

Melissa Farber Billing, DVM, was recognized for her proficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of veterinary service as well as her tireless service to the American Association of Swine Veterinarians.

Allerson Wins AASV's Outstanding Practitioner of the Year Award
Allerson Wins AASV's Outstanding Practitioner of the Year Award

Holden Farms' Veterinarian Matt Allerson was honored as the 2024 Swine Practitioner of the Year by the American Association of Swine Veterinarians during the association’s annual meeting in Nashville, Tenn.

Pork Companies Give Back to Communities
Pork Companies Give Back to Communities

Here's a peek at some of the great work pork companies are doing in communities across the country.

Sen. Lincoln Hough Receives Outstanding Legislator Award  from the Missouri Pork Association
Sen. Lincoln Hough Receives Outstanding Legislator Award from the Missouri Pork Association

Senator Lincoln Hough received the Outstanding Legislator Award during the 2024 Missouri Pork Expo. He was chosen for his outstanding support of the Missouri pork industry and all of agriculture.

Iowa Pork Honors Individuals as State's Top Pork Promoters
Iowa Pork Honors Individuals as State's Top Pork Promoters

The Iowa Pork Producers Association tips its hat each year to local leaders. Here are the 2024 winners.

APHIS Bolsters Animal Health Surveillance for Unexplained Mortality Investigations
APHIS Bolsters Animal Health Surveillance for Unexplained Mortality Investigations

A new collaborative effort is helping fund rapid investigations of unexplained morbidity or mortality events in animals – unexpected deaths or illnesses that could signal emerging animal disease threats.

World Pork Expo Returns With Exciting Updates for 2024
World Pork Expo Returns With Exciting Updates for 2024

By popular request, the Expo will feature a new schedule and entertainment options for visitors.

What Everyone Was Talking About at AASV's Annual Meeting
What Everyone Was Talking About at AASV's Annual Meeting

A variety of topics ranging from biosecurity breaches to PRRS kicked off conversations during the 2024 American Association of Swine Veterinarians annual meeting. Here’s a quick glimpse of what some experts had to say.

How Mouth Behavior Impacts Consumer Perception of Pork
How Mouth Behavior Impacts Consumer Perception of Pork

As meat scientists try to crack the code on producing highly desirable pork for consumers to increase the demand for pork products, how mouth behavior shapes consumer perception will be an important consideration.

Brazil Pork and Poultry Producer BRF Ends Seven-Quarter Losing Streak as Turnaround Pays Off
Brazil Pork and Poultry Producer BRF Ends Seven-Quarter Losing Streak as Turnaround Pays Off

Brazilian poultry and pork processor BRF SA turned a profit of $165.26 million in the final three months of 2023, ending a seven-quarter losing streak.

Meet 87-Year-Old Joan Kerns, A True Trailblazer Who Helped Carve Out A Niche For Her Family Nearly 60 Years Ago
Meet 87-Year-Old Joan Kerns, A True Trailblazer Who Helped Carve Out A Niche For Her Family Nearly 60 Years Ago

Edgewood Locker got its start in rural northeast Iowa in 1966. The business now spans over three generations, and it's largely thanks to Joan Kerns who helped start the family business that's now seen phenomenal growth.

Pork Industry News That Will Put a Smile On Your Face
Pork Industry News That Will Put a Smile On Your Face

A round-up of news headlines about great things happening in the pork industry.

Unlock Profit Potential: A Road Map for Pork Industry Resurgence
Unlock Profit Potential: A Road Map for Pork Industry Resurgence

Examining Iowa State’s “Estimated Returns to Farrow to Finish” profitability chart, along with the multitude of calls and discussions I’ve had with producers, paints a stark picture of the industry’s challenges. 

London Insect Farm Hatches Plan for Greener Way to Feed Animals
London Insect Farm Hatches Plan for Greener Way to Feed Animals

Buzzing underneath a set of railway arches in central London are hundreds of thousands of little flies, showcasing insect-farming technology that some believe turn into food for pigs and chickens on a large scale.

AgView’s New Feature Makes Commuter Agreements a Cinch for Pig Farmers
AgView’s New Feature Makes Commuter Agreements a Cinch for Pig Farmers

A new feature in AgView may be just what you are looking for to save time and be more efficient on the farm.

Pork Perspectives: A Minute with Kale Causemaker
Pork Perspectives: A Minute with Kale Causemaker

From 4-H and FFA to judging livestock at Black Hawk East, Kale Causemaker says those judging experienced helped guide him to a career in ag and his role with Innovation Solutions at Kent Nutrition Group. 

How FFA Changed Us: Pork Industry Leaders Speak Up
How FFA Changed Us: Pork Industry Leaders Speak Up

Here's a look at some familiar faces in the pork industry who credit FFA with helping them find their way into the pork industry and how it changed their lives.

2023 Pork Exports Were Not a Blip, Knupp Says
2023 Pork Exports Were Not a Blip, Knupp Says

Were 2023 pork exports a blip – an unexpected, temporary deviation from the general trend? Courtney Knupp, National Pork Board’s vice president of international market development, says not by a long shot. 

Your Mental Health Toolbox: How To Recognize The Warning Signs
Your Mental Health Toolbox: How To Recognize The Warning Signs

It’s important the friends, family, and business professionals close to farmers are prepared and able to effectively communicate in a mental health crisis.

Danish Farmers Concerned Carbon Tax Will Lead to Lower Livestock Production
Danish Farmers Concerned Carbon Tax Will Lead to Lower Livestock Production

Denmark's farmers on Wednesday voiced concerns that plans to levy a carbon emission tax on farming as part of efforts to meet Denmark's ambitious climate goals would force them to reduce production and close farms.

New Study Examines How African Swine Fever Virus Replicates
New Study Examines How African Swine Fever Virus Replicates

Scientists have taken a major step forward in understanding how African swine fever virus genes are controlled and expressed, helping the global pork industry advance understanding of this deadly disease of swine.

Kraig Westerbeek Named President of Smithfield Hog Production
Kraig Westerbeek Named President of Smithfield Hog Production

Smithfield Foods has named Kraig Westerbeek as president of its hog production operations effective Feb. 29, reporting to President and Chief Executive Officer Shane Smith.

Chris Chinn Receives Missouri Pork Association's Chairman's Award
Chris Chinn Receives Missouri Pork Association's Chairman's Award

Adam Dohrman, chairman of the Missouri Pork Association, announced Chris Chinn from Clarence, Mo., as the recipient of the prestigious Chairman’s Award during the 2024 Missouri Pork Expo on Feb. 20. 

Meet the Newest Missouri Youth Pork Ambassadors
Meet the Newest Missouri Youth Pork Ambassadors

Five young Missouri swine enthusiasts were named Missouri Youth Pork Ambassadors during the 2024 Missouri Pork Expo on Feb. 20. 

Pork Flavored Coffee in China: What Will Starbucks Think of Next?
Pork Flavored Coffee in China: What Will Starbucks Think of Next?

Braised pork with your coffee? Starbucks is releasing a unique combination in China that's sure to turn some heads to mark the Lunar New Year, CNN reports. 

NAFTA flags
Meat Institute Joins Canadian, Mexican Groups to Improve Trade, Reduce Regulatory Barriers

The three groups reveal a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that formalizes their ongoing work to improve trade, reduce regulatory barriers and enhance information exchange within North America.

Why Showcasing U.S. Red Meat in Japan Matters Now More Than Ever
Why Showcasing U.S. Red Meat in Japan Matters Now More Than Ever

U.S. red meat made a statement at the Supermarket Trade Show in Japan. USMEF showcased U.S. pork and beef products for key buyers from Japan’s retail sector during one of the country's biggest food events of the year.

Who is Minnesota's Pork Promoter of the Year?
Who is Minnesota's Pork Promoter of the Year?

Nancy Hovel’s pork promotion efforts go back to the early 1990s when she first started to help organize the Goodhue County Pork Producers Food Stand at the Goodhue County Fair.

How Today's Economy is Shaping the Business-Savvy Farmer
How Today's Economy is Shaping the Business-Savvy Farmer

Alan Hoskins, president of American Farm Mortgage, shares his expectations for the economy and how it changes the buying process.

Jay Moore Wins Minnesota Pork Board's Environmental Steward Award
Jay Moore Wins Minnesota Pork Board's Environmental Steward Award

Experience, dedication and commitment to the land are why Jay Moore received the 2024 Environmental Steward of the Year award by the Minnesota Pork Board. Being a good neighbor is of upmost importance to him. Here's why.

New Northwest Iowa Extension Swine Specialist is Ready to Help
New Northwest Iowa Extension Swine Specialist is Ready to Help

There's no question too big or too small for Ashley Englin, new swine specialist for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in northwest Iowa.

Minnesota Pork Industry Honors the Anderson Family
Minnesota Pork Industry Honors the Anderson Family

Pride for what came before them and a desire to continue the legacy centers the work of the Anderson Family and Anderson Farms of Belgrade, Minn. 

How To Increase Your Potential SAF Tax Credits Now
How To Increase Your Potential SAF Tax Credits Now

The practices used during the 2024 growing season will have a direct impact on the ability to take advantage of these incentives. Mitchell Hora of Continuum Ag shares what you need to know.

Sen. Bill Weber Receives Legislator of Distinction Award
Sen. Bill Weber Receives Legislator of Distinction Award

Representing agriculture has been a lifelong mission for Minnesota Senator Bill Weber. His passion for advocating for agriculture has been apparent and genuine throughout his time in office.

Global Pork Market is Under Pressure, Consumption Remains Strong
Global Pork Market is Under Pressure, Consumption Remains Strong

Production will slow in 2024 as the sow herd contracts in some regions, Rabobank says. Analysts suggest this may result in a decline or flat production in 2024, with disease pressures adding to the industry's challenges.

Employers Pivot Focus to Retention Strategies
Employers Pivot Focus to Retention Strategies

In recent years, agricultural employers consistently emphasized talent acquisition, but there has been a noticeable shift towards prioritizing retention as the primary focus in 2024.

Hoffmann Named Swine Manager of the Year Award in Minnesota
Hoffmann Named Swine Manager of the Year Award in Minnesota

Leading by example sets the standards on a team by building trust, creating a collaborative environment and forming a culture of accountability. This is how Aaron Hoffmann of Schwartz Farms Inc. shows up as a manager.

Canada Pork Producers Say No to a Bad Deal
Canada Pork Producers Say No to a Bad Deal

Here's why the Canadian Pork Council is "saying no to a bad deal."

Preisler Wins Minnesota Pork Board's Distinguished Service Award
Preisler Wins Minnesota Pork Board's Distinguished Service Award

The ability to connect people to each other and agriculture and the ability to identify challenges before they happen are two talents Dave Preisler used throughout his career working on behalf of Minnesota pig farmers.

Let's Start Sizzling: 10 Ways to Express Your Love
Let's Start Sizzling: 10 Ways to Express Your Love

Need a good one-liner to make your valentine swoon? Try one these tested and true oaths of love featuring the best animal on the farm this Valentine's Day.

Who Needs Chocolate? Make a Bacon Bouquet for Your Sweetheart
Who Needs Chocolate? Make a Bacon Bouquet for Your Sweetheart

Say "I love you" with this tasty treat.

 Japanese Encephalitis Virus: SHIC/FFAR Collaboration Seeks Research Proposals
Japanese Encephalitis Virus: SHIC/FFAR Collaboration Seeks Research Proposals

Understanding potential impacts of JEV on pork production is critical to protecting the health of the U.S. swine herd as well as mitigating the risk of this emerging disease. Here's what the pork industry is doing now.

Barriers and Opportunities in Sustainability Data Collection Throughout Pork Supply Chain
Barriers and Opportunities in Sustainability Data Collection Throughout Pork Supply Chain

Farm Journal’s Trust In Food and The Sustainability Consortium are partnering to gather insights into the vital role data collection and sharing plays in measuring sustainability in the pork supply chain.  

New Gut Technology Targets Pig and Piglet Health
New Gut Technology Targets Pig and Piglet Health

A new collaboration plans to target research studying two swine diseases -- PEDV and PPRS -- as well as immune system function in pigs and piglets using a cutting-edge yeast-based technology.

If You’ve Got It, Flaunt It: Meet the Winners of the Best Beards in the Pork Industry
If You’ve Got It, Flaunt It: Meet the Winners of the Best Beards in the Pork Industry

When you go into competition, you’ve got to be willing to show off what you’ve got. Judge Chip Flory says this year's winner is "flaunting a whole rack of ribs hanging off his face." Here are the industry's best beards.

NASDA Supports Access to Approved Vaccine Technologies
NASDA Supports Access to Approved Vaccine Technologies

NASDA supports farmers and ranchers’ ability to safeguard animal health through the responsible use of vaccines.