Latest News From Industry

Don't Take Grandma's Word When it Comes to Food Safety
Don't Take Grandma's Word When it Comes to Food Safety

My Grandma Ruth was an amazing cook. Spending time with her in the kitchen growing up is a gift I'll never take for granted. She didn't have a fancy kitchen, but she didn't need it to make the very best food ever. 

10 Jokes to Avoid ‘Talking Turkey’ This Thanksgiving
10 Jokes to Avoid ‘Talking Turkey’ This Thanksgiving

As much as everyone loves Thanksgiving, it can be a little overwhelming getting family together. If politics or the pork market start to come up in conversation, try this to help lighten the mood.

UK Meat Producer's Profit View Underlines Booming Domestic Demand
UK Meat Producer's Profit View Underlines Booming Domestic Demand

British meat producer Cranswick forecasts annual profit at the upper end of current market estimates, betting strong domestic demand and higher pig prices would offset a fall in China volumes.

A Thanksgiving Debate: What's On the Menu?
A Thanksgiving Debate: What's On the Menu?

It's Thanksgiving week, and special meals are being planned and prepared across the country. What's on the menu at your celebration?

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Semi Hauling 1,900 Piglets Overturns in Ohio

A semi-trailer hauling 1,900 piglets overturned on Friday near Dayton, Ohio. Body camera footage showed troopers responding to the call.

Turporken is the Thanksgiving Trifecta
Turporken is the Thanksgiving Trifecta

Turkey is o.k., but it's a far cry from a delicious holiday ham in my book. That's why I can't help but be intrigued by turporken.

Taiwan Invokes Special Safeguards for Pork Belly Imports
Taiwan Invokes Special Safeguards for Pork Belly Imports

Taiwan notified the World Trade Organization on Sept. 28 that it was invoking volume-based special safeguards on imports of pork belly, according to the latest USDA FAS GAIN report.

10 African Swine Fever Research Projects Wrap Up in Vietnam
10 African Swine Fever Research Projects Wrap Up in Vietnam

Results of African swine fever research in Vietnam are helping inform prevention and preparedness efforts for the U.S. pork industry while helping with response and recovery efforts for the ASF epidemic in Vietnam.  

Dairy Management Inc.'s Lisa McComb Appointed Chair-Elect of Animal Agriculture Alliance Board
Dairy Management Inc.'s Lisa McComb Appointed Chair-Elect of Animal Agriculture Alliance Board

The Animal Agriculture Alliance announced new upcoming board leadership, along with several board seats have renewed through 2026, following its fall board meeting, held Nov. 7 in Washington, D.C.

7 Essential Strategy Considerations
7 Essential Strategy Considerations

Mark Faust shares objectives in seven key areas that can intensify your operation's vision, divergence and focus.

Minnesota Prepares for Potential Wild Pig Invasion
Minnesota Prepares for Potential Wild Pig Invasion

When a group of pigs escaped from a farm in Marshall County in northwestern Minnesota in 2016, it wasn't long before a sow wandered into the West Valley Wildlife Management Area, where she gave birth to several piglets.

USMEF Strategic Planning Conference Wraps Up with New Leadership and Logistics Insight
USMEF Strategic Planning Conference Wraps Up with New Leadership and Logistics Insight

The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) successfully concluded its Strategic Planning Conference with the election of a new dynamic officer team, including Randy Spronk, Steve Hanson, Jay Theiler and David Bruntz.

Succession Planning: Why Now?
Succession Planning: Why Now?

Rena Striegel's workshop at the upcoming Top Producer Summit will leave attendees with four main takeaways.

Oklahoma State University Livestock Judging Team Wins 23rd National Championship
Oklahoma State University Livestock Judging Team Wins 23rd National Championship

The Oklahoma State University Livestock Judging team continues to break records by winning its 23rd national championship at the NAILE Senior Collegiate Livestock Contest.

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JBS Facing Headwinds in the U.S., NY Listing Plans Pushed Back

JBS SA, the Brazil-based meat behemoth, is braced for tough times as low cattle availability squeezes beef margins in the U.S., its main market, and management works to return pork business margins to more stable levels.

U.S. Pork Exports Showcase Strength in Varied Markets Despite September Declines
U.S. Pork Exports Showcase Strength in Varied Markets Despite September Declines

In September, U.S. pork exports experienced a slight decline compared to the previous year but maintained a robust pace, according to data released by the USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

Researchers Confirm There Are Only Six Unique Strains of African Swine Fever Virus
Researchers Confirm There Are Only Six Unique Strains of African Swine Fever Virus

Fewer unique genotypes than the ASF research community first believed means there is less diversity of ASF virus affecting communities across the globe, USDA researchers say.

Australian and U.S. Scientists Team Up on New African Swine Fever Vaccine
Australian and U.S. Scientists Team Up on New African Swine Fever Vaccine

Australian researchers are teaming up with U.S. company MBF Therapeutics to evaluate an African swine fever vaccine candidate. 

Scott Hays Named Missouri Pork Association's New Executive Director
Scott Hays Named Missouri Pork Association's New Executive Director

Scott Hays will step into the role of executive director of the Missouri Pork Association following the retirement of Don Nikodim, who has led the organization for 40 years.

Wild Pig Populations in U.S. Can Be Managed
Wild Pig Populations in U.S. Can Be Managed

Recent conservation efforts have proven effective at controlling wild pig populations in the Southeastern U.S., according to new research.

Promising Kidney Transplant Solution Taps Expertise of Dr. Jim Lowe
Promising Kidney Transplant Solution Taps Expertise of Dr. Jim Lowe

In August, two U.S. surgical teams announced successful experimental kidney transplant from transgenic pigs into brain-dead human recipients. Jim Lowe, DVM, is on the team on Makana’s KidneyX Prize Competition Award.

Flagship Pork Checkoff Programs Receive ISO Compliance
Flagship Pork Checkoff Programs Receive ISO Compliance

The National Pork Board's flagship certification programs have been confirmed to be compliant with ISO Technical Specification 34700, recognizing pig farmers' commitment to the highest level of care and well-being.  

New Legislation Looks To Connect Farmland And Ranchland To Broadband
New Legislation Looks To Connect Farmland And Ranchland To Broadband

The Last Acre Act would help expand high-speed internet access across eligible farmland, ranchland and farm sites. At least 15% of farms and ranches have no access to the internet today. 

Hong Kong Culls 5,600 Pigs After African Swine Fever Discovered
Hong Kong Culls 5,600 Pigs After African Swine Fever Discovered

Hong Kong authorities on Thursday ordered the culling of around 5,600 pigs in a herd after the African swine fever (ASF) virus was discovered at a local pig farm.

Lovett Adds His Name to the "Purchase Moore Hamann Bacon" NIL Initiative
Lovett Adds His Name to the "Purchase Moore Hamann Bacon" NIL Initiative

Iowa State University linebacker Zach Lovett is joining in on Iowa Pork Producers Association’s viral “Purchase Moore Hamann Bacon” marketing initiative encouraging Iowans to eat more pork. 

Xylazine Bill Protects Veterinary Access to the Popular Sedative
Xylazine Bill Protects Veterinary Access to the Popular Sedative

Xylazine is an important animal sedative that's used in almost every sector of veterinary medicine. However, illicit or illegal xylazine is increasingly showing up in street drugs.

October Consumer Food Insights Report Highlights Thanksgiving Meal Plans
October Consumer Food Insights Report Highlights Thanksgiving Meal Plans

While Thanksgiving staples like turkey, green beans, gravy and stuffing will be common throughout the country, items such as cornbread, ham and macaroni and cheese are more likely to be a part of meals in the South.

Branstad and Westman To Be Recognized with 2023 USMEF Awards
Branstad and Westman To Be Recognized with 2023 USMEF Awards

In recognition of many years of service to the U.S. agricultural industry, the U.S. Meat Export Federation recently announced its 2023 award recipients.

Phibro Animal Health Defends Safety and Use of Mecadox
Phibro Animal Health Defends Safety and Use of Mecadox

The FDA, through its Center for Veterinary Medicine, has taken two new actions regarding Mecadox (carbadox), a drug marketed by Phibro Animal Health Corporation.

Hong Kong Authorities Discover ASF Outbreak on Farm
Hong Kong Authorities Discover ASF Outbreak on Farm

A new outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) was discovered on a farm in Hong Kong.

Overcome Family Dysfunction with the 3 C’s
Overcome Family Dysfunction with the 3 C’s

Succession planning can be a complex and emotionally charged process. Achieving consensus among family members, committing to the plan and understanding potential consequences are vital to secure the future of the farm.

The McRib is Back in Select Locations Despite 2022 Farewell Tour
The McRib is Back in Select Locations Despite 2022 Farewell Tour

No one knows how long McDonald's beloved pork patty sandwich will be available or which locations will participate, but it appears the Farewell Tour is over...again.

Breeding Herd Reductions and Slow Trade Impact 2023 Global Pork Prospects, Rabobank Reports
Breeding Herd Reductions and Slow Trade Impact 2023 Global Pork Prospects, Rabobank Reports

According to Rabobank’s recent global pork quarterly report, even certain improvements struggle to help flip the narrative for the industry throughout the world.

Animal Rights Activist Found Guilty of Felony and Two Misdemeanors
Animal Rights Activist Found Guilty of Felony and Two Misdemeanors

Animal activist Wayne Hsiung was found guilty of one felony and two misdemeanor charges after nearly a week of deliberations before a Sonoma County jury for his role in "open rescues" on two farms.

More Traffic Slowdowns At The Panama Canal
More Traffic Slowdowns At The Panama Canal

The Panama Canal is now cutting its daily ship transits by half this winter due to severe drought.

SHIC Names Lisa Becton as New Associate Director
SHIC Names Lisa Becton as New Associate Director

Lisa Becton has been named associate director of the Swine Health Information Center. Most recently, Becton served as the National Pork Board’s director of swine health.

University of Illinois Dedicates Stock Pavilion Arena in Honor of Industry Leader, Professor Doug Parrett
University of Illinois Dedicates Stock Pavilion Arena in Honor of Industry Leader, Professor Doug Parrett

Honoring the 49-year career of the beef production professor and livestock judging icon, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign will dedicate the “Dr. Doug Parrett Memorial Arena” in the historic Stock Pavilion.

Iowa Pork Adds Cook to 'Purchase Moore Hamann Bacon' NIL Initiative
Iowa Pork Adds Cook to 'Purchase Moore Hamann Bacon' NIL Initiative

The Iowa Pork Producers Association’s viral 'Purchase Moore Hamann Bacon' marketing initiative with Iowa State football players is adding a new element: Linebacker Alec Cook.

Important Differences Between Today and the 1980s Ag Economy
Important Differences Between Today and the 1980s Ag Economy

Though inflation is currently high, Indiana ag lender Joe Kessie doesn’t expect a repeat of what he experienced in his early career for three main reasons.

Pork Producers Navigate Challenges With Record Productivity, Rabobank Report Reveals
Pork Producers Navigate Challenges With Record Productivity, Rabobank Report Reveals

The U.S. pork industry navigates record pig productivity, lower weights, volatile markets and international hurdles.

Father, Son Die in Northwest Iowa Farm Shooting
Father, Son Die in Northwest Iowa Farm Shooting

Authorities first became aware of the incident when a man called 911 reporting his son was shooting at him. Dispatchers also received a call that livestock were running loose and there was a fire on the property.

Olymel Recalls More Than 11,000 Lb. of Ready-To-Eat Ham Products
Olymel Recalls More Than 11,000 Lb. of Ready-To-Eat Ham Products

Olymel is recalling approximately 11,016 pounds of ready-to eat ham products. Here's what you need to know.

African Swine Fever: WOAH Warns Pork Industry Not to Use Sub-Standard Vaccines
African Swine Fever: WOAH Warns Pork Industry Not to Use Sub-Standard Vaccines

African swine fever is not slowing down it's deadly spread around the globe. The World Organisation for Animal Health shares concerns about the use of sub-standard vaccines and urges the pork industry not to settle.

Pig Motel: How a Legendary Farmer Kickstarted a Career
Pig Motel: How a Legendary Farmer Kickstarted a Career

When Max Miller opened the Pig Motel and charged 2 cents for room and board, the venture was about more than math.

New Funding Aims To Fuel Growth In U.S. Meat Markets Worldwide
New Funding Aims To Fuel Growth In U.S. Meat Markets Worldwide

The USDA recently announced it will make funds available through the Commodity Credit Corporation, aiming to expand opportunities for U.S. ag products in international markets, USMEF reports.

NPPC Responds to USTR’s National Trade Estimate Report
NPPC Responds to USTR’s National Trade Estimate Report

Trade barriers limit U.S. ag exports, which are vital to America’s farmers, ranchers and the overall U.S. economy, supporting about 1 million jobs. For pork producers, exports contribute significantly to the bottom line.

Pork Producers Ask Judge for Partial Ruling in Question 3 Case
Pork Producers Ask Judge for Partial Ruling in Question 3 Case

The plaintiffs asked a judge to rule in their favor regarding a constitutional clause that limits state laws and regulations that may unduly burden or discriminate against interstate commerce.

The Best Halloween Costumes Tie Back to the Farm
The Best Halloween Costumes Tie Back to the Farm

Maybe it’s because I’m a farm kid at heart, but I think the best Halloween costume ideas come straight from the farm. And I'm not the only one on our team here at Farm Journal who feels that way.

China Live Hog Price Plunges on Rising Disease, Growing Supply
China Live Hog Price Plunges on Rising Disease, Growing Supply

China's live hog price fell almost 7% on Monday from a week ago, the biggest weekly decline this year, as fresh disease outbreaks led farms to send more pigs to slaughter for an already over-supplied market.

At Just 22 Years Old, She's a Farmhand Who's Found Social Media Success In a Remarkable Way
At Just 22 Years Old, She's a Farmhand Who's Found Social Media Success In a Remarkable Way

At 22 years old, Emma decided the college life wasn't for her. She dropped out and decided to become a farmhand. With each adventure comes lessons she shares on her "Ag With Emma" social media accounts.