Latest News From Industry

Take steps to balance physical and mental wellness, which is vital to staying healthy and less accident-prone.
5 Stress-Management Tips for Uncertain Times

Take steps to balance physical and mental wellness, which is vital to staying healthy and less accident-prone.

Nearly empty meat cases were the norm last week.
Retail Meat Sales Surge 77% Due To Panic Buying

Retail meat sales spiked 77% higher for the week ending March 15, but food shortages are not expected during the "social distancing" period underway to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Rising Mexican Gray Wolf Population Threatens Southwest Cattle Ranches
Rising Mexican Gray Wolf Population Threatens Southwest Cattle Ranches

Cattle ranchers are increasingly concerned as the Mexican gray wolf population in the U.S. rebounded in 2019, up nearly 25%.

Homeland Security Recognizes Agriculture as Critical Industry
Homeland Security Recognizes Agriculture as Critical Industry

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued guidance on critical industry workforce that should continue as the country addresses and responds to the coronavirus outbreak. U.S. food and agriculture was included.

Labor: The Topic That Keeps Farmers Up at Night
Labor: The Topic That Keeps Farmers Up at Night

Agriculture needs to be declared an essential service.

NPPC's New President A.V. Roth Looks Forward to Year Ahead
NPPC's New President A.V. Roth Looks Forward to Year Ahead

A.V. Roth, a fifth-generation farmer who has raised hogs his entire life, says he’s excited for his chance to lead pork producers in the year ahead as president of the National Pork Producers Council.

BREAKING: Temporary Hours of Service Exemption for Livestock Haulers
BREAKING: Temporary Hours of Service Exemption for Livestock Haulers

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has exempted livestock haulers from compliance with federal Hours of Service rules that limit drive time until at least April 12 due to COVID-19 emergency relief efforts.

Day Named Ohio Pork Council Executive Vice President
Day Named Ohio Pork Council Executive Vice President

Cheryl Day has been named executive vice president of the Ohio Pork Council.

File Photo
54 Veterinary Students Awarded Financial Scholarships

The monetary awards will help students support their educational and professional goals.

International Conference on Pig Survivability Set for October 28-29
International Conference on Pig Survivability Set for October 28-29

We want attendees to walk away with a sense of urgency toward the issue of mortality and some practical ideas of what to do about it, says K-State's Joel DeRouchey about the International Conference on Pig Survivability.

A few subway riders stand on the platform, normally bustling with rush hour commuters, at the Union Station Metro station in Washington, U.S. March 16, 2020. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst
EXPLAINER-What's in the U.S. coronavirus aid bill?

What is in the coronavirus aid package?

The updated list from EPA contains nearly 200 additional products—including 40 new products that went through the agency’s expedited review process.
EPA Expands COVID-19 Disinfectant List

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released an expanded list of EPA-registered disinfectant products on Monday that have qualified for use against SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

USDA Closes Wing, Markets Dive, The Latest Coronavirus News
USDA Closes Wing, Markets Dive, The Latest Coronavirus News

A roundup of coronavirus coverage for Monday, March 16 including a partial shutdown of USDA, another rocky day in the markets and how universities are forging ahead with key research despite coronavirus related closures.

Courtesy: Stephanie Crownover
Heartbreak Amid Cancelled Farm Show: "This Is My Last Year to Show"

One of the most high-profile events in farm country affected by coronavirus concerns is the Houston Livestock show and Rodeo. Some producers had to pack up and leave for home while others didn’t even make the trip.

U.S. pork shipments to China fall to lowest ever -USDA
U.S. pork shipments to China fall to lowest ever -USDA

U.S. export sales of pork to China hit their lowest on record in the week ended March 5  even as access to ports improved in the world's top consumer of pork.

It All Comes Down to Pork
It All Comes Down to Pork

From consumer messaging around health, sustainability and nutrition to FAD preparedness, I couldn’t help but admire the thought leaders forging new pathways during the National Pork Industry Forum and AASV meeting.

COVID-19 Causes Evacuation at Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
COVID-19 Causes Evacuation at Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has canceled its event due to growing concerns over novel coronavirus.

NPPC Seeks Labor Solutions to Potential Impact of COVID-19 on Industry
NPPC Seeks Labor Solutions to Potential Impact of COVID-19 on Industry

The impact of Novel Coronavirus-2019 on the already challenging labor shortage is a concern for the U.S. pork industry.

Beef Exports Grow, Pork Off To Fast Start

Pork exports maintained a torrid pace into the new year with January sales to China/Hong Kong leading the way. January beef exports increased modestly from last year.

7 Steps to Reduce Farm and Financial Stress
7 Steps to Reduce Farm and Financial Stress

Manage your stress to keep it from ruining precious relationships and vital business partnerships, says Val Farmer, a clinical psychologist and author. Consider these suggestions on how to cope with financial and farm stress.  

Herring Reflects on Whirlwind Year of NPPC Presidency
Herring Reflects on Whirlwind Year of NPPC Presidency

Serving as president of the National Pork Producers Council is no easy task, not even during a so-called “quiet year.”  But no one would call this past year a quiet one, in fact, it was quite the opposite.

Lois Britt Memorial Pork Industry Scholarship Winners Announced
Lois Britt Memorial Pork Industry Scholarship Winners Announced

The 2020 winners of the Lois Britt Memorial Pork Industry Scholarships were announced at the National Pork Industry Forum.

10 Quotes to Remember from National Pork Industry Forum 2020
10 Quotes to Remember from National Pork Industry Forum 2020

The National Pork Industry Forum didn’t disappoint. Here are 10 quotes that caught some attention.

Set clear expectations and accountability for fruitful family governance.
Family Governance: Set Clear Expectations and Accountability

Set clear expectations and accountability for fruitful family governance.

ASF Prevention Tops Resolutions Passed by NPPC
ASF Prevention Tops Resolutions Passed by NPPC

Each year, pork producers meet to discuss pork industry challenges and opportunities and adopt resolutions to help protect the U.S. pork industry during the NPPC’s annual meeting at the National Pork Industry Forum. 

NPPC Elects New Officers, Board Members
NPPC Elects New Officers, Board Members

The National Pork Producers Council elected new officers and members to its board of directors at its National Pork Industry Forum held in Kansas City, Mo, March 6.

Pulled Pork Madness Nomination Period Now Open
Pulled Pork Madness Nomination Period Now Open

Bracket-style contest lets pork fans choose Iowa's best pulled pork sandwich.

Create a simple, viable and active strategy for your farm .
Create Your Farm's Business Plan in 5 Minutes

Create a simple, viable and active strategy for your farm.

Texas Pork Producers Association Former Executive Wins National Award
Texas Pork Producers Association Former Executive Wins National Award

The pork industry gathered together at the National Pork Industry Forum to recognize former Texas Pork Producers Association executive vice president Ken Horton with the Paulson-Whitmore State Executive Award. 

Building a Farm-To-Fork Business One Pig at a Time
Building a Farm-To-Fork Business One Pig at a Time

Today, the family operates a purebred Berkshire, farrow-to-finish hog operation that caters to high-end restaurants and retail outlets throughout the country from the East Coast to the West Coast.

Pork Industry Inducts Everett Forkner into NPPC Hall of Fame
Pork Industry Inducts Everett Forkner into NPPC Hall of Fame

The National Pork Producers Council inducted Everett Forkner, a longtime Missouri pork producer, into the NPPC Hall of Fame on Thursday at the National Pork Industry Forum.

Readers Share How FFA Changed Their Lives
Readers Share How FFA Changed Their Lives

Social media was buzzing with stories, memories and highlights from current and past FFA members last week about what FFA means to them. Here's what our readers had to say.

Pig Farmers Fight Food Insecurity in Kansas City with Pork Donation
Pig Farmers Fight Food Insecurity in Kansas City with Pork Donation

Pig farmers are gathering in Kansas City this week for the National Pork Industry Forum. A donation of nearly 40,000 servings were provided to a Kansas City food bank on behalf of Pork Forum attendees.

Sara Schafer
Leadership Goes Beyond Authority and Titles

As we gear up for the exciting and stressful planting season, reflect on how you can be a better leader this year.

New Partnership Means More Fun at Fair Oaks for School Children
New Partnership Means More Fun at Fair Oaks for School Children

Indiana Pork and Indiana Soybean Alliance team up to help kids experience a little agriculture.

U.S. Pork Makes Big Gains in Australia and New Zealand    
U.S. Pork Makes Big Gains in Australia and New Zealand    

Value-added U.S. pork products are gaining popularity in Australia and New Zealand’s retail and food service sectors. 

Shopper Study Shows Meat Demand is Strong
Shopper Study Shows Meat Demand is Strong

Meat demand is on the rise, capturing $50.5 billion in sales for 2019, despite shifting consumption patterns.

Building a Farm-To-Fork Business One Pig at a Time
Building a Farm-To-Fork Business One Pig at a Time

The idea of owning a farm-to-fork operation is one many pork producers may have thought about but quickly discarded. David Newman shares how their family staked their claim on this opportunity and never looked back.

Meat Lovers Rejoice: Dunkin’ Launches Snackin’ Bacon
Meat Lovers Rejoice: Dunkin’ Launches Snackin’ Bacon

Dunkin’ unveiled something meat lovers can get excited about. Snackin’ Bacon with Sweet Black Pepper made its debut on Wednesday.  What’s better than a bag full of bacon? A bag full of bacon and coffee?

12 Reasons Why We Need FFA More Than Ever
12 Reasons Why We Need FFA More Than Ever

In a world where more and more young people are glued to electronic devices and missing out on community, FFA offers connection, hands-on learning and adult mentors to invest in their lives. 

Manure application is under scrutiny in Iowa
Factory Farm Moratorium Stalls In Iowa

Iowa’s General Assembly failed to take action on a request by activist groups for a legislative moratorium on new and expanded “factory farms” in the Hawkeye state, but the groups vow the issue will return.

Starbucks Adds Beyond Meat Breakfast Sandwich in Canada
Starbucks Adds Beyond Meat Breakfast Sandwich in Canada

Starbucks is adding a plant-based Beyond Meat Inc. breakfast sandwich to its Canadian menu.

11 Reasons We Love Pork
11 Reasons We Love Pork

It’s no wonder pork has consistently been the number one protein enjoyed worldwide but watch this video to hear it straight from the toughest critics – kids.

Meat Institute and British Meat Processors Association Sign MOU
Meat Institute and British Meat Processors Association Sign MOU

The North American Meat Institute announced the signing of a MOU with the British Meat Processors Association that will benefit members of each organization.

San Antonio Barrow Show Winner Captures Hearts and Breaks Records
San Antonio Barrow Show Winner Captures Hearts and Breaks Records

There wasn’t a dry eye in the barn when Samantha Nicole Iselt of Lexington, Texas, was named the exhibitor of the Grand Champion Market Barrow at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo.

Farrowing Display is a "Must-See" at Iowa State Fair
Farrowing Display is a "Must-See" at Iowa State Fair

Witnessing the birth of pigs helps thousands of consumers connect firsthand with the animals and farmers during the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines.

Hormel Foods Acquires Sadler’s Smokehouse Business
Hormel Foods Acquires Sadler’s Smokehouse Business

Pit-smoked meats business the latest to join Hormel’s line-up .

Washington Watch: “Impossible Pork” Needs to Play by the Rules
Washington Watch: “Impossible Pork” Needs to Play by the Rules

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but Impossible Foods' announcement about "Impossible Pork" created from plant-based ingredients was not just a step too far—it was a brazen violation of labeling law.

Csukker Elected as Nebraska Pork Producers Association President
Csukker Elected as Nebraska Pork Producers Association President

The Nebraska Pork Producers Association elected John Csukker of Columbus, Neb., as president at the NPPA Annual Meeting in Lincoln.

3 Reasons to Invest in the Future of the Pork Industry
3 Reasons to Invest in the Future of the Pork Industry

If you don’t spend time around kids in the pork industry, you need to start. Check out this first in a series of videos of their stories and hear the enthusiasm in their words and their voices for yourself.