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What Was Everyone Talking About at the 2023 Carthage Swine Conference?
What Was Everyone Talking About at the 2023 Carthage Swine Conference?

If you want to make change in the pork business, it has to be practical and executable, said Clayton Johnson, DVM, before a standing-room-only crowd at the 2023 Carthage Swine Conference.

Breakthrough Discovery: Potential to Develop ASF-Resistant Pigs
Breakthrough Discovery: Potential to Develop ASF-Resistant Pigs

Scientists have illuminated a critical gene within pigs that plays a pivotal role in the infection process of the African Swine Fever virus, which opens up avenues for developing ASF-resistant pigs.

Keep Your Employees Safe Around Large Equipment
Keep Your Employees Safe Around Large Equipment

Farm employees are a critical piece of our operation and keeping them safe should be every farm’s top priority. However, accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, especially when large equipment is involved.

From Meat Lab to Marketplace: Importers Discover U.S. Beef and Pork Innovations through USMEF Seminar in Nebraska
From Meat Lab to Marketplace: Importers Discover U.S. Beef and Pork Innovations through USMEF Seminar in Nebraska

Latin American meat importers recently convened at an USMEF seminar held at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to gain a comprehensive understanding of the merits and distinctive qualities of U.S. beef and pork.

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Purina Animal Nutrition Launches Scholarship Program for Students in Animal Ag

Here's a new scholarship opportunity for students involved in agriculture and livestock production.

No Surprise: Hog Slaughter Up, Carcass Weights Down
No Surprise: Hog Slaughter Up, Carcass Weights Down

Although it didn’t come as a surprise, last week’s hog slaughter was up 3.7% higher than a year ago. Altin Kalo provides a market update and shares why it's difficult to chart a predictable path for bellies this fall.

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Well Water Quality Training Now Available to Students in 100 Nebraska Schools

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln kickstarted the Know Your Well Project in 2022 to teach the next generation how to test well water. The EPA took notice and looks to double the program's reach.

$19 Billion Ag Trade Deficit Expected for FY 2023
$19 Billion Ag Trade Deficit Expected for FY 2023

USDA on Thursday lowered expectations for both ag exports and imports in FY 2023. The export decline is linked to corn and wheat, while the import decline is correlated with easing prices.

Saddle & Sirloin Honors Jarold Callahan
Saddle & Sirloin Honors Jarold Callahan

Oklahoma Angus breeder to receive prestigious award during North American International Livestock Expo.

Ontario Opens State-of-the-Art Swine Research Center
Ontario Opens State-of-the-Art Swine Research Center

A $20-million Ontario Swine Research Centre at the University of Guelph will enhance the province’s capacity for research, innovation and development of new technology to benefit Ontario pork producers and consumers. 

African Swine Fever Strikes New Province in the Philippines
African Swine Fever Strikes New Province in the Philippines

African swine fever continues its march around the globe. The deadly swine virus has now reached Cocoro Island, located in the municipality of Magsaysay in Palawan in the Philippines. 

Jay Miller Named CEO and President of The Maschhoffs
Jay Miller Named CEO and President of The Maschhoffs

Bradley Wolter, CEO and president of The Maschhoffs, announced his decision on Aug. 25 to step down from his role in the company.

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Environmental Activists Pressure U.S. Regulators to Halt JBS Listing

Environmental groups are pushing U.S. securities regulators to thwart JBS SA's New York share listing over concerns about the world's largest meatpacker's impact on deforestation, climate change and other issues.

Seeking Answers to Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus, Nebraska Researchers Take Action
Seeking Answers to Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus, Nebraska Researchers Take Action

Two University of Nebraska-Lincoln researchers will investigate the prevalant pathogen, Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV), supported by a three-year grant from USDA.

China Wants Smaller List of Meat Plants for Exports, Brazil Official Says
China Wants Smaller List of Meat Plants for Exports, Brazil Official Says

The Chinese government has asked Brazil to reduce a list of meat plants seeking authorization to export to the Asian country, a step that could help Beijing expedite the approval process.

Profit Tracker: Feeding Margins Strong, Packer Woes Continue
Profit Tracker: Feeding Margins Strong, Packer Woes Continue

The spread between cattle feeding margins and packer margins narrowed modestly last week. Pork producers remain profitable.

PORK Perspectives: A Minute With Denny McKilligan
PORK Perspectives: A Minute With Denny McKilligan

Pork producers are under a lot of stress these days. That’s what drives Denny McKilligan, Innovations leader for TechMix, to find answers to those challenges that keep farmers up at night. 

French Pork Gets Go-Ahead for Trade with Australia
French Pork Gets Go-Ahead for Trade with Australia

France has obtained final approval for exporting pork to Australia, adding a new potential trade outlet for a sector that has faced fluctuating demand from top importer China.

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Roark Capital to Buy Sandwich Chain Subway for up to $9.55 Billion

Private equity firm Roark Capital agreed on Thursday to buy Subway, in a deal that people familiar with the matter said values the U.S. sandwich chain at up to $9.55 billion.

More Help Available for Meat and Poultry Processors
More Help Available for Meat and Poultry Processors

USDA is making more funding available for meat and poultry processors to expand operations, transform the food supply chain and create new and better markets for producers.

What Can We Do to Help? Nutrition & Production Strategies for the Weaned Pig
What Can We Do to Help? Nutrition & Production Strategies for the Weaned Pig

When we consider the number of stressors wean pigs face, it’s no surprise that starting pigs in the nursery can be challenging. So, the question becomes, what can we do to help?

It's Dangerously Hot: Important Tips to Prevent Swine Heat Stress
It's Dangerously Hot: Important Tips to Prevent Swine Heat Stress

As extremely hot weather settles in across much of the country, proper temperature control and ventilation are essential in swine barns to help protect animals from heat stress that can compromise health and performance.

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Will Pork Prices Hold Up?

Lean hog futures for the fall, winter and spring are currently trading below breakeven levels, even when accounting for the lower grain prices. Will pork prices hold up?

Pharmgate Animal Health Welcomes John Addy as Vice President of Operations
Pharmgate Animal Health Welcomes John Addy as Vice President of Operations

Pharmgate Animal Health has announced John Addy as its new Vice President of Operations, taking the reins in spearheading and overseeing quality, supply chain and manufacturing functions.

Pork Producer Makes Dreams Come True for Many Iowa Kids
Pork Producer Makes Dreams Come True for Many Iowa Kids

Children interested in developing skills in science, technology, engineering and math in 47 Iowa communities will have great opportunities to do so through a generous donation from the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation.

Agents Seize Snake Oil and Prohibited Pork at Dulles Airport
Agents Seize Snake Oil and Prohibited Pork at Dulles Airport

There’s never a dull moment for U.S. Customs and Border Protection ag specialists at Washington Dulles International Airport. Here's a look at two recent seizures from travelers arriving from Vietnam.

Three Florida Men Sentenced in $9-Million Frozen Meat Crime Ring
Three Florida Men Sentenced in $9-Million Frozen Meat Crime Ring

Arrested for approximately 45 thefts totaling over $9 million in loss, three Florida men have been sentenced for stealing semi-loads of frozen beef and pork from packing plants across six Midwest states.

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Group of U.S. House Members Oppose Bill That Would Overturn Prop 12

More than 150 members of the U.S. House sent a letter to U.S. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “G.T.” Thompson, R-Pa., and Ranking Member David Scott, R-Ga., on Monday citing their opposition to the EATS Act.

This Farm Bill Discussion Should Be About Policy, Less About Politics
This Farm Bill Discussion Should Be About Policy, Less About Politics

The 2018 Farm Bill is set to expire at the end of September. When Congress resumes, their top two priorities will have to be met before the Farm Bill becomes a priority.

Missouri Youth Win Top Honors in State Fair Skillathon, Judging Contest
Missouri Youth Win Top Honors in State Fair Skillathon, Judging Contest

Missouri youth had the opportunity to show off their swine knowledge and evaluation skills on Aug. 10-11 during the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia, Mo. 

Dominican Republic Opens Border to Brazilian Pork and Beef Imports
Dominican Republic Opens Border to Brazilian Pork and Beef Imports

Access has recently been granted for Brazilian pork and beef imports to the Dominican Republic, reports the U.S. Meat Export Federation, following an announcement by Brazil’s Minister of Agriculture and Livestock.

Innovation and Sustainability Set to Take Center Stage at the 33rd Annual Swine Conference
Innovation and Sustainability Set to Take Center Stage at the 33rd Annual Swine Conference

Discover the latest advancements in the swine industry at the 33rd Annual Swine Conference & Tailgate Trade Show, hosted by Carthage Veterinary Service. Mark your calendars for Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023!

Do You Really Know Your Employees?
Do You Really Know Your Employees?

So, how do you know how your employees want, or need, to be treated? It turns out that small talk can make a big difference.

How to Keep Farm Employees Safe During the Extreme Heat
How to Keep Farm Employees Safe During the Extreme Heat

For those whose livelihood depends upon working outdoors or in less than favorable conditions, this week looks to be quite difficult with higher-than-normal temperatures and humidity predicted.

The Mythical Performance Curve for Net Sow Output
The Mythical Performance Curve for Net Sow Output

What's the mythical performance curve for net sow output? Dennis DiPietre and Lance Mulberry urge producers to think twice about the culling process. Here's why.

Innovative Feral Hog Control Bait Developed by LSU Scientists
Innovative Feral Hog Control Bait Developed by LSU Scientists

LSU researchers have developed a patented bait, using sodium nitrite, to effectively control escalating feral hog populations and their damage to agricultural fields and forestlands.

Savor the Sizzle: Exploring the Delights of Bacon on National Bacon Lover’s Day
Savor the Sizzle: Exploring the Delights of Bacon on National Bacon Lover’s Day

Indulge in the savory delight of bacon with National Bacon Lover’s Day on Aug. 20. This annual celebration of bacon's crispy, smoky goodness is set to tickle taste buds and inspire culinary enthusiasts around the world.

9 Rules Parents Throw Out the Window During Fair Week
9 Rules Parents Throw Out the Window During Fair Week

We try to be good parents by setting boundaries for our kids. We want to raise decent humans who are kind, make good choices and respect others. But let’s be real. During fair week, that all goes out the window.

Researchers Explore Safe African Swine Fever Vaccine Solutions
Researchers Explore Safe African Swine Fever Vaccine Solutions

Here's a look at a new project focused on African swine fever vaccine development could help the global food supply.

Livestock Producers Applaud EPA’s Denial of Activist CAFO Petitions
Livestock Producers Applaud EPA’s Denial of Activist CAFO Petitions

The EPA has rejected two petitions seeking stricter regulation of animal feeding operations, and will be establishing a federal advisory committee to study the matter. 

Porcine Sapovirus: A Potentially Emerging Disease
Porcine Sapovirus: A Potentially Emerging Disease

Why do you need to understand the implications of porcine sapovirus? Find out more about this potentially emerging disease during the SHIC and AASV's next webinar.

Plant-Based Meat Alternatives Face Sharp Decline in Sales
Plant-Based Meat Alternatives Face Sharp Decline in Sales

High price points and other lingering obstacles trigger sharp decline in sales of plant-based meat alternatives.

Swine Health Information Center's Paul Sundberg Announces Retirement
Swine Health Information Center's Paul Sundberg Announces Retirement

Dr. Paul Sundberg, DVM, will retire from his role as executive director of the Swine Health Information Center at the end of 2023. The board announced his successor on Thursday.

Buckle Up: Dispute Panel Called to Action by US in Mexico’s GMO Corn Ban
Buckle Up: Dispute Panel Called to Action by US in Mexico’s GMO Corn Ban

“Mexico’s decree, which runs counter to scientific findings and is in direct violation of USMCA, is negatively impacting American corn growers,” said Tom Haag, NCGA president.

A Sport Utility Vehicle for Disease: Wild Pigs Wreak Havoc in Louisiana
A Sport Utility Vehicle for Disease: Wild Pigs Wreak Havoc in Louisiana

"Basically, a pig has a 3-inch environmental vacuum on the front of his face. Anything in front of it is going down. A lot of that damage goes unseen by the public eye,” says William Futch in Feral Swine in America.

Are You Skeptical About Sharing Your On-Farm Data?
Are You Skeptical About Sharing Your On-Farm Data?

For Minnesota pork producer Gordon Spronk, the hesitation is understandable, but the impact far exceeds any questions he initially had when Spronk Brothers began sharing data on their pig farm and cropping operations.

How Yucca Schidigera Production Changed a Community
How Yucca Schidigera Production Changed a Community

Thirty years ago, Alltech’s research into the benefits of Yucca schidigera extract for animal health, performance and welfare paved the way for the company to establish a Yucca schidigera processor in the city of Serdán.

Ryan Goodman and Jen Sorenson to Mentor 2023 College Aggies Online, Offering Valuable Insights
Ryan Goodman and Jen Sorenson to Mentor 2023 College Aggies Online, Offering Valuable Insights

Featuring Ryan Goodman, known as "The Beef Runner," and Jen Sorenson, former president of the NPPC, as mentors, the 2023 College Aggies Online (CAO) program is set to kick off on September 11.

Danish Crown Aims to Boost Earnings by $220 Million
Danish Crown Aims to Boost Earnings by $220 Million

Meat producer and exporter Danish Crown on Wednesday said on Wednesday it plans to boost its earnings by 1.5 billion crowns annually ($220 million) within two years, part of the company's ongoing restructuring.

Chinese Pork Giant WH Group Sees Higher Hog Prices in 2nd Half of 2023
Chinese Pork Giant WH Group Sees Higher Hog Prices in 2nd Half of 2023

Chinese pork processing giant WH Group Ltd expects hog prices in China to rise 10-20% in the second half of 2023 from the first six months, supported by stronger demand and smaller supply glut.