How can next-generation boar sperm analysis address the current shortcomings in sperm quality assessment? Iowa State University grad student Ian Shofner is exploring how artificial intelligence can help.
Here's a look at the National Pork Board's four newly elected officers for the 2023-2024 term, who will represent the 60,000 U.S. pig farmers who pay into the Pork Checkoff.
Economists say U.S. pork producers are faced with a 35% increase in costs with losses currently pegged at $40 per head. Even with strong pork exports, economists warn 2023 could be worse than 1998 for some producers.
While Ohio pig farmers Phillip Hord and Jessica Campbell’s operations may look different, driving demand is where their paths intersect. By bringing a new flavor to the farm, the producers are also driving pork demand.
“What’s going to make headlines in the next USDA Hogs and Pigs Report are farrowing numbers,” says Lee Schulz of Iowa State University. He discussed the supply side of pork production at the 2023 World Pork Expo.
Following a strong 2022, pork producers face profitability challenges and what looks like a decrease in pork demand. However, Glynn Tonsor of K-State believes there's more to the demand picture than what meets the eye.
Experts from across the country came together at the 2023 World Pork Expo for an in-depth discussion on what the industry knows – and doesn’t know – about sow longevity and pig survivability.
Although he’s motivated by treats and can charm just about anyone, don’t let this dog fool you. Sol is a highly driven beagle who plays a critical role in protecting U.S. agriculture.
The bright spot for the U.S. pork industry is currently pork exports, with U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) reporting another strong pork export performance in April citing broad-based growth to several countries.
They’ve grown up with screens, masks and the threat of African swine fever. Although some may question Gen Z, these youth point out their ‘connectivity’ is a strength and a tool that the pork industry needs.
As pork producers filled the Iowa State Fairgrounds on the first day of the 2023 World Pork Expo, Farm Journal’s PORK took to the streets to hear from those in the industry attending the event.
National enrollment in ag and related science majors at two-year institutions grew 41% in Fall 2021. The Community College Ag Advancement Act aims to give these students more industry opportunities.
Profit margins for cattle feeders and packers continue pacing in opposite directions as shrinking supplies of market-ready cattle drive negotiated cash prices higher.
Senate Ag Chair Debbie Stabenow, (D-Mich.) says there will be no new funding for the 2023 farm bill. However, Stabenow stressed she will not allow a cut in conservation funding.
Unclear. That’s how Heidi Vittetoe, co-owner of JWV Pork in Washington, Iowa, would describe her outlook on the pork industry. Three pig farmers get honest about the pork outlook and what's ahead.
Should Congress take on Proposition 12 and pass legislation that prevents one state from telling any other state how to run its business? Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) sure thinks so.
A policy panel at World Pork Expo, moderated by Editor Jennifer Shike, was held to discuss the importance of protecting producers' livelihoods and maintaining pork production as a vital component of the U.S. economy.
The National Pork Board announces Dr. David Newman, renowned expert in pork marketing, as the senior vice president for market growth, effective June 19, 2023.
Challenging. Resilient. Bearish. Introspective. These are four ways that industry leaders describe the pork industry in 2023. However, the most interesting word that came forward was “seatbelts.”
While California producers must convert pork production practices to comply with Proposition 12, pork producers across other states might not be so quick to change. Could California struggle to meet their demand?
For some people, getting up in front of people to talk is no problem. For others, it’s the stuff nightmares are made of. Not everyone has the gift of gab or is comfortable sharing their story.
Although anything is possible given the volatility in the markets, economist Scott Brown says it will take a combination of lower corn prices and stronger U.S. pork demand to result in profitability for pork producers.
From PRRS to PEDV, the health challenges facing swine farms add insult to injury during tough economic times. Five veterinarians share diseases to watch and swine health surprises in 2023.
Here is a look at three unfortunate realities found along the road to Prop 12 becoming law that are both perplexing and disheartening to pork producers across the country.
The Senate and House Ag committees are facing delays in drafting the next farm bill, and it is expected to be the most expensive farm bill to date, clocking in at around $1.5 trillion.
Why did those three young people choose the swine industry? I think it starts with people they met, network they developed and opportunity they had to tie a career to an industry they benefited from as a kid.
Outside perspectives can breathe fresh life and insight into your business. Ten industry leaders in technology, economics, nutrition and health share advice for producers during a pivotal time in the pork industry.
The younger demographic wants to stay in touch with their culture, says Jose De Jesus of the National Pork Board. That's why culture is a major focus in the Pork Checkoff’s most recently introduced strategic campaigns.
Proposition 12. Sideways breeding inventory. Astronomical input costs. Declining consumer demand. The issues affecting the pork outlook go on and on. Five economists share perspective on what’s ahead.
Management of livestock is essential for a healthy herd. Some medications can be avoided with observation and understanding of a herd health plan, which is the main objective of the management over medication concept.
The USDA FSIS recently announced updates to its voluntary guideline for federally regulated swine slaughter and pork processing establishments to control Salmonella in market hogs.
From profit margins to FADs, there are a lot of things on producers’ minds. Five pork producers weigh in on topics ranging from what they’d like to change about their operation to the messages lawmakers need to hear.
“We fundamentally disagree with the position Mexico has taken on the issue of biotechnology, which has been proven to be safe for decades,” said Tom Vilsack, USDA secretary.
A pig showman, golfer and FFA officer, Paizlee Hardin was a happy high school sophomore. But on March 15, her life as she knew it changed when she began experiencing “crazy symptoms” and lost her ability to walk.
Who enforces Prop 12? Here's a look at California Department of Food and Agriculture's recent guidance titled "Questions and Answers Related to Pork Sales in the Wake of the 2023 Supreme Court Decision."
The CDFA will be hosting a Prop 12 Implementation Webinar Series consisting of three webinars reviewing Prop 12 Animal Confinement regulations and requirements for end-users, distributors and pork producers.
Baseball and pork are two of America’s favorites, and the people responsible for creating a great product on the field and in the barn share some important characteristics.
A fire broke out on May 23 at Blunier Farms in Forrest, Ill. The fire destroyed one of the farm’s five barns. Nobody was hurt and only 10 pigs were lost in the fire.
A K-State graduate student has completed a study on dietary formulation strategies that she says will help to improve sustainability and efficiency in swine production.
A new collaboration involving the Minnesota Pork Board and the Minnesota Pork Producers Association will improve access to mental health care in rural and outstate Minnesota.
While another month has come and gone for the 2023 production year, if you haven't already heard, June will hold some significant changes for the livestock industry in the area of antibiotics.
While cattle prices continue to post contract highs, hog prices continue to see intense pressure, and it's creating a dismal outlook for pork profits this year. What's behind the price pressure? Analysts weigh in.
Elanco Animal Health has entered into an agreement with Aptimmune Biologics, Inc., as the exclusive distributor of their Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) inactivated, or killed, vaccine.
The World Pork Expo returns to the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa, June 7-9 for its 35th anniversary. Here are 5 important reminders as you get ready to head out to the show: