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National Pork Board Welcomes Four New Officers for 2023-2024
National Pork Board Welcomes Four New Officers for 2023-2024

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.

Worse Than 1998? Why Explosive Exports May Not Even Be Enough to Change the Course of Pork Prices
Worse Than 1998? Why Explosive Exports May Not Even Be Enough to Change the Course of Pork Prices

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.

Meet Two Pig Farmers Finding Unique Ways to Serve Up More Pork Demand
Meet Two Pig Farmers Finding Unique Ways to Serve Up More Pork Demand

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.

Supply Outlook: Fewer Sows Farrowing than in 2014 and 2015? - Part 2
Supply Outlook: Fewer Sows Farrowing than in 2014 and 2015? - Part 2

“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.

Pork Demand: Not a Product Concern, It’s About Affordability
Pork Demand: Not a Product Concern, It’s About Affordability

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.

“All Star Team” Discusses Pig Survivability
“All Star Team” Discusses Pig Survivability

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.

Sol the Agriculture Detection Dog: A U.S. Hero
Sol the Agriculture Detection Dog: A U.S. Hero

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.

Pork Exports Continue to Soar in April, Shipments to Mexico Smash Records for 2023
Pork Exports Continue to Soar in April, Shipments to Mexico Smash Records for 2023

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.

Over-The-Counter Livestock Antibiotics Officially a Thing of the Past
Over-The-Counter Livestock Antibiotics Officially a Thing of the Past

Starting on June 11, over-the-counter livestock antibiotics will no longer be available through traditional retail channels.

Discouraging Outlook Ahead but Bright Spots Exist – Part 1
Discouraging Outlook Ahead but Bright Spots Exist – Part 1

Economists share their insights at World Pork Expo and the bottom line doesn’t look pretty. Still, there are things producers can do to ease the pain.

Screens, Masks & ASF Threats: Don’t Underestimate What Youth Can Overcome
Screens, Masks & ASF Threats: Don’t Underestimate What Youth Can Overcome

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.

Ears to the Ground: World Pork Expo Conversations Focus on Top Industry Issues
Ears to the Ground: World Pork Expo Conversations Focus on Top Industry Issues

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.

Community College Ag Programs Could See $20 Million in New Funds
Community College Ag Programs Could See $20 Million in New Funds

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 Tracker: Joyride Continues for Feedyards
Profit Tracker: Joyride Continues for Feedyards

Profit margins for cattle feeders and packers continue pacing in opposite directions as shrinking supplies of market-ready cattle drive negotiated cash prices higher.

Farm Bill Will Not See an Increase in Funds
Farm Bill Will Not See an Increase in Funds

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.

Let’s Get Real About the Challenges Facing the Pork Industry
Let’s Get Real About the Challenges Facing the Pork Industry

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.

Will Congress Intervene To Counter Prop 12? Grassley Says Yes!
Will Congress Intervene To Counter Prop 12? Grassley Says Yes!

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.

Protecting Livelihoods and Ensuring Economic Strength: NPPC Panel Highlights Key Industry Challenges at World Pork Expo
Protecting Livelihoods and Ensuring Economic Strength: NPPC Panel Highlights Key Industry Challenges at World Pork Expo

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.

National Pork Board Names Dr. David Newman as Senior Vice President for Market Growth
National Pork Board Names Dr. David Newman as Senior Vice President for Market Growth

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.

5 Business Leaders Dish on the Story We Need to Talk More About in the Pork Industry
5 Business Leaders Dish on the Story We Need to Talk More About in the Pork Industry

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.” 

Unmet Needs: Will California Struggle to Meet Pork Demand with Prop 12?
Unmet Needs: Will California Struggle to Meet Pork Demand with Prop 12?

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?

Which is Scarier: Connecting or Not Connecting with Consumers?
Which is Scarier: Connecting or Not Connecting with Consumers?

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.

Pork Producers Face a Bleak Profitability Picture
Pork Producers Face a Bleak Profitability Picture

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.

What’s Top of Mind for Swine Veterinarians in 2023?
What’s Top of Mind for Swine Veterinarians in 2023?

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.

The 'Unfunded Mandate' and Three Perplexing Realities Of Prop 12
The 'Unfunded Mandate' and Three Perplexing Realities Of Prop 12

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.

3 Reasons the Farm Bill is Behind Schedule
3 Reasons the Farm Bill is Behind Schedule

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.

5 Ways to Attract Youth to the Pork Industry
5 Ways to Attract Youth to the Pork Industry

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.

Think About This: 10 Tips for Pork Producers in a Volatile Market
Think About This: 10 Tips for Pork Producers in a Volatile Market

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.  

How Pork Cultivates Culture to Reach a Bigger Audience
How Pork Cultivates Culture to Reach a Bigger Audience

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.

One Surprise After Another: Economists Offer Perspective on Pork Industry
One Surprise After Another: Economists Offer Perspective on Pork Industry

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. 

What is Management Over Medication?
What is Management Over Medication?

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.

World Pork Expo News: Alltech, Novus Announce Seminars
World Pork Expo News: Alltech, Novus Announce Seminars

Novus and Alltech announce seminars at the World Pork Expo.

Updates Announced in FSIS Guideline to Control Salmonella in Swine Slaughter and Pork Processing
Updates Announced in FSIS Guideline to Control Salmonella in Swine Slaughter and Pork Processing

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.

Pork Producers Provide Perspective for Lawmakers
Pork Producers Provide Perspective for Lawmakers

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.

US Moves to Full Blown Trade Dispute with Mexico Over GMO Decree
US Moves to Full Blown Trade Dispute with Mexico Over GMO Decree

“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.

Girl on Fire: Paizlee Hardin’s Return to the Show Ring
Girl on Fire: Paizlee Hardin’s Return to the Show Ring

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.

Special Alert: California Proposition 12 Releases New Guidance
Special Alert: California Proposition 12 Releases New Guidance

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."

CDFA to Host Prop 12 Implementation Webinars
CDFA to Host Prop 12 Implementation Webinars

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.

What Makes a Good Farm Manager?
What Makes a Good Farm Manager?

There are three areas producers need to focus on to earn the title of “good farm manager,” according to Purdue University researchers.

How Baseball and Carbon Markets Can Positively Affect Pork Production
How Baseball and Carbon Markets Can Positively Affect Pork Production

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.

Acuity and Fast Genetics Join Forces to Create AcuFast
Acuity and Fast Genetics Join Forces to Create AcuFast

Acuity and Fast Genetics, two swine genetics companies wholly owned by STgenetics, officially announced their joint brand, AcuFast, on June 1. 

Illinois Community Rallies to Save 525 Pigs from Devastating Fire
Illinois Community Rallies to Save 525 Pigs from Devastating Fire

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.

Novel Phytase Helps to Improve Pig Performance, Profitability
Novel Phytase Helps to Improve Pig Performance, Profitability

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. 

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Minnesota Pork Organizations Pledge $300,000 to Support Mental Health in Rural Areas
Minnesota Pork Organizations Pledge $300,000 to Support Mental Health in Rural Areas

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.

Preparing for Prescription-Only Antibiotics in Livestock Industry: Important Changes Ahead
Preparing for Prescription-Only Antibiotics in Livestock Industry: Important Changes Ahead

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.

Why Proposition 12 is Now Another Weight Pulling Down Pork Prices
Why Proposition 12 is Now Another Weight Pulling Down Pork Prices

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.

Profit Tracker: Cattle Margins Top $400, Packers Red
Profit Tracker: Cattle Margins Top $400, Packers Red

Cattle feeders experience largest average profits in seven years as packer margins dip into the red.

Elanco is Exclusive U.S. Distributor of Aptimmune’s PRRS Killed Autogenous Vaccine
Elanco is Exclusive U.S. Distributor of Aptimmune’s PRRS Killed Autogenous Vaccine

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.

5 Important Reminders Before You Leave for World Pork Expo
5 Important Reminders Before You Leave for World Pork Expo

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: