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Here's Why Bacon Day Has Deep Meaning for Illinois Pork Producers
Here's Why Bacon Day Has Deep Meaning for Illinois Pork Producers

Illinois pork producers are seizing a unique opportunity on May 3 to educate legislators about the pork industry and discuss the issues currently facing pig farmers.

Is the Spike in PCV2 Cases in Sows a Concern?
Is the Spike in PCV2 Cases in Sows a Concern?

The latest Swine Disease Reporting System report has some people scratching their heads. For the first time in recent memory, porcine circovirus type 2 jumped into the top 10 most-diagnosed diseases list at the ISU VDL.

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Are you leaving gilt development to chance?
Are you leaving gilt development to chance?

Manage nutrition for heavy and light gilts with individual diets to boost whole herd performance.

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Will Pork Demand in 2023 Overcome Inflation's Impact on Consumption?
Will Pork Demand in 2023 Overcome Inflation's Impact on Consumption?

Weak economic growth is taking its toll on global pork consumption. Despite early signs that the worst of the inflationary impact may have passed, the lagged impact on consumption is likely to be felt all year. 

Challenging Market, Sow Health Issues Cause Reported Closure of 37 Sow Farms
Challenging Market, Sow Health Issues Cause Reported Closure of 37 Sow Farms

Challenging hog production market conditions compounded by sow herd health issues are resulting in the reported closure of 37 sow farms owned by Smithfield Foods Inc., in Missouri. 

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Water pH and Cool Cells: Understanding the Relationship
Water pH and Cool Cells: Understanding the Relationship

Understand how pH affects pads to increase their useful life PLUS protecting pump motors.

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Comp & Flex: What Really Matters
Comp & Flex: What Really Matters

Competing for talent is the most concerning human resource matter for agriculture and food employers, followed by recruiting difficulties.

Wesley Batista Filho Named as New CEO of JBS USA
Wesley Batista Filho Named as New CEO of JBS USA

JBS USA's Chief Executive Officer Tim Schellpeper is retiring from his role effective May 1. Wesley Batista Filho will assume the role of CEO of JBS USA.

Almond Wins W.W. Shay Award for Industry Distinction
Almond Wins W.W. Shay Award for Industry Distinction

When one thinks of a veterinarian, an image of someone tending beagles and dachshunds comes to mind. Glen Almond, DVM, prefers to spend his days pondering Berkshires and Durocs, and the professionals who tend to them.

When Disease-Associated Streptococcus Suis Strikes Your Herd
When Disease-Associated Streptococcus Suis Strikes Your Herd

Streptococcus suis is a normal inhabitant of the respiratory tract and is found in all swine herds. However, it becomes a problem when it expresses virulent factors that cause disease.

Tyson Foods to Eliminate 10% of Corporate Jobs, 15% of Senior Leaders
Tyson Foods to Eliminate 10% of Corporate Jobs, 15% of Senior Leaders

Tyson Foods Inc. will eliminate about 10% of corporate jobs and 15% of senior leadership roles, Chief Executive Donnie King told employees on Wednesday.

Codex Takes Action to Ensure Safe, Fair Food Standards
Codex Takes Action to Ensure Safe, Fair Food Standards

Often trade is simplified to refer to international negotiations with the goal of opening or expanding market access. However, NPPC works on many fronts to establish a level playing field for the trading of ag products.

Canada Warns on 'Product of USA' Regulation
Canada Warns on 'Product of USA' Regulation

Currently, foreign meat that is processed in U.S. plants can be labeled “Product of USA.”  Arun Alexander, Canada’s deputy ambassador, isn't convinced this is a good practice.

New African Swine Fever Protocols are Needed, Philippines Leaders Say
New African Swine Fever Protocols are Needed, Philippines Leaders Say

The Philippines pork industry continues to fight African swine fever, but officials say current protocols aren't working and new measures are needed to control and prevent this deadly disease of pigs.

A Mycoplasma Hyopneumoniae Elimination Case Study
A Mycoplasma Hyopneumoniae Elimination Case Study

Recently, a producer in northwest Iowa came to us with a Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae problem, writes Pipestone veterinarian Emily McDowell. Here's a look at one elimination case study.

Africa Offers Opportunities In U.S. Beef and Pork Exports, Barred By Supply Chain Challenges
Africa Offers Opportunities In U.S. Beef and Pork Exports, Barred By Supply Chain Challenges

With the youngest demographic in the world, the U.S. Meat Export Federation sees Africa as a promising destination for U.S. red meat exports, but not without a number of supply chain challenges.

New Team Members, Awards and Industry Opportunties Announced
New Team Members, Awards and Industry Opportunties Announced

The pork industry has recently announced several new team members, a prestigious award and educational industry opportunties available to youth and industry professionals. Here's a look at recent headlines.

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340 Stakeholders Plead for Ag Research Infrastructure Funding in the Farm Bill

Congress's ag committees on Monday received a letter, urging them to prioritize ag research infrastructure in the farm bill. According to a report, universities need a $50 billion ag research infrastructure overhaul.

Profit Tracker: Cattle Margins Higher, Pork Margins Erode
Profit Tracker: Cattle Margins Higher, Pork Margins Erode

Cash cattle prices declined last week for the first time in a month, but wholesale prices moved higher for the fifth consecutive week. Prices for yearling feeder cattle placed on feed topped $200 per cwt.

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Meatpacker JBS Ends Contracts with U.S. Company Fined for Hiring Kids

JBS USA is ending contracts with a U.S. company fined for hiring kids to clean meat plants, the unit of Brazilian meatpacker JBS SA said on Monday, adding it is bringing the work in-house at some facilities.

North Carolina Pork Industry Honors Knauer's Innovation
North Carolina Pork Industry Honors Knauer's Innovation

The Edison Phonograph, the Marconi Wireless, the Bell Telephone and the Wright Flyer. And of course the Knauer Sow Body Condition Caliper.

Norbrook Announces Facility Expansion And Upgrades
Norbrook Announces Facility Expansion And Upgrades

The company has doubled the warehouse space available for its veterinary pharmaceutical products. The 1,000-plus temperature-controlled pallet spaces are maintained with a state-of-the-art heating and cooling system.

Tyson Foods Closes Nebraska Pork Plant After Fire, Sends Pigs Elsewhere
Tyson Foods Closes Nebraska Pork Plant After Fire, Sends Pigs Elsewhere

Tyson Foods Inc is diverting pigs from a Nebraska processing plant after a weekend fire kept the facility closed on Monday, the company and fire officials said.

Kentucky Joins Band of States Blocking WOTUS
Kentucky Joins Band of States Blocking WOTUS

Kentucky is the 27th state to put a wall up against the legislation. EPA countered Kentucky’s move, asking the court to make clear that the latest rule does not apply nationwide.

What's Top of Mind for National Pork Board's Newly Appointed Directors?
What's Top of Mind for National Pork Board's Newly Appointed Directors?

How well do you know the newest members of the National Pork Board's board of directors? Here's why these producers said yes to representing the country's pork producers and a few things you may not know about them.

 mRNA Conspiracy Theories: Ranch Group Offers ‘Fearmongering’ and ‘Misinformation’
mRNA Conspiracy Theories: Ranch Group Offers ‘Fearmongering’ and ‘Misinformation’

Misinformation and conspiracy theories regarding the use of mRNA vaccines in livestock continue, despite efforts of the scientific community, who emphasize, "mRNA from a vaccine will NOT be passed along in meat."

What Holds Farmers Back from Trying New Farming Practices?
What Holds Farmers Back from Trying New Farming Practices?

“This is how we’ve always done it.” This is just one of the many excuses Nate Huntley hears about why farmers are skeptical about cover crops, trying new manure application or lowering carbon emissions.

Short Named NC Pork Council's Emerging Leader in 2023
Short Named NC Pork Council's Emerging Leader in 2023

Joey Short has the tenth best beard in the pork industry, at least according to Farm Journal's PORK. But it’s not that quirky accolade that defines him. Rather, it’s his rapid ascension within the NC pork industry.

How Rendering Works: Boiling Down the 'Invisible Industry'
How Rendering Works: Boiling Down the 'Invisible Industry'

While everyone looks forward to the main course, there’s an entire industry focused on the “leftovers.” On April 21, celebrate the "invisible industry" through National Rendering Day!

USDA Awards $2.29 Million in Farm Bill Funding to Protect Animal Health
USDA Awards $2.29 Million in Farm Bill Funding to Protect Animal Health

USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is awarding $2.29 million through the National Animal Health Laboratory Network Farm Bill program to advance APHIS’ animal health preparedness.

Fire at Hormel-Owned Osceola Food Under Investigation
Fire at Hormel-Owned Osceola Food Under Investigation

Authorities are investigating the cause of a small fire that broke out at Osceola Food in Osceola, Iowa, on April 19.

As El Niño Makes Its Grand Return, Here's What It Tells Us About Summer Weather and Corn Yields
As El Niño Makes Its Grand Return, Here's What It Tells Us About Summer Weather and Corn Yields

Dry conditions spurred by La Nina weighed on areas of the Corn Belt in 2022. As La Nina fades, and El Nino starts to make a return, meteorologists say the weather shift could also signal better crop production in 2023.

JEV Update: SHIC Shares Progress on Risk Assessment
JEV Update: SHIC Shares Progress on Risk Assessment

After Japanese encephalitis virus struck Australia in early 2022, the Swine Health Information Center funded a study to reassess the risk of JEV introduction and establishment in the U.S. Here's an update.

Missouri Moves to Tighten Reins On Foreign Land Ownership
Missouri Moves to Tighten Reins On Foreign Land Ownership

The Missouri Senate on Wednesday backed a plan to amend the state's foreign land ownership threshold. The bill also includes a provision that would limit foreign countries from acquiring farmland in Missouri by Sept. 1.

Why These Two Unconventional Farmers are Turning Heads in Iowa
Why These Two Unconventional Farmers are Turning Heads in Iowa

Wild, unconventional, early adopters. It’s not uncommon for Nate Huntley or Josh Nelson to turn a few heads in Wright County, Iowa.

4 Items EPA Discussed this Week that Will Impact Producers
4 Items EPA Discussed this Week that Will Impact Producers

Michael Regan, EPA administrator, appeared before the House Ag Committee on Wednesday to discuss everything from WOTUS to the farm bill. Here are the highlights that will directly impact producers.

How Can Feed Flavor Spur Feed Intake in Sows and Piglets?
How Can Feed Flavor Spur Feed Intake in Sows and Piglets?

How can the use of a feed flavor in sow lactation impact sow feed intake, body condition changes and piglet growth? Mikayla Spinler, our latest addition to Farm Journal's PORK's Up & Coming Leaders, sheds insight.

Pig Farmers Don’t Just Talk the Talk
Pig Farmers Don’t Just Talk the Talk

The meaning of sustainability has been interpreted by many. Abby Kornegay says the most critical point to understand is that sustainability is a continuous journey, rather than a destination. Here's why.

USMEF Names New Asia-Pacific Leadership, Haggard Transitions
USMEF Names New Asia-Pacific Leadership, Haggard Transitions

In an essential area for U.S. red meat exports, USMEF announces a leadership change in the Asia-Pacific region, as Joel Haggard transitions into a consultant role and Jihae Yang, former Korea director, steps in.

China Farm Official Expects Little Growth in Soybean Planting This Year
China Farm Official Expects Little Growth in Soybean Planting This Year

China's soybean acreage may only slightly increase this year, an official said on Thursday, suggesting output is unlikely to match last year's jump due to soft prices.

Daniels Wins NC Pork Council's 2023 Pork Producer of the Year
Daniels Wins NC Pork Council's 2023 Pork Producer of the Year

Meeting Jennifer Daniels for the first time, it’s her lucky pig earrings that stand out. But the earrings are not the most enduring thing people remember about NC Pork Council’s Outstanding Pork Producer of the Year.

USDA Announces $125 Million to Expand Meat and Poultry Processing Options
USDA Announces $125 Million to Expand Meat and Poultry Processing Options

USDA announced $125 million will be available through two new grant programs that will create more options for meat and poultry farmers by investing in independent, local meat and poultry processing projects.

Livestock and mRNA Vaccines: What You Need To Know
Livestock and mRNA Vaccines: What You Need To Know

As misinformation regarding the use of mRNA vaccines in livestock filter through social media, there are facts begging to be set straight.

3 Trends that Will Drive the Food System of the Future
3 Trends that Will Drive the Food System of the Future

The food system is being reimagined today and farmers can benefit by thinking about how to improve their ability to take advantage of opportunities in the process, says Rob Dongoski with Ernst and Young.

Livestock Show Prep: Making Emergency Response Plans
Livestock Show Prep: Making Emergency Response Plans

As exhibitors prepare for show season, it's important to develop a plan for how to handle livestock emergencies. Having a plan in place prior to the show ensures quick action and timely care should an emergency happen.

Profit Tracker: Cattle and Pork Margins Show Major Divergence
Profit Tracker: Cattle and Pork Margins Show Major Divergence

Cattle feeders have experienced their best month in years with prices reaching record levels. Hog producers, however, are struggling to keep margins out of the red.

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New Project Studies Ways to Further Reduce Salmonella Linked to Raw Poultry

The University of Illinois is partnering with Perdue Farms and Cornell University on a project to study policy and management approaches to further reduce Salmonella cases linked to raw poultry.

Olymel Plant Closure is Tough News for Canadian Pork Industry
Olymel Plant Closure is Tough News for Canadian Pork Industry

Olymel’s announcement of the closure of its Vallée-Jonction, QC plant is tough news for the industry, the Canadian Pork Council said on Tuesday.

What To Know When You’re At The Table With An Alternative Ag Lender
What To Know When You’re At The Table With An Alternative Ag Lender

If you’re ready to meet with an alternative lender, here are some points to keep in mind.

Profitability Picture is Full of Questions for U.S. Pork Industry
Profitability Picture is Full of Questions for U.S. Pork Industry

U.S. pork producers continue to face very high production costs and hog prices that are well below breakeven levels. What does this mean for the future? NPPC releases its second quarter pork industry economic update.