Apple's influence has undeniably shaped consumer expectations across industries, including the pork industry. However, the reality pork producers work in is far removed from the seamless experience provided by Apple.
It’s a bond that’s hard to put into words. Not only do these four young leaders share an unmistakable connection and friendship that ties directly to purpose, but they have a way of selflessly putting each other first.
While listening to some of the brightest minds discuss hard topics like sow mortality and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome, I am reminded change won’t happen unless we get honest with ourselves.
The economic environment of both the beef and pork industries has changed. Capacity utilization for both beef and pork has a significant impact on margins and the market impact goes beyond supply and demand.
In honor of International Women’s Day and the contributions women and others with different backgrounds and mindsets have brought to this world, Lori Stevermer says it's a fitting way to kick off her NPPC presidency.
It’s cold, windy and rather dreary in central Illinois today. But when I looked at the calendar, I had to smile despite my not-so-inspiring surroundings. Here’s why.
When people ask what made Winter National a success, I'm quick to say it was not the numbers, format, or lack of complaints. It was simply the smile on the next generation’s faces as they took pride in their livestock.
Methodical grind. There’s no question talent makes a difference, but what makes the biggest difference is commitment -- the daily decision to choose to work hard and show up.
Sometimes we have no choice but to sit in the hard for a while. That is a difficult thing to wrestle with, says PORK editor Jennifer Shike. She's still convinced there is good reason to have hope in the pork industry.
The roller coaster ride of being a parent is one I wouldn’t trade for the world. Amid the twists and turns, I’ve learned a lot about myself in the process.
As we close 2023, it is a poignant moment to reflect on our achievements and ongoing efforts to forge a strategic path for the U.S. pork industry amid a complex policy landscape and ever-evolving global dynamics.
Seeing the anticipation, excitement and hope that our youth have for this season of life reminds me of their optimism and zest for the future, says National Pork Board's Brett Kaysen.
When I opened the door, my jaw dropped. Despite what every mother in her right mind would be tempted to do in that moment, I paused when I saw her black heels in the middle of the mess.
With the expectation of a short beef supply in 2024, pork has an opportunity to pick up some of the share of retail sales. But, pork needs to find a way to hold on to these shares in the long term.
Changes are happening in the meat industry worthy of note. Not only do they tell us about the future, but they provide clues into what the pork industry can anticipate as it evolves to opportunities and challenges.
As fall harvest is in full swing this October, it’s an opportunity to reflect on the year so far. I’ll be honest – for pork producers across the country, it’s been a difficult year financially.
Years ago, Dennis DiPietre noticed a definite shift in the pork production mindset. Prior to 1985, he dubbed the motive as the pig production mindset. He takes a look back and weighs in on what could be next.
“Is this a buffalo?” asked a young 20-ish fairgoer as he stood before the Grand Champion Market Steer in the Hall of Champions at the Illinois State Fair. He looked at me – dead serious – awaiting my response.
When an environmental group announced it was taking people on an aerial surveillance of Eastern North Carolina to “document and expose” animal feeding operations, Jen Kendrick decided to do the same. Here's what she saw.
In a world where the pork industry faces an array of challenges, companies strive to balance sustainable growth with social responsibility. Here's what The Maschhoffs are focused on.
If we are being honest, showing livestock is for crazy people. Late nights, early mornings and little time for social lives. But I think most stock show families would agree they live for summer to do just that.
Those of us in the livestock business have a hard time ignoring the questions about products being sold that imitate meat. Even if we would like to deny their existence, inevitably someone will ask your opinion.
“I want you to know the importance of the people you allow into your life,” Ray Perryman said. “The company you keep has absolutely everything to do with where you end up. Be careful who you allow into your life.”
Bridging the gap between the youth show ring experience and production ag is crucial for creating a pipeline of skilled and knowledgeable individuals who can contribute to the ag industry, says Rebecca Keel Stack.
Columnist Abby Kornegay has hosted and participated in many farm tours. While there are good reasons to open up to visitors, she points out there are also several reasons to be hesitant. Here are things to consider.
An adequate labor force will be the biggest challenge facing ag for the foreseeable future. We need to instill the things into youth we have learned from previous generations, but we can’t be the “grumpy old man.”
In southwestern Minnesota, Preston Maurer works alongside his dad, Rick, on their family farm where they raise corn, soybeans, wheat and hogs. After he returned home from college, they found themselves stretched thin.
Further processing of value-added products for direct sale to end-user customers in both retail and foodservice will increase over the next five years and help feed the growing global consumer demand.
What makes a good mom? That's a question that PORK editor Jennifer Shike has been asking for nearly 17 years. Here's a little honest insight into her journey.
As I approached the site of my first animal activist rally, I kept my distance. I watched two people beside a small megaphone and a bag, checking their phones constantly. I leaned in anticipating what would happen next.
For a family of four, pork has a $2,400 advantage over beef annually. With the quality and taste of pork today, along with the price advantage, as an industry we need to use pork's advantages to increase demand.
When you're a storyteller, you often get to hang behind the scenes to tell someone else's story. It’s a safe place because it’s not about you — it’s about them. It’s less risky and more predictable.
How fair officials and the local sheriff, both unencumbered by intelligence, tarnished your image as a livestock producer and created a public relations disaster.
The U.S. pork industry is still laboring under a substantial amount of uncertainty for the remainder of 2023. Despite some positive developments in several areas, there are new or ongoing challenges in others.
It doesn't have to be eloquent. It doesn't need to be deep. It doesn't even have to be properly written to make an impact. But, you do have to speak up. Here's why my daughter's "opinion piece" struck a chord.
Editor Jennifer Shike won't deny that it’s hard to open up and share with others. But here's why saying yes to those opportunities to tell your story can have a bigger impact than you can imagine.
It’s great to know what you want to do next, but we don’t always get to control how life shakes out. That's why mental toughness may be one of the most important attributes we can develop.
As parents of three kids, my husband and I admit that life feels a little busy now. From livestock shows and wrestling meets to gymnastics practices and FFA contests, it’s hard to get everything done some days.
Everyone has their eye on next spring to be the big fork in the road or the big reveal as to how our current situation in the U.S. and global economy will find its pathway to a resolution (of inflation primarily).
Some things just take time to learn right. Editor Jennifer Shike reflects on the gratitude she has for colleagues who helped her learn valuable lessons in her career.
I'll never forget joining my daughter for a school walkathon. As we started walking, a little boy gravitated to us and made an offhanded comment about sleeping in his car. Could this really be happening in our community?
It is certainly hard to see the empty chairs around the Thanksgiving table. A lifetime of memories will make you smile and then cry. You don't know all that can change from one Thanksgiving to the next.
From trusting people to picking up trash, Jennifer Shike reflects on lessons learned from Darrell Anderson, the latest inductee into the Saddle and Sirloin Club, the "who's who" of the livestock industry.
Harassment of Dr. Frank Mitloehner by journalists with an anti-animal ag agenda went about as well as a drunken tourist playing chicken with a bison in Yellowstone.
Although the hit series highlights the struggle of the Dutton ranch fighting to maintain a family legacy, a rather ironic story truth surfaces and an unfortunate reality hits home.