Pork Business

Change is hard, especially when you are comfortable. And let’s face it, most pig production systems aren’t looking for more to do. However, high feed costs are causing people to think twice about diet formulation.
U.S. data shows COVID-19 infection rates are now down to levels not seen since early fall, a sign economic recovery could also take shape. As more consumers venture out to restaurants, it could also help meat demand.
USDA’s Ag Outlook Forum painted a brighter forecast for corn demand this year. While USDA does expect a 7% increase in production, the agency is also forecasting an increase in domestic use, as well as exports.
Focus on what you can control. K-State nutritionists say this should be the same whether you are in good or bad economic times in the pork industry. Here are a few nutrition tips for pigs to be marketed starting in May.
Canada’s Olymel LP said on Friday it was shipping pigs to the United States to help clear a backlog of hogs after it had to temporarily close its Red Deer, Alberta, slaughter plant because of a coronavirus outbreak.
For the week of February 19, cash-traded feeder pig reported volume was below average with 5,525 head reported. Cash feeder pig reported prices were $81.05, up $3.27 per head from last week.
During USDA’s 97th Agricultural Outlook Forum, USDA chief economist Seth Meyer provided insight into what the livestock and poultry sectors can expect in 2021.
No one wants to waste food, especially pork, but how do you know when it’s been in the refrigerator too long? Janeal Yancey, a meat scientist at the University of Arkansas, weighs in on meat color and food safety.
Pork producers constantly have to make tough decisions about what moves are worth the money, and if there is a type of contract that is worth the money to have your lawyer review, it’s your packer contracts.
One of the country’s largest meat processors is helping fund Iterate Labs, the developer of an artificial intelligence-based platform that uses wearable sensor technology to improve workforce safety and productivity.
British pork producers have seen their profits eroded by COVID-19 and an outbreak of deadly African Swine Fever in Germany, and are now having also to deal with Brexit red tape that has hammered exports and hurt demand.
Many challenges face U.S. ag due to the pandemic, but the highest priorities are maintaining the continuity of the nation’s food system while preserving essential worker safety measures across the supply chain.
The USDA and FDA have sent out a reminder to trust current science and guidelines from official sources.
Pork consumption has not gone down in Taiwan since the lifting of the ban on Jan. 1 of ractopamine-fed pork imports from the U.S.
The extreme winter weather conditions pose challenges for livestock producers across the country. Although it’s more apparent in its effect on livestock outdoors, it also poses challenges for hogs in confinement.
As winter weather conditions rage across the country, USDA reminds livestock farmers affected by the winter storms that assistance is available.
Tyson Foods announced additional incentives for frontline workers to receive vaccinations for COVID-19, including compensation for workers vaccinated outside of their normal shift or through an external source.
A winter storm and the coldest temperatures in decades has created another crisis for cattle feeders and beef packers. Rolling power outages and natural gas shortages at feedyards has hampered efforts to feed cattle.
The German pork market is starting to recover after being hit last year by widespread import bans on German pork after African swine fever was found in the country and COVID-19 outbreaks reduced slaughterhouse capacity.
African swine fever and COVID-19 pressures continue to lead the pack as the major change drivers in the 2021 global pork market. Here’s a look at the key issues RaboRank analysts are keeping a close watch on this year.
The Senate has scheduled a vote on Tom Vilsack’s nomination for Secretary of Agriculture on Feb. 23. In early February, the Senate Agriculture Committee unanimously approved President Biden’s pick to lead USDA.
Biden’s USTR nominee was a key player in the USMCA negotiations, and some think USMCA may be a template for future trade talks, including the possibility of rejoining the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).
If you notice something is not right on the farm or you see evidence of a break-in, it’s time to activate your plan to protect your farm.
Just like marketing their pigs, or planting and harvesting their field crops, soil and water conservation efforts are part of the yearly plan that Mike and Michelle Ehlers of Marathon put together.
For the week of February 12, cash-traded weaner pig volume was below average this week with 23,125 head being reported which is 45% of the 52-week average.
Everyone knows pigs are smart, but this takes smart to a new level. Four pigs learned how to manipulate a joystick in order to control a cursor on a computer monitor, Purdue University researchers report.
Trade seems to be taking a back seat in Washington. From COVID-19 recovery to a focus on climate, other issues are taking priority in the new White House. That’s not stopping ag groups from pushing for key trade deals.
It may only be February, but it’s clear the year won’t be without challenges as feed costs continue to rise. As both corn and soybean meal prices surge, here are five ways to reduce their impact on your bottom line.
Multi-disciplinary collaboration by academia, industry partners and the veterinary community is improving the diagnostics and management of Streptococcus suis. How is that impacting productivity and animal well-being?
The net farm income story this year is far from over. Farmer Mac’s chief economist says history shows USDA’s initial look at net farm income is typically too low and this year may be no different.
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