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Is the ability to focus on the farm a superpower? It might be, especially in modern pork production systems. Here’s a look at MetaFarm’s preliminary 2023 data and why focus is more important than ever on the farm.

The latest MetaFarms reports show sow death loss in 2023 was at an all-time high at 15.3%. That’s up 1% from a year ago – a trend that continues to move in the wrong direction.

Sow death loss wasn’t the only number to trend in the wrong direction in 2023. Wean-to-finish mortality increased from 6.87% in 2022 to 7.61% in 2023. Brad Eckberg shares his perspective on opportunities to improve.

With all of the data available at a producer’s fingertips, no one can argue it can be overwhelming. With all of that information on hand, what are the key metrics people should look at on a periodic basis?

As part of its mission to fund research with direct application to the profession, the American Association of Swine Veterinarians Foundation awarded more than $100,000 in funding for research.

“When the world tests you and times get tough, remember you will get better.” During a college football game, Chris Norton suffered a debilitating spinal cord injury. Doctors said he had a 3% chance to ever move again.

Madeline Hall, a Kansas State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, was awarded the David A. Schoneweis Scholarship during the American Association of Swine Veterinarians Annual Meeting.

Rodger Main, DVM, was honored with the American Association of Swine Veterinarians’ Outstanding Swine Academic of the Year award for his excellence in teaching, research and service to the swine veterinary profession.

Cattle feeding margins inched lower last week with rising costs. Packer margins improved but remain in triple digits as market-ready supplies remain tight. Pork producers turn a profit for the first time in 14 months.

Ag nuisance cases in Iowa may be down for now, but Eldon McAfee, attorney with Brick Gentry P.C. in West Des Moines, Iowa, warned producers not to let their guard down and to strive to be good neighbors.