Latest News From PORK Week

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.” 

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.

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.

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.

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.  

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. 

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.

Here’s a recap of important topics, news and happenings within the pork industry!

Chicken wings have been a hot commodity the past decade, but as the trend changes post-pandemic, red meat producers may want to take note. John Phipps explains why.

While overall pork exports are down, Mexico remains hungry for U.S. pork. Exports to Mexico have been on fire this year, up 24% in March. The latest data from April shows shipments to Mexico remain on a record pace.

Pork producers recently set sustainability goals for the industry, but a new On-Farm Sustainability Report is revealing the environmental improvements many pork producers have already achieved.

Farmers reported selling old crop soybeans for $18 and cash corn sits above $8 in some areas. The prices are proving to be painful for pork producers sourcing feed, and it's possible those prices climb even higher.

From an ‘egg roll in a bowl’ to pork wontons, ground pork has grown in popularity at the meat case. National Pork Board’s Kiersten Hafer and Neal Hull visit “AgriTalk” to share their insight on the ingredient.

There’s no question it’s an interesting time to be preparing for the workforce. We asked five youth questions ranging from the biggest misconception of their generation to how the industry can attract future leaders.

Bringing pork industry leaders from across the U.S., Farm Journal’s PORK caught up with visitors at World Pork Expo to find out the best piece of advice they’ve heard lately.

Iowa pork producers, Randy Francois and Mike Berdo joined “AgriTalk” to discuss top-of-mind challenges and their outlook for the industry.

The opportunities to improve tomorrow’s pork operation continue to expand. We asked five pig farmers to weigh in on a variety of subjects from technology they want to add on the farm to what they can’t live without.

From labor to technology, the opportunities to improve tomorrow’s pork operation continue to expand. We asked five industry leaders to share perspectives, including what producers should think about in 2022.

200 participants representing 2.3 million pigs and 230,000 acres. That’s a quick look at who has already completed an On-Farm Sustainability Report, says Bill Even, CEO of the National Pork Board. 

From PPRS to PEDV, the health challenges facing swine farms today aren't going away. We asked four veterinarians to share their perspectives, including what pork producers need to pay special attention to now.

Feed costs are seeing volatile swings, even as hog prices trend higher. While the markets produce major whiplash for producers, margins on the farm show costs are increasing faster than returns.

Dynamic markets. Volatility. Russia-Ukraine war. High feed costs. Consumer demand strength. The issues affecting the pork outlook go on and on. Five economists share what’s ahead for the second half of 2022.

Maybe you’ve seen him speak at a state meeting, or maybe you’ve listened to him on a webinar. NPPC CEO Bryan Humphreys is certainly no stranger to the industry, but here are five things you may not know about him.

Here's a sneak peek of why you don't want to miss one minute of PORK Week. Starting on Monday, June 6, through Sunday, June 12, we'll be honoring pork producers and celebrating industry advancements.

You spend time implementing best management practices on your farm – shouldn’t you do the same for your succession plan?

The 33rd World Pork Expo drew in more than 10,000 people for the pork industry’s most anticipated event of the year. Find out what people thought and check out these scenes from the show.

Emma Lasco says when it comes to pig care, catching issues early-on can help avoid bigger problems later. Individual Pig Care training should include a defined vocabulary for identifying at-risk pigs.

Four economists take a look at the issues most likely to spark attention in the upcoming USDA Quarterly Hogs & Pigs Report to be released on June 24.

The feeling of energy and enthusiasm at World Pork Expo was omnipresent: People were glad to be together again. Farm Journal’s PORK captured a few quotes from speakers, attendees and exhibitors on several topics.

A show pig is often a family affair. For one Georgia family, a show pig became more of a companion as the animal brought their 16-year old daughter normalcy as her father battled cancer in the middle of the pandemic.

Rupert Claxton isn’t one to mince words. The meat director for Gira International, a consultancy and research firm, shot straight on trade —notably with China — during a presentation at the 2021 World Pork Expo.

The World Pork Expo flies by, filled to the brim with meetings, seminars, photo ops and great conversations with producers near and far. Here's a synopsis of the sights, sounds and feelings associated with WPX21.

Multi-story hog farrowing and finishing buildings, often in megaplexes with tens of thousands of pigs in China. And according to John Phipps, there may be some benefits to the buildings.

Last June, the pork industry looked much different. Although it was a stressful time, the incredible resiliency of pork producers was evident. Bill Even and Neil Dierks share six things top of mind a year later.

While some signs point to a recovery for China’s hog herd, analysts say reliable and consistent data out of China is absent today after China clamped down on traditional sources of information.

It’s an interesting time in history to be preparing for the workforce and looking for a job. Five youth pig enthusiasts from Oregon to Pennsylvania share why they are pursuing a pork industry career.

Sustainability means different things to different people, says Brett Kaysen, vice-president of sustainability for the National Pork Board, but developing industry metrics on sustainable production is a valuable tool.

2021 seems to be the year of pork. From growing exports to a change in taste for U.S. pork products at home, pork demand is helping drive higher prices for producers today.

As World Pork Expo enters its second day, a policy priority for the pork industry continues to be the issue of line speeds at pork plants. Just this week, Agriculture Secretary said no final decision has been made.

Antibiotic use. Public perception. Work-life balance. Disease prevention. Animal welfare. Mental health. Five swine veterinarians share their perspectives on the pork industry and the best advice they've heard lately.

Labor ranks as one of the top issues facing U.S. pork producers, says Kerry Scott, program manager for másLabor. At the 2021 World Pork Expo, he shared programs that may help producers get the help they need.

Three industry-leading producers share their thoughts on the top issues facing pork producers right now — margin volatility, labor, and meat quality improvement and innovation.

Brandi Burton, DVM, Suidae Health and Production, Algona, Iowa, shared her thoughts with AgriTalk host Chip Flory on the pork industry's progress in addressing several issues.

The latest Sterling Profit Tracker shows farrow-to-finish operations are seeing $91 per head profits. It is an improvement of nearly $148 from a year ago, when producers were losing more than $57 per head.

Gerardo Rodriguez will never forget the day he watched a customer in front of him at the convenience store purchase a Coke and Twinkies. He couldn’t help but think the pork industry could create a better snack option.

Five pig farmers share how the pandemic has impacted their operation’s future plans and weigh in on the biggest concerns and opportunities they see ahead. They also discuss how the pandemic impacted them personally.