The National Pork Industry Forum hosted nearly 300 delegates, pig farmers and pork industry members in Indianapolis to learn about the future regulatory changes for on-farm antibiotics. The event featured a update session to share case studies and tips for farmers needing to be ready for the new regulations on January 1, 2017. “Producers have been preparing the past 18 … Read More
2015 America’s Pig Farmer of the Year Winner to Hold Call
The deadline to apply to be the next America’s Pig Farmer of the Year is March 13. The award recognizes a U.S. pork producer who demonstrates excellence in raising pigs using the We Care ethical principles and in sharing his or her story with the public. On March 7 at 6 p.m. CST, the 2015 America’s Pig Farmer of the … Read More
Ceva Mission – High Quality, Low Cost Protein Globally
One of the missions of Ceva is to provide high quality, low cost protein to the world and while at the Ceva Swine U.S. Launch and Scientific Symposium, CEO & North America/Pacific Zone Director for Ceva, Craig Wallace, shared more about their commitment to pork. “It’s a dream for the organization. As we talked about how we can serve the … Read More
NPPC Highlights Policy Priorities for 2016
Some of the greatest minds in the swine community gathered in New Orleans this weekend to discuss key issues and research impacting pork producers across the country. During the Ceva Swine Launch event, National Pork Producers Council’s CEO Neil Dierks talked about some of their top issues in 2016. Food security is at the top of that list. “The world … Read More
Smithfield Partners with United Suppliers
Smithfield Foods, Inc. and United Suppliers, Inc., have collaborated to advance on-farm conservation practices and to use innovative precision agriculture tools across Smithfield’s sourcing regions in Iowa and Missouri. The goal is to work with farmers along all points of the food supply chain reducing fertilizer runoff, safeguarding the environment and ensuring farm productivity. “At Smithfield, we are committed to … Read More
NPPC Calls For Improved FMD Vaccine Bank
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) today urged congressional lawmakers and the Obama administration to prioritize the management of a foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak. “Improving preparedness for an FMD outbreak through development of an adequate vaccine bank must be a priority,” testified NPPC immediate past president Dr. Howard Hill, a veterinarian and pork producer from Cambridge, Iowa, before a subcommittee … Read More
Smashing Stereotypes About Women In Farming
While an abundance of stereotypes have painted agriculture as a male-dominated industry in the public’s eye, livestock producers know that on a farm, it is your work ethic, not your gender, that makes you a valuable farmer, and four female pig farmers have stood up the smash the “boys game” stereotypes in a new video circulating the internet. The video, … Read More
CoBank Report for U.S. Protein in 2016
CoBank, an agribusiness lender, released a new research report stating they believe indicators point to animal protein supplies moving toward a state of equilibrium, with protein stocks more in line with overall levels of demand. I spoke with Trevor Amen, animal protein economist with CoBank, to learn more about how the report will impact producers. “The overall focus of this … Read More
Pork Industry Forum Headed to Indianapolis
Delegates from across the United States will gather for the National Pork Industry Forum on March 3-5 in Indianapolis. Each year the Pork Act Delegates confer to vote on resolutions and advisements and provide direction on some of the issues facing pork producers and the industry. Fifteen producers who serve as members of the National Pork Board and Pork Checkoff … Read More
Nutrition Key Player In Antibiotic-Free Production
Both the poultry and pork production industries have recently seen a major push from consumer retailers for supplies that have been raised without the use of antibiotics. While this request has presented several major animal health challenges for producers, the innovators behind Novus International have been focused on creating solutions for successful production under these new constraints. Brad Lawrence, from … Read More