National Hog Farmer

Don’t Blame USDA for Antibiotic Resistance

Fri, 24 May 2013 20:40:00 +0000

Source: Scott Hurd, DVM

Iowa State University veterinarian Scott Hurd clarifies in the blog below that placing the blame on USDA for antibiotic-resistant strains of salmonella is ill-placed and mischaracterizes the problem of antibiotic resistance.

Photo Galleries Help Fine-Tune Stockmanship

Fri, 24 May 2013 17:30:00 +0000

National Hog Farmer prides itself on the ability to provide research-based information about the business of pork production to our pork producer readers. Over the years, we have worked hard to come up with ideas on how we can help pork producers with the important job of feeding a hungry world. Toward that end, we’ve worked with the industry’s finest veterinarians, scientists, educators and other leaders to produce a series of well-received educational posters illustrating everything from recognizing swine diseases to heat detection and assisted farrowing. Recently, we’ve undertaken the process of transferring this great information into online photo galleries for producer reference. This week we posted the first of a series of gilt selection photo galleries on the http://nationalhogfarmer.com/ Web site. If you haven’t visited our site recently, check it out!

National Hog Farmer Blog

Canada Responds to COOL Rule

Fri, 24 May 2013 16:26:00 +0000

Source: Canadian Pork Council

The United States was required to come into compliance by May 23 with its World Trade Organization (WTO) obligations in relation to the WTO dispute on its country-of-origin labeling (COOL) regulations, according to the Canadian Pork Council (CPC).

The fact that the United States has not done so exacerbates discrimination against Canadian livestock exports and has denied much needed stability to Canadian hog producers.

Conformation and Structural Soundness Guidelines for Replacement Gilts

Thu, 23 May 2013 18:56:00 +0000

Sponsored by Iowa State University, Pork Checkoff, National Swine Improvement Federation, AASV, DSM and National Hog Farmer

It is important to evaluate replacement gilts carefully for good conformation and structural soundness. This photo gallery is based on the popular National Hog Farmer educational poster illustrating conformation and structural soundness guidelines for replacement gilts.

"Reckless" COOL Rule Invites Retaliation

Thu, 23 May 2013 16:40:00 +0000

Source: American Meat Institute

The decision by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service to finalize a proposed rule on country-of-origin labeling (COOL) for meat and poultry products with no changes is being called incomprehensible and reckless by the American Meat Institute (AMI).

The move was made despite a massive outpouring of concern from affected companies and major trading partners and disregards the potential adverse retaliatory trade responses from Canada and Mexico, the AMI says.

Canadians: Be Extra Vigilant on PEDV

Thu, 23 May 2013 16:11:00 +0000

Source: Canadian Swine Health Board

Canadian pork producers should be extra vigilant with their herd biosecurity, given that Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus has been found in North America for the first time, according to the Canadian Swine Health Board (CSHB).

Cases have suddenly appeared on multiple unrelated farms in the Midwestern United States, the CSHB says. There are ongoing investigations to determine the origin and common risk factors.

Supporting Disaster Relief in Oklahoma

Thu, 23 May 2013 14:47:00 +0000

Source: Tyson Foods

Tyson Foods is providing disaster relief support in Moore, OK, the site of a series of devastating tornadoes on Monday.

The company’s Meals that Matter disaster relief trailer and cooking teams from several Tyson plant locations arrived in Moore on Tuesday to begin providing meals to victims and relief workers. Depending upon the need, the trailer and cooking teams could be on site two to three weeks.

Get Ready for USDA Crop and Livestock Surveys

Wed, 22 May 2013 20:46:00 +0000

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture

During the first two weeks of June, USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will be contacting farmers and ranchers across the country to gather information about this season’s crop production, supplies of grain in storage, and livestock inventory. NASS will gather information about U.S. crops and livestock through several surveys focusing on agricultural acreage, crops produced and stored, and hog inventory.

Seven Tips to Keep Heat-Stressed Sows Eating This Summer

Wed, 22 May 2013 15:12:00 +0000

Source: Purina Animal Nutrition

Heat stress can have a major impact on sow performance and longevity and sows may feel heat stressed at temperatures lower than one might think. As temperatures surpass 70º F, depending upon humidity, sows can start to experience adverse effects from heat stress, such as reduced feed intake. Changes in the ration can help sows continue to consume the nutrients they need to maintain performance and body condition levels.

Kansas Lab Announces Testing for PEDV

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:56:00 +0000

Source: Kansas State University

The Kansas State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory is now accepting samples for diagnostic testing for porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), which has been recently confirmed in the United States.

Laboratory testing is the only known way to diagnose the virus. The diagnostic laboratory has assembled a team of virologists, molecular diagnosticians and pathologists to rapidly identify the virus.

Follow Biosecurity Rules When Showing Pigs

Tue, 21 May 2013 15:54:00 +0000

Source: National Pork Board

Showing pigs is a dynamic part of the pig industry in the United States. More than a million pigs are born, bred and raised for the show ring each year. But with that exciting part of the pork industry, comes a responsibility to practice good biosecurity to help protect people and pigs from disease threats.

Corn Planting Accelerates in Record Fashion

Tue, 21 May 2013 13:47:00 +0000

Source: Daily Livestock Report

U.S. corn farmers used some favorable weather and the marvels of technology to make large gains in getting this year’s corn crop planted last week, according to Steve Meyer and Len Steiner in today’s Daily Livestock Report (www.dailylivestockreport.com).

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) weekly Crop Progress Report indicated 71% of the U.S. corn crop was planted as of May 19, 2013. Last week, USDA had pegged the percentage of the corn crop planted at just 28%.

Farmer Boy Ag Recognized for Outstanding Sales Achievement

Tue, 21 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Farmer Boy Ag recently attended the AP National Dealer Conference in Assumption, IL, where they were recognized for Outstanding Sales Achievement.

NPPC Seeks ‘Comprehensive’ FTA With the EU

Mon, 20 May 2013 19:37:00 +0000

Source: National Pork Producers Council

The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) is leading a coalition of U.S. food and agricultural groups in urging the Obama administration to convince the European Union (EU) to negotiate a “comprehensive” free trade agreement, including addressing sanitary-phytosanitary (SPS) barriers to trade.

New Crop Corn Improves Prospects for Pork Profits

Mon, 20 May 2013 19:16:00 +0000

By Steve Meyer, Paragon Economics, Inc., Adel, IA

A dry week in the Midwest will likely be reflected in substantial, probably record-high, weekly planting progress report when those data are released this afternoon. That prospect has new crop corn futures trading near $5.15/bu. today and only four cents higher than the December contract’s lifetime low of $5.11/bu. set June 15, 2012. That, of course, was about the time that last summer’s heat and lack of rainfall began to be a clear problem and prompting Dec ’13 futures to go above $6.60/bu. by early September. Should good growing conditions prevail, $5/bu. corn will be high at harvest time.

Agricultural Committees Differ in Farm Bill Cuts

Mon, 20 May 2013 18:40:00 +0000

By P. Scott Shearer, Bockorny Group, Washington, DC

Both agriculture committees passed their respective versions of the farm bill last week. The Senate Agriculture Committee’s bill, the “Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2013,” cuts $23 billion over 10 years, while the House Agriculture Committee’s bill, the “Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management (FARRM) Act of 2013,” cuts approximately $40 billion.

Meat, Poultry and Livestock Issues in Farm Bills

Mon, 20 May 2013 18:33:00 +0000

By P. Scott Shearer, Bockorny Group, Washington, DC

Even though there is no livestock title in either the House or Senate Agriculture Committee farm bills, there are a number of key items that are important to the livestock, poultry and meat industries.

ADUFA Passes House Committee

Mon, 20 May 2013 18:24:00 +0000

By P. Scott Shearer, Bockorny Group, Washington, DC

The Animal Drug User Fee Act (ADUFA) passed the House Energy and Commerce Committee by a voice vote.

U.S. Pork Thrives in the ASEAN Region

Mon, 20 May 2013 16:12:00 +0000

By Sabrina Yin, Director, U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), ASEAN Region

With the closure of the Russian market and larger domestic pork supplies in South Korea, U.S. pork exports have seen challenges in 2013, but several markets are defying the trend. One of the most notable is the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region.

Illinois Court Favors Producer in Insurance Case

Mon, 20 May 2013 15:33:00 +0000

Source: Taylor Law Offices

The Clay County Circuit Court of Louisville, IL, has issued an opinion on insurance coverage that has a significant impact upon agriculture and insurance policyholders in Illinois. In a recent decision, Judge Daniel E. Hartigan ruled that Country Mutual Insurance Company wrongfully refused to defend its longtime insured, Bible Pork, Inc. in the nuisance case of Pierson, et al. v. Bible Pork, Inc., (2008-MR-14), under two Country Mutual policies, the AgriPlus comprehensive general liability policy and an umbrella policy.

New Swine Disease Strikes Three States

Mon, 20 May 2013 14:21:00 +0000

Source: Joe Vansickle

The National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) at Ames, IA, confirmed on Thursday that Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV) has been identified in Indiana, Iowa and Colorado. PEDV is a coronavirus associated with outbreaks of diarrhea and vomiting in swine and appears clinically similar to Transmissible gastroenteritis (TGE), according to information released by the Iowa Pork Industry Center and the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (ISU-VDL).

Meet the 2013 Masters of the Pork Industry and Prepare to be Inspired

Fri, 17 May 2013 21:07:00 +0000

The May issue of National Hog Farmer typically serves as a reflective look at the U.S. pork industry. We strive to approach stories from a “big picture” perspective. Since 2006, National Hog Farmer has profiled a hand-picked group of pork industry leaders. These Masters of the Pork Industry share their personal stories and philosophies, reflect on their careers and share their thoughts about the future of the pork industry.

National Hog Farmer Blog

World Pork Expo Celebrates 25th Anniversary in 2013

Fri, 17 May 2013 17:33:00 +0000

Source: National Pork Producers Council

The world’s largest pork-specific trade show, a wide range of educational seminars, breeding stock shows and sales, and succulent pork products are just some of the reasons to attend the 2013 World Pork Expo on June 5-7 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, IA.

Tyson Forms Independent Animal Welfare Panel

Fri, 17 May 2013 16:01:00 +0000

Source: Tyson Foods

As part of Tyson Foods’ commitment to proper treatment of farm animals, the company Thursday announced the formation of an independent Farm Animal Well-Being Advisory Panel. Members will serve as advisers to the Tyson FarmCheck program, a comprehensive initiative designed to ensure responsible care and overall well-being of farm animals.

Lower Feed Costs Drive Pork Production Higher

Fri, 17 May 2013 14:38:00 +0000

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture

U.S. pork production in 2014 is forecast to increase by 2.3%, driven primarily by lower feed costs, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Livestock, Dairy and Poultry Outlook released Thursday.

USDA projects that commercial pork production will climb to 24 billion pounds in 2014. Farrowings are expected to rise modestly (almost 1% compared to 2013), accompanied by about a 1% increase in litter rates and higher average dressed weights (about 1% higher than 2013), which altogether are expected to set another pork production record in 2014.

New Cell Line Speeds Identification of FMD

Thu, 16 May 2013 16:48:00 +0000

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture

A new cell line that rapidly and accurately detects foot-and-mouth disease (FDM) virus has been developed by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists.

House Agriculture Committee Approves Farm Bill

Thu, 16 May 2013 13:49:00 +0000

Source: American Farm Bureau Federation

Bob Stallman, president of the American Farm Bureau Federation, provided the following comments on the House Agriculture Committee’s passage of the 2013 Farm Bill:

“The House Agriculture Committee today (Wednesday) approved its version of the 2013 Farm Bill. That bill joins the version approved on Tuesday by the Senate Agriculture Committee. This provides a great reason for optimism we will have a new long-term farm bill this year.

2013 Master of the Pork Industry Malcolm DeKryger

Wed, 15 May 2013 20:18:00 +0000

His job just got a lot more challenging with construction of a first-of-its-kind hog farm.

Truly, for Malcolm DeKryger, there is no such thing as an average day at the bustling offices of Belstra Milling Co., DeMotte, IN. Supervisor of five swine complexes that serve as gilt multipliers for PIC across the nation, DeKryger is also general contractor-manager of an innovative project dubbed “The Pig Adventure,” which includes a working hog farm (Legacy Farms) that consumers can visit, see pig displays, farm activities, and visit a restaurant tied to the popular Fair Oaks Farms dairy adventure at Fair Oaks, IN.

2013 Master of the Pork Industry Bradley Wolter

Wed, 15 May 2013 19:22:00 +0000

From an early age, this swine enthusiast has been focused on better pig-raising methods.

There’s a story shared in the Wolter family about a day when Bradley’s father, while fixing some hog fences, nailed his cloth diapers to a fence post just to keep track of him. Tale or true, the story reinforces Bradley Wolter’s early exposure to pigs and may help explain his lifelong ambition to build better hog production systems. Wolters is now chief operating officer at The Maschhoffs Inc., and serves as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Illinois.

PRRS: Devil in the Details

Wed, 15 May 2013 17:07:00 +0000

PRRS has mutated and evolved to create hundreds of viruses

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus entered the United States in the late 1980s. Through the years, the virus has mutated, evolved and recombined to create hundreds of virus strains today.