pork

Pork Herd Contractions Slowing in Most Regions

Dan Economy, Pork

A new Q4 2024 pork report from Rabobank says improved profitability is slowing herd contractions in most regions. However, producers are taking a cautious approach to expansion. Disease pressure in parts of Europe, South Korea, and Southeast Asia are slowing production growth, as are U.S. slaughter constraints and EU regulatory headwinds.  Questions around consumer sentiment and pork demand are also …

h5n1

H5N1 Found in Oregon Backyard Hog Farm

Dan Avian Influenza, National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), Pork

The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) confirms there are no food safety concerns about the nation’s pork supply after H5N1 was detected this week in an Oregon backyard farm. NPPC continues to work closely with the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Veterinary Services and pork industry stakeholders on disease surveillance programs. Thursday, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack had a quick update on …

h5n1

Dairy Farmers Remain Resilient in the Face of H5N1 Outbreaks

Dan Avian Influenza, Dairy, National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF)

The chair of the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) says dairy farmers are remaining “resilient” in the face of H5N1 outbreaks. Rusty Halvorson has the story. At the organization’s recent annual meeting in Phoenix, Arizona, Randy Mooney said dairy persists in its best practices in biosecurity and works with government officials, veterinarians and scientists to understand, contain and prevent highly pathogenic avian …

egg production

U.S. Egg Production Down Two Percent, Milk Production Slightly Higher

Dan Dairy, Eggs, Poultry, USDA-NASS

U.S. egg production totaled 8.92 billion during September 2024, down two percent from the same time last year. Production included 7.65 billion table eggs and 1.27 billion hatching eggs, of which 1.18 billion were broiler-type and 91.3 million were egg-type. The average number of layers in the U.S. during September totaled 375 million, down three percent from last year. September …

2025

New Study Busts Myth About Cattle and Cheatgrass Spread

Dan Cattle, Pasture

A new study shows that cattle are not spreading cheatgrass seeds through grazing. According to a story from Rusty Halvorson, that is contrary to what many believed. A recent study from the University of Nevada-Reno reveals that cattle aren’t spreading cheatgrass seeds through grazing, contrary to what many believed. The study shows that cattle digestion makes cheatgrass seeds inert, meaning …

pork

Chef Competition in Vietnam Highlights Taste and Quality of U.S. Pork

Dan Agri-Business, Exports/Imports, National Pork Board (NPB), Pork, Trade, U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF)

Chefs from across Vietnam recently competed in Porkstars, a cooking competition now in its third year, designed to promote creative uses of U.S. pork. The live streamed event is a collaboration between the U.S. Meat Export Federation, the National Pork Board, the Indiana Soybean Alliance, and the Indiana Corn Marketing Board. Indiana soybean grower Chris Eck traveled to Vietnam for …

American Agriculture History

American Agriculture History Minute: First National Western Stock Show

Dan American Agriculture History Minute, Cattle, Livestock, This Land of Ours

I’m Mark Oppold with an American Agriculture History Minute. The National Western Stock Show in Denver began in 1906. The horse show now among the largest in the world, more than 18,000 entries. National Western Rodeo, considered one of the largest indoor rodeos and has won honors from the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. And additionally, Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame …

avma

AVMA Anticipates No Dire Shortage of Veterinarians

Dan Cattle, Dairy, Livestock, Livestock News

A recent analysis of the drivers of supply and demand for veterinary services shows that the number of graduates from existing veterinary colleges is likely enough to meet demand through 2035. The conclusion comes after a study commissioned by the American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA). The projections in this analysis do not justify a conclusion of overall excess capacity or a capacity …