Latest News From Jennifer Shike

Illinois Farm Families Star in Super Bowl LVIII Commercial
Illinois Farm Families Star in Super Bowl LVIII Commercial

Super Bowl fans in Illinois will be able to cheer on some familiar faces in a commercial during the big game on Sunday. Illinois pork producer Chad Leman says the commercial is all about communicating trust in farmers.

New Study Shows Promise for Genetically Modified Pig Organ Transplants
New Study Shows Promise for Genetically Modified Pig Organ Transplants

An average of 17 people in the U.S. die every day waiting for a transplant. More than 100,000 are on a waiting list. After decades of experimenting, many doctors now see potential in genetically modified pig organs.

Winter Storm Survival: A Nightmare for Livestock Producers in Western Illinois
Winter Storm Survival: A Nightmare for Livestock Producers in Western Illinois

Despite nearly 24 inches of snow, below-zero temperatures and raging winds that some people are affectionately calling “Death Storm #2,” Illinois livestock producers are finding ways to overcome the horrific conditions.

Federal Court Upholds Iowa ‘Ag Gag’ Laws: A Win for the Country, Gov. Reynolds Says
Federal Court Upholds Iowa ‘Ag Gag’ Laws: A Win for the Country, Gov. Reynolds Says

The Eighth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the constitutionality of two of Iowa’s trespass laws on Jan. 8. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds says this is a win for both Iowans and the country. Here's why.

Turporken is the Thanksgiving Trifecta
Turporken is the Thanksgiving Trifecta

Turkey is o.k., but it's a far cry from a delicious holiday ham in my book. That's why I can't help but be intrigued by turporken.

Top 10 States with the Largest Wild Pig Populations
Top 10 States with the Largest Wild Pig Populations

Wild hog populations are continuing to spread and move north in the U.S. As one of the most destructive invasive animal species in the U.S., the significant increase in the wild hog population is a great concern.

Busting Myths and Opening Doors: How One Ag Teacher is Making an Impact in the Pork Industry
Busting Myths and Opening Doors: How One Ag Teacher is Making an Impact in the Pork Industry

It's not easy to be an award-winning FFA advisor, but Riley Hintzsche of Streator Township High School in Illinois, makes it look that way. Here's one of his secrets and how that's making an impact on the pork industry.

Senate and House Leaders Call for Farm Bill Extension
Senate and House Leaders Call for Farm Bill Extension

Rep. Thompson, chairman of the House Ag Committee, continues to express optimism about passing a new farm bill in December in the House of Representatives. But he says an extension of the current farm bill is needed.

The Best Halloween Costumes Tie Back to the Farm
The Best Halloween Costumes Tie Back to the Farm

Maybe it’s because I’m a farm kid at heart, but I think the best Halloween costume ideas come straight from the farm. And I'm not the only one on our team here at Farm Journal who feels that way.

Mike Johnson Elected New House Speaker in Historic Election, Wiesemeyer Says
Mike Johnson Elected New House Speaker in Historic Election, Wiesemeyer Says

In a historic and contentious election, Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.) was elected as the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, writes Pro Farmer analyst Jim Wiesemeyer in Policy Updates. 

Toenail Clippings Of Farmers Needed For Chemical Exposure Research
Toenail Clippings Of Farmers Needed For Chemical Exposure Research

Iowa farmers, get out your toenail clippers! Anna Proctor, a University of Iowa Ph.D. student, is collecting samples for a study she will conduct later this year using Iowa farmers’ toenails to assess chemical exposure.

Dying Navy Veteran Receives Pig Heart Transplant
Dying Navy Veteran Receives Pig Heart Transplant

Surgeons have successfully transplanted a pig’s heart into a dying man – only the second patient to undergo such an experimental feat.

Tyson Foods to Deploy Driverless Trucks in Arkansas
Tyson Foods to Deploy Driverless Trucks in Arkansas

Tyson Foods is deploying autonomous refrigerated box trucks to bolster Tyson routes in Northwest Arkansas. Operating 18 hours a day, these driverless trucks will deliver products to distribution and storage facilities.

KENT to Celebrate Grand Opening of Feed Mill and Grain Science Complex at Iowa State
KENT to Celebrate Grand Opening of Feed Mill and Grain Science Complex at Iowa State

KENT Corporation will celebrate the grand opening of the Iowa State University KENT Feed Mill and Grain Science Complex on Sept. 8.

Plant-Based Meat Alternatives Face Sharp Decline in Sales
Plant-Based Meat Alternatives Face Sharp Decline in Sales

High price points and other lingering obstacles trigger sharp decline in sales of plant-based meat alternatives.

New Bill Excuses Illinois Youth from School Absence to Attend 4-H and FFA Events
New Bill Excuses Illinois Youth from School Absence to Attend 4-H and FFA Events

Just in time for school to start, in the midst of the Illinois State Fair, students across the state will no longer be penalized for participating in a 4-H or FFA event.

NC Attorney General Urges SCOTUS to Take Up Ag-Gag Law
NC Attorney General Urges SCOTUS to Take Up Ag-Gag Law

The North Carolina State Attorney General’s Office has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to hear an appeal of North Carolina’s ag-gag law, twice struck down by lower courts as unconstitutional on First Amendment grounds.

Spice Up Your Life a Little: SPAM Makers Reveal New Variety
Spice Up Your Life a Little: SPAM Makers Reveal New Variety

Look what the makers of SPAM have come up with, bringing the brand's family of varieties to 11 flavors now.

California Agrees to Modify Prop 12 Implementation
California Agrees to Modify Prop 12 Implementation

California has modified the implementation date for Proposition 12 compliance from July 1 to Dec. 31, in an attempt to achieve a smoother transition for the entire pork value chain, including foreign trading partners. 

Tentative West Coast Port Labor Contract is Tremendous News for U.S. Red Meat
Tentative West Coast Port Labor Contract is Tremendous News for U.S. Red Meat

The tentative agreement that's been reached with the West Coast longshoremen is of paramount importance for U.S. red meat, says USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. Here's why.

Why Employees Are in the Driver's Seat
Why Employees Are in the Driver's Seat

It's hard to stay competitive in today's job market. Here are four reasons why employees are in the driver's seat in 2023.

Sol the Agriculture Detection Dog: A U.S. Hero
Sol the Agriculture Detection Dog: A U.S. Hero

Although he’s motivated by treats and can charm just about anyone, don’t let this dog fool you. Sol is a highly driven beagle who plays a critical role in protecting U.S. agriculture.

Special Alert: California Proposition 12 Releases New Guidance
Special Alert: California Proposition 12 Releases New Guidance

Who enforces Prop 12? Here's a look at California Department of Food and Agriculture's recent guidance titled "Questions and Answers Related to Pork Sales in the Wake of the 2023 Supreme Court Decision."

Prop 12 Reactions: From Hogwash to Delight
Prop 12 Reactions: From Hogwash to Delight

Disappointment, frustration and disbelief shook the U.S. pork industry when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled to uphold California’s Proposition 12. Meanwhile, animal activist groups called it a win.

Gene-Edited Pigs Approved to Enter Food Chain for the First Time
Gene-Edited Pigs Approved to Enter Food Chain for the First Time

Washington State University researchers will help make history after receiving FDA "investigational" authorization to have their gene-edited pigs enter the food chain for human consumption.

Crashing Dirt Bikes to Chasing Cows: Scott Irwin Releases New Book on Futures Market
Crashing Dirt Bikes to Chasing Cows: Scott Irwin Releases New Book on Futures Market

Futures markets are a mystery, says Scott Irwin, author of the new book, Back to the Futures, is now available for pre-order and is scheduled to be released on April 19 on Amazon.

10 Ways FFA Made Us Better
10 Ways FFA Made Us Better

FFA is a nearly limitless opportunity for young people to figure out who they are and what they want to do in life. Here are 10 lessons Farm Journal employees learned through FFA that they use every day. 

Why You Need to Pay Attention Now to EPA’s Proposed Rodenticide Mitigation Measures
Why You Need to Pay Attention Now to EPA’s Proposed Rodenticide Mitigation Measures

EPA is proposing changes to rodenticides that would result in canceling products and uses, adding more requirements to labels, and reclassifying some products to restricted use pesticides. Here's what you need to know.

Super Bowl Commercial Puts Spotlight on Illinois Farming Family
Super Bowl Commercial Puts Spotlight on Illinois Farming Family

An Illinois pig farmer and his family will be starring in a Super Bowl commercial. Here's why Chad Bell of Viola, Ill., continues to say "yes" when it comes to being a voice for agriculture.

USDA Deputy Secretary Jewel Bronaugh Exits to Spend More Time With Family
USDA Deputy Secretary Jewel Bronaugh Exits to Spend More Time With Family

USDA's second-highest ranking executive, Jewel Bronaugh, announced her resignation on Thursday as Agriculture Deputy Secretary.

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Food Price Inflation: Not Unprecedented but Definitely Unusual

Are you experiencing stress in your budget? A recent consumer survey shows almost everybody said ‘yes’ and food is at the top of the list of items in the household budget that are creating the most stress.

A Historical Day: SCOTUS Hears Oral Arguments on Proposition 12
A Historical Day: SCOTUS Hears Oral Arguments on Proposition 12

Terry Wolters was one of a handful of pork producers who watched Supreme Court justices grill attorneys with questions during oral arguments on Oct. 11 in NPPC v. Ross challenging the constitutionality of Prop 12.

Agro-Terrorism and the Food Supply Chain: This is a Different World, Rose Says
Agro-Terrorism and the Food Supply Chain: This is a Different World, Rose Says

If you want to disrupt a government, disrupt the food supply. "Ag is critical infrastructure," says Andrew Rose, strategic advisor. “Three weeks without food and agriculture, and it’s over.”

Plant-Based Food Isn't Healthier: New Book Sets Out to Debunk Myths
Plant-Based Food Isn't Healthier: New Book Sets Out to Debunk Myths

A book about why eating a plants-only diet won't improve your health or save the planet is turning heads. A British-based investigative journalist digs into the concept that plant-based food is better for your health.

4-H Steer Sells 39 Times to Honor 18-Year-Old's Life
4-H Steer Sells 39 Times to Honor 18-Year-Old's Life

Daniel Spitzer had three loves: Jesus, family/friends and cowboying. But his sister jokes his true love was his horse, Lena. Here's how a community honored Daniel's memory after a tragic accident took his life too soon.

10 Reasons Why Drivers Need to Stay Alert in Rural Areas
10 Reasons Why Drivers Need to Stay Alert in Rural Areas

Human error accounts for 94% to 96% of all auto accidents. As harvest approaches, it's more important than ever for drivers to remain alert in rural areas where farm equipment is present.

We Must Do Something Different, Alltech CEO Says
We Must Do Something Different, Alltech CEO Says

“Reducing is not enough; we must do something different,” urged Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech, during the Alltech ONE Conference on May 23.

Why Mental Health Matters on the Farm
Why Mental Health Matters on the Farm

A little bit better is a little bit better, said Ted Matthews, director of Minnesota Rural Mental Health. Matthews dispels myths about mental health, counseling and anxiety on the farm.

How Much Do Consumers Love Meat? Rising Prices Will Soon Tell
How Much Do Consumers Love Meat? Rising Prices Will Soon Tell

Higher costs for feed, energy and labor have yet to fully impact meat prices, but that will soon change, says CoBank's Brian Earnest. Will consumers trade down when producer price inflation hits the meat case?

Barn Chore Fines: A New Approach to Raising Kids on the Farm
Barn Chore Fines: A New Approach to Raising Kids on the Farm

As much as our children may enjoy being out in the barn working with their animals, there are going to be some days where it’s hard not to groan about it a little. Here's how one mom tackles grumbling in the barn.

H-2B Visas Increased Again to Fight U.S. Labor Shortage
H-2B Visas Increased Again to Fight U.S. Labor Shortage

The Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Labor will make an additional 35,000 H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas available for the second half of fiscal year 2022.

AgriTalk: AFBF Weighs in on Shipping Reform, Court’s Decision to Review Prop 12 
AgriTalk: AFBF Weighs in on Shipping Reform, Court’s Decision to Review Prop 12 

As March prepares to make its exit this week, the U.S. pork industry received some long-awaited news. Dale Moore, executive vice president at AFBF, said it’s absolutely good news during a conversation on AgriTalk.

From All Angles: Food Chain Mandates Threaten Producers, Impact Consumers
From All Angles: Food Chain Mandates Threaten Producers, Impact Consumers

Precedent-setting mandates are coming at ag from all angles, undermining freedom of farmers. These regulations aren't based on science. They aren't based on experience. Many argue they aren't based on a shred of truth.

Texas Tornado Destroys Ag Shop, But Doesn’t Stop FFA Members From Helping Community
Texas Tornado Destroys Ag Shop, But Doesn’t Stop FFA Members From Helping Community

A line of storms snaked through Texas, resulting in several tornadoes on March 21. An F3 tornado touched down outside of Jacksboro, ripping buildings to shreds, including the local high school and ag shop.

Super Bowl Standouts: 5 Pork Recipes They’ll Rave About
Super Bowl Standouts: 5 Pork Recipes They’ll Rave About

Pork reigns as champion in the Super Bowl Sunday food line-up. It's tasty, versatile and a great value this year. Here are five recipes that are sure to win over hungry football fans, or more importantly, the foodies.

New Study Investigates Feed Mill Decontamination in the Event of an ASF Outbreak
New Study Investigates Feed Mill Decontamination in the Event of an ASF Outbreak

A new research study will evaluate methods for cleaning and disinfecting feed mills following a potential African swine fever outbreak.

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USDA Partnership to Ease Port Congestion, Restore Disrupted Shipping

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced plans to increase capacity at the Port of Oakland in Oakland, Calif., and improve service for shippers of U.S. grown agricultural commodities.

Ordinary to Outrageous: Top 10 Agricultural Seizures of 2021
Ordinary to Outrageous: Top 10 Agricultural Seizures of 2021

It’s no surprise pork products made the U.S. CBP's Top 10 Agriculture Seizures of 2021 list more than once. Protecting animal ag is a high priority, especially as deadly swine viruses like ASF move closer to the U.S.

Man Receives Heart from Genetically Modified Pig in Groundbreaking Surgery
Man Receives Heart from Genetically Modified Pig in Groundbreaking Surgery

History was made on Jan. 7 when a 57-year-old Maryland man with deadly heart disease received a heart from a genetically modified pig. 

FTC Investigates Supply Chain Disruptions; Enlists Tyson, Walmart and More
FTC Investigates Supply Chain Disruptions; Enlists Tyson, Walmart and More

FTC orders Tyson Foods, Inc., Walmart, Amazon, Kroger and other large wholesalers and suppliers to turn over information to help study causes of empty shelves and sky-high prices.