Latest News From Hogs - General

Why Pork is in the Crosshairs of Animal Rights Extremists
Why Pork is in the Crosshairs of Animal Rights Extremists

The pork community is in the crosshairs right now for the animal rights extremist community. Here's what you need to know.

Wild Pigs Kill More People Than Sharks, Shocking New Research Reveals
Wild Pigs Kill More People Than Sharks, Shocking New Research Reveals

It’s not sharks, wolves, or bears that kill the most people—it’s wild pigs, and the numbers are trending up.

New CoBank Report says Federal Reserve is on the 'Horns of a Dilemma’
New CoBank Report says Federal Reserve is on the 'Horns of a Dilemma’

Unrelenting inflation continues to weigh down the U.S. economy and agriculture. Still, CoBank says it believes the Fed will stick with its decision to cut interest rates three times in 2024.

Six Questions One Industry Veterinarian Says She Is Asked Most Often About HPAI
Six Questions One Industry Veterinarian Says She Is Asked Most Often About HPAI

Kay Russo, DVM, Novonesis technical services manager for dairy and poultry, emphasized the situation is rapidly evolving and more clarity will come with time as researchers learn more.

Will The Collapse Of The Baltimore Key Bridge Impact Agriculture?
Will The Collapse Of The Baltimore Key Bridge Impact Agriculture?

Mike Steenhoek, executive director at the Soy Transportation Coalition, shares what the collapse could mean for the supply chain.

How Can Agricultural-Related Work Injuries Help Inform Safety Measures in the Future?
How Can Agricultural-Related Work Injuries Help Inform Safety Measures in the Future?

Understanding the causes of injuries in ag occupations can help improve safety and policy measures. However, obtaining a comprehensive overview of injuries is hindered by the absence of a central reporting system.

Minnesota Goat Confirmed to Have Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
Minnesota Goat Confirmed to Have Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

While HPAI has been detected in predatory mammals that prey on infected birds, this is the first identified case of HPAI in domestic livestock in the U.S.

The Good, Bad and Ugly When it Comes to the Pork Industry Right Now
The Good, Bad and Ugly When it Comes to the Pork Industry Right Now

U.S. pork exports to Mexico hit the second-highest on record in January, while another major meat processor says it's shutting the doors on another pork processing plant as consolidation concerns continue to grow.

USDA Issues Meat Labeling Final Rule
USDA Issues Meat Labeling Final Rule

Ag Secretary Vilsack hails voluntary “Product of U.S.A.” label as a vital step towards consumer protection and builds on efforts to bolster trust and fairness in the marketplace.

Meet 87-Year-Old Joan Kerns, A True Trailblazer Who Helped Carve Out A Niche For Her Family Nearly 60 Years Ago
Meet 87-Year-Old Joan Kerns, A True Trailblazer Who Helped Carve Out A Niche For Her Family Nearly 60 Years Ago

Edgewood Locker got its start in rural northeast Iowa in 1966. The business now spans over three generations, and it's largely thanks to Joan Kerns who helped start the family business that's now seen phenomenal growth.

How To Increase Your Potential SAF Tax Credits Now
How To Increase Your Potential SAF Tax Credits Now

The practices used during the 2024 growing season will have a direct impact on the ability to take advantage of these incentives. Mitchell Hora of Continuum Ag shares what you need to know.

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.

Climate and Tech Expected to Affect Ag Most This Year
Climate and Tech Expected to Affect Ag Most This Year

Steve Cubbage provides insights on the five areas expected to have the biggest impact on agriculture this year.

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.

Exclusive: Presidential Candidate Nikki Haley Shares Her Vision For The U.S., Agriculture
Exclusive: Presidential Candidate Nikki Haley Shares Her Vision For The U.S., Agriculture

AgriTalk has extended an invitation to all the 2024 presidential hopefuls to join Host Chip Flory and answer five standard questions about what they would focus on once in office.

The World's Largest Hat Collection You Have to See to Believe
The World's Largest Hat Collection You Have to See to Believe

Wearing a different hat every day, it would take 319 years to get through Scott Legried's collection.

New Ways To Address Healthcare Issues Are Needed For Rural Americans
New Ways To Address Healthcare Issues Are Needed For Rural Americans

From improved telehealth services to reimagined small-town hospitals, the National Rural Health Association is working to help folks in farm country tap into more and better medical care options.

Fed Eyes Interest-Rate Cuts for 2024 as U.S. Economy Slows
Fed Eyes Interest-Rate Cuts for 2024 as U.S. Economy Slows

Analysts say an initial cut could be made as early as first quarter 2024. One of the key factors the central banking system will consider is whether its inflation rate target of 2% has been achieved.

John Phipps
How Accurate is the Farmers' Almanac in Forecasting Winter Weather?

While the Farmers' Almanac and Old Farmer's Almanac are both backward looking – derived from past data that come close to current conditions. Weather agencies are tending more toward predictive computer models.

4 Tips to Grow as a Leader
4 Tips to Grow as a Leader

Sarah Beth Aubrey shares tips for effective communication and building influence before stepping into a leadership role.

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.

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.

At Just 22 Years Old, She's a Farmhand Who's Found Social Media Success In a Remarkable Way
At Just 22 Years Old, She's a Farmhand Who's Found Social Media Success In a Remarkable Way

At 22 years old, Emma decided the college life wasn't for her. She dropped out and decided to become a farmhand. With each adventure comes lessons she shares on her "Ag With Emma" social media accounts.

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. 

Winter Weather: Find Out What's in Store for Agriculture
Winter Weather: Find Out What's in Store for Agriculture

The shift to El Nino brings several changes to the upcoming winter.

A Unique Gift the Whole Farm Will Want
A Unique Gift the Whole Farm Will Want

Aerial Rug and Boundri use satellite imagery to create custom farm products - the most popular being rugs.

Is More Vertical Integration, Consolidation Now Ahead? Why 2023 Could Change the Entire Pork Industry
Is More Vertical Integration, Consolidation Now Ahead? Why 2023 Could Change the Entire Pork Industry

As pork producers’ potential profits continue to erode this year, some economists say 2023 could be financially worse than 1998, which is unearthing concerns about contraction, restructuring and vertical integration.

Hamas-Israel War Gets U.S. Lawmakers’ Attention; May Impact House Speakership Vote
Hamas-Israel War Gets U.S. Lawmakers’ Attention; May Impact House Speakership Vote

The attack on Israel by Hamas adds urgency to GOP efforts to elect a new House speaker. The need to focus on Israel may help get a House GOP leadership decision this week, several lawmakers said. 

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.

The One Factor That Could Make Or Break the Farm Economy Over the Next 12 Months
The One Factor That Could Make Or Break the Farm Economy Over the Next 12 Months

Ag economists’ view on the ag economy is starting to erode. The September Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor shows lower commodity prices, concerns about demand and a negative outlook for China’s economy.

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.

What Makes 2023 Land Sales Different Than 2022 or 2021?
What Makes 2023 Land Sales Different Than 2022 or 2021?

Doug Hensley from Hertz Real Estate answers the question, "How much do crop prices impact the decision-making process of farmland buyers" and shares how this year is shaping up to be a bit busier than anticipated.

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What an El Niño Event Could Mean for Fall Weather

Weather patterns have been anything but predictable this year thanks to El Niño. However, one meteorologist says America’s heartland may start to see wetter weather conditions just in time for fall.

Small Effort, Big Significance: Tips to Boost Retention and Recruitment
Small Effort, Big Significance: Tips to Boost Retention and Recruitment

Positive feedback is 1200x more effective than ignoring problems.

Harvest Safety: Power Line and Railroad Tips You Need to Know
Harvest Safety: Power Line and Railroad Tips You Need to Know

Three safety tips to follow near power lines and railroad crossings this fall.

This Farm Bill Discussion Should Be About Policy, Less About Politics
This Farm Bill Discussion Should Be About Policy, Less About Politics

The 2018 Farm Bill is set to expire at the end of September. When Congress resumes, their top two priorities will have to be met before the Farm Bill becomes a priority.

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.

It's Starting: Why Recent Processing Plant, Farm Closures Signal Major Consolidation is Now Underway for Pork and Poultry
It's Starting: Why Recent Processing Plant, Farm Closures Signal Major Consolidation is Now Underway for Pork and Poultry

Tyson Foods’ decision to shutter four poultry processing plants, combined with Smithfield Foods announcing the closure 35 Missouri pig farmers, are strong signals that rapid consolidation is already underway.

Farm Bill 2023 Draft is Expected by Mid-September
Farm Bill 2023 Draft is Expected by Mid-September

House Ag Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson, along with other members, is seeking additional funding sources for the bill, but that will likely be the biggest farm bill hurdle that may trip up lawmakers.

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.

Congress Returns: Ag Appropriations Bill Takes Priority
Congress Returns: Ag Appropriations Bill Takes Priority

Legislators have until Wednesday to propose amendments to the fiscal 2024 Ag appropriations bill, which could lead to test votes on farm bill matters. The measure could begin debate next week.

High-Quality Farmland Is Still Inching Up In Price Across 18 States
High-Quality Farmland Is Still Inching Up In Price Across 18 States

A mid-year report from Farmers National shows land values are increasing by single digits instead of the double digits common in 2021-22. But the company says it has a strong roster of listings headed into late summer.

Which Are The Best BBQ Cities in America?
Which Are The Best BBQ Cities in America?

Which cities have the best barbeque? The answer depends on who you ask, and two recent rankings provide different results.

High Production Costs Could Weigh on the Ag Economy Through 2024, New Survey of Economists Finds
High Production Costs Could Weigh on the Ag Economy Through 2024, New Survey of Economists Finds

The Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor is a new survey of nearly 50 economists. Most ag economists agree the next 12 months could produce more financial pressure for agriculture, but their views vary depending on commodity.

Cell-Cultured Chicken Gains Final USDA Approval
Cell-Cultured Chicken Gains Final USDA Approval

Three California-based cultivated meat companies have received approval from USDA to begin producing and marketing lab-grown chicken.

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.

The Forecast Looks Good for Grilling, And That's Great News for Meat Demand
The Forecast Looks Good for Grilling, And That's Great News for Meat Demand

Meat demand peaked last year, but economists say domestic demand is still stronger than pre-pandemic levels, and with more grilling this Memorial Day weekend, it could help boost domestic meat demand.