What are the pressing issues for the animal feed and pet food industries as 2023 wraps up and we move into 2024. Rachael Dettmann Spiegel, a food lawyer with Faegre Drinker in Minneapolis, shares her insight on what to expect. To date, she says there has been an increase inspections and enforcement on the part of the Food & Drug Administration in this post-COVID era. In particular, she says, the agency is looking at companies from more of a complete perspective, making visits to all manufacturing facilities rather than picking and choosing just a few to visits. She also addresses the importance of having contracts in place with suppliers, having a safety culture throughout the team and making sure product recall preparations are in place.This episode is sponsored by United Animal Health, a leader in animal health and nutrition. You can learn more about United Animal Health and how they are working to advance animal science worldwide by visiting the website at UnitedANH.comFor more information, on this and other topics, we invite you to visit our websites - www.beefmagazine.com, www.Feedstuffs.com,  and www.NationalHogFarmer.com. 

National Pork Board helps producers protect their freedom to operate during these difficult times by continuing to focus on its research, education and promotion mandate. Now, more than ever, NPB’s work is to drive domestic and international market demand, to better understand and overcome the barriers that prevent demand growth.Joining us on this episode to share domestic market growth strategies are Dr. David Newman, Senior Vice President of Market Growth for the National Pork Board, and Gene Noem, National Pork Board’s past president and a producer from Iowa.This podcast is funded by America’s Pig Farmers through the Pork Checkoff. Stay updated by signing up for the email at porkcheckoff.org/email.  

California’s Proposition 12, which restricts gestation crate usage and requires 24 square feet of space per sow, has been a hot topic of conversation in swine circles since the Supreme Court upheld the law earlier this year. While some producers swear they won’t make the change on their farms, other states are following in California’s steps. A similar law approved by Massachusetts voters in 2016 will finally go into effect this year, and recently New Jersey unanimously passed a similar law, making it the 11th state to implement such regulations.The new laws ultimately force producers to expand the physical size of their barns or reduce the number of sows in their herd to accommodate the square footage required by law.Regardless of what producers do to follow these rules, sow productivity, and piglet uniformity and livability are more important than ever. Joining Feedstuffs in Focus host Sarah Muirhead is Novus Technical Service Manager Alex Hintz and Novus Sales Manager Andrew Howerton. Hintz is a veterinarian focused on maximizing lifetime sow productivity and profitability as well as nursery and growing pig performance. Howerton is a seventh-generation pig farmer who served as a production manager for a 5,600-sow unit prior to joining Novus.Understanding the challenge producers are facing, intelligent nutrition company Novus International is sharing ways to support sows and the people who raise them. For more information, visit www.Novusint.com

Separating farming and non-farming assets between heirs, bringing in outside investors and management, and preparing for life’s unexpected challenges are just a few of the issues to consider when building a succession plan for your farming operation. Joining our Ann Hess to walk us through various succession planning scenarios and to discuss opportunities and challenges within each plan is Jim Marzolf, Vice President of Business, Pipestone System.This episode is sponsored by United Animal Health, a leader in animal health and nutrition. You can learn more about United Animal Health and how they are working to advance animal science worldwide by visiting the website at UnitedANH.comFor more information, on this and other topics, we invite you to visit our websites - www.beefmagazine.com, www.Feedstuffs.com,  and www.NationalHogFarmer.com. While you are there be sure to check out our digital editions and our new Feedstuffs 365 platform.

Production costs continue to climb across the swine industry, and the health costs associated with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome only make it worse. PRRS is estimated to cost the industry $1.8 million per day.Host Sarah Muirhead talks with Dr. Katie Coleman from Iowa Select Farms to discuss how Iowa Select reduced PRRS incidence by more than 90% in affected barns, without building new barns in a swine-dense area. They discuss: Costs of PRRS to a systemA specific type of filtration addition that didn’t require a new barn buildTimeline necessary for modifications and culture shiftHow improved herd health benefits employeesTools they used and lessons learnedThis podcast is one of a four-part series on controlling costs with herd health, which is brought to you by Pharmgate Animal Health. Check out the other three episodes for discussions on Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, Lawsonia and porcine sapovirus. Call your Pharmgate representative or visit pharmgate.com to learn about their broad portfolio of options to support your protocols.

There are plenty of diseases that can affect a production system, but what happens when the standard culprits don’t show up on a diagnostics test? Host Sarah Muirhead sits down with Dr. Tom Petznick of ArkCare to discuss lessons learned in uncovering and controlling porcine sapovirus.They discuss: Realizing he was dealing with a new challengeNext generation gene sequencingTreatments for a little known virusThe costs of sapovirus to a systemLessons learned from a sneaky virusDr. Petznick, veterinarian at ArkCare, has been practicing swine veterinary medicine for 25 years and is this year’s Allen D. Leman Science in Practice Award winner. His expertise in managing purebred sows has made him an in-demand consulting swine veterinarian.This podcast is one of a four-part series on controlling costs with herd health brought to you by Pharmgate Animal Health. Check out the other three episodes for discussions on PRRS, Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and Lawsonia. Call your Pharmgate representative or visit pharmgate.com to learn about their broad portfolio options to support your protocols. 

Good help can be difficult to secure for your ranch, and that makes finding ways to maximize animal performance with less labor input even more important to your bottom line. Joining us on this segment of Feedstuffs in Focus to explain how labor efficiency can be maximized through feed is Dusty Abney, Ph.D., with Cargill Animal Nutrition.  This podcast is brought to you by Cargill Animal Nutrition and its Ranger Limiter Technology, a proprietary technology that works with your forages and feeding programs to meet your animal performance goals in a self-fed format. Ranger provides versatility to fit a variety of commodities and feed ingredients while optimizing performance and the right gain for your cattle and operation. Ranger Limited,  do it your way. Find out more about Cargill and Ranger Limiter at RangerLimiter.comFor more information, on this and other topics, we invite you to visit our websites - www.beefmagazine.com, www.Feedstuffs.com,  and www.NationalHogFarmer.com. While you are there be sure to check out our digital editions and our new Feedstuffs 365 platform.

Can animal welfare practices be related to gut health, and how can improvements in gut health contribute to overall animal welfare?Joining Feedstuffs’ Ann Hess today to share her expertise on animal welfare is Dr. Jennifer Walker. Dr. Walker is Co-Founder and Chief Animal Welfare Officer at Kinder Ground and Director of Quality and Care for Danone North America where she is responsible for managing milk quality from farm to factory gate as well as the development and management of Danone North American’s industry leading animal welfare program.You can hear more from Dr. Walker and many other experts for FREE at the virtual Kemin Intestinal Health Symposium – Sessions are available for on-demand viewing now. Register and access today at www.kemin.com/symposium.For more information, on this and other topics, we invite you to visit our websites - www.Feedstuffs.com,  and www.NationalHogFarmer.com. While you are there be sure to check out our digital editions and our new Feedstuffs 365 platform.

“There is no such thing as normal diarrhea.” This comes from someone who has dedicated nearly 40 years to controlling and establishing immunity to ileitis, a leading cause of diarrhea in pigs. Host Sarah Muirhead speaks with Dr. Nate Winkelman from Swine Services Unlimited about practical strategies and lessons learned for controlling Lawsonia.They discuss: Costs of Lawsonia  to a systemWhy ileitis is so endemic in the swine industryTypes of diagnosis and treatmentsThe future of ileitis controlThis podcast is one of a four-part series on controlling costs through herd health, which is brought to you by Pharmgate Animal Health. Check out the other three episodes for discussions on PPRS, Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and porcine sapovirus. Call your Pharmgate representative or visit pharmgate.com to learn about their broad portfolio of options to support your protocols. 

The quality of animal drinking water has been historically overlooked in production systems. The good news is that is changing and more attention is starting to be paid on-farm to water quality and quantity.Joining us to share her expertise on water is Dr. Susan Watkins. Dr. Watkins is a distinguished professor emeritus of the University of Arkansas’s Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service. During her 22-year career, she assisted the poultry industry throughout the US and world with identifying, quantifying and correcting drinking water challenges. You can hear more from Dr. Watkins and many other experts for FREE at the virtual Kemin Intestinal Health Symposium – Sessions are available for on-demand viewing now. Register and access  today at www.kemin.com/symposium.For more information, on this and other topics, we invite you to visit our websites - www.Feedstuffs.com,  and www.NationalHogFarmer.com. While you are there be sure to check out our digital editions and our new Feedstuffs 365 platform.

In an industry where health challenges can determine the difference between profitability and loss, why not eliminate a challenge when you can? Host Sarah Muirhead sits down with Dr. Amy Maschhoff from The Maschhoffs LLC System to discuss practical strategies, lessons and benefits seen from eliminating M. Hyo, a common cause of coinfections.They discuss: Costs of mycoplasma to a systemLessons learned from eliminating the diseaseBenefits to the production system as a wholeBackup plans if the original elimination plan doesn’t workFuture opportunitiesDr. Amy Maschhoff is the director of health and animal care for The Maschhoffs, LLC. She earned her veterinary degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and began her career as herd veterinarian for The Maschhoffs. Now she serves in a more central role for the Maschhoff system.This podcast is one of a four-part series on controlling costs with herd health brought to you by Pharmgate Animal Health. Check out the other three episodes for discussions on PRRS, Lawsonia and porcine sapovirus. Call your Pharmgate representative or visit pharmgate.com to learn about their broad portfolio of options to support your protocols.

Industry disruptors. Those people, those companies and that technology that are changing things up and bringing forward new ideas and often times new solutions for agriculture. Joining us on this episode of Feedstuffs in Focus is a leading disruptor in the agricultural input sector. The company is Phinite and has developed an innovative approach to animal manure. Jordan Phasey, founder and CEO of Phinite, is here to tell us more.This episode is sponsored by United Animal Health, a leader in animal health and nutrition. You can learn more about United Animal Health and how they are working to advance animal science worldwide by visiting the website at UnitedANH.comFor more information, on this and other topics, we invite you to visit our websites - www.Feedstuffs.com,  and www.NationalHogFarmer.com. While you are there be sure to check out our digital editions and our new Feedstuffs 365 platform.

When it comes to animal welfare, the rules and regulations can often be vague and hard to keep up with. How best to sort through it all and make sure your operation is in compliance, particularly with Prop 12 on the horizon come January 2024?During this week’s Allen D. Leman Swine Conference we caught up with Jason McAlister, President and CEO of CloverLeaf Animal Welfare Systems, to get a status update on how certification, among other things, under Prop 12 is progressing. McAlister created CloverLeaf in 2017 with the goal of making animal welfare easy, accessible and widespread throughout the world.For more information, on this and other topics, we invite you to visit our websites - www.Feedstuffs.com,  and www.NationalHogFarmer.com. While you are there be sure to check out our digital editions and our new Feedstuffs 365 platform.

The National Oilseed Processors Association and the United Soybean Board recently unveiled a new study examining the value of the American soybean industry. The study, “The Economic Impact of the U.S. Soybeans & End Products on the U.S. Economy,” found that the total economic impact of the US economy from the soybean sector is around $124 billion annually. Breaking that down, it comes to $85.7 billion from soy production and $9.8 billion from the processing side of the soy industry.During the recent Farm Progress Show we caught up with Mac Marshall, Vice President of Market Intelligence with the United Soybean Board, to get more details on the recently completed study of the soybean industry to the overall economy and to get an update on exports and the food vs fuel debate. What might all the extra soybean meal mean for those of us in the US livestock industry.  This episode is sponsored by United Animal Health, a leader in animal health and nutrition. You can learn more about United Animal Health and how they are working to advance animal science worldwide by visiting the website at UnitedANH.comFor more information, on this and other topics, we invite you to visit our websites - www.Feedstuffs.com,  and www.NationalHogFarmer.com. While you are there be sure to check out our digital editions and our new Feedstuffs 365 platform.

In this episode, host Sarah Muirhead talks with Dr. R.Dean Boyd and Dr. Aaron Gaines about establishing reliable net energy (NE) values for soybean meal (SBM) in commercial growing and finishing swine diets. Boyd and Gaines are the authors of a recently published Feedstuffs article, “Soybean meal NE value for growing pigs is greater in commercial environments.”Typically, academic research facilities lack pathogen and/or environmental stressors that are encountered in commercial barns, which typically house 1000 pigs or more per room. The authors discuss how the apparent difference in NE estimates between academic and commercial environments are determined and will propose that health-promoting molecules specific to SBM contribute to the difference.Listeners can learn more about why there is a difference between the two environments (as well as a comparison to other industry references, such as NRC) and the key takeaways in terms of new opportunities – and value – for the industry.

What might this fall harvest season have in store when it comes to the markets and market prices? Where might the cost of diesel and propane be as growers fire up those combines and grain driers? What about the market for various feed ingredients? Is it advisable to stock up now or hold off a bit on those purchases? The markets for beef cattle and hogs look to be making some adjustments as well. What might those look like as we head into the end of the year? Lots of questions and to find out more we caught up with Andrew McCarty and Domenic Varricchio, co-founders of Pluto Commodities, during this week’s Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Illinois. This episode is sponsored by United Animal Health, a leader in animal health and nutrition. You can learn more about United Animal Health and how they are working to advance animal science worldwide by visiting the website at UnitedANH.comFor more information, on this and other topics, we invite you to visit our websites - www.Feedstuffs.com, www.BeefMagazine.com and www.NationalHogFarmer.com. While you are there be sure to check out our digital editions and our new Feedstuffs 365 platform.

Meat discoloration during retail display is a process characterized by changes in the pigment of meat. In beef, that discoloration has been linked back to muscle type. Studies regarding the color stability of different pork muscles, however, has been more limited. Joining us today to talk about meat discoloration at retail is Dr. Bailey Harsh, assistant professor of meat science in the Department of Animal Science at the University of Illinois. Dr. Harsh’s research is dedicated to the development of application-focused solutions aimed at challenges in food and production agriculture and increasing consumer demand for meat products.This episode of Feedstuffs in Focus is sponsored byTopigs Norsvin.  Swine genetics company Topigs Norsvin is renowned for its innovative approach to implementing new technologies and its continuous focus on cost-efficient and sustainable pig production.  Research, innovation, and dissemination of genetic improvements are the cornerstones of the company.  For more information, visit TopigsNorsvin.us.For more information, on this and other topics, we invite you to visit our websites - www.Feedstuffs.com and www.NationalHogFarmer.com. While you are there be sure to check out our digital editions and our new Feedstuffs 365 platform. 

When looking to increase crop yields, a stable biological environment really should be the ultimate goal.Environmental needs vary from crop to crop, but the one constant is that each crop has an optimal environment to support maximum yields and crop quality. Creating and maintaining this environment is key to a successful farm. Joining us to talk about how best to achieve an optimal biological environment through high-quality data that is collected through well planned, accurate field trials is Dr. Sagi Katz, Vice President Agronomy at Agmatix. Agmatix is an agro infomatics company offering data-driven solutions for ag professionals worldwide.For more information, on this and other topics, we invite you to visit our websites - www.Feedstuffs.com and www.NationalHogFarmer.com. While you are there be sure to check out our digital editions and our new Feedstuffs 365 platform.

Pet owners will soon find updated packaging and labels when shopping for pet food and specialty pet food products. This is because the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has approved new suggested labeling guidelines. Guidelines that will ensure consistency and transparency and allow consumers to more easily make more informed buying decisions for their pets.Passage of the revised Model Regulations for Pet Food and Specialty Pet Food sets a new standard for pet food manufacturers and distributors and is the result of feed regulatory professionals across the United States and Canada working cooperatively with consumers and professionals within the pet food industry on a strategic course to ensure pet food labels provide a more comprehensive view of the product.Joining us in the episode with all the details is Austin Therrell, Executive Director of AAFCO.  We talk about what the new guidelines will mean for pet owners and feed manufacturers. We also talk about what's ahead in terms of adoption of the new guidelines at the state level and, for that matter, what may be the best approach to the regulation of pet foods and animal food. For more information, on this and other topics, we invite you to visit our websites - www.Feedstuffs.com and www.NationalHogFarmer.com. While you are there be sure to check out our digital editions and our new Feedstuffs 365 platform.  

Productive Energy, also known as Arkansas NE, is a way of more efficiently influencing performance, breast meat yield and even the economics and sustainability of broiler production, say  researchers.It is thought to be the only energy system that can significantly predict the feed conversion ratio and feed intake for broilers. It’s a way of looking at what happens in the bird in terms of body composition.Research is underway at the University of Arkansas looking at the area of productive energy, and to date they have found very interesting results that indicated perhaps a change may be needed in how broiler diets are formulated. Joining us from the Poultry Science Assn annual meeting in Philadelphia is Diego Martinez from University of Arkansas. Martinez is Program Associate in Dr. Craig Coon's poultry nutrition lab at the University of Arkansas.This episode is sponsored by United Animal Health, a leader in animal health and nutrition. You can learn more about United Animal Health and how they are working to advance animal science worldwide by visiting the website at UnitedANH.com.For more information, on this and other topics, we invite you to visit our websites - www.Feedstuffs.com and www.NationalHogFarmer.com. While you are there be sure to check out our digital editions and our new Feedstuffs 365 platform. 

Is it possible to build a better laying hen? Perhaps so, according to University of Guelph researchers.During the Poultry Science Assn. annual meeting in Philadelphia earlier this week,  Drs. Tina Widowski and Ana Rentsch shared their findings on how bird welfare can influence bird productivity throughout the bird's lifetime. Their work has shown how a modification of early life experience along with attention to bird welfare and health can make a difference particularly when paired with specific housing systems. The results they were reporting on at PSA were largely focused on birds being house in aviaries. For more information, on this and other topics, we invite you to visit our websites - www.Feedstuffs.com and www.NationalHogFarmer.com. While you are there be sure to check out our digital editions and our new Feedstuffs 365 platform. 

Alltech has introduced Triad, an innovative solution that promotes successful farrowing and pig livability through a palatable, proprietary blend of Alltech ingredients. During World Pork Expo, our Ann Hess caught up with Andy Rash, general manager of Alltech’s U.S. swine business to find out more about Triad and what opportunities it has to offer hog producers. As Rash explains, sow throughput can be compromised by a higher incidence of stillborn pigs and pre-wean death losses, decreasing overall performance for swine producers. Effective during short feeding intervals, Triad supports sows during parturition and lessened pre-wean mortality, driving more pigs and more pounds long-term.“Helping producers keep more pigs they work so hard to produce in the production chain is a great challenge to address,” Rash said. “The industry makes such a large investment in total pigs born but focusing on pigs weaned is the real opportunity.”This episode of Feedstuffs in Focus is brought to you by Alltech, a global leader in animal nutrition. For more information on Alltech and Triad, visit Alltech.com.For more information, on this and other topics, we invite you to visit our websites - www.Feedstuffs.com and www.NationalHogFarmer.com. While you are there be sure to check out our digital editions and our new Feedstuffs 365 platform. 

The swine industry is currently facing some real economic challenges. Joining us from World Pork Expo to provide perspective on the industry and what is driving this economic uncertainty, as well as thoughts on how long it might last is Dr. Matt Ritter, Sr. Vice President Research & Development with United Animal Health. This episode of Feedstuffs in Focus is sponsored by United Animal Health, a leader in animal health and nutrition. You can learn more about United Animal Health and how they are working to advance animal science worldwide by visiting the website at UnitedANH.comFor more information, on this and other topics, we invite you to visit our websites - www.Feedstuffs.com and www.NationalHogFarmer.com. While you are there be sure to check out our digital editions and our new Feedstuffs 365 platform.

Researchers in swine nutrition have focused much of their recent efforts on exploring how feed can benefit sows and pigs beyond growth and production. Historically, interventions have concentrated on attacking a particular pathogen, but modern technologies have shown promise in proactively supporting and developing pigs’ immune systems. This episode of Feedstuffs in Focus is sponsored by Purina Animal Nutrition. Driven to unlock the greatest potential in every animal, Purina is an industry-leading innovator offering a valued portfolio of complete feeds, supplements, premixes, ingredients and specialty technologies for the livestock and lifestyle animal markets. For more information, visit purinamills.com. For additional background on this topic: https://www.feedstuffs.com/news/purina-announces-new-swine-feed-additives With us today to talk about the science behind the immune system as well as new feed additives that proactively support immune function is Dr. Erin Bryan, a swine nutritional immunologist with Purina Animal Nutrition. Dr. Bryan is on the Swine Innovation Team and conducts much of her research at the Purina Animal Nutrition Center, the company’s state-of-the-art research farm in Gray Summit, Missouri. Dr. Bryan and Feedstuffs’ Ann Hess caught up at the World Pork Expo in Des Moines, Iowa.For more information, on this and other topics, we invite you to visit our websites - www.Feedstuffs.com and www.NationalHogFarmer.com. While you are there be sure to check out our digital editions and our new Feedstuffs 365 platform.

It’s all the buzz in the business world. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) as a public relations, and even marketing, tool is on the rise and making headlines.But what is true risk? What is the real cost of getting your messaging wrong or using AI to craft your messaging? Is AI a business opportunity, risk or a bit of both? Hinda Mitchell, President of the Inspire PR Group, shares with us her insight on AI and automation as a replacement for trained marketing and PR staff.For more information, on this and other topics, we invite you to visit our websites - www.Feedstuffs.com and www.NationalHogFarmer.com. While you are there be sure to check out our digital editions and our new Feedstuffs 365 platform. 

During World Pork Expo in Des Moines, Iowa, NOVUS International, a global feed additive company, revealed its comprehensive rebranding initiative. The changes reflect the more than 30-year-old company’s promise to deliver more to its customers and its commitment to providing solutions created through advanced technology, based on global scientific research that goes further to offer unexpected benefits to customers. “Intelligent nutrition is how we support animal health and performance,” says NOVUS SVP and Chief Commercial Officer Ed Galo in this week’s Feedstuffs in Focus podcast and press release. “Our novel combination of experienced people, insightful perspective, and smarter solutions allows us to put more into everything we create. Because we want to deliver more benefits that deliver more for producers. That’s intelligent nutrition.” As Galo explains, Made of More™, the company’s new slogan, represents the focus of all its future endeavors.  NOVUS liquid and dry methionine solutions utilize the HMTBa molecule, which is a precursor to L-methionine. Because of this unique molecule, ALIMET® feed supplement, MHA® feed supplement and MFP® feed supplement are nitrogen-free and have properties of an organic acid benefiting overall gut health. Liquid ALIMET® feed supplement requires virtually no handling thanks to the company’s automated inventory system for customers (AIMS). HMTBa is also the backbone for MINTREX® bis-chelated trace minerals, highly bioavailable and absorbable organic zinc, copper, and manganese that allow producers to use lower inclusion of minerals in the ration while seeing the same or improved performance and growth. MINTREX® is also a source of methionine through HMTBa. ACTIVATE® nutritional feed acid is made from a blend of organic acids and HMTBa shown to reduce the survivability of certain pathogens in feed. Just as NOVUS works to do more for its customers, it’s also working to offer more to the industry. Galo says new products – created in-house, through partnerships, or via mergers and acquisitions – are on the horizon. “Innovation remains our core priority. As experts in the global food system, we can see where the animal protein industry is heading and this vision directs how we can help meet regional goals from performance and environmental sustainability to return on investment,” he says. “We are driven to create new ideas and technologies that improve the health of animals and animal protein production.”For more information on intelligent nutrition and how NOVUS is made of more, visit http://novusint.com/MADE-OF-MORE.  

Globally pork production continues to grow.  Improvements in management and genetics have enabled a significant improvement in the production efficiency of sows through increases in the number of piglets born alive and weaned and consistent litter performance across parities. Unfortunately, a concomitant steady rise in sow mortality. One of the major reasons for sow mortality is pelvic organ prolapse (otherwise known as POP).Joining us today to talk about some recent research findings related to POP are Dr. Jack Dekkers of Iowa State University and Vishesh Bhatia, a Ph.D. student of Dekkers. They along with Dr. Jason Ross, also of Iowa State University, investigated the genetic basis of uterine prolapse with the assistance of Topigs Norsvin. The main finding of their work has been that uterine prolapse appears to be even more genetically influence than what was previously realized. This episode of Feedstuffs in Focus is sponsored by Topigs Norsvin.  Swine genetics company Topigs Norsvin is renowned for its innovative approach to implementing new technologies and its continuous focus on cost-efficient and sustainable pig production.  Research, innovation, and dissemination of genetic improvements are the cornerstones of the company.  For more information, visit www.TopigsNorsvin.US.For additional background on the topic: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fgene.2023.1154713/fullFor more information, on this and other topics, we invite you to visit our websites - www.Feedstuffs.com and www.NationalHogFarmer.com. While you are there be sure to check out our digital editions and our new Feedstuffs 365 platform.

The US turkey industry continues to battle costly protozoal diseases such as coccidiosis, blackhead disease and more. While there are vaccines, medications and alternative products available for managing coccidiosis, there are few dependable options for managing the others. Little also is known about how these protozoal diseases interact. To help the turkey industry get a firmer grip on protozoal diseases, a roundtable was recently held featuring three experts from research, production and industry. Each panelist shared experiences and provided ideas on how to address protozoal diseases and maintain the health, well-being and productivity of turkeys today. Joining us today to discussion the roundtable and protozoal disease in turkeys are Dr. David Rives, senior technical services veterinarian with Zoetis, and Dr. Olivia Wedegaertner, US turkey account manager, also with Zoetis.Interested in reading the entire roundtable discussion? It is available here: https://poultryhealthtoday.com/pht-perspectives/managing-protozoal-diseases-in-turkeys/. For more information, on this and other topics, we invite you to visit our websites - www.Feedstuffs.com and www.NationalHogFarmer.com. While you are there be sure to check out our digital editions and our new Feedstuffs 365 platform. 

The U.S Supreme Court  this week rejected an appeal filed by the National Pork Producers Council and American Farm Bureau Federation challenging California’s controversial Proposition 12. That law, which passed in 2018, requires pork meat sold in the state to come from pigs born to a sow housed in at least a 24-square-foot-pen.In response to the law, the NPPC and AFBF filed a lawsuit seeking to overturn Proposition 12. They claimed it violated the U.S. Constitution’s Commerce Clause, which gives Congress the authority to regulate interstate commerce. After the case was thrown out by a lower court, they appealed to the Supreme Court.While the Supreme Court ruled that the case was properly dismissed by lower courts, the decision leaves many unanswered questions about industry-wide changes, pork prices, exports and future legal challenges.In this episode, our Ann Hess talks with NPPC President Scott Hays and Michael Formica, NPPC’s chief legal strategist, about the Supreme Court ruling and what’s next for the US pork industry. This episode is sponsored by United Animal Health, a leader in animal health and nutrition. You can learn more about United Animal Health and how they are working to advance animal science worldwide by visiting the website at UnitedANH.comFor more information, on this and other topics, we invite you to visit our websites - www.Feedstuffs.com and www.NationalHogFarmer.com. While you are there be sure to check out our digital editions and our new Feedstuffs 365 platform.

A new effort to better connect food and agriculture leaders with real-world field experience has kicked off in the Chicago area. Farm Foundation, an accelerator of practical solutions for agriculture, recently started the 2023 planting season by sowing three acres of oats on its new farm in Libertyville, Illinois. The farm is the future site of the Innovation and Education Campus, which will host a range of Farm Foundation programs, including the newly introduced AG 101 Bootcamps.Joining us in this episode to tell us more about the farm and the plans for the farm/innovation campus is Shari Rogge-Fidler, president and CEO of the Farm Foundation.  Shari has a long career in business and agriculture. She is a fifth-generation farm owner from Nebraska and hods a MBA from Harvard Business School. Her bachelor of science degree is in business administration from the University of Kansas with an emphasis on international finance. For more information, on this and other topics, we invite you to visit our websites - www.Feedstuffs.com and www.NationalHogFarmer.com. While you are there be sure to check out our digital editions and our new Feedstuffs 365 platform. 

The global and US economies have been on a rollercoaster ride since COVID-19 entered the picture. As we monitor consumer trends, and what many believe is an impending recession, what should we be prepared when it comes to the resulting effects on the ag economy.Today, we catch up with Don Close, Chief Research and Analytics Officer with Terrain, to get his take on what’s likely ahead for US agriculture. Don was a panelist on this topic during this week’s National Agri Marketing Association conference in St. Louis, Mo. Among other things we address the overall track of US economy and the defining line between a soft landing, a mild recession and a deep recession that everyone talks about. Interest rates and the labor situation in relation to the ag economy also are discussed.This episode is sponsored by United Animal Health, a leader in animal health and nutrition. You can learn more about United Animal Health and how they are working to advance animal science worldwide by visiting the website at www.UnitedANH.comFor more information, on this and other topics, we invite you to visit our websites - www.Feedstuffs.com and www.NationalHogFarmer.com. While you are there be sure to check out our digital editions and our new Feedstuffs 365 platform.

There is a new day on the National Day Calendar. April 21 is now National Rendering Day. It’s recognition the rendering industry sought as a way to educate the public on the efforts and accomplishments of renderers as well as a way to spread the word about the positive environmental impact of rendering. The date of April 21 was specifically chosen to fall on the day before Earth Day (April 22) in order to represent the sustainable nature of the rendering industry and its contributions to food waste reduction and environmental protection.In this episode, we turn to Anna Wilkinson, Vice President of Communications, and Kent Swisher, President and CEO, of the North American Renderers Association (NARA), to find out more and to learn about the inaugural National Rendering Day and how it came to be.“Rendering companies and their employees are longstanding members of their communities, improving the quality of life by volunteering and supporting local charities, providing jobs, and offering essential recycling services for farmers, restaurants and food service,” Swisher said. “Rendering upcycles by-products that would otherwise be wasted and is the purest example of the circular economy. The observance of National Rendering Day is a great way to educate the public on the efforts and strides of renderers and the positive environmental impacts of rendering.”For more information on NARA and the rendering industry in general, follow NARA's podcast, "The Invisible Industry."Video versionYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaVVglav_bmR0Ks3jBrz-PANARA website: https://nara.org/media/nara-podcast-the-invisible-industry/AudioSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4h5ntK5tW0AMPvZcrw7Fz6For more information, on this and other topics, we invite you to visit our websites - www.Feedstuffs.com and www.NationalHogFarmer.com. While you are there be sure to check out our digital editions and our new Feedstuffs 365 platform.  

Rural commercial cellular coverage is spotty, and Wi-Fi is not always effective in poultry and livestock barns or, for that matter, in remote locations on the farm and in the country. A lack service and reliability can be frustrating at best but it also can cost farmers and ranchers dollars in lost efficiency and an inability to easily access and track critical data. In this episode, we turn to Sean Horan, Vice President of Sales for GXC,  and Nick Moser, Vice President of JBI Distributors and Services, to learn more the operational, biosecurity, and safety advantages of deploying wireless communications utilizing private cellular networking. What is a private cellular network and a cellular mesh? How can they extend wireless coverage throughout an ag enterprise and what they might that mean for your operation or business. For more information, on this and other topics, including additional coverage from the AASV meeting, we invite you to visit our websites - www.Feedstuffs.com and www.NationalHogFarmer.com. While you are there be sure to check out our digital editions and our new Feedstuffs 365 platform.   

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration Guidance for Industry (GFI) No. 263 goes into effect in June 2023, transitioning 91 livestock antibiotics, previously available over the counter (OTC), to prescription status. Some manufacturers may transition before this timeframe.  Joining us to help get us ahead of the changes to come is Valley Vet Supply Technical Service Veterinarian, Dr. Lacey Fahrmeier. The intent of this guidance is to try to maintain those antibiotics that are important for human medicine use from being used incorrectly and having microbes develop resistance to those antibiotics. FDA didn't do it out of spite or to make things more inconvenient for people. In a lot of ways, some good could come out of this guidance, according to Fahrmeier.Fahrmeier is a graduate of Kansas State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. In addition to her role on the Valley Vet Supply Technical Service veterinary team, she is a practicing veterinarian and owner at a Southern Montana veterinary clinic.Frequently Asked Questions about GFA#263: https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/unpublished-judicious-use-antimicrobials/gfi-263-frequently-asked-questions-farmers-and-ranchersFor more information, on this and other topics, we invite you to visit our websites - www.Feedstuffs.com and www.NationalHogFarmer.com. While you are there be sure to check out our digital editions and our new Feedstuffs 365 platform.

What might spring bring in terms of the export and shipping situations? What about Canadian Pacific Railway’s acquisition of Kansas City Southern Railway? What's the latest on the Mississippi River situation? Mike Steenhoek, Executive Director of the Soy Transportation Coalition, joins today us with an update.This episode is sponsored by United Animal Health, a leader in animal health and nutrition. You can learn more about United Animal Health and how they are working to advance animal science worldwide by visiting the website at UnitedANH.comFor more information, on this and other topics, including additional coverage from the AASV meeting, we invite you to visit our websites - www.Feedstuffs.com and www.NationalHogFarmer.com. While you are there be sure to check out our digital editions and our new Feedstuffs 365 platform. 

America’s pig farmers have long had a commitment to do what’s right for people, pigs, and the planet. With that in mind, the National Pork Board – alongside the National Pork Producers Council – has established new industry-wide sustainability goals and metrics to drive the industry forward. These commitments are rooted in the We Care® Ethical Principles established more than 15 years ago and represent the industry’s collective commitment to food safety, animal well-being, our people, public health, the environment, and local communities.In September 2022, the Advancing U.S. Pork Sustainability grant submitted by National Pork Board (NPB) and six collaborating organizations was awarded $20 million through USDA’s Partnership for Climate-Smart Commodities program. The grant program is designed to increase the sustainability of U.S. pork products by advancing climate-smart agriculture practices in Iowa, Minnesota and Missouri.In this episode, we take a look at the efforts that are underway in the pig industry as it strives to be a leader in sustainability. Joining our own Ann Hess for that update is Ashley McDonald, assistant vice president of sustainability with the National Pork Board.For more information, on this and other topics, including additional coverage from the AASV meeting, we invite you to visit our websites - www.Feedstuffs.com and www.NationalHogFarmer.com. While you are there be sure to check out our digital editions and our new Feedstuffs 365 platform.

Before investing in new technology that can lead to earlier disease detection, producers rightly want to understand the return on investment. To dig more into that topic our own Ann Hess is joined today by Dr. Dale Polson and Dr. Carmen Alonso, both with Boehringer Ingelheim. Dr. Polson’s focus is that of Global Integrated Health Management. Dr. Alonso is senior technical manager. In this episode, we take a look at precision swine production in general as well as a new methodology that proves the ROI of early detection. Let’s start with a discussion of research findings presented during the AASV meeting in Denver. For more information, on this and other topics, including additional coverage from the AASV meeting, we invite you to visit our websites - www.Feedstuffs.com and www.NationalHogFarmer.com. While you are there be sure to check out our digital editions and our new Feedstuffs 365 platform.

For the hog industry, the fight with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) continues, but perhaps there are things that hog producers can do to get the upper hand on the disease. What can be done on the farm to start taking control of your own destiny? Feedstuffs Ann Hess caught up with Dr. Clayton Johnson of Carthage Veterinary Service Ltd. during the recent American Association of Swine Veterinarian annual meeting in Denver to get an update on PRRS and what he sees as the belt and buckle opportunity to minimize PRRS. They also dig into on-farm monitoring, the value of air filtration systems and other tools for minimizing disease risk. For more information, on this and other topics including additional coverage from this year's AASV annual meeting, we invite you to visit our website. While you are there be sure to check out our digital editions and our new Feedstuffs 365 platform.  

A gap exists today in production yields seen across the Southeast Asia region as compared to the global average. This industry challenge must be addressed to meet the region’s nutrition needs. Cargill is one company focused on the innovation, investment and infrastructure needed to modernize the industry and serve diverse customer needs. With its long heritage of more than 75 years in the APAC region, Cargill views this market as one of the most critical long-term growth opportunities and is committed to advancing productivity gains and sustainability. In the last four years alone, Cargill’s animal health & nutrition business has grown by double and even triple digits in key countries across the region. In this episode of Feedstuffs in Focus, we talk with Adriano Marcon, Cargill’s president and group leader for global animal nutrition, for an inside look at Cargill’s growth plans for the APAC region, and how these fit in with the company’s larger global strategy around animal health and nutrition. For more information, on this and other topics, we invite you to visit our website. While you are there be sure to check out our digital editions and our new Feedstuffs 365 platform.

Hollis Williford was an American artist known for his remarkable versatility and creative range. He excelled in drawing, sculpting, painting and etching. His work earned him esteem among collectors and institutions alike. The genius of Williford's work is how it often occupied two spaces and two points in time at once.  He also was a master at capturing the peak of action, leaving one wondering the outcome.Eric Grant of Grant Company has put together a 330-page masterpiece that explores the life, work and creative processes of the artist. Grant joins us in this episode of Feedstuffs in Focus to talk about the motivation and backstory behind his new book, Hollis Williford: The crossing at the river. If you are interested in learning more, or to order a copy, visit www.holliswilliford.com. This episode is sponsored by United Animal Health, a leader in animal health and nutrition. You can learn more about United Animal Health and how they are working to advance animal science worldwide by visiting the website at UnitedANH.com

There is a side of animal disease that tends to get overlooked, and that is the mental health part of the equation. Having to watch or help out as a flock or herd is depopulated. Being the cause of an outbreak and, as a result, shunned by the community and fellow producers. Even the financial impact when disease hits and the stress that can put on the family’s finances and overall home life, or, for that matter, a business and its employees. These are all things that are difficult to prepare for and even harder to know how to cope with should the need arise.Discussion about how we as an industry can help to destigmatize mental health was part of a recent webinar that Feedstuffs and National Hog Farmer co-hosted with the University of Minnesota. In this episode of Feedstuffs in Focus, we hear some of that discussion. Specifically, Dr. Jeff Bender, professor and director at the University of Minnesota, and Dr. John Gibbons, Captain United States Public Health Service, share their thoughts on the potential impact of animal disease on human and public health.This episode is sponsored by United Animal Health, a leader in animal health and nutrition. You can learn more about United Animal Health and how they are working to advance animal science worldwide by visiting the website at UnitedANH.comThank you for tuning into Feedstuffs in Focus. For more conversations about some of the big issues affecting the livestock, poultry, grain and animal feed industries, subscribe to this podcast on your favorite podcast channel including Apple and Google podcast. You can also follow us www.Feedstuffs.com.

Balancing the roles of being a parent and an industry professional is possible, but it can, at times, be challenging. As our guest shares, it's okay to step back and not feel guilty that nothing got scratched off that to-do list today. It’s okay to have everything delivered to your doorstep. Likewise, it’s okay to say no thanks to the negative influences of say, social media. Joining us on this episode of Feedstuffs in Focus to talk about how she approaches a work / life balance is Dr. Amber Stricker. Dr. Stricker is a swine veterinarian with Suidae Health & Production clinic out of Algona, Iowa. She has a demanding career as a swine veterinarian along with four children at home to care for.This episode of Feedstuffs in Focus  is sponsored by Topigs Norsvin, a swine genetics company known for its innovative approach to implementing new technologies and its continuous focus on cost-efficient and sustainable pig production.  Research, innovation, and dissemination of genetic improvements are the cornerstones of the company.  For more information, visit TopigsNorsvin.US  

Proposition 12 in California continues to be a top-of-the-mind issue for pork producers across the nation. A ruling by the US Supreme Court on Prop 12 is expected by no later than this June. Under Prop 12, producers in California would be required to comply with the new space requirements even if their pigs are not being raised in California. The industry is hopeful the court will rule in its favor, putting care decisions back into the hands of those that know what’s best, including that of the producer, their veterinarian and their state last-grant university.Lauren Davis, Chief Operating Officer and director of global operations for CloverLeaf Animal Welfare Systems, joins us  to discuss Prop 12 from the standpoint of audits and certification.  Davis holds a bachelor's degree in animal science from Kansas State University and has worked with two of the largest protein harvest companies in the world, serving in various roles from food safety to animal welfare manager and livestock operations. She also has served on the animal welfare committee for national organizations and holds several certifications in training and auditing. The President and CEO of CloverLeaf is Jason McAlister,  one of the world's leading experts on meat animal welfare from the beginning to harvest. He has been in the industry since the early '90s, working in all areas of production from his start in a small mom and pop shop in rural Iowa. He founded CloverLeaf on the belief that animal welfare should be based on science and what the science shows is best for the animal.For those wanting more information on CloverLeaf and Prop 12 certification, the company will be hosting a webinar on Feb 28 at 2:00 PM Central Time on the topic of its Animal Welfare Systems  Prop 12 pre evaluation  and certification. To register:https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Owv5AM9-Ql2VmLNZ13doVQThank you for tuning into Feedstuffs in Focus. For more conversations about some of the big issues affecting the livestock, poultry, grain and animal feed industries, subscribe to this podcast on your favorite podcast channel including Apple and Google podcast. You can also follow us www.Feedstuffs.com.

For the past 12 years, Alltech has taken a look at the global feed industry on an annual basis. The latest snapshot was released last week as part of the 2023 Agri-Food Outlook.Overall, the numbers show world feed production remained steady in 2022 with a slight decrease of 0.42% to 1.266 billion metric tons. Feed production increased in several regions, including Latin America (1.6%), North America (0.88%) and Oceania (0.32%), while Europe decreased by 4.67%, Africa by 3.86% and the Asia-Pacific region also dropped 0.51%.Globally, increases in feed tonnage were reported in the aquaculture, broiler, layer and pet food sectors, while decreases were reported in the beef, dairy and pig sectors.Although it experienced a narrow reduction in feed production, China remains the largest feed-producing country in the world, followed by the United States and Brazil, according to the survey.Joining us today is to provide his insight on the current global situation related to agriculture and to provide his perspective on 2023 Agri-Food Outlook is Alltech CEO and President Dr. Mark Lyons. Dr. Lyons also shares an update on this year’s ONE Conference which will be taking on a more global approach. This episode of Feedstuffs in Focus is sponsored by Alltech, where the focus is on working together for a planet of plenty.  To learn more about the One Conference visit https://one.alltech.com.

African swine fever can be devastating to a hog operation but what about to a feed manufacturing facility. Research is being conducted at Kansas State University to evaluate the feed safety risk related to the feed manufacturing process and what can be done to mitigate that risk. Unfortunately, it isn’t as simple as relying on the heat of the pellet mill to kill the virus and/or removal of dust from the facility. And when it comes to chemical mitigation formaldehyde is an effective treatment but this important tool is currently under attack by the EPA.To walk us thru the work being done related to ASF and feed manufacturing is Kansas State University’s Dr. Chad Paulk. We caught up with him during the IPPE convention in Atlanta.This episode is sponsored by United Animal Health, a leader in animal health and nutrition. You can learn more about United Animal Health and how they are working to advance animal science worldwide by visiting their website UnitedANH.com. 

In the US swine industry, the thinking has long been that the feeding of high zinc levels offers health and productivity benefits to pigs. In fact, research has confirmed the positive effect of elevated dietary zinc. However, zinc can have negative effects for the environment and public health.Today, we talk with Dr. Jerry Shurson, professor of swine nutrition at the University of Minnesota, to find out more. Dr. Shurson, along with Dr. Yuan-Tai Hung, swine research manager with Devenish, have taken a deep dive into zinc levels in diets and believe the time is now to rethink zinc use.This episode is sponsored by United Animal Health, a leader in animal health and nutrition. You can learn more about United Animal Health and how they are working to advance animal science worldwide by visiting their website UnitedANH.com. 

What does the future of agriculture look like? It’s a question often pondered as one year draws to a close and another dawns, with prognosticators thinking about everything from market outlook and economic conditions to questions of technology, innovation, and the rate of change in the business.Aidan Connolly, a long-time feed industry leader now working as an investor in the ag-tech space via his AgriTech Capital firm, recently published a book tackling the question of “The Future of Agriculture.” The book offers information that will help readers from a range of backgrounds toFind ways to protect, maintain and prudently deploy limited resources; andMap technological innovation to produce foods that meet the health and nutrition needs of a burgeoning population; andEnsure that food and farming evolve in ways that will also ensure the sustainability of the planet’s natural resources.Connolly focuses on practical answers and specific examples, innovative ideas and new concepts, and thought leadership across a rich array of technologies. Sorted by both technologies and species, with local examples and a global perspective, it offers readers a unique snapshot of a food and farm industry in mid-evolution, providing insight, context, and framing for the coming changes.

Biosecurity is one of the most important aspects of a successful livestock enterprise, with a growing number of threats in the form of viral disease outbreaks or the potential for foreign animal disease incursion. Technologies to help producers in the fight are proliferating, including a new app to help producers, veterinarians, and public health officials share information as quickly as possible.Gustavo Machado is an epidemiologist specializing in emerging and transboundary infectious diseases at North Carolina State University. At the North American PRRS Symposium held earlier this month in Chicago, Machado sat down with National Hog Farmer editor Ann Hess to discuss the Rapid Biosecurity App, a tool that standardizes Secure Pork Supply biosecurity plans and creates maps to visualize the biosecurity infrastructure of individual farms across multiple states. According to Dr. Macado, in each state, the RABapp provides the pork producer and Department of Agriculture with rapid access to approved biosecurity plans status to expedite outbreak responses.