According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, the price of the average Thanksgiving dinner for 10 this year is up 20% as inflation continues to take a bite out of the U.S. consumer’s wallet. But are media reports of potential shortages of butter and turkey accurate, or are these key holiday meal ingredients readily available?Throughout the month of October and into November, news stories suggested that a range of grocery items, most notably butter, eggs, and turkeys, might be harder to find this holiday season. To get to the bottom of the supply chain situation, we spoke with Michael Dykes, president of the International Dairy Foods Association, and Brian Earnest, senior protein analyst with CoBank.This episode is sponsored by Novus International, a leader in swine, poultry and dairy nutrition solutions driven by science. Novus’ products and services look at the whole animal, focusing on productivity and well-being, in order to feed the world affordable and wholesome food. For more information, visit Novus’ website at www.novusint.com

The poultry industry plays a significant role in U.S. agriculture, from providing chicken, turkey and eggs to consumers to consuming a goodly quantity of feed ingredients and related services. But how big, overall, is the economic footprint of the combined industry? And what does the trend look like in terms of economic growth tied to U.S. poultry production?The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY), National Chicken Council, National Turkey Federation and United Egg Producers recently released an updated economic impact study that highlights the positive impact the poultry industry has on jobs, wages, and federal and state revenue in the United States. Conducted every two years, the study provides an in-depth look at the broad impact poultry production has in terms of growing the U.S. economy, providing jobs to more than 1.5 million workers, and generating billions of dollars in tax revenue to the federal, state, and local governments.In this episode we hear from Gwen Venable, Executive Vice President, Communications for the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, to learn more about the study and its findings.To learn more, you can dig into the data by visiting PoultryFeedsAmerica.org. You can also read our latest coverage of the business of poultry and egg production in the pages of Feedstuffs. Find our latest issue and past editions by visiting Feedstuffs.com and clicking on “Digital Editions.”

Agricultural research at land-grant universities is an important part of the story of the success of U.S. agriculture of the past century. One university researcher working on mitigating the livestock industry’s role in climate change came under attack this week for the sin of… working with the livestock industry?This week the New York Times and the environmental activist group Greenpeace targeted the CLEAR Center at the University of California-Davis, and the efforts of the Center and its founder to reduce the footprint of animal agriculture by calling to question the Center’s source of funding and its close ties to animal agriculture groups. Dr. Frank Mitloehner, Director of the Center and a University of California-Davis faculty member, joined us Thursday on the Feedstuffs 365 livestream channel to share his thoughts on why it's important that animal agriculture works together to address the issue of sustainability, and to respond to the attacks on his credibility.Watch the full interview with Dr. Mitloehner at Feedstuffs 365; he discusses sources of funding in agricultural research and what the attacks on his work say about the broader effort of activist groups to put animal agriculture out of business. You can also read more of our coverage of the impacts of climate change on the livestock industry in the pages of Feedstuffs. You can find our latest issue and past editions by visiting Feedstuffs.com and clicking on “Digital Editions.”

Welcome to this episode of Feedstuffs Swine Healthline, brought to you by Pharmgate Animal Health and focused on writing and executing effective swine health protocols.One aspect of the job as a swine veterinarian is helping your customers or your teams develop and write swine health protocols. No matter how good the protocol, it won’t work to protect pigs if the steps aren’t being executed in the barn, at the truck wash or on the road between farms. Are you confident your protocols are being accurately executed? How do you know? Today’s guest spends much of his time helping pork production systems answer those questions. Dr. Jerome Geiger is a health assurance veterinarian with Pig Improvement Company. Dr. Geiger has seen plenty of cases in which biosecurity protocols were executed differently than they were written. He will explain four strategies you can use to ensure your protocols work as well in real life as they do on paper. And, he will share what he thinks is the most important piece of successful swine health protocols.This is the last in a four-part podcast series about Swine Respiratory Disease Complex brought to you by Pharmgate Animal Health. Call your Pharmgate representative or visit pharmgate.com to learn about their broad portfolio options to support your swine health protocols. Download the other podcasts in the series to learn about the latest research in PRRSV cases, the challenges posed by endemic bacterial agents in swine facilities and advice when considering disease elimination from a system or pig flow.

As nutritionists and livestock producers focus more on the intestinal health of animals, more attention has been paid to pre, pro, and postbiotics. But a good deal of misunderstanding remains about what these products are, and what they might do for the animal’s health and productivity.At the 4th annual Kemin Intestinal Health Symposium earlier this month, veterinarians, nutritionists and food animal producers discussed the latest research on topics related to intestinal health in the livestock space. In this episode we talk with one of the presenters at the Symposium, Tania Cubitt, an equine nutritionist with Performance Horse Nutrition. Cubitt explains the basics of these products, and how her insights from the world of performance horses can help food animal producers better understand what’s happening in their animals GI tracks and how to unlock the potential benefits from using pre, pro, and postbiotics as part of the nutrition plan.You can read more of our coverage of of the Intestinal Health Symposium coming up in the November issue of of Feedstuffs in a few weeks. In the meanwhile, you can find the October issue and past editions by visiting Feedstuffs.com and clicking on “Digital Editions.”

Welcome to this episode of Feedstuffs Swine Healthline, brought to you by Pharmgate Animal Health and focused on transitioning a sow herd or pig flow to high-health status.You’ve probably heard the saying that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. Today’s guest says that’s how it can feel when dealing with a chronic disease challenge in pork production. Dr. Jeremy Pittman is a veterinarian with Smithfield Hog Production who has helped multiple production sites work through transitions to high-health status. Today, Dr. Pittman will talk about what he learned while planning and executing a disease-elimination program. He will also recommend questions veterinarians can ask their customers or teams to decide whether the transition to high-health status could be profitable.This is the third in a four-part podcast series about Swine Respiratory Disease Complex brought to you by Pharmgate Animal Health. Call your Pharmgate representative or visit pharmgate.com to learn about their broad portfolio options to support your swine health protocols. Next week on Swine Healthline, we will talk about a common challenge in pork production: When health protocols don’t work in real life as well as they do on paper. It happens more often than anyone wants to admit, says Dr. Jer Geiger, health assurance veterinarian with PIC. How can you be sure your protocols are executed successfully in the barn or the feed mill? Join us next week to find out.

In recent years the livestock industry has focused more attention and research on the topic of intestinal health in food animal production. At a recent industry symposium on the topic, a leading veterinarian at one of the nation’s largest swine production systems discussed the swine vet’s perspective and advice.At the 4th annual Kemin Intestinal Health Symposium last week veterinarians, nutritionists and food animal producers discussed the latest research on topics related to intestinal health in the livestock space. In this episode we talk with one of the presenters at the Symposium, Dr. Amy Maschhoff. Associate director of health at The Maschhoffs, one of the largest swine production systems in the U.S., Dr. Maschhoff discusses how production systems should approach the topic of intestinal health, and what she and her colleagues have learned from first-hand experience in their system.

Welcome to this episode of Feedstuffs Swine Healthline, brought to you by Pharmgate Animal Health and focused on endemic bacterial agents. Increasingly, the swine industry's attention is focused on epidemic agents, such as PRRS and PED, or the constant threat of foreign animal diseases, such as African Swine Fever. In this episode, we switch gears and talking about an ever-present challenge posed by endemic bacterial agents, such as Streptococcus suis and Glaesserella parasuis – bacterial agents that jeopardize herd health, compromise animal well-being and drag down performance potential. Our guest is Dr. Maria Jose Clavijo, a research assistant professor at Iowa State University and a health assurance veterinarian with The Pig Improvement Company (PIC). Dr. Clavijo will talk about trends that show an increase in the diagnosis and detection of certain bacterial pathogens. She’ll also explain how whole genome sequencing helps identify different pathogen strains, opening the door to more effective disease control programs. This is the second in a four-part podcast series about Swine Respiratory Disease Complex brought to you by Pharmgate Animal Health. Call your Pharmgate representative or visit pharmgate.com to learn about their broad portfolio options to support your protocols.Join us next week on Swine Healthline to hear from Dr. Jeremy Pittman, a veterinarian with Smithfield Pork. He will talk about the complex factors of successful disease elimination strategies and how you as a veterinarian can ask the right questions to help your customers meet their pork production goals.

Dairy producers face a number of challenges in producing milk profitably, and an understanding of rumen function and ways nutritional strategies can unlock additional pounds of milkfat is one avenue for increasing the opportunity for profitability.At the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin, earlier this month, Novus International debuted a new program called Scale Up™; the program is designed to turn production challenges into herd profitability by providing innovative feeding strategies that optimize milk and component yields. Along with increasing beneficial microbiota in the rumen and optimizing rumen function, the program aids in optimizing feed intake and meeting the metabolic needs of lactating cows.In this episode we talk with Ceclia Lopez, Novus’ North America ruminant marketing manager, and Dr. Will Seymour, ruminant technical services manager, to learn more about Scale Up.This episode is sponsored by Novus International. You can learn more about the Scale Up program for Dairy by visiting NovusINT.com.

Welcome to this episode of Feedstuffs Swine Healthline, brought to you by Pharmgate Animal Health and focused on what the latest veterinary diagnostic data tells us about the state of PRRS in the U.S.Our guest is Dr. Daniel Linhares, associate professor and director of graduate education at Iowa State University. Dr. Linhares provides the latest data and discusses what it says about the current state of Porcine Respiratory and Reproductive Syndrome virus across the U.S. swine herd. Dr. Linhares’ research focuses on swine population health, including strategies to prevent, detect or manage infectious diseases in field conditions. Today, he will talk about the latest PRRS data compiled from primary veterinary diagnostic laboratories across the U.S. and insights on how you can use the data in your practice or system. Find more information about today’s topic as well as disease-monitoring information and other tools at field.epi.org.This is the first in a four-part podcast series about Swine Respiratory Disease Complex brought to you by Pharmgate Animal Health. Call your Pharmgate representative or visit pharmgate.com to learn about their broad portfolio options to support your protocols.Join us next week on Swine Healthline to hear from Dr. Maria Clavijo, research assistant professor at Iowa State University and health assurance veterinarian at Pig Improvement Company. She will share her latest research regarding endemic bacteria in pork production and how to manage the costly impacts.

Farmers and ranchers around the world are increasingly forced to adapt to changing weather patterns. And while a lot of agricultural research has focused on mitigation strategies for crop production, livestock producers face a unique set of challenges that have not yet received the same level of academic inquiry. One professor at the University of Illinois is working to change that.A new study from the University of Illinois examined how cattle ranchers in Brazil are responding to climate change in the Amazon. Previous research shows the dry season is increasing up to 0.6 days per year, putting more stress on animals. That is pushing ranchers to sell their cattle early, according to Marin Skidmore, assistant professor in the Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics at U of I. Her paper was recently published in the American Journal of Agricultural Economics, and in this episode we talk with Dr. Skidmore about her findings, and the implications for U.S. cattle producers dealing with extended drought here at home.You can read more of our coverage of the impacts of climate change on the livestock industry in the pages of Feedstuffs. You can find our latest issue and past editions by visiting Feedstuffs.com and clicking on “Digital Editions.”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.

Have you ever said the phrase, “If it isn’t one thing, it’s another?” Usually said in frustration while feeling like you're beset from all sides with challenges, it’s a phrase agricultural shippers are probably thinking lately, as the commodity logistics chain finds itself dealing with challenges related to ocean freight rates, container availability, possible rail strikes, not enough truck drivers, and now… not enough water in our inland rivers and waterways?Several vulnerabilities in the supply chain were exposed during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, and although the industry worked through many of those challenges with an impressive resiliency, there is little question that concerns remain. The availability of labor and the issues with ocean-going freight, for example, are still very much a challenge for the industry.And now, due in no small part to the effects of climate change and erratic weather patterns, concerns have emerged about the volume of water in the U.S. inland waterway system, a system of rivers, locks and dams that have long been a competitive advantage for U.S. agriculture in the global marketplace.In this episode we talk with Mike Steenhoek, Executive Director of the Soy Transportation Coalition, about the nature of the concern and what it means heading into harvest across the Midwest.

The transmission of disease-causing pathogens via feed ingredients has garnered a tremendous amount of study in recent years. With the specter of African Swine Fever in the minds of every U.S. pork producer, understanding the survivability of viral pathogens in a variety of vectors is critically important to adequate biosecurity on hog farms.Dr. Scott Dee is a veterinarian and research at Pipestone Applied Research. He and his colleagues have done as much or more study into the role feed ingredients play in virus transmission as anyone in the business. His most recent paper looked at a case study in which Senecavirus A was introduced into a historically-negative country via soybean meal imported from a positive country.In this episode we talk with Dr. Dee about the findings from this case study, how they apply to U.S. swine biosecurity efforts, and what veterinarians and producers need to do more generally to achieve what he describes as “next-generation biosecurity”.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. Topigs Norsvin’s approach of breeding pigs for enhanced, natural robustness to disease challenge is a viable solution for disease control. You can learn more about Topigs Norsvin and their natural breeding approach by visiting their website TopigsNorsvin.us.  

Breeding pigs for increased natural robustness to disease has become an important tool in the effort to raise healthier pigs in the modern swine production system. With a variety of disease pressures facing producers, using every tool in the toolbox is necessary to maintain profitability and strong animal welfare. One swine genetics company is focusing their research on ways to further enhance their pigs’ natural robustness.Dr. Jenelle Dunkelberger is a swine geneticist at Topigs Norsvin, where she’s spent the past four years applying her research to the genetic programs of one of the world's largest swine genetics companies. In this episode, Dunkelberger explains what she and her colleagues have learned about the role of genetics in managing swine diseases, and shares the results of some of her latest research into selecting for robustness to disease in the company’s breeding goal.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. Topigs Norsvin’s approach of breeding pigs for enhanced, natural robustness to disease challenge is a viable solution for disease control. You can learn more about Topigs Norsvin and their natural breeding approach by visiting their website TopigsNorsvin.us. 

Commodities are often referred to as a “hedge against inflation” in the financial markets. With inflation at generational highs, what is the outlook for agricultural commodities – particularly feed grains – as harvest gets underway?Prices are always a hot topic in agricultural circles, and they were certainly on the minds of many farmers attending the Farm Progress Show in late August. Feedstuffs editor Sarah Muirhead spoke with a pair of analysts from Rabo AgriFinance to get to the bottom of what the industry should expect as combines start rolling in earnest later this month. Sarah spoke first with Andrick Payen Diaz de la Vega about the inherent volatility in the current markets; later, you'll hear from Sam Taylor about a global perspective on the seed and inputs underpinning the cost of producing feed grains.

Food insecurity is often a topic of discussion in agriculture, but often within the frame of how will the industry feed a growing population. But the sad reality is that food insecurity is a challenge right here at home, and a large percentage of the funding promulgated in the Farm Bill is dedicated to solving the complex challenge of helping farmers feed their fellow Americans.Lisa Hamler-Fugitt is Executive Director of the Ohio Association of Foodbanks, an organization representing Ohio’s 12 Feeding America foodbanks and their 3,600 member hunger relief programs. Recently inducted into the Ohio Agriculture Hall of Fame, she is an advocate not only for the food insecure, but for farmers and the vital role they play in feeding all of us; she is often heard explaining, “We all have to eat.”Earlier this week her organization hosted a convening on the topic of the Farm Bill, bringing together people from farm organizations, state and federal government, food and hunger organizations, and industry and academia.The broad topic was how the next Farm Bill – the legislation that funds the U.S. Department of Agriculture and its many and diverse programs from commodities and conservation to nutrition and rural development – will shape the scope and nature of food insecurity in this country over the next 5 to 10 years. Feedstuffs broadcast editor Andy Vance moderated a panel at the event on tackling food insecurity in uncertain times, and spoke with Hamler-Fugitt about her unique perspective on the Farm Bill, and her concerns for the often tenuous coalition it takes to pass such a massive piece of legislation in a hyper-partisan environment.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.

Protein prices have increased rapidly in the past 24 months, amid the broader press of inflation. With inflation at its highest rate in more than 40 years, the question becomes how long beef, pork and poultry prices can remain at such elevated levels before demand erodes significantly.David Williams is senior vice president of procurement and management at CTI Foods, based in Texas. In this episode, Williams discusses the current state of the animal protein markets, with an eye toward the implications of sustained food price inflation on demand, and how those same factors will influence the supply side of the equation over the next 12-to-24 months.We also discuss the persistent drought in cattle country, and why he says most analysts are underestimating how much the cattle herd is shrinking as producers struggle in the absence of hay and pasture.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.

Livestock producers could play a role in helping crop producers manage one of their costliest inputs. A simple, sustainable, and effective - yet not well-known - solution for rising fertilizer prices, is digestate, the byproduct of anaerobic digestion of organic waste material like animal manure.In this episode we talk with Patrick Serfass, Executive Director of the American Biogas Council, who shares his insights on what’s happening in the fertilizer market and how this alternative source of nutrients can be a boon for livestock and feed grain producers alike.You can read more of our coverage of the commodity markets and developing production technologies in the pages of Feedstuffs; you can find the latest issue now by visiting Feedstuffs.com and clicking on “Digital Editions.”

Inflation will continue to be the top challenge to retail meat demand for the foreseeable future. Retail meat and poultry prices were as much as 18% higher, year over year, in May according to the Consumer Price Index, and inventories remain below pre-pandemic levels. That combination of tight supplies and solid demand kept meat prices 20% higher than the five-year average for the March-May period overall, according to the latest analysis from CoBank.Brian Earnest is the lead economist for animal protein in CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange division. He provides market and industry research for the poultry, pork, and beef sectors, and in this episode shares his latest analysis of those markets with a particular eye on the role inflation might play in tempering consumer demand.He also shares his analysis of the supply-side situation, from inventory reductions in the beef space to expansion in the poultry sector.You can read more of our coverage of the animal protein markets in the pages of Feedstuffs; you can find the latest issue now by visiting Feedstuffs.com and clicking on “Digital Editions.”

Of the $5 billion of U.S. beef exported around the world through May of this year, only $8 million has been to Africa. But Africa is a very promising destination for beef variety meats, a low-cost protein that helps meet Africa’s nutritional needs. There is also growing interest in higher-end beef cuts that draw interest from Africa’s growing middle class.Matt Copeland, U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) representative in Africa, says that a growing population, an expanding need for affordable protein, an explosion in western-style retail outlets and some softening in regulatory barriers signal the region is a potential growth market for U.S. red meat. In this episode Copeland explains how USMEF, with support from USDA and the Beef Checkoff Program, is laying the groundwork with importers, retailers and suppliers to expand U.S. red meat sales in the region.You can read more of our coverage of global meat trade in the pages of Feedstuffs; you can find the July issue now by visiting Feedstuffs.com and clicking on “Digital Editions.”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.

Farm Bill discussions often center on crop-centric programs in the commodity title, tweaks to food and nutrition programs, or ways to enhance USDA’s conservation mission. But what do livestock producers need from the next Farm Bill?This week in Reno, Nevada, cattlemen and beef industry participants gathered for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Summer Business Meeting. As part of the meeting’s policy focus, industry leaders turned their attention to the 2023 Farm Bill.For a deep dive on NCBA’s Farm Bill priorities – including conservation, risk management and disaster relief programs – we’ll hear from NCBA’s Executive Director of Government Affairs Allison Rivera.You can read more of our coverage of the 2023 Farm Bill in the pages of Feedstuffs; you can find the July issue now by visiting Feedstuffs.com and clicking on “Digital Editions.”

Economic headwinds and ongoing weather concerns are the major storylines heading into the back half of 2022. With ongoing uncertainty about inflation, interest rates, global conflict and drought across large swaths of cattle country all on the table, beef producers have plenty to think about when looking at the big picture.Lance Zimmerman was recently named Senior Beef Analyst at Rabobank’s Food and Agribusiness research team. Zimmerman joined Rabobank after nearly 12 years at CattleFax, where he served as CattleFax’s Manager of Research, Analysis and Data from 2016 to 2021, and most recently as Director of Research and Protein Market Analysis. Prior to joining CattleFax, Zimmerman spent more than six years at Certified Angus Beef, where he led their marketing and supply development efforts.In this episode, Zimmerman discusses the liquidation of the U.S. cattle herd due to ongoing drought challenges, and what current economic conditions portend for the future of the beef industry as a whole.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.

Innovation is a given in the food industry as companies look for new ways to meet the always changing demands of consumers. Our Sarah Muirhead was on the trade show floor in Chicago this past week at IFT First to learn about some of the products that are under development and to talk with the experts involved in moving new products from concept to the dinner table. One of the experts she caught up with was Dr. Ray Matulka with the Burdock Group, who provided insight into food regulation and labeling on novel food ingredients and processes, including alternative meat and dairy products.  

In response to data from the Swine Disease Reporting System, leaders of the Swine Health Information Center recently shifted $1 million of its 2022 budget to focus specifically on biosecurity in the finishing phase of hog production. The data showed a number of disease pressures on finishers, from APP to PRRS, prompting the additional focus on that segment of the production chain.Megan Niederwerder is a veterinarian and swine health researcher serving as Associate Director of the Swine Health Information Center, otherwise known by the acronym SHIC. In this episode Dr. Niederwerder explains what the Reporting System showed in terms of disease outbreaks in finishing barns, and why SHIC opted for a mid-year shift in its programming in response to that data.We’ll also focus specifically on recent APP outbreaks, and why those are particularly concerning to producers and the veterinarians who care for the pigs in finishing operations.For more of our coverage of animal health and related research, check out the latest dynamic digital edition of Feedstuffs HERE.

With high corn prices very much on the minds of livestock feeders, what does available data tell us about corn usage trends? While it might be true to say that usage is only down 2% off all-time records, it would also be fair to say that trendline usage off by a billion bushels, the worst in nearly a decade. Let’s peel back the figures and take a deeper look at corn prices, usage, and the future for the feed and biofuels sectors.David Widmar is an agricultural economist writing at Agricultural Economic Insights. In this episode the former Purdue University professor and Kansas Department of Agriculture economist discusses corn usage trends in the era of persistent high prices, and his expectations for how the Federal Reserve will handle generationally-high inflation with an eye toward keeping recessionary fears at bay.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.

Animal agriculture is lagging when it comes to investment dollars. Why is that? In this episode we talk with Aidan Connolly of AgriTech Capital to get his thoughts on what the industry can do to catch up with other sectors in attracting investment.

Inflation is running rampant, with the cost of energy driving everything higher, including prices of meat and protein products at retail. And yet, inflation may also be removing some tariff barriers to U.S. meat exports.In this episode we focus on the broader agricultural implications of nearly double-digit inflation, and then focus more specifically on its effects at the meat case.This episode of Feedstuffs In Focus is sponsored by Topigs Norsvin, the second largest swine genetics company in the world. The TN70 is the flagship parent sow of Topigs Norsvin, described as being a self-reliant sow capable of raising her own pigs and requiring less human intervention in the farrowing house. When challenged with finding qualified employees, hire the TN70. Visit tn70.topigsnorsvin.com to see what producers are saying about their experience with the TN70. 

Keeping the U.S. pork supply safe and secure from the threat of Foreign Animal Disease – and preparing to maintain continuity of business should such an outbreak occur – is one of the key concerns of industry leaders. Stakeholders from across the pork value chain have been working diligently on plans and processes, redoubling efforts with regard to biosecurity and traceability in recent years.Creating a system of cooperation and collaboration to prevent – or prepare for - foreign animal disease challenges has been one of the main areas of focus for the National Pork Board. Outgoing President of the Board Gene Noem, a producer from Iowa, sat down with Feedstuffs at World Pork Expo in Des Moines this week to discuss the challenge and the work he and his fellow farmer-leaders have done via the Pork Checkoff.Stay tuned for our coverage of World Pork Expo in the pages of Feedstuffs – just visit Feedstuffs.com and click on “digital editions” – or watch interviews with industry leaders like Gene via our livestream video channel, Feedstuffs365.com and via our social media channels at Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

In 2022 it seems that the only certain thing in business is uncertainty. Supply chain issues, never experienced to this degree before, have created uncertainties in product availability, technology deployment, exports, processing, equipment repairs, and more, and Russia’s war in Ukraine has thrown in a multitude of additional uncertainties for food and ag that have not been seen in decades. Along with rising input costs for feed, fuel and fertilizer, overall the specter of inflation is front and center after being mostly absent for decades. Interest rate direction will also impact agriculture, particularly with regard to what all these uncertainties might hold for land prices.During the main thrust of planting season we spoke with Randy Dickhut, Senior Vice President – Real Estate Operations with Farmers National Company during a segment on Feedstuffs 365, our live video streaming channel.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.You can read more about the markets and overall agricultural economy in the pages of Feedstuffs – just visit Feedstuffs.com and click on “digital editions” – or watch interviews with industry leaders like Randy via our livestream video channel, Feedstuffs365.com.

To say that we live in interesting times, from an agricultural policy standpoint, might border on understatement. The regulatory, political, and trade environment in the animal agriculture space has rarely been more fraught. What does that mean for the feed and livestock industries? We’ll find out in this edition of Feedstuffs In Focus. Earlier this week as part of The Virtual BEEF Experience, an online event hosted by our sister publication BEEF, Feedstuffs editor Sarah Muirhead sat down with Farm Progress policy editor Jacqui Fatka for a rundown of some of the biggest topics facing livestock producers today in the policy arena. Here’s Sarah.You can read Jacqui’s Inside Washington column each month in the new dynamic digital edition of Feedstuffs; the May issue is now available by clicking HERE.

One of the top leaders of the global feed industry previews an upcoming feed and livestock industry conference, in this edition of Feedstuffs In Focus.Dr. Mark Lyons is president and CEO of Alltech, one of the largest players in the global feed industry, and the driving force behind the Alltech ONE Conference. In this episode Dr. Lyons previews the event, held in-person for the first time since 2019.This episode is sponsored by Alltech, host of the Alltech ONE Conference, coming up May 22-24 both in Lexington, Ky., and virtually from anywhere around the world. Together we can spark meaningful change as we enter a new golden age of agri-food. The Alltech ONE Conference unites changemakers and thought leaders in a collaborative exploration of solutions within agribusiness and beyond. Learn more and register at one.alltech.com.

On the backside of a global pandemic that wreaked havoc on the global supply chain, the Russian invasion of Ukraine added further strain and chaos to the global marketplace. In the short run, the unprovoked war drove commodity prices higher, but what will the long-term consequences be for the global meat and animal feed markets?In this episode we’ll dig into the broader implications of Russia’s war on Ukraine for the global meat trade. U.S. Meat Export Federation vice president of economic analysis Erin Borror explains that the war is impacting red meat availability and production, but is having an especially large impact on the cost and availability of key feed ingredients.Borror also discusses how the war is accelerating consolidation in the European swine 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 their website UnitedANH.com.

Rail service failures in recent months have led to widespread delays of train delivery at major grain export destinations. Failures and delays that have cost the grain industry more than $100 million through the first quarter of 2022, according to the National Grain and Feed Association.NGFA testified this week before the Surface Transportation Board about those failures and costs to the industry, calling on the Board to implement financial incentives for the railroads to perform more efficiently – similar to what the railroads do to keep shippers loading and unloading rail cars as efficiently as possible. The Association also testified on a wide set of policy issues, from reciprocity on switching rules, requiring additional data reporting, and developing additional guidance to railroads on their statutory obligations on service.In this episode we talk with NGFA Chief Economist Max Fisher about the current situation with the railroads, and what NGFA asked the Board to do to alleviate the burden on grain shippers and other agricultural customers.RELATED: If you want to learn more about the problems facing U.S. transportation and logistics, including rail, truck and ocean freight shipments, visit Feedstuffs 365 and watch our recent interview with Ken Eriksen of S&P Global.

Researchers at Kansas State and Ohio State universities recently calculated that performance gaps between barrows and gilts cost integrated swine operations as much as $5.12 per gilt, a significant cost you might think of as “The Gilt Gap.”Dr. Jason Woodworth, a nutritionist at Kansas State University, and Dr. Ben Bohrer, a meat scientist at The Ohio State University, conducted a statistical analysis of the combined results of 34 peer-reviewed scientific studies representing almost 16,000 pigs.The study showed gilts were associated with 5.9% lower average daily gain, 11.4% lower average daily feed intake and 4.3% better feed efficiency rate compared with barrows. In this episode, Dr. Woodworth and his post-doctoral research associate Dr. Jamil Faccin share their findings about “the gilt gap” and what producers need to know about the gilts in their operation.RELATED: Read more about the gilt gap at Feedstuffs.com, or watch our recent Feedstuffs 365 interview with swine industry consultant Steve Pollmann for some insights into the practical implications of the study.

Next month the Animal Agriculture Alliance will be under the leadership of a new president and CEO. The Alliance, a decades-old consortium of trade associations, companies and other stakeholder groups in the food animal sector, recently announced the promotion of Hannah Thompson-Weeman, the organization’s current vice president of strategic engagement, following the departure of its longtime president, Kay Johnson Smith. Johnson Smith, who has served as president and CEO across three decades, is joining the executive leadership team at Dairy MAX, a regional dairy council representing farmers in eight states in the southern and southwestern U.S. In this episode, we talk with Thompson-Weeman about the mission of the Alliance, how the societal conversation regarding animal welfare has evolved over the past 30 years, and her vision for the future of the organization.

Environmental compliance, right-to-farm laws, contracting issues and more. Agriculture is not without its legal risk management challenges, particularly in the livestock sector. What strategies can producers adopt to protect themselves from potential liability and litigation?At the Midwest Poultry Federation Convention in Minneapolis, Minn., last month, attorney Paul Goeringer presented a workshop on understanding legal strategies used to avoid litigation in an ever-evolving regulatory environment. Goerginger is a Senior Faculty Specialist and the Extension Legal Specialist at the University of Maryland, and we sat down with him to discuss what livestock and poultry producers need to understand when it comes to legal risks and how best to manage those within their operations.This episode is sponsored by Novus International, Inc., a leader in swine, poultry and dairy nutrition solutions driven by science. Novus’ products and services look at the whole animal, focusing on productivity and well-being, in order to feed the world affordable and wholesome food.For more information, visit Novus’ website at www.novusint.comYou can see more of Feedstuffs' coverage of the Midwest Poultry Convention by visiting our video channel, Feedstuffs 365. Also watch your inbox for the latest dynamic digital edition of Feedstuffs, or access the issue by visiting Feedstuffs.com and clicking on “digital editions.”

After nearly two months of waiting, the U.S. Supreme Court this week announced they would be hearing the case brought by the National Pork Producers Council and the American Farm Bureau Federation challenging California’s Proposition 12 requiring additional space requirements for gestating sows. The state law seeks to ban the sale of pork from hogs that don’t meet what agriculture groups describe as the state’s arbitrary production standards, even if the pork was raised on farms outside of California.The NPPC-AFBF case, which argues that Prop. 12 violates the Constitution’s Commerce Clause, limiting states’ ability to regulate commerce outside their borders, was finally granted certiorari March 25. NPPC and AFBF will file their initial brief with the Supreme Court in the coming weeks; the Justices could hear oral arguments in the fall and could render a decision by the end of the year.In this episode we talk with Travis Cushman, Senior Counsel for Public Policy at the American Farm Bureau Federation. Cushman is one of the attorneys working on the case on behalf of the agriculture 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 their website UnitedANH.com.

Animal disease challenges are simply a part of life in livestock production, but some disease challenges are more problematic than others. One major problem facing the poultry industry this spring is highly-pathogenic avian influenza, a viral disease currently popping up in flocks and in wild birds across the country.How well-prepared is the poultry industry for this challenge, what is the current state of affairs, and what can the swine industry learn from how chicken and turkey producers handle this latest outbreak?At the Midwest Poultry Convention in Minneapolis. Feedstuffs' Andy Vance sat down with veterinarian Mark Bienhoff, leader of the pathogen control team at Kemin, to discuss high pathogenic avian influenza, and how this outbreak is similar or different from the major outbreak of 2015.After listening to this week's episode, you can watch all of Feedstuffs coverage of the Midwest Poultry Convention via Feedstuffs 365, our live streaming channel, at Feedstuffs365.com. Also, look out for the next digital edition of Feedstuffs for an in-depth report on the high path AI situation. You'll find the dynamic digital edition of Feedstuffs at Feedstuffs.com.

The Fed increased Interest rates this week as part of its plan to tackle inflation. The modest rate hike is part of a strategy to ensure a smooth "glide path" for the economy, which heated up in part due to the unprecedented events of the COVID-19 pandemic and the attendant federal efforts to help consumers and businesses stay afloat.But what will that rate hike mean for agriculture? We'll discuss it in this week's episode of Feedstuffs In Focus.We'll hear from:Mike North of EverAG on the rate hike and inflation;Cortney Cowley with the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City on the 2022 outlook for the ag economy;Congressman Austin Scott of Georgia and House Ag Committee Chair  David Scott on what Russia's attack on Ukraine means for food production;...and from U.S. Meat Export Federation chairman-elect Dean Meyer on red meat exports and grain prices.

Despite strong growth in both the agriculture and construction sectors over the past 18 months, fewer equipment companies are optimistic about that growth trend continuing in 2022, particularly given the ongoing issues with inflation, workforce shortages and supply chain disruptions. With costs on the rise across the manufacturing and logistics sectors, is long-term growth in agricultural equipment sustainable?Benjamin Duyck is the director of market intelligence for the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, an organization representing more than 1,000 North American construction and agriculture equipment manufacturers and their value chain partners. Duyck spoke with Feedstuffs editor Sarah Muirhead about what his organization’s research suggests about the state of the economy, as well as how AEM members feel about the outlook for growth in the industry.This episode is sponsored by Novus International, Inc. — a leader in poultry, dairy and swine nutrition solutions driven by science. Novus’ products and services look at the whole animal, focusing on productivity and well-being, in order to feed the world affordable and wholesome food.For more information, visit Novus’s website at www.novusint.com

Animal disease outbreaks are one of the key challenges facing livestock producers and veterinarians. State veterinarians and related animal health officials at the state level play a critical role in managing outbreaks of certain diseases that could devastate the industry. Significant progress has been made in recent years but there is more that needs to be done to support the preparedness and planning effort of the states. Earlier this week, Feedstuffs visited with several swine industry professionals at the American Association of Swine Veterinarians annual meeting. We spoke with Indiana State Veterinarian Dr. Bret Marsh about his role in disease preparedness in his state, and what state health officials can and should be doing to help the industry be ready for potential foreign animal disease issues.We also talked with Dr. Marsh about the current avian influenza outbreak in the Hoosier State.You can see more of our coverage of the AASV annual meeting at Feedstuffs365.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 their website UnitedANH.com.

The COVID-19 pandemic created a complex and confusing labor market on a national scale, and the agriculture sector is feeling the strain both literally and figuratively. Combatting employee burnout is critical to the bottom line of the business, and something that isn’t easily done given the generational diversity seen in the modern workforce.While much of the current labor challenge centers on simply finding enough people to get the job done, one of the bigger issues stems from current employees facing the very real issue of burnout. With fewer people to get the job done, coupled with persistent stressors at home and in the workplace, many workers are quite simply at their wits’ end. What can managers and business owners do to help support these employees and help them achieve the seemingly mythical work-life balance? In this episode, Feedstuffs poses that question to business consultant Melissa Furman, the former assistant dean and current faculty member at the James M. Hull College of Business at Augusta University in Augusta, Georgia. Dr. Furman, in addition to her consulting work with businesses in a variety of industries, has a background in academic research on issues of generational diversity, unconscious bias, career and leadership development, emotional intelligence, and assisting technical professionals transition into management roles. This episode of Feedstuffs In Focus is sponsored by Topigs Norsvin, the second largest swine genetics company in the world. The TN70 is the flagship parent sow of Topigs Norsvin, described as being a self-reliant sow capable of raising her own pigs and requiring less human intervention in the farrowing house. When challenged with finding qualified employees, hire the TN70. Visit tn70.topigsnorsvin.com to see what producers are saying about their experience with the TN70. 

Beef prices – like all food prices – have increased as the inflationary story in the marketplace unfolds. Thus far consumers haven’t balked at paying higher prices for their favorite center-of-plate protein, but how long can that demand hold out? And what is the outlook for the cattle producer as feed costs escalate, too?Don Close is an agricultural economist, and senior animal protein analyst with Rabobank’s Food & Agribusiness Research team. He recently released a report on the beef supply in a “post-COVID world”, discussing a series of challenges facing the beef supply chain in the coming year. I spoke with Don about those challenges, and how beef demand has remained so resilient in the face of inflation the likes of which hasn’t been seen in a generation.This episode is sponsored by Novus International, Inc. — a leader in poultry, dairy and swine nutrition solutions driven by science. Novus’ products and services look at the whole animal, focusing on productivity and well-being, in order to feed the world affordable and wholesome food.For more information, visit Novus’s website at www.novusint.com

After the Supreme Court ruled that the Biden Administration had overstepped its authority in mandating COVID-19 vaccination for businesses, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration withdrew its vaccine and testing rules. So where does that leave private employers, and do feed manufacturers and large livestock operations have any regulatory responsibilities with regard to the ongoing pandemic?Earlier this week via Feedstuffs 365, Feedstuffs editor Sarah Muirhead spoke with Garry Huddleston, director of feed manufacturing and regulatory affairs at the American Feed Industry Association, about the scuttled vaccine mandates and what employers in the industry need to know. Huddleston provided an overview of the situation and how the Court ruled, and provided some guidance on what feed and livestock facilities should be doing now to prepare and comply with OSHA rules and to prevent liability and exposure more generally.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.

A great nutrition program is foundational to success in livestock production, and mineral supplementation is a big part of proper nutrition. One company says it has pioneered a unique approach to mineral supplementation that will lead to improved daily gains and profitability.Neil Bumgarner is the Director of Sales for Ridley Block Operations, an Alltech Company, and manager of the Blueprint animal nutrition program. Since graduating from West Virginia University, Neil has spent almost 17 years in plant operations, sales, and sales leadership in the animal nutrition business throughout the eastern half of the US.  Neil, his wife Blair, and their two young sons also own Mountaineer Meadows Farm in Point Pleasant WV, a 100-cow Angus seedstock operation.In this episode, Bumgarner discusses Alltech's new Blueprint animal nutrition program, and why a program built around 100% organic trace minerals is a major step forward in a beef supplementation program.This episode is sponsored by Alltech, makers of the new Blueprint animal nutrition program. Blueprint products contain 100% organic trace minerals made from the highest quality, most research-proven trace minerals available. Blueprint goes beyond just meeting trace mineral requirements — its superior bioavailability supports exceptional animal performance and health. Blueprint is targeted nutrition, without excess, for peak performance. To learn more, visit BlueprintAnimalNutrition.com.

Two years into a global pandemic, the challenges facing the animal protein and animal feed industries are many, from labor and logistics to inflationary pressures and ongoing human health concerns. Leading a global company in this space is no small task in the best of years, let alone in the current environment.At this week’s International Production and Processing Expo in Atlanta, Georgia, leaders of the global animal feed and poultry production companies gathered to reconnect, and to discuss challenges and opportunities amid the various headwinds facing the industry. During the Expo Feedstuffs broadcaster Andy Vance sat down with Alltech CEO Dr. Mark Lyons to discuss his perspective on the current situation, drawing on his extensive experience in China. We also discuss his outlook for the animal protein sector in 2022 and beyond, including the findings of this year’s Alltech Agri-Food Outlook survey.This episode is sponsored by Alltech.

To many in agriculture, the letters E-P-A may as well spell a four-letter word. Long a source of frustration for landowners and producers of a variety of commodities, the Environmental Protection Agency plays an important role in regulating a variety of aspects of food production and natural resource stewardship.At this week’s Farm Futures Business Summit, hosted by our sister publication Farm Futures, Feedstuffs policy editor Jacqui Fatka shared her outlook for 2022 in terms of policy and legislation affecting agriculture. One key area of focus is on what EPA might be up to this year. In this episode, farm broadcaster Mike Pearson talks with Jacqui for some deeper insights into environmental policy under the Biden Administration.If you want to view Jacqui’s full Summit presentation, you can register for the virtual summit at FarmFuturesSummit.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 their website UnitedANH.com.

You’ve seen the signs; from your local diner to national retail chains and seemingly every business in between, the “help wanted” sign is practically everywhere you turn.  Although the COVID pandemic created a complex and confusing labor market on a national scale, the agriculture sector has dealt with labor challenges for a long time, particularly in the areas of live animal production and logistics.One area where food animal producers and processors have turned to overcome domestic labor shortages is across the border.According to HR professional Silvia Castañeda with Eichelberger Farms, producers might be overlooking one specific visa program in their efforts to source foreign workers on their farms. In this episode, Silvia explains some of the specific challenges to recruiting and retaining employees in the swine industry, and about her company's experience with the Trade NAFTA Visa program.This episode of Feedstuffs In Focus is sponsored by Topigs Norsvin, the second largest swine genetics company in the world. The TN70 is the flagship parent sow of Topigs Norsvin, described as being a self-reliant sow capable of raising her own pigs and requiring less human intervention in the farrowing house. When challenged with finding qualified employees, hire the TN70. Visit tn70.topigsnorsvin.com to see what producers are saying about their experience with the TN70.