This week, France summoned a meeting, held in New York with partners, to address the international food crisis resulting from the conflict in Ukraine. African nations and members of the European Union have sided with the country and urged neutral countries to side with the West.

• The food market is facing more challenges than ever because of the war – Russia's invasion has significantly impacted the market of fertilizers and crops, causing a sharp rise in food prices.

The attending nations ...

Initiatives are expected to protect mainland North America from African Swine Fever (ASF) and ease any trade disruptions if an outbreak happens in Puerto Rico. 

• A team of US veterinarians traveled to Puerto Rico to get a look at the safety measures on the island and Dr. Anna Forseth, from the National Pork Producers Council, confirmed that ASF hasn’t been detected there, even though it’s present in the Dominican Republic and Haiti.

The issue in the Caribbean is a concern because of its pro...

SPONSORED BY AB VISTA

In a previous edition, we talked about how increasing total dietary fiber (TDF) to US gestating sow diets may improve sow productivity and piglet performance, and how the Fiber Calculator, by AB Vista, can help you formulate your dietary fiber levels (it’s available here). But what are the benefits of having greater levels of daily intake of TDF in gestating sows? 

• Lower levels of oxidative stress at farrowing; 

• Reduced constipation at farrowing;
• Reduced farrow...

Vietnamese officials have determined that the deaths of pigs during an ASF vaccine trial (read more about it here) were caused by uncontrolled vaccination processes out of compliance with Ministry guidelines, at incorrect ages and dosages.

• However, 20 localities have now deployed vaccines with a total of more than 21,000 doses following all appropriate guidelines.
• Under the correct conditions, several pigs were noted to have mild fevers – but were stable at the time of the farm visit. So fin...

Swiss voters have rejected a proposal to ban "factory farming". In a referendum on whether it’s necessary to further tighten the country's already strict animal welfare laws, 62.86% of votes were against the proposal. 

• According to interviewees, there are farmers who do intensive farming, but are respectful of animal welfare. 
• More importantly, intensive farming is necessary to feed the population, or else meat scarcity is in store for all of us. 

• The government recommended voting again...

What’s the most dangerous job in the US? Police officer? Firefighter? FBI investigator? MIB agent? If you picked any of those, you’re wrong. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the death rate for farmers is seven times higher than the national average. You read that right!

• This year’s theme of the National Farm Safety and Health Week (September 18-24) is “Protecting Agriculture’s Future” – reminding the agricultural community and the public of ways to safeguard families and farms....

Falling wholesale pork prices and worries about the health of the global economy triggered a round of long liquidation, and thus Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) lean hog futures fell nearly 2% on Wednesday. 

• The USDA priced pork carcasses at lower prices since last week.
• When the morning cut-out showed a sharp drop in price, that gave the longs a good reason to take profits and get out.
• Cattle futures also fell this Wednesday.
• CME October live cattle and feeder cattle futures settled dow...