🔮💸 The USDA has recently lowered its forecasts for pork production for 2023 by 0.4%. That means the current forecast for pork production this year is still an increase of 1% compared to 2022, but the forecast for the available domestic supply of pork per capita is a decrease of 2.9% from a year ago – and that will continue at almost the same level in 2024. These are the lowest in a decade!

🌐 As for the world, the biggest decline, by far, in the sow inventory has taken place in the EU, while pro...

🐷🗓️ After a successful barbeque to kick off the annual Iowa Swine Day (which clearly gave us good luck!), Dr. John Patience kicked off the official program. The Iowa Swine Day – sponsored by AB Vista, TechMix and Lynch Family Companies – has been evolving by the year: the 2023 edition accounted for over 500 attendees and mixed topics relevant for the industry with good social opportunities for the industry folks and students.

• The highlights of the program were all the 59 sponsors (which inclu...

🇺🇲🐷 A federal judge has scheduled an in-person hearing for Sept. 6 to address a motion aimed at blocking the implementation of Massachusetts’ Question 3 rule, which imposes restrictions on the sale of pork products derived from hogs and pigs raised in pens deemed too small. The lawsuit argues that the law unfairly discriminates against hog farmers and pork processors from outside of the state, but highlights this isn't a replay of what's been said about California's Proposition 12 earlier this y...

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Narasin is an ionophore used in animal production that can enhance weight gain and feed efficiency in growing-finishing swine by modifying hindgut fermentation. In this episode, I talked to Dr. Michael Shields about his research on a meta-regression analysis that was conducted to evaluate the effects of narasin inclusion in growing-finishing pig diets to predict average daily gain and feed efficiency. Dr. Shields enlightens us on the benefits of narasin supplementation in swine di...

Group housing in swine production promotes social interactions but can lead to stress due to competition for resources and aggressive behavior. Effective management, including proper space and enrichment, alleviates stress and enhances animal welfare. To shed light on this matter, I talked to Dr. Jennifer Brown about her research on swine welfare, especially in group housing, and strategies to mitigate stress under mixed conditions.

Meet the guest:

Dr. Jennifer Brown 

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In a globalized world, trading animal genetics across borders is common and beneficial for economic growth and the development of animal breeds within the swine industry. Understanding the intricacies of livestock import and export is now more valuable than ever. To discuss this matter, I had a great conversation with Tony Clayton, who shared insights about his journey of over 32 years in the field, exporting breeding swine, beef cattle, dairy cattle, horses, hogs, sheep, and goat...

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Manganese (Mn), a vital trace mineral, supports metabolism and bone structure, functions as a component of several enzymes, and is involved in carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism. In this episode, my conversation with Hilario Cordoba unveils his research on the effects of manganese in growth performance and carcass characteristics. Delving into Cordoba's enlightening discussion, we glimpse the challenges in defining optimal manganese use in swine nutrition. 

Meet the...