Latest News From Hogs - General

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

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

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

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

Brazilian Cattle Industry Forges Unique Relationship with U.S. Experts
Brazilian Cattle Industry Forges Unique Relationship with U.S. Experts

Some say he’s single-handedly changed the Brazilian beef industry. Others say he’s changed their life. No matter how you look at it, Professor Zequinha is a game-changer.

Think Inside The Box To Solve Problems On The Farm
Think Inside The Box To Solve Problems On The Farm

Kyle Scheele shares six ways constraints can be a good thing to your operation.

NASDA Supports Access to Approved Vaccine Technologies
NASDA Supports Access to Approved Vaccine Technologies

NASDA supports farmers and ranchers’ ability to safeguard animal health through the responsible use of vaccines.

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

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

Winter Storm Survival: A Nightmare for Livestock Producers in Western Illinois
Winter Storm Survival: A Nightmare for Livestock Producers in Western Illinois

Despite nearly 24 inches of snow, below-zero temperatures and raging winds that some people are affectionately calling “Death Storm #2,” Illinois livestock producers are finding ways to overcome the horrific conditions.

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

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

USDA Issues Permit for Santa’s Reindeer to Enter the U.S.
USDA Issues Permit for Santa’s Reindeer to Enter the U.S.

USDA has granted Mr. Claus and his reindeer a special permit to enter the U.S., ensuring a seamless journey for the joy they bring each holiday season.

The Best Livestock-Themed Christmas Trees Full of Memories and Meaning
The Best Livestock-Themed Christmas Trees Full of Memories and Meaning

One of the things I love most about Christmas trees is the power they evoke to simply remember. Here are some special livestock-themed Christmas trees filled with memories to last a lifetime. 

Activist Sentenced to Jail for Conspiracy and Trespassing
Activist Sentenced to Jail for Conspiracy and Trespassing

A California jury deliberated for six days before returning guilty verdicts of conspiracy and trespassing for DxE co-founder Wayne Hsiung. The jury deadlocked on a second conspiracy charge.

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

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

Ten Holiday Gift Ideas for the Livestock Lover in Your Life
Ten Holiday Gift Ideas for the Livestock Lover in Your Life

If your Christmas shopping list contains people who work daily with animals, you’ll want to get them something meaningful that speaks to the things they enjoy, and might make their workday a little more pleasant, too.

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

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

American Royal Hosts Barn Raising at New Site
American Royal Hosts Barn Raising at New Site

The future home of the American Royal moves forward on facility to “create a food and agriculture innovation district that will be unlike any other in the world,” said Kansas Governor Laura Kelly.

Researchers Look to Transform Manure into Protein
Researchers Look to Transform Manure into Protein

Can you turn manure into a cow, chicken or fish? Texas A&M AgriLife Research scientists are looking to do just that, in a roundabout, circular economy, kind of way.

Dairy Management Inc.'s Lisa McComb Appointed Chair-Elect of Animal Agriculture Alliance Board
Dairy Management Inc.'s Lisa McComb Appointed Chair-Elect of Animal Agriculture Alliance Board

The Animal Agriculture Alliance announced new upcoming board leadership, along with several board seats have renewed through 2026, following its fall board meeting, held Nov. 7 in Washington, D.C.

Senate and House Leaders Call for Farm Bill Extension
Senate and House Leaders Call for Farm Bill Extension

Rep. Thompson, chairman of the House Ag Committee, continues to express optimism about passing a new farm bill in December in the House of Representatives. But he says an extension of the current farm bill is needed.

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Where Do The Sharps Go?

Animals receive shots for various reasons throughout their life, just like people. Regardless of why the animal received a shot, it is important to dispose of the needle in a safe way.

U.S. Feed Your Future Virtual Career Fairs Fill Critical Workforce Needs  
U.S. Feed Your Future Virtual Career Fairs Fill Critical Workforce Needs  

Filling essential roles in the agriculture and food workforce is a top focus for employers. AgCareers.com is continuing Feed Your Future virtual career fairs to connect agriculture and food employers and job seekers.

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

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

U.S. House Votes to Reject Attack on Checkoffs
U.S. House Votes to Reject Attack on Checkoffs

Members of the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelming rejected a proposal on Wednesday that would have barred USDA from operating commodity checkoff programs.

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

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

Cybersecurity is More Than Just Resetting Your Password
Cybersecurity is More Than Just Resetting Your Password

Cybersecurity is no longer just about avoiding those sketchy phishing emails or resetting our passwords. It’s about being aware of our online presence in animal ag and how that may make us vulnerable to extremists.

Farm Stress Affects Kids, Too: Here’s What You Need to Know
Farm Stress Affects Kids, Too: Here’s What You Need to Know

It's no wonder farmers experience higher levels of anxiety and depression because of the many factors they deal with that are out of their control. But how does that affect their family? A new study sheds light.

fall_countryside_farmland
What an El Niño Event Could Mean for Fall Weather

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

Animal Agriculture Alliance's 2023 College Aggies Online Program Starts Sept. 11
Animal Agriculture Alliance's 2023 College Aggies Online Program Starts Sept. 11

Several industry experts and ag influencers fill the roster of mentors for The Animal Agriculture Alliance’s 2023 College Aggies Online (CAO) program, with over $20,000 in scholarships available to participants.

New Bill Excuses Illinois Youth from School Absence to Attend 4-H and FFA Events
New Bill Excuses Illinois Youth from School Absence to Attend 4-H and FFA Events

Just in time for school to start, in the midst of the Illinois State Fair, students across the state will no longer be penalized for participating in a 4-H or FFA event.

How to Handle and Dispose of Sharps and Unused Vaccine Products
How to Handle and Dispose of Sharps and Unused Vaccine Products

Kansas State University beef cattle veterinarians share tips on disposing products, needles and syringes that are a risk to humans.

The Top 6 Survival Tips for Raising Teen Farm Kids
The Top 6 Survival Tips for Raising Teen Farm Kids

Raising teens isn’t for the faint of hearts. Raising teens is not easy and while many of those years are spent watching our children thrive on and off the farm, other times we are just trying to survive.

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

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

Understand Yourself Better and Be Better on the Job
Understand Yourself Better and Be Better on the Job

Are you interested in being more effective in business and personal interactions? Are you tired of butting heads with that annoying person on your team? JD Fiechtner, DVM, shares tips to “Be Better Than Before.”

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

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

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

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

Why Employees Are in the Driver's Seat
Why Employees Are in the Driver's Seat

It's hard to stay competitive in today's job market. Here are four reasons why employees are in the driver's seat in 2023.

Over-The-Counter Livestock Antibiotics Officially a Thing of the Past
Over-The-Counter Livestock Antibiotics Officially a Thing of the Past

Starting on June 11, over-the-counter livestock antibiotics will no longer be available through traditional retail channels.

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

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

Vaccines Using mRNA Can Protect Farm Animals Against Diseases Traditional Ones May Not
Vaccines Using mRNA Can Protect Farm Animals Against Diseases Traditional Ones May Not

According to Iowa State University's David Verhoeven, vaccines using mRNA technology have been shown to reduce disease on farms, and it’s all but impossible for them to end up in your food.

Is Family the Most Important Part of Your Life? Prove It
Is Family the Most Important Part of Your Life? Prove It

Farming is getting far more complex, says Ted Matthews, director of Rural Minnesota Mental Health Support. Because of that, it’s more important than ever to take care of yourself.

5 Ways to Work Through Difficult Times
5 Ways to Work Through Difficult Times

With the current economic situation, both in agriculture and even personally, it is easy to feel stress and overwhelmed. Here are some suggestions on how to manage stress and work through a difficult time.

John Phipps: The Link Between Rising Interest Rates and Inflation Isn't as Simple as You Might Think
John Phipps: The Link Between Rising Interest Rates and Inflation Isn't as Simple as You Might Think

The causal link between the Federal Reserve discount rate and inflation is obvious to all serious armchair economists, but calls for an impending recession in the U.S. are missing a few details. John Phipps explains.

Digging Into the Culprit of the Rare and Unusual Illinois Dust Storm
Digging Into the Culprit of the Rare and Unusual Illinois Dust Storm

Winds topping 55 mph, along with dry soils, recently planted fields and the direction of the fierce winds, all created the "perfect storm" to cause the major dust storm that turned fatal Monday in Illinois.

Livestock and mRNA Vaccines: What You Need To Know
Livestock and mRNA Vaccines: What You Need To Know

As misinformation regarding the use of mRNA vaccines in livestock filter through social media, there are facts begging to be set straight.

3 Trends that Will Drive the Food System of the Future
3 Trends that Will Drive the Food System of the Future

The food system is being reimagined today and farmers can benefit by thinking about how to improve their ability to take advantage of opportunities in the process, says Rob Dongoski with Ernst and Young.

What To Know When You’re At The Table With An Alternative Ag Lender
What To Know When You’re At The Table With An Alternative Ag Lender

If you’re ready to meet with an alternative lender, here are some points to keep in mind.

Greg Henderson
A Girl, a Goat and the Law: The Shasta County, CA, Boondoggle

How fair officials and the local sheriff, both unencumbered by intelligence, tarnished your image as a livestock producer and created a public relations disaster.

Is Your Farm Prepared When Bad Weather Strikes?
Is Your Farm Prepared When Bad Weather Strikes?

The wild display of weather this year has showcased flooding, tornadoes and more. This unpredictable weather highlights the importance of having a plan to be ready for whatever severe weather pattern could hit your farm.

Here are 5 Life-Saving Tips When Deadly Storms Strike
Here are 5 Life-Saving Tips When Deadly Storms Strike

The vast devastation caused by deadly tornadoes that swept through multiple states last weekend is putting everyone on edge as another round of severe weather, including possible tornadoes, threatens many this week.

How Important is U.S. Ag and Food to the Economy?
How Important is U.S. Ag and Food to the Economy?

In celebration of National Ag Day and National Ag Week, the 2023 Feeding the Economy report shows just how vital the industry is to U.S. families, communities and the world.

Rural Economy Slows, Farmland Values Stay Strong
Rural Economy Slows, Farmland Values Stay Strong

The rural economy seems to be set on cruise in neutral gear. That’s according to the Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) from Creighton University.