Latest News From Jennifer Shike

Pork Producers Adopt Enhanced Swine Traceability Resolution at National Pork Industry Forum
Pork Producers Adopt Enhanced Swine Traceability Resolution at National Pork Industry Forum

U.S. pork producers approved a resolution to enhance the country’s live swine traceability system during the 2024 National Pork Industry Forum on March 7. Here's what it means for the industry.

American Royal To Host New Spring Youth Livestock Show
American Royal To Host New Spring Youth Livestock Show

The new American Royal Spring Youth Livestock Show will take place March 27-30 at the American Royal Complex in Kansas City, Mo.

U.S. Corn and Soy Key to Success of Red Meat Exports, Spronk Says
U.S. Corn and Soy Key to Success of Red Meat Exports, Spronk Says

The story of American corn and soybean production is a key tool in marketing U.S. red meat overseas. U.S. Meat Export Federation Chair Randy Spronk explained why at the Commodity Classic last week.

APHIS Bolsters Animal Health Surveillance for Unexplained Mortality Investigations
APHIS Bolsters Animal Health Surveillance for Unexplained Mortality Investigations

A new collaborative effort is helping fund rapid investigations of unexplained morbidity or mortality events in animals – unexpected deaths or illnesses that could signal emerging animal disease threats.

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Poultry Line Speed Lawsuit Dismissed Against USDA

A U.S. District Court judge for the Northern District of California, San Francisco Division, dismissed a lawsuit filed four years ago against the USDA regarding its decision to increase line speeds at poultry plants.

Why Showcasing U.S. Red Meat in Japan Matters Now More Than Ever
Why Showcasing U.S. Red Meat in Japan Matters Now More Than Ever

U.S. red meat made a statement at the Supermarket Trade Show in Japan. USMEF showcased U.S. pork and beef products for key buyers from Japan’s retail sector during one of the country's biggest food events of the year.

Illinois Farm Families Star in Super Bowl LVIII Commercial
Illinois Farm Families Star in Super Bowl LVIII Commercial

Super Bowl fans in Illinois will be able to cheer on some familiar faces in a commercial during the big game on Sunday. Illinois pork producer Chad Leman says the commercial is all about communicating trust in farmers.

Pork and Beef Industries Advocate for Clear Labels for ‘Fake Meat’
Pork and Beef Industries Advocate for Clear Labels for ‘Fake Meat’

A new act aims to boost transparency and clarify labeling requirements for plant-protein and cell-cultured protein products so consumers know what they are buying. Here's what you need to know.

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.

How Will Winter Storms Impact the Pork and Beef Supply Chain?
How Will Winter Storms Impact the Pork and Beef Supply Chain?

Winter storms across the country have resulted in significant pork and beef supply disruptions in terms of livestock moving to processing plants as well as beef and pork moving to population centers. 

Jennifer Shike
Encourage the Next Generation to Chase Big Dreams

Methodical grind. There’s no question talent makes a difference, but what makes the biggest difference is commitment -- the daily decision to choose to work hard and show up. 

What Do Mexico's Duty Exemptions Mean for Imported Pork, Beef and Poultry?
What Do Mexico's Duty Exemptions Mean for Imported Pork, Beef and Poultry?

Mexico recently issued a decree extending zero-duty treatment of certain food imports – including pork, beef and poultry – from all eligible suppliers through the end of 2024. What does this mean for the U.S.?

USDA Awards Funds to Help Expand Export Markets for U.S. Food and Ag Products
USDA Awards Funds to Help Expand Export Markets for U.S. Food and Ag Products

USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service announces more than $203 million to nearly 70 agricultural organizations to help expand export markets via the Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development program. 

From Survey to Solutions: ChopLocal Says Growth is Shaped by Industry Insights
From Survey to Solutions: ChopLocal Says Growth is Shaped by Industry Insights

The direct-to-consumer meat industry is making strides, according to findings from a recent survey by ChopLocal.

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. 

Iowa Pork Wins Best NIL Deal of 2023 Award for Purchase Moore Hamann Bacon Promotion
Iowa Pork Wins Best NIL Deal of 2023 Award for Purchase Moore Hamann Bacon Promotion

The Iowa Pork Producers Association’s viral “Purchase Moore Hamann Bacon” marketing initiative with Iowa State football players was named the Best NIL Deal of 2023 by Street and Smith’s Sports Business Journal.

New National Television Ad 'Exposes the Realities' of Lab-Grown Meat 
New National Television Ad 'Exposes the Realities' of Lab-Grown Meat 

A new television commercial is out to educate the public about the technology behind lab-grown meat, which was recently approved for sale in the U.S. is the latest in a six-figure effort to address consumer concerns.

New Legislation Could Protect Livestock Producers, Tackle Rising Costs
New Legislation Could Protect Livestock Producers, Tackle Rising Costs

Sen. Josh Hawley introduces the Protecting Interstate Commerce for Livestock Producers Act to protect farmers from costly regulations – made in other states – that will hurt their business and drive-up consumer costs.

It’s Been a Quiet Week in Grocery Store Meat Departments Across the U.S.
It’s Been a Quiet Week in Grocery Store Meat Departments Across the U.S.

It was a seasonally quiet week in grocery store meat departments and up the distribution chain for turkeys and hams, reports Steiner Consulting Group in the Daily Livestock Report. Here’s a look at pork, turkey and beef.

Tyson CEO Confesses Company Culture Was Lazy After Pandemic
Tyson CEO Confesses Company Culture Was Lazy After Pandemic

"We got fat and lazy," Tyson Foods Inc.’s leader candidly shared about his company’s underperformance in an interview following the opening of Tyson's new $300 million plant in Virginia, Bloomberg reported.

Tufts University Makes Students' Cellular Ag Dreams Come True
Tufts University Makes Students' Cellular Ag Dreams Come True

In his Value Creation in Cell Ag class, Tufts senior Adham Ali was tasked to work with a group of peers to design a product using cellular agriculture (or cell ag for short) to make life easier for consumers.

Butler Community College Wins NAILE Junior Collegiate Livestock Judging Contest
Butler Community College Wins NAILE Junior Collegiate Livestock Judging Contest

The Butler Community College Livestock Judging team was named high team overall in a tight to the top of the junior collegiate contest at the 2023 North American International Livestock Exposition.

Youth Win Big in National 4-H Livestock Contests in Louisville
Youth Win Big in National 4-H Livestock Contests in Louisville

A large crowd gathered for the 4-H Livestock Contests results at the North American International Livestock Exposition on Nov. 15 in Louisville, Ky. Here are the winners in livestock judging, skillathon and quiz bowl.

Livestock Judging: Think About This Before You Walk Into the Reasons Room
Livestock Judging: Think About This Before You Walk Into the Reasons Room

Livestock judging changed the direction of Dale Hummel and Ryan Rash's lives, opening up opportunities they never saw coming. They share 5 tips on how to score better in the reasons room.

How Iowa State University is Developing the Future of Production Animal Medicine
How Iowa State University is Developing the Future of Production Animal Medicine

A recent American Veterinary Medical Association study found less than 4% of veterinarians nationwide predominantly practice production animal medicine. Here's what Iowa State University is doing to help change that.

The Best Halloween Costumes Tie Back to the Farm
The Best Halloween Costumes Tie Back to the Farm

Maybe it’s because I’m a farm kid at heart, but I think the best Halloween costume ideas come straight from the farm. And I'm not the only one on our team here at Farm Journal who feels that way.

Why We Need to Reinvent Veterinary Care Now
Why We Need to Reinvent Veterinary Care Now

What does veterinary care look like in the 21st Century? That question drove hours of conversation during the 21st Century Animal Health Symposium at the University of Illinois.

Record Value for Mexico Fuels August Pork Exports, Beef Sees Modest Rebound
Record Value for Mexico Fuels August Pork Exports, Beef Sees Modest Rebound

Although August exports of U.S. pork were steady year-over-year, beef exports were well below the large totals of August 2022, USMEF reports. Pork exports were led by Mexico and beef exports showed improvement over July.

Ag Teachers: When Someone Believes in You
Ag Teachers: When Someone Believes in You

In a world where more and more young people are glued to electronic devices and missing out on community, FFA offers connection, hands-on learning and adult mentors to invest in their lives. 

Tough Lessons Learned in the Show Ring: Exhibitors Speak Out
Tough Lessons Learned in the Show Ring: Exhibitors Speak Out

Although there’s nothing like getting the grand champion slap in front of a huge crowd in the coliseum, youth livestock exhibitors point out that a lot of hard work and tough lessons were learned behind the scenes first.

Around the Ring: What’s the Best Piece of Advice You’ve Heard Lately? 
Around the Ring: What’s the Best Piece of Advice You’ve Heard Lately? 

One may argue teenagers have a lot of learning left to do, but I could argue they are wiser than they get credit for. After all, they are in a period of life where they hear a lot of advice from well-meaning people.

Proposed Legislation Seeks to Analyze Livestock Industry Consolidation
Proposed Legislation Seeks to Analyze Livestock Industry Consolidation

The Livestock Consolidation Research Act would direct a study on the impact of livestock industry consolidation, and a report about how this has affected new market entrants, access to resources and purchasing power.

Jennifer Shike
No, He’s Not a Buffalo: Why We Can’t Avoid Their Questions Anymore

“Is this a buffalo?” asked a young 20-ish fairgoer as he stood before the Grand Champion Market Steer in the Hall of Champions at the Illinois State Fair. He looked at me – dead serious – awaiting my response.

Tyson Foods to Deploy Driverless Trucks in Arkansas
Tyson Foods to Deploy Driverless Trucks in Arkansas

Tyson Foods is deploying autonomous refrigerated box trucks to bolster Tyson routes in Northwest Arkansas. Operating 18 hours a day, these driverless trucks will deliver products to distribution and storage facilities.

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Purina Animal Nutrition Launches Scholarship Program for Students in Animal Ag

Here's a new scholarship opportunity for students involved in agriculture and livestock production.

More Help Available for Meat and Poultry Processors
More Help Available for Meat and Poultry Processors

USDA is making more funding available for meat and poultry processors to expand operations, transform the food supply chain and create new and better markets for producers.

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Group of U.S. House Members Oppose Bill That Would Overturn Prop 12

More than 150 members of the U.S. House sent a letter to U.S. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “G.T.” Thompson, R-Pa., and Ranking Member David Scott, R-Ga., on Monday citing their opposition to the EATS Act.

9 Rules Parents Throw Out the Window During Fair Week
9 Rules Parents Throw Out the Window During Fair Week

We try to be good parents by setting boundaries for our kids. We want to raise decent humans who are kind, make good choices and respect others. But let’s be real. During fair week, that all goes out the window.

Livestock Producers Applaud EPA’s Denial of Activist CAFO Petitions
Livestock Producers Applaud EPA’s Denial of Activist CAFO Petitions

The EPA has rejected two petitions seeking stricter regulation of animal feeding operations, and will be establishing a federal advisory committee to study the matter. 

A Sport Utility Vehicle for Disease: Wild Pigs Wreak Havoc in Louisiana
A Sport Utility Vehicle for Disease: Wild Pigs Wreak Havoc in Louisiana

"Basically, a pig has a 3-inch environmental vacuum on the front of his face. Anything in front of it is going down. A lot of that damage goes unseen by the public eye,” says William Futch in Feral Swine in America.

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.

Jennifer Shike
There’s Just Something About Stock Show Friends

If we are being honest, showing livestock is for crazy people. Late nights, early mornings and little time for social lives. But I think most stock show families would agree they live for summer to do just that.

Attorneys Call on Congress to Pass the EATS Act Now
Attorneys Call on Congress to Pass the EATS Act Now

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird led 16 states in a letter to U.S. Congressional leadership, urging the passage of the EATS Act. "California’s radical-drafted requirements for farmers are hog wild," the authors wrote.

U.S Pork Exports Boast Big First Half; Beef Exports Below 2022's Record Pace
U.S Pork Exports Boast Big First Half; Beef Exports Below 2022's Record Pace

U.S. pork exports wrapped up an excellent first half of 2023 with another strong performance in June. Although numbers are below the record pace established in 2022, June beef exports topped $900 million in value.

Animal Ag Organizations Team Up to Combat Misinformation and Share Science
Animal Ag Organizations Team Up to Combat Misinformation and Share Science

Everyone knows communication is key to animal agriculture's future success. That's why the Animal Agriculture Alliance and National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) are teaming up.

Animal Rights Extremist Connections and Tactics Updated in New Reports
Animal Rights Extremist Connections and Tactics Updated in New Reports

Do you know what the Top 5 targeted states are for animal rights activists? The answer may surprise you.

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Canadian Beef and Pork Industries Strongly Oppose UK Accession to CPTPP

Canada's red meat sector expressed deep disappointment after the announcement that the United Kingdom joined the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). 

Jennifer Shike
The Company You Keep Matters

“I want you to know the importance of the people you allow into your life,” Ray Perryman said. “The company you keep has absolutely everything to do with where you end up. Be careful who you allow into your life.”

USDA Awards $3.2 Million to Fund Antimicrobial Resistance Dashboards
USDA Awards $3.2 Million to Fund Antimicrobial Resistance Dashboards

USDA's APHIS is awarding more than $3.2 million to create antimicrobial resistance dashboards to improve access to information on antimicrobial resistance in domesticated animals.

Lusk Named New Dean of Oklahoma State's Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
Lusk Named New Dean of Oklahoma State's Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources

Oklahoma State University announced Dr. Jayson Lusk as the new dean and vice president of its Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. Lusk will succeed Dr. Tom Coon in early August.