Latest News From HOGS

3 Leadership Trends You Need to Adopt in 2024
3 Leadership Trends You Need to Adopt in 2024

For long-term success, farm leaders should regularly assess the landscape of their operation and adjust their strategies accordingly.

Profit Tracker: Cattle, Hog Margins Steady in Red
Profit Tracker: Cattle, Hog Margins Steady in Red

Santa failed to deliver any margin improvements for cattle and hog producers while beef and pork packers operated in the black.

Farm Journal's PORK, Drovers Bring Home Top Honors in 2023
Farm Journal's PORK, Drovers Bring Home Top Honors in 2023

It's been a banner year for Drovers and Farm Journal's PORK. As the year comes to a close, here's a look back at the stories that garnered top honors this year.

Industry Mourns Passing of Jarold Callahan
Industry Mourns Passing of Jarold Callahan

Express Ranches, Yukon, Okla., issued a Christmas Eve announcement on the sudden passing of its president and industry influencer Jarold Callahan.

A Look at the Largest Sleigh Collection in the U.S.
A Look at the Largest Sleigh Collection in the U.S.

Bill Engle remembers attending a sale 22 years ago where some old sleighs were being sold.  That sparked an interest and today, he has a growing collection with nearly 300 sleighs.

How One Family is Sharing the Magic of Christmas on Their Farm
How One Family is Sharing the Magic of Christmas on Their Farm

The Prescott Family Reindeer Farm in southern Missouri is 240 acres rooted in a deep desire to give everyone a full Christmas experience. Cattle producers by trade, they decided to also add reindeer to their mix.

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. 

America’s Premier Farmers and Ranchers to Gather at 2024 Top Producer Summit in Kansas City
America’s Premier Farmers and Ranchers to Gather at 2024 Top Producer Summit in Kansas City

The 2024 Top Producer Summit will feature industry-leading speakers on finance, innovative management practices, human resources, technology and succession planning.

Prepare for Animal Activism in 2024
Prepare for Animal Activism in 2024

Animal Agriculture Alliance releases reports from 2023 animal rights conferences. Food chain urged to prepare for activism in 2024 including "open rescue," legislative campaigns and pressure to drop meat from menus.

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.

Prevent Quitting: Keep Employees Top of Mind in 2024
Prevent Quitting: Keep Employees Top of Mind in 2024

These 10 steps can help keep your employees from walking away.

Profit Tracker: Cattle, Hog Margins Worst Since Summer 2020
Profit Tracker: Cattle, Hog Margins Worst Since Summer 2020

The Grinch is writing closeouts ahead of the holidays as cattle and hog profit margins tumble to their lowest point since the summer of 2020, just months into the COVID pandemic.

Navigating Structural Changes: Rabobank's Insights on Challenges and Opportunities in Global Animal Protein Markets
Navigating Structural Changes: Rabobank's Insights on Challenges and Opportunities in Global Animal Protein Markets

Both dynamic and resilient, the animal protein sector is likely heading into another challenging year. However, it’s important to identify potential opportunities that could help your operation survive or even thrive.

 House Passes Bill to Preserve Veterinary Use of Xylazine 
House Passes Bill to Preserve Veterinary Use of Xylazine 

 The House of Representatives passed the Support for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act on Tuesday. It will help fight illicit use of the product in humans while preserving access to the drug for animals.

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.

Profit Tracker: Cattle Losses Reach Triple Digits
Profit Tracker: Cattle Losses Reach Triple Digits

Cattle feeding margins fell deeper into the red while packer losses doubled from the prior week. Pork producer margins have now printed red every week for the past year.

From Brisket to Coulotte: U.S. Pork and Beef Gains Traction in Colombian Markets
From Brisket to Coulotte: U.S. Pork and Beef Gains Traction in Colombian Markets

With support from the USDA, the National Pork Board and the Beef Checkoff Program, the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) has embarked on a mission to enhance the merchandising of U.S. red meat in Colombia.

Student Reflects How Livestock Judging Shaped Life and Education
Student Reflects How Livestock Judging Shaped Life and Education

The best day of his judging career, only four points shy of a 50-year-old record, will be how John Reaves of Spring, Texas, remembers being named high individual at the National Collegiate Livestock Judging Contest.

Another Record Month for Pork Exports to Mexico; Beef Exports Show Modest Rebound
Another Record Month for Pork Exports to Mexico; Beef Exports Show Modest Rebound

U.S. pork exports posted another strong performance in October. Beef exports remained well below last year’s large totals but improved from September.

Profit Tracker: Red Ink Flows
Profit Tracker: Red Ink Flows

Cattle feeders and beef packers both printed closeouts with red ink last week, slight advantage packers. Pork producers also operated underwater but pork packers saw improving margins.

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.

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.

Attorneys Challenge Court Decision Dismissing Tyson Workers' COVID-19 Lawsuits
Attorneys Challenge Court Decision Dismissing Tyson Workers' COVID-19 Lawsuits

Lawyers representing the estates of Tyson workers who succumbed to COVID-19 complications during the 2020 pandemic are urging a reevaluation of a court decision that dismissed their legal actions.

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.

Profit Tracker: Feeding, Packing Margins Remain Red
Profit Tracker: Feeding, Packing Margins Remain Red

Cattle feeding margins fell deeper into the red last week while packer margins improved modestly. Pork producer margins erode further underwater.

Boost for U.S. Pork and Beef Exports as China Approves New Plants
Boost for U.S. Pork and Beef Exports as China Approves New Plants

In a positive development for the U.S. meat industry, China recently granted approval for 18 U.S. beef establishments and 12 U.S. pork establishments to export to China, the U.S. Meat Export Federation reports.

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.

Top 5 Risks on Your Operation Explained
Top 5 Risks on Your Operation Explained

How well prepared is your operation to manage risk? Here’s a list of the top 5 risks and ways to mitigate the challenges.

Profit Tracker: Cattle Margins Fall Underwater
Profit Tracker: Cattle Margins Fall Underwater

Cattle feeding margins declined nearly $100 per head last week with lower cash bids and rising costs. Pork producer margins remain mired in red ink.

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.

USMEF Strategic Planning Conference Wraps Up with New Leadership and Logistics Insight
USMEF Strategic Planning Conference Wraps Up with New Leadership and Logistics Insight

The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) successfully concluded its Strategic Planning Conference with the election of a new dynamic officer team, including Randy Spronk, Steve Hanson, Jay Theiler and David Bruntz.

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.

Profit Tracker: Feeding Margins Tumble 60%
Profit Tracker: Feeding Margins Tumble 60%

Cash cattle traders were jolted by a steep price decline last week that erased much of the profit on cattle sent to market. Pork margins remain red.

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.

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JBS Facing Headwinds in the U.S., NY Listing Plans Pushed Back

JBS SA, the Brazil-based meat behemoth, is braced for tough times as low cattle availability squeezes beef margins in the U.S., its main market, and management works to return pork business margins to more stable levels.

Profit Tracker: Cattle Margins Narrowing, Pork Improves
Profit Tracker: Cattle Margins Narrowing, Pork Improves

Cattle feeding margins decline even as fed steers trade steady to higher for the week. Packer margins erode on weaker wholesale beef prices. Pork producer margins improve but remain underwater.

Branstad and Westman To Be Recognized with 2023 USMEF Awards
Branstad and Westman To Be Recognized with 2023 USMEF Awards

In recognition of many years of service to the U.S. agricultural industry, the U.S. Meat Export Federation recently announced its 2023 award recipients.

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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.

Profit Tracker: Feeder Steer Prices 8% Lower Over Past Month
Profit Tracker: Feeder Steer Prices 8% Lower Over Past Month

Projected breakevens for cattle placed on feed have declined $10 per cwt. over the past month. Pork producer margins are declining even with feed costs 23% lower than last year.

New Funding Aims To Fuel Growth In U.S. Meat Markets Worldwide
New Funding Aims To Fuel Growth In U.S. Meat Markets Worldwide

The USDA recently announced it will make funds available through the Commodity Credit Corporation, aiming to expand opportunities for U.S. ag products in international markets, USMEF reports.

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.

 K-State is Now On a Mission to Estimate the Potential Economic Losses From Possible Foreign Animal Diseases
K-State is Now On a Mission to Estimate the Potential Economic Losses From Possible Foreign Animal Diseases

A team at K-State has been chosen by the World Organisation of Animal Health to lead an international effort that will develop decision-making tools and improve communication on the economic impacts of animal diseases.

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.

Profit Tracker: Feed Costs Decline, Margins Improve
Profit Tracker: Feed Costs Decline, Margins Improve

Cattle feeding margins saw a $30 per head improvement with higher cash prices and lower feed costs. Pork producer margins decline as prices soften.