America’s Pig Farmer of the Year for 2019-2020 is Chris Hoffman from McAlisterville, Pennsylvania. The award recognizes the pig farmers who exemplify industry leadership, a demonstrated focus in raising pigs following the We Care ethical principles and a commitment to connecting consumers with the farmers who raise the pork they consume. Hoffman was named America’s Pig Farmer of the Year …
USDA Urged to Establish Foot and Mouth Vaccine Bank
Representatives of the National Pork Producers Council, the National Milk Producers Federation, the National Corn Growers Association and Iowa State University are urging U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to move quickly to establish a Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccine bank. At a press conference Tuesday, the groups recognized steps USDA has already taken to establish the bank, but called for “expedient …
Ag Groups Cheer Japan Agreement
Representatives for farmer and rancher organizations were present for a meeting with President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Abe in New York City as the two signed a trade deal Wednesday worth billions for U.S. agricultural producers. Under the market access agreement, Japan will open the market to approximately $7 billion in American agricultural exports, eliminating or significantly lowering …
USDA Officials Provide Details of Support Package for Farmers
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and other agency officials today announced further details of the $16 billion package “aimed at supporting American agricultural producers while the Administration continues to work on free, fair, and reciprocal trade deals.” In May, President Trump directed Secretary Perdue to craft a relief strategy in line with the estimated impacts of unjustified retaliatory tariffs …
NPPC Launches Keep America First in Ag Campaign
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) has launched a new campaign to highlight the importance of establishing a proper regulatory framework for gene editing in American livestock. The “Keep America First in Agriculture” campaign was officially kicked off Tuesday with a media teleconference featuring leading researchers, veterinarians, producers and industry experts. “Gene editing is a huge step forward for America’s …
Pork Producers Talk Trade and Animal Disease
National Pork Producers Council officials held a press conference Thursday, the day after announcing World Pork Expo is cancelled this year due to concerns about African swine fever. More than 100 pork producers from around the country were in Washington D.C. this week for the Spring Legislative Action Conference to meet with their representatives in Congress to discuss issues such …
2019 World Pork Expo Cancelled
The threat of African swine fever is forcing the cancellation of the world’s largest pork industry-specific trade show this year. The National Pork Producers Council‘s board of directors today announced its decision to cancel World Pork Expo 2019 out of an abundance of caution as African swine fever (ASF) continues to spread in China and other parts of Asia. World …
Animal Ag Bites 7/16
Holstein Association USA recognizes David Harvatine of King Ferry, New York, as the 2018 Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder. Havartine is co-owner and dairy manager of Aurora Ridge Dairy, located north of Ithaca, New York, in the heart of the Finger Lakes region. Aurora Ridge Dairy is owned by four partners: Bill Cook, Dan Westfall, Jason Burrows and Harvatine. The Washington …
WPX18 Sets Records
The 2018 World Pork Expo, presented by the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), marked 30 years June 6-8 with a record number of trade-show exhibitors, hospitality tents, educational seminars and live hogs in the Junior National show. “It’s hard to believe Expo has been around for 30 years,” says Jim Heimerl, NPPC president and producer from Johnstown, Ohio. “I hope …
2018 World Pork Expo Showcases Everything Pig
The 2018 World Pork Expo is celebrating 30 years this week at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. Presented by the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) since 1987, this year’s expo includes a record-setting trade show, expanded seminar lineup, elite swine shows, and an abundance of delicious pork! Organizers expect approximately 20,000 producers, employees, industry specialists and other pork …