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National Plan to Improve Swine Health Launched

Jun 30, 2025
By Farms.com

New Producer Led Strategy to Strengthen U.S. Pork Herd Health

The National Pork Board (NPB), in collaboration with the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), is developing a National Swine Health Strategy to protect the U.S. swine herd.

This producer-led plan responds to rising challenges from endemic diseases and foreign animal diseases, aiming to create a united, long-term health approach.

Meredith Petersen, NPB's director of swine health, shared key findings: “NPB recently conducted a producer survey, and 98% of producers identified swine health as important to the future success of the industry.” This insight is guiding a three-year plan focused on measurable health improvements.

The strategy goes beyond past disease-specific goals and aims to include areas like nutrition, biosecurity, and farm management. Dr. Anna Forseth from NPPC said, “It was time to re-evaluate the six African swine fever priorities and potentially broaden the scope of the topics we work on.”

Patrick Webb of NPB added that better health also means better profitability: “Endemic diseases pose real challenges... These national resources must be allocated strategically to provide the best return on investment.”

To build this strategy, feedback is being collected through online and phone surveys, events, and conversations. State pork associations are helping gather input from all types of producers and swine professionals. A diverse advisory group is reviewing this input to shape priorities. An update is expected at the 2026 Pork Forum.

The finished strategy will guide coordinated efforts to boost herd health, improve animal welfare, increase profits, and align the entire pork sector toward common goals.


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CEOs of the Industry – Rob Brenneman, CEO of Brenneman Pork

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“From Pork Production to Performance Nutrition: A Candid Conversation with One of the Industry’s Most Unconventional Thinkers”

CEOs of the Industry, we sit down with Rob Brenneman, the visionary behind Brenneman Pork, for an unfiltered, in-depth conversation on leadership, survivability, nutrition, and the future of pig farming.

Rob shares how a deep-rooted commitment to **health—both animal and personal—**drives his philosophy and decision-making. From reshaping pork nutrition and advocating for the return of well-marbled, flavorful pork to confronting the ongoing battle with PRRS and other health threats, Rob’s insights reflect decades of hands-on experience and bold innovation.

Key themes include: Nutrition Reimagined: Why the industry went off course—and how Brenneman Pork is leading change by prioritizing gut health, fat quality, and real performance.

Health & Survivability: Rob’s take on biosecurity, disease management, and the systems and protocols that protect both pigs and profitability.

Well-Marbled Pork as Premium Protein: The science, consumer insights, and culinary feedback behind Rob’s mission to reintroduce pork as a premium, flavorful protein.

Sustainability & Farm Culture: How Brenneman Pork balances environmental responsibility with day-to-day positivity and resilience.

Generational Impact: Strategies to attract, inspire, and retain the next wave of pork producers with pride and purpose.

Plus, a fast-paced finale where Rob shares his top pork pick, leadership lessons, and what he’d change overnight in the industry.

Whether you're a producer, nutritionist, policymaker, or future leader, this episode offers a masterclass in where pork production is headed—and how visionaries like Rob are shaping it.