NPPC requests federal intervention to increase pork exports

Jul 24, 2023

Amid one of the worst pork market downturns in recent memory, the National Pork Producers Council is requesting the federal government's help to increase export opportunities. NPPC and the Minnesota Pork Producers Association submitted a joint statement to Congresswoman Michelle Fishbach (R-Minn.) outlining the challenges in the pork industry and requesting assistance.

"Trade is vital to America's pork producers, who annually export about a quarter of their total production to more than 100 countries," the groups said. "[P]olicies that foster the free flow of goods and expand export markets – mostly through trade agreements – are critical to the continued success of America's pork producers, U.S. agriculture and the overall American economy. … To benefit America's farmers and grow U.S. exports, such trade deals must address market access and must eliminate tariffs on and non-tariff trade barriers to U.S. pork and other U.S. agricultural products."

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Video: Assessing Welfare Resources During Late Finish - Dr. Anna Johnson & Emma Coursey

In this episode of The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Anna Johnson from Iowa State University and Emma Coursey from the University of Illinois discuss research evaluating welfare resources during the late finishing stage on commercial swine farms. They explain how feeder management, water use, space allocation, and pig health influence welfare outcomes and practical on-farm management. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Small resource issues can become larger welfare problems when multiple stressors interact across finishing barns."

Meet the guests: Dr. Anna Johnson / anna-johnson-05028a14 is the Morrill Professor of Animal Behavior and Welfare at Iowa State University. She earned her Ph.D. in Animal Sciences from Texas Tech University and completed her master's degree in Applied Animal Behaviour and Welfare at the University of Edinburgh. Her research focuses on practical solutions that improve farm animal welfare, including sow productive lifetime, animal-human interaction, environmental enrichment, and Precision Livestock Farming.

Emma Coursey / emma-coursey-183810241 is pursuing a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine after earning a bachelor's degree in Animal Science from Iowa State University. Her academic interests include swine health, production, and animal welfare, with research experience evaluating welfare resources in commercial finishing pigs.