On Jan. 1, Ohio’s regulation on open-pen sow gestation officially went into effect. This rule (Ohio Administrative Code 901:12-8-02) requires that after Dec. 31, 2025, breeding/gestation stalls are only allowed post-weaning for limited periods to confirm pregnancy and maximize embryonic welfare, with new construction banning stalls except for these short confirmation windows. The Ohio Pork Council points out that Ohio pig farmers have been preparing for these open-pen gestation requirements for years by investing in facilities and fine-tuning management practices that support sow wellbeing, all while maintaining the flexibility to address individual animal needs. Proper sow research ensures animals are cared for responsibly. “The timeline for implementation gave pig farmers the ability to plan, invest and adapt responsibly—rather than face abrupt changes that could have forced families out of a profession they love, providing nutrient-dense protein for their communities,” the organiz
Read MoreA new Circana study shows U.S. consumers believe reducing the need for antibiotics is a major motivator to purchase pork from gene-edited pigs. The research, commissioned by PIC, was conducted in fall 2025 and polled more than 5,000 pork consumers from eight key countries, representative across genders and ages 18 to 70. “Circana has conducted research on this topic for more than three years, consistently finding that gene-edited pork scores in the upper quintiles, which indicates average to above average purchase likelihood,” Staci Covkin, Circana Principal of Innovation, Consumer & Shopper Insights, says in a release. In the Circana study, 94% of consumers indicated they are open to purchasing pork from gene-edited pigs. Meanwhile, 70% of consumers expressed a desire for greater transparency across all pork production, indicating that pork should always include additional information on the package Consumers are Becoming More Open to Gene Editing The study also shows that America
Read MoreWork is underway on the next update to Canada’s Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Pigs, and early stakeholder input is helping shape the direction of that process.
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