The Swine Health Information Center funded a study to evaluate tongue tip fluids, a sample type more frequently used in breeding herds, as a potential tool for pathogen surveillance in nursery and grow-finish phases. The study evaluated PRRSV and IAV detection in oral fluids compared to tongue tip fluids using PCR in weekly samples from wean-to-market pigs and assessed the likelihood of successful PRRSV ORF-5 sequencing across the two sample types. Led by Drs. Gustavo Silva and Onyekachukwu Henry Osemeke of Iowa State University, the study found that tongue tip fluids offer a comparable and cost-effective alternative to oral fluids for the detection of PRRSV and IAV by qPCR in growing pig herds when mortalities are present. Find the study industry summary here. PRRSV and IAV are two swine pathogens that significantly impact the health and productivity of post-weaning pigs. While oral fluids are widely used for monitoring these viruses, post-mortem tongue tip fluids represent a cost-e
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) submitted comments on codifying the U.S. Swine Health Improvement Plan (US SHIP) as a federal regulatory program under USDA. US SHIP is a national industry-driven voluntary program to establish health certifications for foreign animal diseases (FADs) including African swine fever (ASF) and Classical swine fever (CSF). “US SHIP is a top priority for us,” Chase Adams, NPPC assistant vice president for domestic policy said at the Ohio Pork Congress. “Now that final rule is out, we need to make sure US SHIP has the resources needed to stay afloat.” US SHIP would allow U.S. pork operations to obtain certification that they are free from FADs. Similar to the National Poultry Improvement Plan, these certifications could be referenced for interstate commerce and international trade. The plan’s components include traceability of animals, feed biosafety, farm biosecurity, feral swine mitigation, disease surveillance and transportation sanitation. “US
A true highlight of the 2025 Ohio Pork Congress was the annual awards presentation by the Ohio Pork Council (OPC) to recognize outstanding contributors to the state’s pork industry. These included the Ohio Pork Industry Excellence, Pork Promoter of the Year, Manager of the Year, and the Friend of Pork Industry. In addition, the inaugural class of Ohio Pork’s Leadership Class was recognized for their dedication to complete the multifaceted yearlong educational process. “It’s always very gratifying and sometimes a bit emotional to stop and recognize all of the hard work and dedication that so many have made to help make Ohio’s pork industry better,” said Nathan Schroeder, OPC president from Leipsic. “I’m honored to be part of an industry that continues to set the bar higher every day and these recipients prove that that kind of effort pays off and makes our future brighter.” Ohio Pork Industry Excellence Award Jim Albaugh, a longtime producer from West Milton, received the Ohio Pork In
Winter can feel like it goes on forever. That’s one reason why Jeff Tuente, owner of Tuente Farms, Inc., in Osgood, Ohio, looks forward to getting off the farm and traveling to the Ohio Pork Congress. “It’s a great event to re-energize my passion of being a farmer and build off the enthusiasm of my peers,” Tuente says. “I saw many of my good business friends and allies in the trade show.” There’s no question meeting new people and catching up with friends in the industry gives attendees something to look forward to all year, says Kevin Stuckey, sow division manager for Cooper Farms in Hicksville, Ohio. The educational sessions are also a great opportunity. Step Outside Your Box “This event helps people discover ways to make their operation better,” Stuckey says. “I also appreciate how it encourages more involvement for the younger people on our farms. Oftentimes, they started in our organization and only know our organization. You get so much more growth when you learn outside of yo
Leaders in Canadian ag are happy with this appointment
