Shows
BEEF BanterFrom feedlot to forecast: Building resilient beef businessesThe buzz on the CattleCon 2026 floor was loud, but the signal clear: beef demand is surging, supplies are tight, and discipline—not euphoria—is what will secure the next leg of growth. We unpack why fed cattle are pressing back toward highs after a rough fall and how consumers keep trading up for better beef even as prices climb. The throughline is quality: decades of work in genetics, handling, and verification have turned consistency into a competitive moat that shields value and fuels repeat purchases.We sit down with BEEF contributors Clint Peck and Nevil Speer to brea...
2026-02-0609 min
ONE Health LiveShaping the poultry industry's next chapterThe ground beneath global poultry is shifting, and not just inside the barn. Fresh from the International Poultry Council meeting in Atlanta, we unpack how geopolitical tension, a fragmenting trade order, and transboundary diseases like avian influenza are rewriting the playbook for a sector that feeds billions. Joined by Richard Griffiths, CEO of the British Poultry Council and new IPC president, we explore what leadership looks like when the old rules no longer guarantee market access, predictability, or policy certainty.We dig into the realities behind food security, antimicrobial resistance, and biosecurity, connecting them through the One...
2026-01-2913 minBEEF BanterBeef prices, policy and powerPrices are rising, volumes are steady, and the message is unmistakable: beef demand is doing the heavy lifting. We open the new year by breaking down why fed cattle values remain strong even as carcass weights keep output near recent norms, what a potential 2027 peak could look like, and how heifer retention decisions may tighten supplies sooner than many expect. Rather than chase headlines or react to every policy flare-up, we lay out a clear approach to risk: define rules, manage emotion, and use tools that let you sleep at night when the screens get loud.We...
2026-01-1218 minONE Health LiveBreaking the lice lifecycle: Timing, treatment and total coverageWinter arrives, coats thicken, and lice populations tend to explode—quietly cutting gains, damaging hides, and even causing anemia. We sit down with Thach Winslow DVM, a veteran beef cattle veterinarian and technical consultant, to map out a clear, workable plan for winter lice control that protects herd health and the bottom line.We start by breaking down how lice survive summer heat in protected areas and why they surge as cattle “hair up.” Dr. Winslow explains the difference between chewing lice that irritate skin and sucking lice that draw blood and can debilitate animals, and he quanti...
2025-12-1016 minBEEF BanterInside the beef supply chain: Prices, packing plants and policyA sharp market slide can rattle confidence; a quick rebound tells a different story. We open with a clear-eyed look at fed and feeder cattle recovering into year-end, then zoom out to the production data that matters: billions of pounds moving through a system powered by strong consumer demand. Prices are firm not because shelves are empty, but because the eating experience keeps earning its premium.From there, BEEF Banter hosts Sarah Muirhead, Clint Peck and Nevil Speer tackle the headlines that shook the supply chain. Tyson’s Lexington, Neb., closure and reduced shifts in Amarillo raise re...
2025-12-0822 minONE Health LiveRethinking Avian Influenza risk: From biosecurity to vaccination and fair tradeHunger rises fastest when good intentions collide with bad rules. We sit down with Brazil’s poultry leader, Ricardo Santin, to unpack how a country at the heart of global protein supplies is navigating animal diseases, as avian influenza; biosecurity; vaccination, and fair trade—without pricing families out of a meal. Ricardo shares data on Brazil’s production scale in chicken, pork, and eggs, then walks us through the real-world costs of blanket trade bans. The science is clear: properly handled and cooked meat doesn’t spread avian influenza, yet many markets still shut their doors, driving up prices for the...
2025-11-2533 minBEEF BanterMarkets hold while policy noise growsStrong demand, softer futures, and a seasonal calf run—this week we untangle what’s signal and what’s noise across the beef supply chain. Sarah Muirhead sits down with BEEF contributors Clint Peck and Nevil Speer to map out where cash cattle and feeders actually stand, why corn’s recent firming matters for feedyard margins, and how to use futures or LRP to define downside while preserving upside when volatility spikes.We tackle the renewed call for a meatpacker investigation with a clear-eyed look at risk. The team explores how broad probes can unintentionally jam the supply c...
2025-11-1019 minONE Health LiveSmart preweaning, conditioning gets calves off to right startCalves don’t read the playbook, so we wrote one that actually works on the ground. We brought in Dr. Jeremi Wurtz, a beef cattle technical consultant and veterinarian with Elanco, to map out a clean, science-first path from the first sip of colostrum to a calm, productive post‑weaning period. The focus is simple: reduce stress, build immunity, and protect gains with choices that pay back in healthier calves and better margins.We start where lifetime health really begins—colostrum. You’ll hear why poor passive transfer can multiply BRD risk and how that early immunity shapes e...
2025-10-3013 minBEEF BanterBeef too expensive? Says who, with what calculatorA single hint of “we’re working a deal” sent futures skidding and producers asking what comes next. We pull back the curtain on why vague policy signals spark outsized volatility, what inflation-adjusted prices actually show about beef affordability, and how strong consumer demand continues to drive both retail aisles and restaurant menus. The headline might be “beef is too expensive,” but the underlying story is about uncertainty, incentives, and the long shadows cast by drought and credit.From there, we dig into herd dynamics that don’t bend to wishful thinking. Expansion takes time, water, and capital—and...
2025-10-2015 minONE Health LiveOne Health: Stronger herds, safer worldDisease keeps moving faster than our systems, but prevention can win if we line up science, policy, and delivery. We sit down with HealthforAnimals’ executive director Carel du Marchie Sarvaas to unpack what the global animal health industry is seeing on the front lines—from avian influenza behaving like an annual wrecking ball to the quiet progress of antimicrobial stewardship that rarely makes headlines. The throughline is simple and urgent: healthier herds and flocks mean steadier food supplies, lower emissions, and less pressure on hospitals, yet animal health receives a tiny sliver of funding compared to its impact....
2025-10-0923 minONE Health LiveBridging academia and government for global health securityDr. Abhijit Mitra, Vice Chancellor at DUVASU, Mathura, and former Animal Husbandry Commissioner of India, brings decades of experience at the intersection of government policy and academic research to this fascinating conversation about One Health implementation in the world's most populous nation.The discussion reveals how India—home to 1.4 billion people and 300 million bovine —approaches the critical connection between animal, human, and environmental health. Dr. Mitra shares his success story of securing a $25 million grant from the G20 pandemic fund to strengthen animal health security, demonstrating how strategic government investment can protect global health.A recu...
2025-09-2529 minBEEF BanterPotential government incentives for heifer retention?America's beef industry continues to ride an extraordinary wave of prosperity, marking 238 consecutive weeks of better prices year-over-year since March 2021. Fed cattle prices hover around $240, while feeder cattle values have skyrocketed to approximately $360 per hundredweight—representing a staggering $1,000 more per head than just twelve months ago. This price explosion has dramatically increased the equity requirements for cattle feeders, with a 50,000-head operation now needing an additional $50 million just to purchase feeder cattle.Despite these higher prices, consumer enthusiasm for beef remains remarkably robust. Recent data shows beef volume up 5.7% and dollar sales up 12.5% through August, substantially outperforming bo...
2025-09-2524 minONE Health LiveWeaning time: Managing endotoxin load for better calf healthEver wonder why calves struggle a bit after vaccination? The culprit might be hidden in plain sight: endotoxin load.Dr. Brett Terhaar, Beef Technical Consultant with Elanco Animal Health, dives deep into this often-overlooked aspect of cattle vaccination protocols. He explains that gram-negative bacterial vaccines—those used for respiratory diseases, pinkeye, and other common cattle ailments—naturally contain endotoxins that signal the immune system. While some immune stimulation is necessary, the cumulative effect of multiple vaccines administered simultaneously can overwhelm calves, especially during already stressful periods like weaning.The discussion takes a fascinating turn when Dr...
2025-09-1814 minONE Health LiveFrom lab to label: The decade-long journey of animal health productsHave you ever wondered why it takes so long to bring a new animal health product to market? Dr. Ron Tessman, Beef Cattle Technical Consultant with Elanco Animal Health, pulls back the curtain on the extensive research and development process that ensures the medications your livestock receive are both safe and effective.What appears on the surface as a straightforward product development cycle actually represents an intensive scientific journey spanning over a decade. Dr. Tessman reveals that while the industry standard suggests 8-10 years for FDA-regulated food animal products, his personal experience shows most take 12+ years before...
2025-08-2816 minBEEF BanterDo better prices mean more risk for the beef sector?Beef markets are soaring to unprecedented heights. The choice cutout recently closed above $400 - a genuine milestone that marks the first time we've crossed this threshold outside of COVID-19's chaotic market disruptions. This remarkable achievement isn't just a number; it's a testament to unwavering consumer demand for beef despite premium prices.With fed steers averaging nearly $245 and feeder cattle indices hitting $350, producers across the industry are experiencing a golden moment. However, as our market expert Nevil Speer emphasizes, "better prices mean more risk." The current rally presents both opportunity and challenge. While enjoying record returns, savvy...
2025-08-2520 minONE Health LiveThe vaccine dilemma: Tackling avian influenza on a global basisAvian influenza has become endemic worldwide, threatening poultry production, food security, and potentially human health. While biosecurity remains essential, vaccination offers a powerful complementary tool that deserves serious consideration.Birthe Steenberg, CEO of AVEC (European Poultry Association), brings remarkable insights from Europe's pioneering vaccination efforts. She highlights France's groundbreaking program that vaccinated over 60 million ducks and achieved a stunning 90% reduction in outbreaks. This success story demonstrates that targeted vaccination, properly implemented with robust surveillance, can dramatically reduce disease spread without compromising safety.The conversation delves into practical considerations like species-specific approaches (why ducks and layers...
2025-08-2117 minONE Health LiveDairy to poultry: Tracking avian influenza's pathUntangling the mysterious transmission of avian influenza between dairy cattle and poultry stands as one of today's most pressing One Health challenges. Two researchers from The Ohio State University, Dr. Scott Kenney and PhD candidate Carolyn Lee, take us deep into their research in this area.Their research reveals that just 10 viral particles can establish an infection in dairy cattle, multiplying to 700 billion particles in milk within mere days. As Dr. Kenney explains, a single infected dairy herd could theoretically produce enough virus "to kill every chicken in the world 17 million times." These astronomical quantities help explain...
2025-07-3020 minBEEF BanterWolf wars and wallet wonders: Beef's modern balancing actA remarkable resilience characterizes today's beef market, with fed cattle trading around $235 and calves selling at unprecedented prices approaching $2,200 per head. Behind these impressive numbers lies a fundamental story of demand rather than mere consumption. The beef industry has successfully expanded the entire economic pie through unwavering focus on consumer preferences and quality consistency. This 40-year journey to improve production systems has eliminated what was once a competitive disadvantage against pork and poultry, creating eating experiences that consumers actively seek and willingly pay premium prices to enjoy repeatedly.Recent research from Michigan State University raises p...
2025-07-2122 minBEEF BanterBEEF Banter Podcast: Markets, carcass values and methane madnessRecord-breaking prices continue to define the beef market landscape as producers and industry insiders navigate unprecedented territory. The latest fed cattle average hit $235/cwt—a figure never before seen in the industry and running $40 ahead of last year's already strong prices. Despite this remarkable rally, fed beef production through May reached 9.2 billion pounds, the fourth highest on record, contradicting simplified narratives about supply shortages.Behind these numbers lies a fascinating story of adaptation and resilience, and consumer demand that shows remarkable strength with minimal price resistance. Ground beef continues its meteoric rise in popularity, absorbing increased fat tr...
2025-06-2617 minONE Health LiveBeyond borders: Animal disease and global food securityWhat happens when the world's most traded meat faces a potential unprecedented global health crisis? The International Poultry Council's Secretary General Nicolo Cinotti joins hosts Sarah Muirhead and Dennis Erpelding to tackle the complex intersection of avian influenza, international trade, and food security. The conversation delves deep into the critical role of the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) in establishing science-based standards that enable safe global trade while protecting animal health. Founded in 1924—predating even the World Health Organization—WOAH provides the regulatory framework that underpins international poultry commerce and disease control efforts worldwide.Vacci...
2025-06-1915 minONE Health LiveEvolving role of veterinarians in beef cattle nutritionVeterinarians are finding themselves at a fascinating crossroads where animal health meets nutrition science. Dr. Sara Linneen, Beef Technical Consultant with Elanco, dives into this evolving landscape where veterinarians are increasingly becoming trusted advisors on cattle nutrition, especially in cow-calf operations where dedicated nutritionists may be scarce.The conversation reveals practical approaches to answering common nutritional questions that veterinarians face. Dr. Linneen walks through the step-by-step process of determining cattle nutrient requirements using cooperative extension resources, then calculating actual nutrient delivery by analyzing feed composition and intake. Her mathematical approach transforms complex nutritional concepts into actionable insights...
2025-05-2912 minBEEF BanterTrade truths: Australia, politics, and the economics of beefThe cattle market is shattering records with prices around $230 - nearly $40 better than last year - despite increased production volumes. This unprecedented four-year bull run has veterans of the industry struggling to find historical comparisons, with the market staying above year-ago levels for 216 out of 220 consecutive weeks.Choice cutouts recently hit $360, a figure only surpassed during brief spikes during COVID. "In the middle of all this economic uncertainty and noise in the news, consumers are buying beef. It's really a remarkable story," notes Nevil Speer. This robust demand ripples throughout the supply chain, supporting strong prices while...
2025-05-2722 minONE Health LiveOne Health Approach: Pork industry prepares for H5N1The specter of H5N1 virus hangs over U.S. agriculture, but the pork industry isn't waiting to take action. Following a recent detection in pigs on a small Oregon homestead farm, livestock organizations are mobilizing to prepare for potential spread through a collaborative, science-driven approach.Dr. Heather Fowler and Dr. Marisa Rotolo from the National Pork Board reveal how the industry is developing a comprehensive H5N1 response plan through collaboration. Their work bridges the National Pork Producers Council, Swine Health Information Center, American Association of Swine Veterinarians, and the Meat Institute to create unified protocols...
2025-05-2215 minONE Health LiveAvian influenza, dairy cows, and human risk: A One Health perspectiveAvian influenza has transformed from a periodic poultry concern into a persistent global health threat that crosses species barriers with alarming versatility. In this illuminating conversation, veterinary pathologist Dr. David Swayne draws upon his 38 years of experience to reveal how the current H5N1 virus has fundamentally changed since emerging in 1996.The virus we face today is unlike its predecessors. Where once avian influenza would disappear seasonally, this lineage maintains year-round transmission cycles in wild bird populations before spilling over into poultry and even some mammals. Dr. Swayne walks ONE Health Live hosts Sarah Muirhead and Dennis...
2025-05-1625 minBEEF BanterBEEF Banter Podcast: Inside the economics of today's cattle marketThe cattle markets show remarkable resilience despite significant international trade challenges, according to BEEF's Clint Peck and Nevil Speer in our inaugural Beef Banter podcast. Fed cattle continue trading steadily around $211-$212 even as exports to China have disappeared – a loss representing approximately $60 per head compared to last year.As Speer notes, "This is not grandpa's game anymore," with fed steers worth approximately $3,000 each.Our conversation challenges some persistent industry myths, particularly regarding imported beef. Peck, drawing from his experience as Montana's Beef Quality Assurance Program director, emphasizes that quality encompasses both eating characteristics and sa...
2025-04-2827 min
Feedstuffs in FocusBeyond average daily gain: The true path to cattle profitabilityCattle producers often turn to average daily gain, feed conversion or reproduction when targeting improved efficiency but while they all have a place, a focus on feed efficiency traits is critical as it zeroes in on both the cost of feed and the value of gain.Jason Osterstock, Chief Science Officer at Vytelle, joins Sarah Muirhead to explore how data-driven approaches are transforming herd management decisions. Rather than relying solely on conventional measures like average daily gain or feed conversion, forward-thinking producers are harnessing sophisticated analytics to identify animals with superior efficiency traits. These insights enable more...
2025-04-1707 min
Feedstuffs Pork Nation PodcastSow nutrition and gilt development among highlights of Midwest ASASWelcome to Feedstuffs Pork Nation, where we dig deep and get to the heart of the issues affecting the pork industry. Your hosts for this episode are Mark Hulsebus of Alltech and myself, Sarah Muirhead. Joining us to provide insights on topics, trends and conversations from this year’s Midwest Animal Science meeting is Dr. Henrique Cemin, Senior Swine Nutritionist with Alltech. Topics we address are that of sow nutrition and gilt development as well as what it will take to bring down industry walls to get veterinarians, nutritionists and the production industry to work toge...
2025-04-0316 min
Feedstuffs Pork Nation PodcastPRRS-resistant pigs set to improve pig health and productivityPorcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is a highly contagious viral disease that affects pigs, causing significant economic losses. Gene editing technology has been used to develop pigs that are resistant to PRRS and that technology is currently making its way through regulatory approval in several countries. Dr. Lindsay Case, Director, Product Sustainability and New Product Commercialization with Pig Improvement Company (PIC) - North America, joins us on this episode of Feedstuffs Pork Nation to share with hosts Mark Hulsebus of Alltech and Sarah Muirhead:How gene editing creates resistanceThe benefits of PRRS-resistant pigsHow genetic engineering di...
2025-02-2819 min
Feedstuffs in FocusSPECIAL REPORT: US Swine Health Improvement Plan focused on bettering animal healthThe US Swine Health Improvement Plan (US SHIP) is a platform created to safeguard, certify and better animal health for the 21st Century US pork industry. It’s a program modelled after the National Poultry Improvement Plan. Where is US SHIP currently at when it comes to feed biosecurity? What’s ahead in the development of this industry critical strategy?Feedstuffs Pork Nation is brought to you by Alltech. Alltech delivers smarter, more sustainable solutions for agriculture through a diverse portfolio of products and services. Contact the Alltech Pork Team or visit go.alltech.com/swine...
2024-10-1925 min
Feedstuffs Pork Nation PodcastUS Swine Health Improvement Plan focused on bettering animal healthThe US Swine Health Improvement Plan (US SHIP) is a platform created to safeguard, certify and better animal health for the 21st Century US pork industry. It’s a program modelled after the National Poultry Improvement Plan. Where is US SHIP currently at when it comes to feed biosecurity? What’s ahead in the development of this industry critical strategy?Feedstuffs Pork Nation is brought to you by Alltech. Alltech delivers smarter, more sustainable solutions for agriculture through a diverse portfolio of products and services. Contact the Alltech Pork Team or visit go.alltech.com/swine...
2024-10-1925 min
Feedstuffs Pork Nation PodcastAre we better off in a world without cows?With unique access to those on the frontlines of agriculture and science, two filmmakers set out on an incredible journey around the world to find out the answer to the question of whether we would be better off in a world without cows. Through conversations with experts in environmental and agricultural science, they examined the real impact of cows on our world: their cultural and economic significance, their role in nourishing the world and their impact on climate. As Alltech CEO and President Mark Lyons explains on this episode of Feedstuffs Pork Nationa, the answer is far from simple. Wh...
2024-08-1418 min
Feedstuffs Pork Nation PodcastGlobal trade, domestic policy: What's at stake for pork industryThere is no denying the importance of global trade and world markets when it comes to the protein sector. That being so, what does the lack of U.S. participation in trade agreements mean for the America’s pork industry. What about regulations like Prop 12 in California that essentially limit the incentive for others to trade with America? We dig in today to talk exports and world trade. Hosts for this episode of Feedstuffs Pork Nation are Sarah Muirhead of Feedstuffs and Mark Hulsebus of Alltech. Maria Zeiba, Vice President of Government Affairs for the National Pork Pro...
2024-07-0333 min
Feedstuffs Pork Nation PodcastDemand, crop prospects, global geopolitics: What's ahead?What are the current US crop prospects given weather and field conditions and what might that mean from a cost of feeding standpoint for hog US producers in the remainder of 2024? What might pork demand in general look like?Lots of what ifs, but also lots of good news. Hosts for this episode of Feedstuffs Pork Nation are Sarah Muirhead of Feedstuffs and Mark Hulsebus of Alltech. Joe Kerns of Ever.ag and Partners for Production Agriculture, joins as their guest to give an update on the market factors currently at play for the grain a...
2024-05-0920 min
Feedstuffs in FocusSPECIAL REPORT: Global pork and food demand amidst rapidly changing demographicsGlobal demographics are rapidly changing. Global population is rapidly shifting. Countries like China are ramping up pork production. What about the aging of the population in general and how might that impact demand for pork products in the future? It is no longer about how we feed the world but rather what does the world want from us.Hosts for this episode are Sarah Muirhead of Feedstuffs and Mark Huslebus of Alltech. Todd Thurman, President of Swine Insights International, joins as their guest. Thurman spends a lot of time in China and other international markets and shares...
2024-04-1825 min
Feedstuffs Pork Nation PodcastGlobal pork and food demand amidst rapidly changing demographicsGlobal demographics are rapidly changing. Global population is rapidly shifting. Countries like China are ramping up pork production. What about the aging of the population in general and how might that impact demand for pork products in the future? It is no longer about how we feed the world but rather what does the world want from us.Hosts for this episode are Sarah Muirhead of Feedstuffs and Mark Huslebus of Alltech. Todd Thurman, President of Swine Insights International, joins as their guest. Thurman spends a lot of time in China and other international markets and shares...
2024-04-1125 min
Feedstuffs Pork Nation PodcastPigs are easy to manage; people are hardIn the pork industry, pigs are easy and people are hard. It’s true. The pig will do what it’s supposed to do without a lot of oversight but people working in a production unit thrive when given direction and made to feel that they are in a career and making a difference in their community.Your hosts for this episode are myself, Sarah Muirhead, and Mark Hulsebus of Alltech. We are joined by Twyla Stevens, Chief Human Resources Officer for Carthage System. Twyla is an experienced manager and developer of talent in various industries and in h...
2024-03-1823 min
Feedstuffs Pork Nation PodcastWhat's on the pork industry's radar? New opportunities perhaps?Welcome to Pork Nation Podcast, our podcast where we dig into the topics of interest and importance to the hog industry. Our goal is to take that slightly different look at the issues and dig a bit deeper to give you a more complete understanding of why things are as they are and what we as an industry need to be thinking about. Your hosts in this first episode are Feedstuffs' Sarah Muirhead along with Mark Huslebus of Alltech. They kickoff Pork Nation Podcast with special guest Lori Stevermer, NPPC’s President Elect, to discuss what may be o...
2024-02-1917 min
Feedstuffs Pork NationWhat's on the pork industry's radar? New opportunities perhaps?Welcome to Pork Nation Podcast, our podcast where we dig into the topics of interest and importance to the hog industry. Our goal is to take that slightly different look at the issues and dig a bit deeper to give you a more complete understanding of why things are as they are and what we as an industry need to be thinking about. Your hosts in this first episode are Feedstuffs' Sarah Muirhead along with Mark Huslebus of Alltech. They kickoff Pork Nation Podcast with special guest Lori Stevermer, NPPC’s President Elect, to discuss what may be o...
2024-02-1917 min
Feedstuffs in FocusHatchability remains major industry challengeThe U.S. in recent years has seen some of the worst hatchability numbers since the late 1980s. The U.S. Department of Agriculture in January 2024 reported average hatchability at 79.6%. There are many factors in play, in the barn and the hatchery, that can impact hatchability. Some blame poor fertility and embryo mortality, while others consider more management-related issues. Regardless, the cause of this phenomenon is unclear.Until a firm cause is discovered and addressed, what can producers do to support hatchability and better ensure those chicks make it onto dinner plates? Joining Fee...
2024-02-0208 min
Feedstuffs in FocusIPPE: Eleven football fields of solutions and educational offeringsThe International Production & Processing Expo, also known as IPPE, is held annually in Atlanta, Ga. This year’s event is set for Jan. 30-Feb. 1 and will offer the largest trade show floor space ever and more than 80 hours of dynamic education sessions focused on current industry issues. Joining Feedstuffs editor Sarah Muirhead in this episode of Feedstuffs in Focus to talk about IPPE and everything it has to offer this year’s attendees is Sarah Novak, chief operating officer of the American Feed Industry Assn. AFIA is one of the hosting organizations of IPPE.This episode...
2024-01-1814 min
Feedstuffs in FocusUnveiling economic challenges, investing in pork demand solutionsThe National Pork Board collaborates with third-party experts to analyze both micro and macro-economic implications related to the challenging business landscape that American pig farmers confront. Accordingly, NPB’s producer-led board of directors allocates Pork Checkoff funds judiciously, focusing on short- and long-term demand creation strategies to enhance the value of pork and overcome barriers to consumption. Joining Feedstuffs in Focus host Sarah Muirhead to discuss the hog industry's current economic challenges and demand growth for pork are Dr. Steve Meyer, economist with Partners for Production Agriculture, and Bill Even, CEO of the National Pork Board.
2024-01-1228 min
Feedstuffs in FocusRobust, full-value pigs offer profitability advantageToday's hog market is challenging, making profitability even more critical. Under such conditions, robust, full-value pigs can make all the difference. So how best to navigate to ensure your herd has the advantage of profitability? Joining Feedstuffs editor Sarah Muirhead to talk pig survivability and efficiency among the TN Duroc line is Matt Schulte, meat scientist with Topigs Norsvin. Among other things, Matt shares details of a recently completed experimental study that looked specifically at how several Duroc lines stack up. This episode of Feedstuffs in Focus is sponsored byTopigs Norsvin. Swine genetics company Topigs Norsvi...
2023-12-2810 min
Feedstuffs in FocusTrust your tools and third parties to cultivate confidenceThere are businesses and organizations with advice, leadership and tools available to be a third-party in difficult situations. In this episode, Feedstuffs' Sarah Muirhead talks with Mary Preisler, program director, Farmer Lender Mediation Program, based in Minnesota, and Eric Osterhaus, lead advisor and firm principal with Pinion. Among other things, the strive to instill hope within the agricultural community amidst challenging times—whether those challenges are financial, familial or otherwise. Though the information presented may encompass a broad spectrum, it is encouraged to pursue tailored support for individual business needs and explore mediation options specific to y...
2023-12-2119 min
Feedstuffs in FocusSupporting sows and swine producers post-Prop 12California’s Proposition 12, which restricts gestation crate usage and requires 24 square feet of space per sow, has been a hot topic of conversation in swine circles since the Supreme Court upheld the law earlier this year. While some producers swear they won’t make the change on their farms, other states are following in California’s steps. A similar law approved by Massachusetts voters in 2016 will finally go into effect this year, and recently New Jersey unanimously passed a similar law, making it the 11th state to implement such regulations.The new laws ultimately force producers to expand...
2023-11-0218 min
Feedstuffs in FocusSpecial Report: Practical ways to handle the most expensive swine pathogenProduction costs continue to climb across the swine industry, and the health costs associated with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome only make it worse. PRRS is estimated to cost the industry $1.8 million per day.Host Sarah Muirhead talks with Dr. Katie Coleman from Iowa Select Farms to discuss how Iowa Select reduced PRRS incidence by more than 90% in affected barns, without building new barns in a swine-dense area. They discuss: Costs of PRRS to a systemA specific type of filtration addition that didn’t require a new barn buildTimeline necessary for modifications and culture shif...
2023-10-2611 min
Feedstuffs Swine HealthlinePractical ways to handle the most expensive swine pathogenProduction costs continue to climb across the swine industry, and the health costs associated with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome only make it worse. PRRS is estimated to cost the industry $1.8 million per day.Host Sarah Muirhead talks with Dr. Katie Coleman from Iowa Select Farms to discuss how Iowa Select reduced PRRS incidence by more than 90% in affected barns, without building new barns in a swine-dense area. They discuss: Costs of PRRS to a systemA specific type of filtration addition that didn’t require a new barn buildTimeline necessary for modifications and culture shif...
2023-10-2511 min
Feedstuffs in FocusSpecial Report: Emerging diseases: SapovirusThere are plenty of diseases that can affect a production system, but what happens when the standard culprits don’t show up on a diagnostics test? Host Sarah Muirhead sits down with Dr. Tom Petznick of ArkCare to discuss lessons learned in uncovering and controlling porcine sapovirus.They discuss: Realizing he was dealing with a new challengeNext generation gene sequencingTreatments for a little known virusThe costs of sapovirus to a systemLessons learned from a sneaky virusDr. Petznick, veterinarian at ArkCare, has been practicing swine veterinary medicine for 25 years and is this year’s Alle...
2023-10-2017 min
Feedstuffs Swine HealthlineEmerging diseases: SapovirusThere are plenty of diseases that can affect a production system, but what happens when the standard culprits don’t show up on a diagnostics test? Host Sarah Muirhead sits down with Dr. Tom Petznick of ArkCare to discuss lessons learned in uncovering and controlling porcine sapovirus.They discuss: Realizing he was dealing with a new challengeNext generation gene sequencingTreatments for a little known virusThe costs of sapovirus to a systemLessons learned from a sneaky virusDr. Petznick, veterinarian at ArkCare, has been practicing swine veterinary medicine for 25 years and is this year’s Alle...
2023-10-1817 min
Feedstuffs in FocusSpecial Report: Lawsonia: Silent robbers of feed“There is no such thing as normal diarrhea.” This comes from someone who has dedicated nearly 40 years to controlling and establishing immunity to ileitis, a leading cause of diarrhea in pigs. Host Sarah Muirhead speaks with Dr. Nate Winkelman from Swine Services Unlimited about practical strategies and lessons learned for controlling Lawsonia.They discuss: Costs of Lawsonia to a systemWhy ileitis is so endemic in the swine industryTypes of diagnosis and treatmentsThe future of ileitis controlThis podcast is one of a four-part series on controlling costs through herd health, which is brought to you...
2023-10-1217 min
Feedstuffs Swine HealthlineLawsonia: Silent robbers of feed“There is no such thing as normal diarrhea.” This comes from someone who has dedicated nearly 40 years to controlling and establishing immunity to ileitis, a leading cause of diarrhea in pigs. Host Sarah Muirhead speaks with Dr. Nate Winkelman from Swine Services Unlimited about practical strategies and lessons learned for controlling Lawsonia.They discuss: Costs of Lawsonia to a systemWhy ileitis is so endemic in the swine industryTypes of diagnosis and treatmentsThe future of ileitis controlThis podcast is one of a four-part series on controlling costs through herd health, which is brought to you...
2023-10-1117 min
Feedstuffs in FocusSpecial Report: Mycoplasma knocks down ADG and secondary cull marketsIn an industry where health challenges can determine the difference between profitability and loss, why not eliminate a challenge when you can? Host Sarah Muirhead sits down with Dr. Amy Maschhoff from The Maschhoffs LLC System to discuss practical strategies, lessons and benefits seen from eliminating M. Hyo, a common cause of coinfections.They discuss: Costs of mycoplasma to a systemLessons learned from eliminating the diseaseBenefits to the production system as a wholeBackup plans if the original elimination plan doesn’t workFuture opportunitiesDr. Amy Maschhoff is the director of health and animal care...
2023-10-0413 min
Feedstuffs Swine HealthlineMycoplasma knocks down ADG and secondary cull marketsIn an industry where health challenges can determine the difference between profitability and loss, why not eliminate a challenge when you can? Host Sarah Muirhead sits down with Dr. Amy Maschhoff from The Maschhoffs LLC System to discuss practical strategies, lessons and benefits seen from eliminating M. Hyo, a common cause of coinfections.They discuss: Costs of mycoplasma to a systemLessons learned from eliminating the diseaseBenefits to the production system as a wholeBackup plans if the original elimination plan doesn’t workFuture opportunitiesDr. Amy Maschhoff is the director of health and animal care...
2023-10-0413 min
Feedstuffs in FocusThe soybean meal NE value conundrumIn this episode, host Sarah Muirhead talks with Dr. R.Dean Boyd and Dr. Aaron Gaines about establishing reliable net energy (NE) values for soybean meal (SBM) in commercial growing and finishing swine diets. Boyd and Gaines are the authors of a recently published Feedstuffs article, “Soybean meal NE value for growing pigs is greater in commercial environments.”Typically, academic research facilities lack pathogen and/or environmental stressors that are encountered in commercial barns, which typically house 1000 pigs or more per room. The authors discuss how the apparent difference in NE estimates between academic and commercial environments are d...
2023-09-0719 min
A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To My Life® with Laura MuirheadEP 30 - Sarah Brown Haté - A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To My Life®Sarah Brown Haté joins host Laura Muirhead on this episode of A Funny Thing Happened On the Way To My Life®. Listen in as Sarah shares how a slipped disc in her spine challenged her to heal, reclaim her inner power, and change the direction of her professional life. Sarah Brown Haté is your SOUL Connection Healer and Mentor and also a teacher, coach, author, speaker and nurturer, creating a safe and empathetic space for sensitive, emotive people who feel like outsiders, to show them the way to get to the root of what’s stopping them from m...
2023-04-0555 min
Agriculture of AmericaThursday AOA 1-26-2023Thursday's AOA began with Sarah Muirhead, Editor of Feedstuffs magazine, providing an update from the show floor at IPPE in Atlanta, GA where HPAI and ASF were hot topics of discussion. In segment 2, Sigrid Johannes, Associate Director of the Public Lands Council, updated listeners on the newest lawsuit against the Biden Administration - this time, against the listing of the Lesser Prairie Chicken as Endangered. In segment 3, Arlan Suderman, Chief Commodities Economist with Stone X provided an update on the ag markets in light of the new economic data, and we closed the show with Jacqueline Holland, Grain Markets...
2023-01-2653 min
Feedstuffs in FocusDiscussing PRRS and Senecavirus with Scott DeeViral diseases are a top-of-mind concern for the U.S. livestock industry, and perhaps most especially in the swine business. Experts recently gathered in downtown Chicago at the North American PRRS Symposium to discuss topics ranging from virus transmission and biosecurity to specific concerns about senecavirus.Scott Dee is director of research at Pipestone Applied Research. Dee is one of the leading voices on the topics of disease transmission, and has conducted considerable research in the areas of viral transport and transmission in feed, feed biosecurity, and on-farm antimicrobial resistance.During the conference, he spoke...
2022-12-0910 min
Feedstuffs in FocusVolatility is name of game in grain marketsCommodities are often referred to as a “hedge against inflation” in the financial markets. With inflation at generational highs, what is the outlook for agricultural commodities – particularly feed grains – as harvest gets underway?Prices are always a hot topic in agricultural circles, and they were certainly on the minds of many farmers attending the Farm Progress Show in late August. Feedstuffs editor Sarah Muirhead spoke with a pair of analysts from Rabo AgriFinance to get to the bottom of what the industry should expect as combines start rolling in earnest later this month. Sarah spoke first with...
2022-09-0912 min
Feedstuffs in FocusLabeling, regulation key to novel food ingredientsInnovation is a given in the food industry as companies look for new ways to meet the always changing demands of consumers. Our Sarah Muirhead was on the trade show floor in Chicago this past week at IFT First to learn about some of the products that are under development and to talk with the experts involved in moving new products from concept to the dinner table. One of the experts she caught up with was Dr. Ray Matulka with the Burdock Group, who provided insight into food regulation and labeling on novel food ingredients and processes, i...
2022-07-1509 min
Feedstuffs in FocusInside Washington from a beef industry perspectiveTo say that we live in interesting times, from an agricultural policy standpoint, might border on understatement. The regulatory, political, and trade environment in the animal agriculture space has rarely been more fraught. What does that mean for the feed and livestock industries? We’ll find out in this edition of Feedstuffs In Focus. Earlier this week as part of The Virtual BEEF Experience, an online event hosted by our sister publication BEEF, Feedstuffs editor Sarah Muirhead sat down with Farm Progress policy editor Jacqui Fatka for a rundown of some of the biggest topics facing livestock pro...
2022-05-2027 min
Feedstuffs in FocusIs long-term growth in the agricultural equipment market sustainable?Despite strong growth in both the agriculture and construction sectors over the past 18 months, fewer equipment companies are optimistic about that growth trend continuing in 2022, particularly given the ongoing issues with inflation, workforce shortages and supply chain disruptions. With costs on the rise across the manufacturing and logistics sectors, is long-term growth in agricultural equipment sustainable?Benjamin Duyck is the director of market intelligence for the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, an organization representing more than 1,000 North American construction and agriculture equipment manufacturers and their value chain partners. Duyck spoke with Feedstuffs editor Sarah Muirhead about what his...
2022-03-1118 min
Feedstuffs in FocusVaccine mandates and OSHA: What you need to knowAfter the Supreme Court ruled that the Biden Administration had overstepped its authority in mandating COVID-19 vaccination for businesses, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration withdrew its vaccine and testing rules. So where does that leave private employers, and do feed manufacturers and large livestock operations have any regulatory responsibilities with regard to the ongoing pandemic?Earlier this week via Feedstuffs 365, Feedstuffs editor Sarah Muirhead spoke with Garry Huddleston, director of feed manufacturing and regulatory affairs at the American Feed Industry Association, about the scuttled vaccine mandates and what employers in the industry need to know. Huddleston...
2022-02-1124 min
Feedstuffs in FocusPlant-to-plate: Plant-based market offers new premium opportunitiesThe plant-based market continues to grow, particularly in the human and pet sectors. Along with that growth new premium market opportunities for soybean growers are emerging.In this segment, Feedstuffs editor Sarah Muirhead catches up with Bruce Bennett, president of ingredients at Benson Hill, to talk about those market opportunities in general as well as the things the company is doing to expand the processing side of its business needed to allow for identity preservation.This episode is sponsored by Novus International, Inc. — a leader in poultry, dairy and swine nutrition solutions driven by science. No...
2022-01-0710 min
Feedstuffs in FocusHonoring a legacy of service to the hog industryThe National Pork Industry Foundation has announced the Neil Dierks Scholarship, created to support students seeking a graduate degree, in a field related to the pork industry, at a land grant university. As CEO of the National Pork Producers Council for more than 30 years, Neil Dierks devoted himself to U.S. pork producers’ well-being. His 2021 retirement created an opportunity to honor his contribution to the US pork industry and legacy as a leader, while carrying on his passion of equipping the next generation of pork industry leaders.Joining Feedstuffs editor Sarah Muirhead to reflect on his...
2021-12-0911 min
Feedstuffs in FocusRecruiting, retaining employees: Tips you can use“Help Wanted” signs seem to hang in the window of every business in America these days, and the labor shortage is a frequent topic of discussion on the nightly news. How has the pandemic changed the job market for companies in the essential industries of animal agriculture and construction? In this episode we talk about the challenges employers face in the agriculture industry, and the outlook for recruiting and retaining employees in the new year. Kasey Sheldon of the Bahler Management Group is a specialist in talent acquisition; she joins Feedstuffs editor Sarah Muirhead to provide some insig...
2021-12-0320 min
Feedstuffs in FocusConsequences of their choices need conveying to consumersStanding at the intersection of nutrition, technology, science, policy, and consumer values is our food system. It’s a complex system that consistently delivers a safe and affordable food supply with a dizzying array of choices to fit a growing list of customer needs and wants.With families across the country gathering around the table to break bread and give thanks this week, let’s take a moment to ponder the future of that ever-evolving system and what that future holds for those involved in the industry.During a recent animal welfare symposium in Orlando, Flor...
2021-11-2613 min
Pull the PlugPTP 369 - November 25, 2021 - John Muirhead, Best R&B Artists, and Soul ColourPull the Plug interviews Canadian musician John Muirhead, and discusses great R&B artists, as well as discovering our soul colour through our food choices.Show NotesOpening- London’s Rock the ParkTraveller by John MuirheadJohn Muirhead- John’s Website- Buy some John Muirhead merch!- John Muirhead on Spotify- John Muirhead on Apple MusicTwo Shots by John MuirheadRanker- The Best...
2021-11-251h 18
Feedstuffs in FocusAdvancing animal agriculture together: What will it take?Animal welfare has long been a topic of discussion, and even some debate, across the food sector and within agriculture but when both sectors can come together to discuss moving forward, it’s a powerful thing.That is exactly what took place this week in Orlando, Fla., and Feedstuffs editor Sarah Muirhead was on hand and had the opportunity to catch up with symposium organizer Angela Baysinger, DVM, MS, MSc, North America Animal Welfare Lead on Merck Animal Health’s Veterinary & Consumer Affairs Team. In this week’s episode, they discuss the key learnings and takeawa...
2021-11-1913 min
Feedstuffs in FocusRegenerative farming and the future of the meat industryThe term “regenerative agriculture” has become more commonly discussed in recent years, but like many new terms – and like many oft-repeated buzzwords in agriculture and food marketing – it may not be well understood by most people, or even well-defined in general. What does regenerative agriculture mean, and what role does regenerative farming play in the future of the meat industry?In this episode we talk with Robby Sansom, the co-founder of Force of Nature, a regeneratively-sourced meat company, and from Curt Covington, senior director of AgAmerica Lending. Feedstuffs editor Sarah Muirhead talked with Sansom and Covington during a recent...
2021-10-2230 min
Feedstuffs in FocusPathways to Dairy Net Zero climate initiative garners global supportAchieving something known as net zero – in other words, balancing the amount of greenhouse gas produced by an activity and the amount removed from the atmosphere – is a key focus of leaders in the global livestock industry and among food manufacturers and retailers. What will it take to achieve net zero, and how will the effort affect food production and consumption around the globe?Pathways to Dairy Net Zero, a ground-breaking new climate initiative, has launched with some 40 leading organizations, including 11 of the 20 largest dairy companies in the world, declaring their support for the effort. Collectively, these suppor...
2021-10-1521 min
Feedstuffs in FocusOptimizing nutrient management while decreasing greenhouse gas emissionsEnTech Solutions has formed a joint venture with Northern Biogas LLC aimed at providing a sustainable energy future utilizing local agriculture, specifically dairy waste. Recently, EnTech added to its clean energy solutions portfolio an active biogas facility in the Middleton, Wis. Utilizing anaerobic digestion, the facility turns organic waste from local dairy farms into renewable energy. Feedstuffs editor Sarah Muirhead toured the facility on her way to World Dairy Expo to learn more about the facility and the benefits it offers to local dairy producers as well as the regional ecosystem through the utilization of advanced filtration t...
2021-10-0810 min