pigs

The USDA’s quarterly report on hogs and pigs shows an increase of about two percent in the number of head with a new quarterly record, and farrowing was also up two percent.   Shayle Shagam, USDA Livestock Analyst said there’s a good reason.   “Throug...

It was ten years ago that California passed cage-free laws for chickens, thanks to a campaign from the Humane Society of the U.S.  Another HSUS-backed ballot initiative could go before California voters in 2018.  The Sacramento Bee says the proposed “Prevention of Cruelty to Farm Animals Act” would set new rules for cage-free hens as well as set some strict limits on the confinement of calves and

Pork producers in Washington have been on high alert after two disease outbreaks, including Porcine Delta Coronavirus for the first time ever in the state followed by Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome, or PRRS.   WSU Extension’s Sarah Smith said the symptoms for the Coronavirus are similar to PED.   “...

As pork production changes and pigs are housed, not individually but in groups, researchers at UC Davis are now researching how to tell what kind of personality a pig might have and whether or not it will thrive or suffer in a group setting...

The quarterly look at hogs and pigs by the USDA showed record inventory for March 1st since the USDA began keeping records in the 1970s.   Livestock Analyst Shayle Shagam said that could mean a rough time for prices though.   “Even with relatively moderate grain prices, producer margins probably be squeezed and that may be part of the reason why when you move into their intentions for production i

The USDA released their latest Hogs and Pigs report last week and it showed a four percent increase over last year, and a new record high for 2016.   Purdue Economist Chris Hurt said even with record totals, the slaughter numbers can keep packing capacity from overflowing.  ...