African swine fever requires action during National Pork Month

Oct 23, 2023

As we celebrate National Pork Month in October, we need to recognize the importance of protecting U.S. pigs from a foreign animal disease. According to an Iowa State University study, an African swine fever outbreak in this country could cost the U.S. pork industry more than $75 billion over 10 years. Other agricultural sectors also would suffer as feed grain use would decline and livestock employment would fall. Pork exports valued at $7.7 billion in 2022 would stop, forcing farmers out of business.

This topic is especially timely, given ongoing negotiations with the 2023 Farm Bill and proactive efforts underway by U.S. pork producers to strengthen the nation’s swine traceability standards.

It’s vital that lawmakers prioritize funding in the 2023 Farm Bill for prevention and preparedness efforts. Renewal and expansion of key farm bill programs will allow the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, state animal health officials and other stakeholders to deploy early detection, prevention and rapid-response tools should an outbreak occur. In addition, robust laboratory capacity will provide surveillance, and a viable stockpile of vaccines (for diseases which one is available) will support a rapid response.

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Video: FLEECED! Sheep Shearer Hands Over Clippers!

It's sheep shearing day at Ewetopia Farms! ?? Our Dorset lambs and ewes are getting fleeced — and for the first time, our shearer hands over his clippers to a beginner. We finish shearing the last of our adult ewes and this year’s Dorset ewe lambs.

From moving the sheep between barns, loading them into chutes, and watching the wool come off, this is always one of the most satisfying days on the farm. But this video has a twist — we welcomed a new helper, Gian, who’s not only lending a hand but also learning how to shear! With guidance from our experienced shearer, he got a crash course in sheep shearing and even tried his hand at shearing a couple of lambs himself.

You’ll see firsthand how both teacher and student handled this unique challenge. Shearing is more than just removing wool — it’s about sheep health, comfort, and giving us a closer look at the flock. It’s always amazing to see the transformation from woolly sheep to freshly shorn ewes and lambs.