USDA Releases Findings from Comprehensive Study on Small Swine Operation

Feb 26, 2024

In a recent development, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has unveiled the outcomes of an extensive study examining small swine operations—farms managing fewer than 1,000 hogs. This study, conducted in June and July 2021 by USDA’s National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) in collaboration with the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), delves into health and production practices within this segment. Covering approximately 5,000 swine operations across 38 states, representing around 95% of small-scale U.S. swine farms, the report explores trends in health and disease management, pig movements, mortality rates, slaughter channels, and draws comparisons between small and large operations.

While the results from a concurrent study on larger operations, conducted from July 2021 to January 2022, are still pending, the released findings offer valuable insights into the dynamics of smaller swine operations. The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) actively promoted the NAHMS-NASS study, urging pork producers to participate. The implications of these findings are significant for the pork industry, particularly in understanding the nuances of smaller operations that play a pivotal role as primary suppliers of niche-market products.

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Video: Inside the National Swine Health Strategy - Dr. Dustin Oedekoven

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show, Dr. Dustin Oedekoven, Chief Veterinarian at the National Pork Board, explains the producer-led National Swine Health Strategy and why it is essential for improving U.S. swine health. He discussed industry collaboration, the strategy's initial priorities, why PEDV is the first focus for elimination, research initiatives, and the long-term vision for healthier herds. Listen now on all major platforms.

"The National Swine Health Strategy creates a coordinated approach that moves the entire industry toward common health goals."

Meet the guest: Dr. Dustin Oedekoven / dusty-oedekoven-bb0bb7110 is Chief Veterinarian at the National Pork Board, where he leads initiatives to strengthen U.S. swine health through disease prevention, producer collaboration, and the National Swine Health Strategy. With more than 20 years of experience in veterinary public health and regulatory animal health, his work focuses on protecting the U.S. herd from endemic and foreign animal diseases. Listen to Dr. Dustin Oedekoven on The Swine it Podcast Show, available on all major platforms.