Feedstuffs in Focus

Cattle 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 manage...

Ever wonder what consumers really think about animal agriculture practices? Dr. Valerie Kilders of Purdue University reveals groundbreaking approaches to understanding public sentiment through web-scraped data and media analysis during her presentation at the PEAK Conference in Minneapolis. When poultry markets experience price volatility and consumer concerns about animal welfare intensify, produ...

Egg prices have been on a wild ride, with unprecedented volatility creating headaches for everyone from producers to restaurant chains. But what if there was a financial tool designed specifically to smooth out these price swings? That's exactly what StoneX has developed with their new shell egg contract. As Ryan Turner of StoneX explains, this innovative risk management solution emerges just...

Ileitis is a common cause of diarrhea in grow-finish pigs. When underdiagnosed, ileitis can result in a significant amount of money being left on the table and out of producers’ pockets.  Joining our Ann Hess today to talk about ileitis and what producers can do to minimize its impact is Dr. Nate Winkelman, co-owner and veterinarian at Swine Services Unlimited. This episode is brought to you by Ph...

To prevent the spread of influenza in a commercial livestock system, it is highly recommended for staff to wear personal protective equipment or PPE. Considered the last line of defense to prevent an infection in an individual, it is also the least effective as wearing PPE well and consistently can be a challenge for producers and caregivers on farm.  Feedstuffs Ann Hess caught up with Montserrat...

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 the answer to what would seem like a relatively easy question. That being, Are we better off in a World Without Cows?  Joining our Ann Hess from the NCBA tradeshow floor in San Antonio are World Without Cows filmmakers, Michelle Michael and Brandon Whit...

Dr. Luke Strehle of Nebraska Vet Services, a full-service mixed animal practice based in West Point, Nebraska, joins us to share his insight on swine respiratory pathogens – how to reduce and eliminate their risk as well what interventions are available to manage pig health.  This episode is brought to you by Pharmgate Animal Health, a growing business that puts livestock first. Pharmgate provides...

Joining us for this episode of Feedstuffs in Focus is Dr. David Baumert, Senior Technical Services Veterinarian at Zoetis Pork, to discuss the reasons why producers sometimes choose not to treat pigs — usually heavier weight finishers — in need of swine respiratory disease (SRD) therapy and the implications of non-use from a performance, labor and economic standpoint.  This episode of Feedstuffs i...

Red dye number 2 was banned in 1976 due to links to cancer in rats. Red dye number 3 was banned in 2025 over similar health concerns. Manufacturers have been given until January 16, 2027, to remove red dye number 3 from their products.  What might this ban mean for the animal feed industry? Does it have application and perhaps implications? During IPPE in Atlanta, Ga, we had the opportunity to tal...

Have you ever stopped to think what our world would be like without cows? Around the world, cows hold both cultural and economic significance. They provide nourishment of bodies and minds. They also impact climate. When it comes to cows, it’s not all black and white. Joining us to talk about a thought-provoking documentary about the cultural, economic, nutritional and environmental significance of...

There is a new leadership in Washington, D.C., and changes have already started to happen on the policy and regulatory front. What’s might all the change mean for the U.S. feed industry? Joining us from IPPE 2025 in Atlanta, Ga., to talk about policy and the new Administration is Constance Cullman, President and CEO of the American Feed Industry Association. This episode of Feedstuffs in Focus is...

The spread of high-risk human and animal diseases across borders in the last five years has clearly demonstrated that the best-laid plans can go wrong when it comes to infectious disease control and prevention. In fact, North American and European countries proved decades ago that swine diseases like ASF and classical swine fever can be eradicated through effective government policies, even withou...

This episode explores the critical issue of biofilms in waterlines and their hidden impact on swine health and productivity. Understanding biofilms can help producers implement better management practices, ensuring optimal water quality and animal welfare.  • Dr. Gabi Doughan of the Swine Medicine Education Center discusses her research on waterline biofilms in swine operations  • Biofilms pose si...

It’s the world’s largest annual poultry, feed and meat technology exposition and it’s coming up January 28-30 in Atlanta, Ga.  Known as the International Production and Processing Expo, it offers a vast show floor highlighting the latest in technology, products and services, along with extensive networking and education opportunities for all.  Joining us to talk about IPPE 2025 is Sarah Novak, Chi...

In this episode, we explore strategies to bolster the pork industry's resilience. Christine McCracken, Senior Animal Protein Analyst at Rabobank, graces Feedstuffs Pork Nation with her expertise on the state of the pork industry. Curious about the path to recovery and what lies ahead in 2025 for pork producers? We're unpacking the improving financial health and potential for more robust...

The Center for Animal Health and Food Safety, in collaboration with the Swine Health Information Center, has developed a near-real-time event-based surveillance system to support informed decision making for U.S. pork producers. To further enhance disease monitoring, the team has expanded its focus to include production diseases, and develop a global swine disease dashboard. What might this mean f...

With disease outbreaks on the rise across the Midwest, controlling swine respiratory disease (SRD) pathogens has become even more crucial. Air filtration has been shown to reduce pathogen introduction. However, aerosol transmission into barns continues to occur. This episode is brought to you by Pharmgate Animal Health, a growing business that puts livestock first. Pharmgate provides a proven port...

Similarities and differences exist in poultry production around the world. In Germany, production and labeling standards are driving change and creating opportunities. Likewise, technology aimed at reducing labor in all stages of production and processing are under evaluation and implementation.  We catch up with Brian Earnest, lead economist for animal protein in CoBank's Knowledge Exchange...

There is a new convenient, one-shot, low-volume antibiotic from Elanco Animal Health that offers swine respiratory disease treatment protocol flexibility from nursery to finish. Pradalex has a unique structure that differs from any molecule in its class. What opportunities might Pradalex have for your hog operation.  Joining us to share his experience and trial work to date with Pradalex is veteri...

A number of key strategies exist for managing seasonal variation and herd constraints in a hog operation, all while considering the specific herd capacity limitations and market dynamics. Our Ann Hess sat down with Mark Knauer of North Carolina State University during the Leman Swine Conference in St. Paul to talk about how best to manage seasonal variation and herd capacity constraints in hog ope...

On November 12, USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) released a long-awaited final decision with reforms to pricing formulas used by the Federal Milk Marketing Order system. The next step is a vote of approval on the ruling by the dairy industry. That is to come in December. What does this reform in milk pricing mean for the dairy industry overall and at the farm level? Joining us today to ta...

NOVUS has launched its latest intelligent nutrition innovation. The new feed additive is scientifically shown to help dairy farmers get more out of forage by optimizing dry matter intake per pound of milk produced while maintaining milk production.  NEXT ENHANCE® CGO Feed Solution supports greater returns on feed investment while providing a safeguard for feed inventories.  The new campaign suppor...

EuroTier 2024 is fast approaching. It will be held Nov. 12-15 in Hanover, Germany.  Holding to tradition, there will be lots of new innovation unveiled as well as valuable information for attendees to take in. Animal feeds and feeding will most certainly again be a topic of focus.  Joining us in this episode is Detlef Kampf, Head of Animal Nutrition, DLG – EuroTier. Our discussion centers around t...

Dr. David Baumert, Technical Services Veterinarian, Zoetis, and Dr. Kayla Castevens, NC Regional Veterinarian, Country View Family Farms, discuss their partnership in the implementation of a large Mhp-elimination project, including helpful insights and best practices to ensure long-term herd stability. In addition to this podcast, we encourage you to learn more on the topic  in our recent Feedstuf...

Swine respiratory disease (SRD) is a commonly encountered health challenge in today’s hog industry. SRD includes a wide range of bacterial pathogens that can impact pig respiratory systems as well as the overall health of a farm system. What might all this mean for your operation, and how can you fight back?  This episode is brought to you by Pharmgate Animal Health, a growing business that puts l...