Understanding PRRSV: Research, Challenges and Industry Efforts With Dr. Brent Pepin

Dr. Brent Pepin, NPB’s director of swine health, takes a deep dive into managing Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRSV). NPB has played a key role in advancing PRRSV research and supporting producers with resources to mitigate disease risks.

Background Information

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) has been a devastating disease for pork producers since its discovery in 1991. PRRSV continues to be a major challenge affecting production, pig health and welfare. PRRSV infection can cause respiratory disease and mortality...

2024 Exports Reveal Record-Breaking Year

Each day, I work with strategic partners and my team at the National Pork Board (NPB) to serve America’s 60,000 producers by adding value to every part of the pig, domestically and internationally. Today, I’m fired up to celebrate the record-breaking 2024 year-end pork export data released last week, indicating a volume of 3.03 million metric tons (+4% YoY) valued at $8.63 billion (+6%YoY).

2024 Year-End Data

Let’s look at some key highlights sourced directly from U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF):

• Pork exports to Mexico totaled 1.15...

Advancing Pork Through Nutrition Science and Endorsement

Key Highlights from 2024:

• Research Investments: 13 new studies conducted across top academic institutions, exploring topics like pork’s role in childhood nutrition, healthy aging and cognitive health.
• Expanding Reach: Nutrition communications across social and online media had more than 300 million potential views across health professionals and consumers, and participation in 76 high-impact events attended by over 16 thousand individuals.
• Shaping Perceptions: Campaigns and events improved perceptions of pork among healthcare professionals, with attendees of our Today’s Dietitian event reporting a 20-point increase in the likelihood of recommending...

NPB’s Patrick Fleming to Lead Domestic Demand Work

NPB welcomes Patrick Fleming as vice president of demand development. In his new role, Fleming will lead the marketing and domestic demand team on a revolutionary, data-driven approach to make pork more relevant to more Americans. His return to NPB coincides with the culmination of an 18-month effort funded by the Pork Checkoff to develop and deploy new consumer market research and insights across the pork industry.

“The pork industry needs to unapologetically claim the position of taste and flavor for both fresh and further processed product,”...

Reaching the Consumer: New Research Helps Identify the Future Pork Consumer

Research shows pork consumption is declining across every generation and is at risk of becoming a protein of the past. Baby Boomers have been the primary consumers of fresh pork and they are aging out. Gen Z and Millennials don’t buy fresh pork at the same rate as older generations. The good news is the decline in pork sales is reversible. The pork industry needs to unite around a common goal of making pork relevant to younger consumers.

Following one of the worst years of profitability for pork producers...