APHIS Lifts Movement Restrictions Within the 5-Mile Surveillance Zone in Iowa

Following the April 30, 2026 confirmation of pseudorabies in a small commercial herd in Iowa, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), in coordination with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS), has lifted movement restrictions within the five-mile surveillance zone after all premises completed round one testing with no further detections. The two-mile surveillance zone around the index herd remains active, and movement restrictions within that zone continue.

All animals from both the Iowa index herd and the non-commercial source herd in Texas have been depopulated and properly disposed of. All herds with direct exposure to these positive sites have been identified, and..

Iowa Pork Producers Deliver More Than 100,000 Servings of Protein to Pantries

Iowa pork producers are making a meaningful impact in communities across the state through the continued success of their Pork in the Pantry program.

In 2026, the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) partnered with county pork producer organizations and local volunteers to deliver more than 25,000 pounds of pork, providing more than 100,000 servings of high-quality protein to Iowans in need. The effort spanned 70 counties and supported 144 local food pantries statewide.

Government Ramps Up Plans to Protect Britain’s Pig Sector Against African and Classical Swine Fever

Plans to strengthen protections for pig farmers and industry have been stepped up today (Thursday 14 May) as the government introduces new measures in the event of a swine fever outbreak.

African Swine Fever (ASF) is a disease which affects pigs and wild boar and in recent years it has been circulating in parts of Asia and Africa, leading to the deaths of millions of pigs worldwide and causing significant disruption to the meat trade. The disease has also spread to parts of Europe through the movement of wild boar and human actions including moving infected meat...

NPPC Urges EPA to Approve NovoFly for New World Screwworm Control

In comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the National Pork Producers Council asked to give “full and timely consideration” for approval of new technology to help prevent New World screwworm.

NWS is a flesh-eating parasite from female flies that lay eggs in wounds on warm-blooded animals. Animals that recently have given birth, suffered an injury or had a surgical procedure, such as tail docking or branding, are most vulnerable.

The USDA's Agricultural Research Service recently applied to register NovoFly – a technology incorporating a genetically engineered female...

Sen. Schiff Outlines Farm Bill Priorities for California

Today [May 7, 2026], U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, released an outline of his priorities for the 2026 Farm Bill following the recent passage of a Farm Bill by the U.S. House of Representatives.  

As the first U.S. Senator from California to serve on the Senate Agriculture Committee in over 30 years, Senator Schiff is advocating for a Farm Bill and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that reflects economic opportunity, health, sustainability, national security, and prosperity. He is also reiterating his opposition to a...

Pseudorabies Risk Today: What Producers Need to Know

Following USDA APHIS confirmation of PRV in Iowa and Texas, the risk remains low and is linked to feral swine exposure. Still, this is a good reminder of why the National Swine Health Strategy matters on every operation.

The U.S. commercial swine herd has been officially recognized as free of pseudorabies virus (PRV) since 2004, a major success for producers and the pork industry.PRV does continue to circulate in feral swine populations. While risk to domestic pigs is not zero, it is limited, well understood and tied to specific exposure pathways...

Updated Export Certification Guidance Following the Detection of Pseudorabies in an Iowa Swine Herd

On April 30, 2026, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed pseudorabies (PRV/ Aujeszky’s disease) in a commercial swine herd in Iowa. The affected swine were sourced from a transitional herd in Texas. Transitional herds do not impact a state’s PRV status; therefore, this guidance applies only to swine and swine product exports from Iowa.

Export Certification Statements

In line with international standards, APHIS will not certify Iowa as Stage V for PRV—or certify that Iowa or the United States is free of PRV for export purposes—until all PRV...

USDA Confirms Pseudorabies in Swine Herds in Iowa and Texas

Today [April 30, 2026], the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) confirmed via ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) and latex agglutination testing (LAT) a detection of antibodies to pseudorabies virus (PRV) in a small commercial swine facility in Iowa. This confirmation was a result of routine testing, not pre-movement surveillance. 

Initial traceback indicates that the five affected boars came from an outdoor facility in Texas. Animals from that herd also tested positive for pseudorabies. APHIS is working with officials in Iowa...

New Data Shows Continued Threat to Food Affordability Due to California Prop. 12

Equipped with brand new retail and U.S. Department of Agriculture data reinforcing California Proposition 12’s detrimental impacts on both producers and consumers, 105 American pork producers from 23 states took to Capitol Hill, advocating for their livelihoods with federal lawmakers.

Researchers at the North Dakota State University Agricultural Risk Policy Center found that Prop.12-driven price increases have persisted, even two years after the law was fully implemented. On average, prices for covered products are 20% higher due to Prop. 12, calculated by comparing price increases in California to the rest of the...

FAO and USDA Join Forces to Contain African Swine Fever in the Dominican Republic

African swine fever (ASF) is one of the most devastating diseases affecting pigs, capable of wiping out entire herds and threatening livelihoods across the livestock sector.  When the Dominican Republic confirmed the presence of ASF in 2021 — the first detection in the Western Hemisphere in over 40 years — the risk extended far beyond the country’s borders, raising concern across the Americas.

In response, the Government of the Dominican Republic launched a National Swine Biosecurity Plan with technical support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United States Department of Agriculture’s...

Day 39 of Iran War: Trump Says “Whole Civilization Will Die Tonight” if Deal Missed

US President Donald Trump reiterated his threat to Iran to make a deal by his Tuesday deadline, saying a "whole civilization will die tonight" if an agreement is not reached to end the war.

"A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don't want that to happen, but it probably will," Trump said in a post on Truth Social. "We will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World."

USDA Partnership Tackles ASF Risks in Global Feed Supply Chain

Imagine a disease so devastating that it could wipe out entire pig farms, cripple a major agricultural industry and impact the food supply for countless families. This is the reality of African swine fever virus, a global animal health threat that has caused immense damage in other parts of the world.  

According to USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Information Service, if ASFV entered the United States, it would: 

duBreton Welcomes Step Toward Framework Aligned With Organic & Animal Welfare Certified Pork

duBreton welcomes the decision rendered on March 18, 2026, by the Superior Court of Quebec, which orders Les Éleveurs de porcs du Québec to comply with the directive issued by the Régie des marchés agricoles et alimentaires du Québec and to proceed with a referendum on the potential exclusion of organic and animal welfare certified pork from the collective marketing plan.

The ruling marks an important step in a process initiated by duBreton in 2023, when the company applied to the Régie seeking formal recognition of organic and animal welfare certified pork production...

Day 25 of Iran War: Trump Claims Iran Talks; Tehran Denies as Attacks Escalate

The US–Israeli war on Iran entered its 25th day on Tuesday amid conflicting signals on diplomacy.

US President Donald Trump said Washington is in talks with Tehran and hinted at a broader deal, but Iranian officials denied this, accusing the US of stalling while reinforcing its military presence.

Trump delayed planned strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure by five days. Meanwhile, fighting continues to escalate. Iran launched new missile attacks on Israel, Gulf states intercepted drones and missiles, and clashes intensified in Lebanon and Iraq.

Iran...

Wisconsin Pork Producers Get PRRS and PEDv Testing Relief

The Wisconsin Pork Association (WPA) has announced that the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has approved its request for a waiver related to swine movement rules tied to Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) and Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDv).

The waiver immediately suspends testing and movement requirements previously outlined under Wisconsin Administrative Code ATCP 10 and 12. Earlier this year, a draft rule modifying these requirements was approved by the DATCP Board on January 29 and later by the governor on February 6.

It was then submitted to the Legislative Reference Bureau on February 19. However, the rule must...

USDA Line Speeds Program Another Step Closer to Widespread Adoption

The National Pork Producers Council applauds the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s proposed rule to update the New Swine Inspection System’s line speed regulations to increase efficiency at pork processing plants. 

The proposal aims to remove maximum line speed limits for establishments operating under NSIS. Participating establishments will be allowed to set their own line speeds based on their demonstrated ability to maintain process controls and food safety, rather than adhering to a strict maximum speed limit...

Meat Industry Recommended Animal Handling Guidelines + Audit, Version 2026

The Meat Institute is proud to announce that it has published updated versions of the Animal Welfare Audit and the Meat Industry Recommended Animal Handling Guidelines.

The primary changes to the updated Audit and Guidelines include:

• Points for each criterion allowing users to set goals for each element of the Audit for continuous improvement.
• Transportation and slaughter audit for bison.
• Vocalization of cattle in the slaughter Audit will now be scored similarly to swine vocalization to maintain consistency across species.

Optimal handling of domestic livestock and bison is essential for meat packers — not only for ethical reasons, but also for ensuring workplace safety. Once animals...

Iowa Pork Producers Providing Hunger Relief Statewide

Iowa pork producers are stepping up once again in 2026 to fight food insecurity with the return of Pork in the Pantry, a statewide effort that delivers nutritious, high-quality protein to Iowans in need.

Last year, 50 county pork producer organizations participated in Pork in the Pantry, donating more than 75,000 servings of pork to local food pantries across Iowa. The program continues to grow each year, expanding its reach and impact on communities statewide.

Organized by the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA), Pork in the Pantry provides up to $1,000...

USDA: Help Protect the USA from African Swine Fever

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) invites U.S. swine producers, small farms, and pig owners to participate in the “I Protect Pigs” Photo Contest as part of this year’s Protect Our Pigs campaign. The campaign, in its fifth year, reinforces steps all pig owners can take to help protect our nation’s swine industry from deadly animal diseases like African swine fever (ASF). This year’s photo contest gives participants an opportunity to highlight how they help this effort on an individual basis...

AHDB - Cautious Global Pork Market Outlook for 2026

Rabobank’s latest pork report presents a cautious global pork market outlook heading into 2026. Despite easing feed costs due to record North American crop harvests and favourable planting conditions in South America, growth remains constrained by the influence of trade tensions, disease risks, and regulatory challenges. Producers are prioritising better productivity, biosecurity, and heavier carcass weights to offset limited herd expansion.

Regional Highlights

Europe (EU-27 + UK)

European pork production increased by 3.5% year-on-year (YOY) in July 2025, led by Spain (+7%) and Poland (+5%). Exports rose 3% YOY, supported by the recent US-China trade tensions. However...

ANALYSIS: US Hog Weights Edge Higher

Average live hog weights continue to firm seasonally, with the latest packer-sold average at 293.72 lb, up 1.4% month-over-month (MOM) and 1.8% higher year-over-year (YOY). Packer-owned weights averaged 285.63 lb, rising 0.6% MOM but sitting 0.3% lower YOY, reflecting a mostly steady to higher tone relative to last...

ANALYSIS: Hogs and Pigs Report Reflects Smaller Breeding Herd

According to the USDA's Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report, the total United States hog and pig inventory as of September 1, 2025, was 74.5 million head. This figure was down 1% from the same period in 2024 but up 1% from the previous quarter. The breeding herd totaled 5.93 million head, reflecting a 2% decline year-over-year and a slight decrease from June. Market hog inventory came in at 68.5 million head, also 1% below last year but 1% higher than the prior quarter.

The report shows a modest...

ANALYSIS: Hog Slaughter Slows While Live Hog Market Holds Firm

Through the week ending August 16, weekly hog slaughter totaled approximately 2.42 million head, modestly higher than the prior week but nearly 4% below the same week last year. Year-to-date, slaughter is tracking around 78.4 million head, which is 2% below 2024 levels and also running leaner than the three-year average by a margin of 1.7%. In recent weeks, volumes have trailed historical benchmarks, reflecting the tighter supply environment that has characterized much of the summer. 

The firmness in the live hog market has...

ANALYSIS: USDA Livestock Forecast Points to Lower Pork Production

In the USDA Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Outlook released August 18, 2025, the pork market was adjusted a little lower. USDA now forecasts 2025 production at 27.7 billion pounds, down 0.5% from last year.

For 2026, production is forecast at 28.4 billion pounds, a modest 2.5% increase but still under last month’s estimate. The changes stem from slower hog slaughter and lighter weights, with spring PRRS disease pressures keeping supplies tighter.

Hog prices are forecast by USDA to remain active, averaging about $77/cwt in the third quarter and...

US Republicans Continue Push to Override California Animal Welfare Law

U.S. Republicans continued on Wednesday a years-long effort to override a 2018 California law that bans the sale in the state of pork from pigs kept in tightly confined spaces, arguing in a House Agriculture Committee hearing that the law is overly burdensome to farmers.

Proposition 12, which also sets housing standards for veal and eggs sold in the state, was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2023 after a legal challenge by the pork industry.

President Donald Trump's administration sued California...

ANALYSIS: US Pork Cold Storage Tightens Year-Over-Year Despite Seasonal Shifts

According to the USDA’s May Cold Storage report, total pork in frozen inventory declined to 450.9 million pounds, down 5.2 million pounds (- 1.1%) from April, signaling the lowest volumes recorded in the last 10 years. While month-over-month supplies are slightly lower, year-over-year inventories remain significantly tighter—down more than 31 million pounds (-6.6%) compared to May 2024—pointing to persistent supply-side constraints...

China’s New Hope Outlines Focus on Feed and Hog Farming    

New Hope Liuhe reported profitability in the first quarter of 2025, driven by a renewed focus on its two core businesses: feed and hog farming. This marks the company’s first profitable quarter in three years. The company has undergone significant structural adjustments, with the pig farming division concentrating on improving breeding stock and reducing production costs. The feed division is targeting a return to competitiveness through stable and sustainable growth, the company said. 

“We’ve largely emerged from the downturn, and the company is seeing an overall positive trajectory,”..

Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #9

Expana’s global team of specialist reporters has been tracking every twist and turn in the fluid tariff situation.

Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #9."

This report allows the Expana community to see where key commodity markets stand as of this past week... Click the above PDF report, or keep scrolling to read in plain text...