Air quality around pig farms is a hot topic in some communities, and new funding hopes to improve it.
Pork leaders say right now, existing air quality assessment methods are costly, complex, slow, and can introduce bias. The nearly $1 million awarded to Purdue University and South Dakota State will be used to find new technology to use in areas with large-scale operations.
The money comes from the recently launched Improving Swine Production Air Quality Program from the Foundation for Food and Ag Research and the National Pork Board.
Related Stories
Winter Weather, Drought Shape Early 2026 Farm Conditions
Protein markets are fragmenting. Beef is supply-driven and more structurally expensive, whereas pork and poultry remain price-competitive.
Tight fed supplies shift margin risk to packers, strengthening cattle price leverage but increasing volatility.
Expanding chicken supplies are likely to keep prices under pressure in early 2026 despite steady demand growth.
Reduced winter placements indicate tighter fed cattle supplies and greater leverage during peak-demand months.
Federal nutrition policy is signaling a stronger demand for whole foods produced by U.S. farmers and ranchers. Consumer-facing guidance favors animal protein, but institutional demand may change little under existing saturated fat limits.
