Pork Industry Unites Behind National Strategy to Protect the U.S. Swine Herd and Boost Profitability

Meredith Petersen joined us to discuss the National Swine Health Strategy, how it was developed through industry collaboration, potential challenges ahead, and its expected benefits for pork producers.

Lots of pigs in animal shed eating, standing and lying. Meat industry concept_ Photo by Dusan Petkovic via AdobeStock_258495612.jpg

DES MOINES, IOWA (RFD NEWS) — The health of the U.S. swine herd remains critical to every pork producer’s livelihood, as the industry aligns priorities and resources to better address ongoing health challenges through the producer-driven National Swine Health Strategy.

Meredith Petersen with the National Pork Board joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report to provide an update on the effort and its goals.

In her interview with RFD News, Petersen discussed the strategy developed by the Pork Board and the ultimate goal of strengthening swine health across the industry. She also explained what went into creating the strategy, noting the collaborative, industry-wide approach behind the effort.

Finally, Petersen addressed potential barriers or challenges that could arise as the strategy is implemented, as well as how it is expected to benefit the pork industry moving forward.

Related Stories
Dr. Deb Vnoverbeke, UNL’s Head of Animal Science, joins us with more about the university’s experiential learning programs designed to prepare veterinary students for the future of agriculture.
Here is a regional snapshot of harvest pace, crop conditions, logistics, and livestock economics across U.S. agriculture for the week of Monday, November 17, 2025.
UMN Extension’s Emily Krekelberg outlines today’s top farm stressors, key signs of mental health distress in rural communities, and the resources available for support.
National Pork Board Chief Sustainability Officer Jamie Burr shares a closer look at the Pork Checkoff’s Pork Cares Farm Impact Report, a research program to increase trust in the pork supply chain.
Ethanol markets remain mixed — weaker production and blend rates are being partially balanced by stronger exports as winter demand patterns take shape.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Record yields and exceptionally low BCFM strengthen U.S. corn’s competitive position in global markets.
Raulston Acres Christmas Tree Farm in Rock Springs, Ga., has been in the same family for three generations.
Reed Marcum started hosting a toy drive in 2015. Since then, he has distributed thousands of toys across his home state of Oklahoma and in Texas and Arkansas. Now serving in the Army, Reed’s family and local 4-H chapter are running the event.
RFD-TV Farm Legal and Tax Expert Roger McEowen explains the basics of Low-Risk Credit in Farming, and how an understanding of the farm credit landscape lets producers tactfully approach debt.
Mike Steenhoek, with the Soy Transportation Commission, shares his outlook on current grain stocks and transportation lines amid bumper crops filling bins across the United States.
Agriculture Shows
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.