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
Jessi Grote from the AgriSafe Network provides winter safety guidance for rural communities still recovering from the recent winter storm.
The federal government’s status is far from the only factor moving the markets on Friday. Two critical reports released today on producer inflation and the status of the U.S. cattle herd are also top of mind.
Record milk output looks strong today, but shrinking replacement numbers mean future supply adjustments could be faster and more volatile.
A rapidly intensifying winter storm is expected to develop into a bomb cyclone this weekend, affecting the Southeast, southern Virginia, and potentially parts of the mid‑Atlantic and New England.
Often overlooked, cotton wholesalers act as stabilizers during market stress, translating fragmented retail demand into workable production programs for mills and manufacturers.
Strong blending demand continues to support ethanol use even as production and exports fluctuate.

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:

At CattleCon 2026 in Nashville, RealAg Radio’s Shaun Haney discusses profitability, consumer demand, and how the integrated U.S.–Canada beef supply chain impacts cattle producers across North America.
Texas cowboy chef and host of RFD Network’s Twisted Skillet, Sean Koehler, shares an elote-style street corn dip just in time for Super Bowl Sunday. This skillet-cooked corn dish combines open-fire cooking and bold regional flavors for a delicious twist on Mexican Street Corn.
The USDA’s February WASDE report looms as the CME Ag Economy Barometer shows declining farmer confidence, and more ag industry groups calling for swift policy action.
San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo Association’s Trenton Priddy preview this year’s event, which is now streaming on RFD+
Dr. Peter Beetham, interim CEO of Cibus, joined us to discuss the status of EU gene-editing deregulation and its potential implications for agriculture.
Danny Munch of the American Farm Bureau joined us to discuss USDA’s latest farm income forecast, revisions to prior estimates, and what the updated data means for farmers heading into 2026.
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.