There is a lot of uncertainty right now in most sectors of the ag industry, including swine. One group says producers are cautiously optimistic.
“It’s really been a tale of the last 24 months. We’ve gone through one of the worst downturns in this economy and this swine industry that we’ve seen probably in the last 30 or 40 years. We’ve kind of come out of that with lower feed costs, corn, soybean meal, and we see production kind of getting itself back straightened out. Guys are really optimistic about what ’25 is going to give us. The first half has been very successful, and I would say the second half, there’s a lot of cautious optimism as we continue forward. Guys are thinking very positively as we go through ’25,” said Chris Ford.
Ford says producers can do a number of things this year to stay afloat, like good bookkeeping and proper risk management, but he says there is one more important component.
“Just making sure that we’re adhering to the best and highest technology around biosecurity because production is going to be key as we go through. So those are probably the three biggest things that I encourage guys to continue to focus on going forward.”
Swine producers are not the only ones holding out hope for the rest of the year. This month’s ag economy barometer showed an improvement in producer sentiment. The strong numbers came on optimism on future trade deals.
Roger McEowen with the Washburn School of Law reviews key highlights from the House Agriculture Committee’s latest farm bill proposal.
February 17, 2026 12:16 PM
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The Action Aims to Lower Food Costs for Consumers and Strengthen the Supply Chain
February 17, 2026 11:09 AM
Rising Chinese feed output — especially for swine — signals sustained demand for protein meals and feed inputs, even when meat production growth appears modest.
February 16, 2026 11:30 AM
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Corn demand remains supportive, but weaker soybean buying limits overall export momentum.
February 12, 2026 03:29 PM
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Cuba remains a steady, nearby buyer of U.S. poultry, pork, dairy, and staples, but legal and compliance risks could still affect shipping and payment channels.
February 12, 2026 10:00 AM
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Tight cattle supplies favor poultry and pork while keeping beef margins under pressure.
February 12, 2026 06:00 AM
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Higher livestock prices reflect resilient demand, even as disease and herd shifts reshape 2026 supply expectations.
February 10, 2026 04:11 PM
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Global pork production is expected to rise in the first half of 2026, despite trade volatility stemming from shifting import policies and swine disease pressures.
February 03, 2026 12:50 PM
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Tennessee State Veterinarian Dr. Samantha Batey joined us with the latest on biosecurity efforts and the state’s new “Know Before You Show” initiative.
February 02, 2026 12:29 PM
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