Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome, otherwise known as ‘PRRS’ is a costly disease for hog farmers with $500 million in reproductive losses in 2022.
Advancements in gene editing and protein modification have helped breed pigs naturally resistant to PRRS thanks to research out of Kansas State University alongside precision breeding and genetic company, Acceligen.
“Gene editing is one of the most powerful breeding tools that allow us to address some of the biggest challenges facing the pork industry and to create a more sustainable and ethical food system,” Tad Sonstegard, CEO of Acceligen said.
“The PRRS virus is endemic in this country. It’s common in all swine-producing states,” Daniel Linhares, a professor of veterinary diagnostic and production animal medicine at Iowa State University said.
Most producers and their vets have vaccination programs to control production losses but no one has been able to rid the virus all together.
Researchers at Acceligen say these breakthroughs could create a better future for the animals and producers.
“At Acceligen, our goal is to use the best tools for breeding and selection to create a better future for animals, farmers, consumers, and the environment,” Sonstegard said.
Story via Courtney Love with Successful Farming
An import lag for ground beef will likely look different than last year’s egg shortage. The difference comes down to biosecurity and market flexibility.
November 03, 2025 12:07 PM
·
The WASDE/Crop Production combo will be the first full read on supply, demand, and yield that could move basis and hedging plans since the government shutdown more than a month ago.
November 03, 2025 09:34 AM
·
A rescheduled WASDE, China’s soybean squeeze, barge bottlenecks, and premium beef demand all collide this week — with cash decisions, basis, and risk plans on the line.
November 03, 2025 09:23 AM
·
High milk production and soft retail demand are squeezing prices and margins — making careful feed and risk management essential through year-end.
November 01, 2025 06:54 AM
·
Market analyst and friend of the show, Shawn Hackett, says Brazil’s shifting use of crops for biofuel production is a significant factor.
October 31, 2025 01:17 PM
·
Texas A&M livestock economist Dr. David Anderson joins Tony St. James to discuss the geopolitical tensions and U.S.-Mexico border closure that are leading to sharp swings in the cattle market.
October 31, 2025 12:50 PM
·
Farm Bureau Economist Faith Parum discusses key outcomes from the U.S.-China trade agreement and the benefits of expanding trade across Southeast Asia.
October 30, 2025 03:25 PM
·
U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) shares his perspective on the U.S.-China trade developments and their potential impact on American producers, farmers, and ranchers.
October 30, 2025 12:56 PM
·
Prepare for softer milk checks into winter, watch cull-cow values and timing, and stress-test cash flow as product prices recalibrate.
October 29, 2025 03:11 PM
·
