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
Here is a regional snapshot of harvest pace, crop conditions, logistics, and livestock economics across U.S. agriculture for the week of Monday, Nov. 10, 2025.
November 10, 2025 10:48 AM
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November 07, 2025 11:32 AM
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Stagger buys and diversifies fertilizer sources — watch CBAM, India’s tenders, and Brazil’s import pace to time urea, phosphate, and potash purchases.
November 07, 2025 11:16 AM
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Tight cattle supplies keep prices high for ranchers, but policy shifts, export barriers, and packer losses signal a volatile road ahead for the beef supply chain.
November 07, 2025 11:02 AM
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Pork producers should prioritize health and productivity gains, hedge feed and hogs selectively, and watch Brazil’s export pace and China’s sow policy for price signals.
November 06, 2025 03:03 PM
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For tight margins, contract grazing leverages existing acres into new income streams and spreads risk. Here are some tips for row crop farmers looking to diversify.
November 06, 2025 02:45 PM
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Texas Cattle Feeders Association Chairman Robby Kirkland explains how the ongoing U.S.-Mexico border closure impacts feed yards that rely on Mexican cattle due to the New World Screwworm.
November 06, 2025 12:01 PM
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Global nitrogen and phosphate prices remain high despite improved supply fundamentals, with limited Chinese exports and stronger fall applications tightening availability.
November 06, 2025 11:16 AM
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Record output, larger stocks, and softer exports point to a well-supplied domestic ethanol market as harvest progresses.
November 06, 2025 10:53 AM
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