The U.S. Swine Health Improvement Plan, also known as SHIP, is designed to protect the pork industry from foreign animal diseases.
Jason Probst, a National Pork Producers Council Delegate, has been involved in SHIP since its early stages and highlights its critical role in maintaining market stability.
According to Probst, “The U.S. SHIP idea started back in probably 2019-2020 by some of the vets in the industry. They were looking at the concern with foreign animal disease coming to the U.S., mainly African swine fever and classical swine fever. And so, there’s concern of if it came to the U.S., what would that do to our exports of product. Because if those foreign animal diseases are found in the U.S., that would immediately stop our exports of pork products, and so, in turn, approximately 25% of our production would stay domestically and would kind of potentially overburden our markets.”
He says that producers must follow specific biosecurity practices to get certified under SHIP. It will help producers prioritize product movement during a foreign animal disease outbreak.
As cattle markets show renewed strength, producers gathering at CattleCon are focused on protecting operations, managing risk, and positioning for opportunity in the year ahead.
February 04, 2026 01:41 PM
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The Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo continues through Saturday, showcasing livestock, youth involvement, and agricultural talent, with the Junior Sale of Champions serving as the culmination of the 23-day event.
February 04, 2026 12:54 PM
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We caught up with John Deere’s Hay & Forage Got-To Market Manager Kaylene Ballesteros to learn how tech is evolving how producers make hay, from baling efficiency to operator confidence.
February 04, 2026 12:38 PM
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Purdue University Professor of Agricultural Economics Dr. Jim Mintert shares a closer look at farmer sentiment and the key issues shaping the agricultural economy in January.
February 04, 2026 10:53 AM
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Shrinking slaughter capacity may delay heifer retention, complicating herd rebuilding plans.
February 03, 2026 02:26 PM
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Strong seasonal demand and manageable production growth continue to support poultry markets.
February 03, 2026 01:35 PM
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