PORK WATCH

North America's Swine Industry Roundup

Feed efficiency, disease defence and market access lead the week

This week’s swine coverage centered on nutrition tools, ASF vaccine science, inspection costs and export access.

David Gould Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes

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The U.S. Pork Report

Alltech introduces Olerix for use in pork production

National Hog Farmer, June 1st 2026

Alltech introduced Olerix, a phytogenic blend designed to support pig growth, feed efficiency, gut health and immune function. The company said the product uses a proprietary coating process to preserve bioactive compounds through feed manufacturing. For producers, the launch reflects continued interest in nutrition technologies that can improve performance while addressing profitability and sustainability expectations.

USDA finalizes swine inspection changes expected to cut industry costs

The Pig Site, May 29th 2026

USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service finalized changes removing mandatory mandibular lymph-node incision and viscera palpation during post-mortem swine inspections. FSIS said visual inspection remains sufficient for food-safety protection, while the change is expected to save the pork industry $7.4 million to $14.7 million annually. The rule takes effect July 20.

Five pork producers appointed to help drive industry progress

National Hog Farmer, May 29th 2026

Five pork producers were appointed to industry leadership roles intended to help guide future priorities. The appointments reinforce the role of producer perspectives in shaping policy, production standards and long-term industry direction. For integrated pork businesses, leadership changes can affect how issues such as health, market development and regulatory engagement are framed in the months ahead.

Genetics & Breeding Innovation

A novel way to measure modern sow efficiency

The Pig Site, June 1st 2026

PIC, Brenneman Pork and JYGA Technologies developed a framework for evaluating lactation feed efficiency that incorporates milk-energy output and sow body-composition changes. The approach aims to better reflect modern sow biology, including differences in backfat and protein mobilization. The work could inform management decisions and genetic selection around true sow efficiency.

New findings advance African swine fever vaccine efforts

National Hog Farmer, June 1st 2026

VAX4ASF researchers reported progress identifying African swine fever viral genes involved in immune-response modulation and antigens recognized by protected pigs after exposure. The findings support work on attenuated or replication-limited vaccine candidates. Although no widely available ASF vaccine is in use, the research adds practical knowledge for future disease-control tools.

Balanced Breeding & Sustainability

NC State tackles manure management with digital solution

National Hog Farmer, June 1st 2026

North Carolina State University is developing a digital manure-management solution using input from more than 140 interviews, including livestock and poultry operators. The project targets practical decision support for manure handling and nutrient management. For pork producers, digital tools could improve compliance planning, fertilizer value capture and environmental performance.

Market & Supply Chain Dynamics

Trade promises, policy pressure and supply chain stakes

National Hog Farmer, May 29th 2026

National Hog Farmer reported on trade commitments, policy pressure and supply-chain stakes affecting agriculture and pork. The story highlights how market access, regulatory decisions and logistics remain central to pork-sector planning. For producers and allied businesses, the policy environment continues to shape export opportunity, input availability and downstream processing risk.

U.S. meat industry calls for AGOA trade leverage in Africa

National Hog Farmer, June 1st 2026

USMEF called for using the African Growth and Opportunity Act to improve access for U.S. beef and pork in African markets. The group cited pork barriers in South Africa tied to PRRS restrictions and Nigeria’s ban on fresh U.S. red meat. Export access remains a key watchpoint as the industry seeks demand growth beyond established customers.

Quick Bites

Lean hogs entered June under technical pressure. Read More

National Hog Farmer, June 1st 2026

The Pig Site reports broad vitamin D shortfalls. Read More

The Pig Site, June 1st 2026

Ohio Pork Council added three team members. Read More

National Hog Farmer, May 29th 2026