USMCA, ASF and Finishing Tech

This week's issue tracks Canadian finishing-barn technology, USMCA and labour policy, ASF guidance, research platforms, and market signals for weaner pigs and pork demand.

David Gould & Fraser Senebald Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes

Cooperl representatives with the OptiSort management system at Ontario Pork Congress. Source: Farmtario.

Canadian Swine Scene

How a 3D camera creates new finishing pig management options

Farmtario, July 1st 2026

Farmtario reports Cooperl's OptiSort system uses 3D scanning to measure finishing-pig weights, growth progress and body condition. The system, shown at Ontario Pork Congress, is intended to help managers sort pigs more precisely, match feed profiles, improve shipping-window accuracy and reduce space pressure in finishing barns.

The U.S. Pork Report

NPPC backs labour bill addressing pork producers' workforce shortage

National Pork Producers Council, June 30th 2026

The National Pork Producers Council said it supports House Agriculture Committee Chairman GT Thompson's Securing Agriculture's Workforce Act. NPPC said the bill includes recommendations to expand H-2A access to year-round agricultural industries, a change the group argues would help pork producers address persistent labour shortages.

NPPC says USMCA market access remains vital for pork exports

National Pork Producers Council, July 1st 2026

NPPC responded to the decision not to renew USMCA in its current state by emphasizing the agreement's role in pork trade with Canada and Mexico. The group said those markets represent one-third of U.S. pork exports and that export value contributes more than $66 per hog marketed.

Genetics & Breeding Innovation

New research platforms help scientists study pig disease biology

The Pig Site, July 6th 2026

The Pig Site reports Roslin researchers are using large-animal research facilities, stem cells and organoid models to study disease while reducing reliance on live-animal experiments. The work includes pig stem-cell-derived macrophages for African swine fever studies and enteroid models that may support future pig and poultry disease research.

Balanced Breeding & Sustainability

WOAH issues field guidelines for African swine fever vaccination

The Pig Site, July 1st 2026

The Pig Site reports WOAH published field guidelines covering African swine fever vaccine trial design, monitoring and benefit-risk assessment. The framework stresses evidence-based decisions, genomic surveillance and integration with biosecurity, surveillance and movement controls rather than treating vaccination as a standalone control measure.

Wild boar associated with African swine fever surveillance. Source: The Pig Site.

Global African swine fever outbreaks decline, WOAH says

The Pig Site, July 2nd 2026

The Pig Site reports WOAH's May situation report showed ASF outbreaks in domestic pigs declining since August 2025, while wild-boar cases have also begun to fall after peaking during the winter. WOAH still described ASF as a global threat and called for continued biosecurity, early reporting and awareness across the value chain.

Market & Supply Chain Dynamics

Weaner pig breakeven falls to $23.70

PorkBusiness, July 6th 2026

PorkBusiness reports NutriQuest's weekly calculation put the weaner-pig breakeven at $23.70, down $4.84 from the prior week. The report said cash-traded weaner volume was above average, cash prices were $46.51, and the projected loss narrowed or widened depending on futures, feed costs and basis assumptions.

Tight beef supply creates opening for pork in snack market

The Pig Site, July 1st 2026

The Pig Site reports a CoBank protein report says tight beef supplies may create more opportunity for pork in meat snacks. The article notes companies are testing ready-to-eat bacon and pork sticks, while hogs' shorter production cycle may help pork supply chains respond faster to demand shifts.

Quick Bites

US hog prices rose 3.6 percent in April. Read More

The Pig Site, July 2nd 2026

US pork exports to China climbed 33 percent in April. Read More

The Pig Site, July 1st 2026

Brazil's meat-inspection changes target antimicrobial rules before September. Read More

The Pig Site, July 3rd 2026

FAO meat price index hit a record high in June. Read More

The Pig Site, July 3rd 2026