Trade, Biosecurity and Margins Set the Agenda

This week's edition tracks North American trade risk, disease-status tools, feed biosecurity, sow health and summer market signals.

David Gould & Fraser Senebald

Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes

In this week's issue...

🐖 Pork leaders warn USMCA uncertainty could hit producer value.

🛡️ AgView adds PEDV Clean status tools for U.S. SHIP.

📈 Weaner breakevens fall as futures and feed costs shift.

Pigs in a production barn. Source: Brownfield Ag News.

Canadian Swine Scene

USMCA Review Could Shape Future of U.S. Pork Exports

Brownfield Ag News, August 3rd 2026

Brownfield reports Nebraska Pork Producers Association executive director Seth Mitchell warned that disruption to USMCA could hurt pork trade. Mitchell said Canada and Mexico are critical markets, with exports returning about $66 per head to U.S. producers. Negotiations are expected to continue in September.

WCVM Researchers Tackle Costly Swine Dysentery Challenge

National Hog Farmer, July 29th 2026

National Hog Farmer reports Western College of Veterinary Medicine researchers are studying non-antibiotic approaches to swine dysentery. The University of Saskatchewan team is examining diet composition, probiotics and a drug target tied to inflammation, while reinforcing cleaning, disinfection and biosecurity during outbreaks.

U.S. Pork Production & Policy

AgView Expands Support for Industry PEDV Elimination Efforts

Pork Checkoff, July 30th 2026

Pork Checkoff reports AgView now supports U.S. SHIP PEDV Clean status management. The update lets participating producers and animal health officials manage and share disease-status information through AgView, improving visibility for PEDV elimination work and future swine health preparedness.

Herd Health & Biosecurity

Research Reshapes Swine Feed Biosecurity

Feedstuffs, August 1st 2026

Feedstuffs reports emerging research is reframing feed as one biological input in swine health programs. The article notes feed-related exposure management now extends beyond PEDV to pathogens including PRRSV, ASFV and Senecavirus A, making clean-feed programs part of broader biosecurity discipline.

Pigs in a production barn. Source: Pork Business.

Market Trends & Exports

Weaner Pig Breakeven at $26.68, Down $6.51 From Last Week

Pork Business, August 1st 2026

Pork Business reports NutriQuest's weekly model put the weaner pig breakeven at $26.68, down $6.51 from the prior week. The calculation used July 31 futures closes and noted lower feed costs, weaker February lean hog futures and a $52.79 margin-over-variable-cost figure.

Seasonal Supply Lows Are Here

Pork Checkoff, July 27th 2026

Pork Checkoff's Profit Maximizer report says hog slaughter ran below year-ago levels for a second week, tightening spot supply for bellies and hams. The report also notes weak fresh pork demand, lower loin and picnic values, and seasonal heat pressure on hog weights.

Genetics, Research & Innovation

Raising Pigs, Improving Soil and Farming for the Next Generation

Pork Checkoff, August 3rd 2026

Pork Checkoff profiles producer Gary Asay's use of swine manure, no-till and cover crops to build soil health. The story connects pork production with nutrient recycling, conservation practices and farm resilience, highlighting livestock's role in sustainability work.

Quick Bites

Fiber and microbiome tools gain nutrition attention. Read More

National Hog Farmer, August 1st 2026

UC Davis tracks rising sow prolapse cases. Read More

National Hog Farmer, July 31st 2026

National Pork Board outlines swine health priorities. Read More

National Hog Farmer, August 1st 2026

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