A producer-led movement is driving the development of a new National Swine Health Strategy, designed to strengthen herd health and unify priorities across the U.S. pork industry.
The National Pork Board (NPB) and National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) recently conducted nationwide listening sessions and an online survey to capture direct input from producers. The feedback will serve as the foundation for identifying and aligning on top swine health priorities.
Dr. Meredith Peterson, Director of Swine Health with the National Pork Board, who is facilitating the initiative, says the high level of producer engagement has been energizing.
“All of the producer insights gathered this summer will be shared with our advisory group of producer leaders representing different regions, segments, and farm sizes,” said Dr. Peterson. “They’ll review the data and draft industry health priorities that will be presented to both the NPB and NPPC Boards for review and feedback. From there, these priorities will be shared broadly with state associations so the entire industry can rally around clear, unified goals.”
Dr. Peterson adds that the process has reinforced how valuable it is to hear directly from producers about the challenges they face and what support they need from the industry.
“It’s been energizing to hear what producers are dealing with at the farm level and how they feel the industry can help,” she said. “My focus moving forward is to ensure our education, outreach, and research align with those priorities and truly make a difference on the farm.”
The resulting National Swine Health Strategy will help guide future research, education, and outreach efforts, creating a coordinated framework for improving swine health nationwide.
