http://www.porknetwork.com/editorial/rick-jordahl RSS Feed for Rick Jordahl en-us Tue, 22 Jan 2013 17:00:14 GMT http://www.porknetwork.com/editorial/rick-jordahl/General-Mills-states-support-for-sow-housing-alternatives-187894771.html Minneapolis-based General Mills, one of the largest food companies in the world, on Tuesday announced the company will support "the development of pregnant sow housing alternatives." The company markets its products in more than 100 countries. http://www.porknetwork.com/editorial/rick-jordahl/Commentary-Consumer-Reports-ignores-science-181389721.html Consumers Union, and the company’s flagship magazine, Consumer Reports (CR), continue their assault on animal agriculture, disguising their opinions as an alert intended for consumer “protection.” Who could be better qualified to advise consumers on a complex topic involving veterinary medicine, scientific risk assessments and evolution of bacteria than a company that tests vacuum cleaners, cameras, cars and washing machines? http://www.porknetwork.com/editorial/rick-jordahl/180023491.html Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback cited several reasons that will play important roles in realizing his vision for the state’s growth in animal agriculture. “We are a good agricultural grain region with the talent, leadership, technology and investment, which all line up very well for us to expand in dairy and pork.” http://www.porknetwork.com/editorial/rick-jordahl/179173311.html In comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last month, the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) said the agency should grant a waiver of the federal requirement for corn ethanol production because it is causing severe economic harm to pork producers. EPA's decision is due now, but may be delayed. http://www.porknetwork.com/editorial/rick-jordahl/Farm-bill-faces-SNAP-fight-179155351.html The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, is the main topic holding up approval of a new farm bill as Republicans and Democrats square off over budget cuts in the program which supplies food to people who qualify for the assistance. http://www.porknetwork.com/editorial/rick-jordahl/House-ag-leaders-press-for-farm-bill-approval-177970771.html Frank Lucas, R- Okla., chairman of the House Agriculture Committee wants others in Congress to see how important it is to finish work on a farm bill in 2012. “Remember, when the new congress convenes in January all legislative business expires and we have to start fresh,” he emphasized. http://www.porknetwork.com/editorial/rick-jordahl/New-mantra-for-pork-producers-Hold-on-177521471.html While pork industry observers expected a big push by producers to liquidate sows, it just does not seem to be happening. Instead, it seems that the new mantra for many producers is “hold on until spring.” http://www.porknetwork.com/editorial/rick-jordahl/Lower-margins-force-ethanol-plant-closures-177021451.html U.S. ethanol producers are reducing output, or closing their doors, in response to the drought-induced reduction in corn supplies, according to Darrel Good, University of Illinois Extension agricultural economist. http://www.porknetwork.com/editorial/rick-jordahl/EU-faces-pork-price-shock-wave-176825471.html With a ban on gestation-sow stalls set to become law on Jan. 1, EU hog producers are warning that pork prices will rise significantly as the production mandate is expected to force many farmers out of business. Meanwhile, U.S. pork producers face growing domestic pressure from restaurant and grocery chains that are demanding elimination of gestation-sow stalls. http://www.porknetwork.com/editorial/rick-jordahl/Farrowing-room-attendants-reduce-piglet-mortality-176436721.html Pre-weaning mortality costs the U.S. pork industry an estimated $1.6 billion each year, according to USDA Agricultural Research Service scientists. However, with close attention to the birthing process and newborn piglets by farrowing room attendants mortality losses can be significantly reduced.