Live from WPX 2012: NPPC looks at today’s top issues

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Animal rights groups have stepped up the pressure on food companies to dictate on-farm production practices. In response, the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) is finding more ways to communicate with food companies and consumers about livestock production practices, according to NPPC President-Elect Randy Spronk and CEO Neil Dierks.  Both sat down with AgriTalk at World Pork Expo in Des Moines. Also joining the discussion, Sam Carney, past NPPC president and Iowa producer, talks about pork producer priorities for the 2012 Farm Bill.

1. Crude oil expected to peak and cost of electricity to go down
2. Oil gains moderately, trading sluggish ahead of Fed
3. House cafeterias to discontinue "Meatless Mondays"
4. President and CEO of Novus to lead IFAMA
5. Ag markets mixed again Tuesday
6. Commentary: Doggie daze

1. Commentary: Ag needs a NATO strategy on HSUS
2. National Pork Board elects new officers; Richter to lead
3. Finding the comedy in ag-gag
4. Will Smith dethroned in latest Peterson Farm Bros. parody
5. Smithfield Foods bid reflects China’s quality issues
6. AGCO plans now for future global food needs

1. Commentary: Clueless consumers
2. COOL isn’t working
3. Commentary: Why should we care about the farm bill?
4. NIAA releases white paper on FMD preparedness