What a Difference a Year Makes in Pork Industry

Source: Farm Progress

Brett Kaysen, Senior VP of Producer and State Engagement at the National Pork Board (NPB), highlights swine health and workforce challenges as key concerns in the U.S. pork industry. Speaking at the Minnesota Pork Congress, he noted that while morale has improved due to lower feed costs and rising pork prices, disease outbreaks like PRRS and PEDV continue to impact profitability and farmer well-being.

Kaysen also emphasized the labor shortage, urging farm owners to recruit, develop, and retain talent in the industry. He stressed the need for raising awareness about careers in pork production and investing in employees’ growth and long-term retention. Despite challenges from global competition, disease, and labor shortages, Kaysen remains optimistic about industry profitability and future opportunities. He concluded that raising pigs is easy—the real challenge lies in managing people and sustaining a strong, skilled workforce for the long term.