BioSec Bob here on Friday, September 25, 2026 — let’s get right into it.
The latest USDA inventory numbers are in, and National Hog Farmer is reporting U.S. hog inventory sits at 74.3 million head, down two percent from a year ago. That marks a meaningful shift in the herd size that producers have been watching closely. The decline reflects market conditions and production decisions made across breeding operations throughout the country over the past twelve months.
On the research front, there’s some encouraging news out of the lab. National Hog Farmer is covering work showing pig models are demonstrating real promise in breakthrough flu vaccine research. The findings suggest that swine physiology offers valuable insights for developing more effective influenza vaccines — research that could have applications well beyond the barn.
Down in Wilson County, Kansas, animal control officials are investigating what’s being reported as a feral swine sighting, according to KOAM News Now. The concern is straightforward: feral swine populations can pose a genuine threat to domestic operations, disease status, and land management. Kansas producers in that area should stay alert and report any unusual activity to local authorities.
Turning to processing, the federal government is launching a new initiative aimed at bringing additional states into the U.S. meat inspection program, pig333 and the 3TRES3 community are reporting. The effort seeks to expand state participation in inspection protocols, which could reshape how some regional operations handle oversight and market access.
The USDA issued a major recall this week affecting beef, pork, and other meat products, according to WGN-TV. The scale of the recall underscores the importance of traceability systems and supply chain documentation — something every pork producer should verify is solid on their end.
Keep your record-keeping tight and your biosecurity sharper than ever.