U.S. pig producers are eager for the new year. While 2023 was nothing to write home about in terms of market prices and profitability, it was a good year regarding disease issues.

Joel Narem, DVM, shares three predictions for the new year:

1. No significant change to disease trends impacting U.S. pig farmers.
2. Increased threat of foreign animal disease. All eyes remain on African swine fever (ASF), the most significant threat to U.S. pork production. Narem expects ASF to become more prevalent in more countries in 2024.
3. Gene editing will be approved in pigs by the U.S. FDA. Currently under review, approval could mean a porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS)-resistant pig.

Read more on pig trends to watch in 2024 here.