FDA approves gene-editing technology for pigs

Pigs produced to be resistant to one of the world’s most costly livestock diseases, using technology developed by the Roslin Institute, have been approved for sale to U.S. consumers, according to the University of Edinburgh.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of a gene-editing technology that makes pigs resistant to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) for the U.S. food supply chain.

This landmark approval for animal genetics company Genus, following years of development, helps meet the challenge of a disease that is endemic to most pig-producing regions. The approval follows years of close collaboration with the FDA and is a significant step on the pathway to commercialization of gene-edited pigs in the United States and other international markets.

Pfeiffer inducted into Oklahoma Agriculture Hall of Fame

John H. Pfeiffer Jr., a fourth-generation Oklahoma farmer and rancher, was named the 2025 recipient of Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt’s Outstanding Achievement in Agriculture Award and is the 28th inductee into the Oklahoma Agriculture Hall of Fame.

“Mr. John Pfeiffer truly represents the values and principles that Oklahoma farmers and ranchers hold dear,” said Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur. “He has dedicated his life to his family, taking care of the land and his livestock, and serving his community and industry. Oklahoma agriculture flourishes because of hard work and leadership from people like Mr. Pfeiffer, and it is an honor to recognize him for his achievements.”

Known for his exceptional leadership as both president of the American Angus Association and chairman of the Certified Angus Beef (CAB) Board of Directors, Pfeiffer has worked to advance the beef industry through innovation and education, shaping the future of the Angus breed across the nation.

Through his advocacy and leadership, Pfeiffer has helped ensure Oklahoma ranchers are at the forefront of the global beef industry, maintaining the state’s strong agricultural legacy. His efforts to expand opportunities for the beef industry have played a crucial role in building consumer trust and increasing market reach.

Pfeiffer and his wife, Gaye, have long been recognized as pillars of excellence in the cattle industry. Together, they own and operate Pfeiffer Angus Farms, a purebred Angus cattle operation. Their participation in a 1981 CAB workshop shifted their focus from show-based to performance-based breeding, with Pfeiffer leading advancements in technology like in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer.

Pfeiffer graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1975 and worked as a county extension agent before serving as an educator and principal for 18 years. The Pfeiffers actively support local youth through 4-H and FFA, earning Pfeiffer honorary degrees from the Mulhall-Orlando FFA Chapter and Oklahoma FFA Association. They annually welcome hundreds to their farm, sharing livestock management practices and educating diverse groups, including chefs, international delegates, and STEM educators and experts.

Pfeiffer adds this honor to a long list of accomplishments that include being named Master Breeder in 2017 by Oklahoma State University, earning CAB’s Ambassador Award in 2021 and being recognized as Oklahoma Farm Bureau District 3 Farm and Ranch Family of the Year in 2023.

Save $75; register by May 9 for 2025 BIF symposium

Early registration deadline for the 2025 Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) Research Symposium and Convention is Friday, May 9. Attendees can save $75 by preregistering for the event scheduled for Amarillo, Texas, June 10-13.

Full registration by May 9 is $275 and includes two and one-half days of educational programming focused on beef industry profitability, as well as several meals and socials. The student early bird rate is $200.

Tuesday, June 10, kicks off with the Young Producer Symposium at 1 p.m. followed by the Welcome and Scholarship Reception. Monday evening attendees can participate in the National Association of Animal Breeders (NAAB) Symposium.

Wednesday’s general session will focus on “Beef Industry Profitability: Conflicting market signals and profit drivers in the beef value chain.” Presenters will include Mandy Carr, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA); Ty Lawrence, West Texas A&M University (WTAMU); Sam Hands, Triangle H Cattle Co.; and Brad Johnson, Texas Tech University.

Thursday’s general session theme will be “Sustainability: Improving our product through selection, applications of technology and data integration.” Speakers include Matthew Cleveland, ABS Global; Guilherme Rosa, University of Wisconsin; Jason Archer, Beef + Lamb New Zealand; and Ben Weinheimer, Texas Cattle Feeders Association.

For registration and more symposium details, including hotel information, visit BIFSymposium.com. Follow the event on social media channels using the hashtag #BIF2025.

Lallemand offers scholarships

Applications are now open for the 11th annual Lallemand Scholarship Program. This initiative supports outstanding students pursuing careers in agriculture, veterinary medicine and related disciplines.

In 2025, Lallemand will offer five scholarships for students pursuing agricultural degrees — two $2,500 scholarships for undergraduate students, a $3,000 scholarship for a master’s student, a $3,000 scholarship for a doctoral candidate and a $3,000 scholarship for a student pursuing a doctor of veterinary medicine degree.

Applications will close Oct. 3. Interested students must be full-time students enrolled in ag-related programs at accredited institutions in the United States, Canada or Mexico. Applications will be evaluated on academic achievement, leadership qualities, commitment to the ag industry and an essay submission that highlights creativity, originality and forward-thinking perspectives.

For more information and to apply, visit the Lallemand Animal Nutrition website.

U.S. government drops criminal charges against South Dakota ranchers

On April 28, the Trump administration announced it is dropping criminal charges against Charles and Heather Maude, a South Dakota family who has a small cattle and hog operation.

Originally alerted by the U.S. Forest Service (FS) that fencing on their property blocked access to the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands, the Maudes in good faith agreed to a survey of the property lines. After the survey was completed, what should have been a simple civil dispute concerning 50 acres of federal land turned into a costly, invasive and unnecessary criminal prosecution, said Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins.

“No family farmer or rancher should have to go through what the Maude family did,” said Buck Wehrbein, a Nebraska cattleman and president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA). “The targeted prosecution of the Maude family was way out of line for the U.S. Forest Service, and this was a clear example of government overreach that had direct, catastrophic impacts for a hardworking fifth-generation ranching family.”

Under the Biden administration, Charles and Heather Maude were indicted on federal charges of “theft of federal property,” as the result of a disputed fence line with the FS and a small parcel in the family’s pasture that had been managed the same way since the early 1900s. Despite the Maudes engaging in good faith with FS to address the boundary dispute, FS diverted from normal protocol. Armed federal agents served the Maudes with federal summons where Charles and Heather were charged separately, requiring them to each retain their own attorney and subjecting each to penalties of up to 10 years in federal prison and fines up to $250,000.

“Charles and Heather Maude are public lands ranchers who for decades held a federal grazing permit and were permittees in good standing,” said PLC President and Colorado rancher Tim Canterbury, a federal grazing permittee. “As permittees, we are required to work collaboratively with the government, but when federal agencies view ranchers as the enemy, it threatens the trust that every single rancher has in their federal partners. The public outcry we saw on behalf of the Maudes goes to show that public lands ranchers everywhere are breathing a sigh of relief that the USDA under Secretary Rollins is no longer trying to slap handcuffs on hardworking farmers and ranchers.”

Alltech shares global feed production survey data

Alltech has released its 2025 Agri-Food Outlook, a report that includes the results of the company’s 14th annual global feed production survey. The publication shows that global feed production rebounded in 2024 after a stagnant 2023, increasing from 1.380 billion metric tons (mt) (+1.2%) to 1.396 billion mt. This growth — achieved despite challenges that included highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), climate fluctuations and economic uncertainty — underscores the resilience and adaptability of the international ag industry.

The annual survey that serves as the foundation of the Agri-Food Outlook collected data from 142 countries and 28,235 feedmills in 2024. By analyzing compound feed production and prices — collected by Alltech’s global sales team and in partnership with feed associations and official data-collecting organizations — the survey provides a comprehensive snapshot of global feed production. These insights serve as a barometer for the overall livestock industry, highlighting key trends across species, regional challenges and opportunities for growth.

The top 10 feed-producing countries in 2024 were:

• China (which produced 315.030 million mt of feed, down 2.03% from 2023);
• the United States (269.620 million mt; +0.68%);
• Brazil (86.636 million mt; +2.43%);
• India (55.243 million mt; +4.56%);
• Mexico (41.401 million mt; +1.38%);
• Russia (38.481 million mt; +8.53%);
• Spain (35.972 million mt; +1.46%);
• Vietnam (25.850 million mt; +3.41%);
• Turkey (24.502 million mt; +4.83%); and
• Japan (24.297 million mt; +0.14%).

Together, the top 10 countries produced 65.6% of the world’s feed. Fifty-two percent of all global feed production was concentrated in just four countries: China, the United States, Brazil and India.

Beef feed tonnage rose from 131.6 million mt in 2023 to 134.1 million mt in 2024, reflecting a global increase of 1.8%. North America, Latin America, Africa, Europe and Oceania all recorded gains thanks to a rise in demand for beef exports due to tight supply elsewhere around the world. Additionally, scarce forages in parts of North America, Latin America and Australia drove cattle producers to rely more heavily on commercial feeds. The decline in beef feed tonnage seen in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East was attributed to oversupply and lower prices.

To access more data and insights from the 2025 Alltech Agri-Food Outlook, including an interactive global map, visit alltech.com/agri-food-outlook.

Editor’s note: Compiled by Editor Shauna Hermel.

Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA, Vol. 17, No. 5-A