The COVID-19 pandemic has definitely changed the way the world operates, and the U.S. pork industry knows all too well of the impact that the coronavirus has had on operations across the country.

Spencer Wayne, veterinarian with Pipestone Veterinary Services, and Beth Thompson, state veterinarian with the Minnesota Board of Animal Health, discuss some of the many ways that the pandemic has changed the U.S. swine industry. Thompson was a guest of Wayne's in the 11^th installment of the SwineTime podcast, produced by PVS.

Even though COVID-19 is a disease that inflicts humans, Wayne and Thompson discuss the lessons learned — both for pig farmers and processing plants — to be more prepared should a foreign animal disease some to the United States.

As the spread of COVID-19 negatively impacted the workforce at packing plants, producers have been forced to get creative finding solutions for supply chain backup and stocking density. Thompson and Wayne discuss any health concerns such measures pose to the U.S. pig population. Sadly, some of these creative measures for slowing growth rate and restocking weren't enough to prevent producers from having to take the last, drastic step to actually euthanize some of the animals under their care. Thompson touches on euthanasia and how producers can and should be prepared, as well as she shares resources.

Just as with any crisis impacting agriculture, Thompson appreciates the way the industry has pulled together.

Click here to listen to the entire podcast.

SwineTime podcast was created for the pork industry and individual pork producers around the country. Hosted by Spencer Wayne with Pipestone Veterinary Services, the podcast contains pork industry news, advancements in animal care and how to enhance your productivity. Monthly podcasts are available on Spotify, Google Music, iTunes, Anchor and on Pipestone.com.

Source: Pipestone Veterinary Services, which is solely responsible for the information provided, and wholly owns the information. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.