Niman Ranch announces numerous farmer awards and recognitions at meat brand’s 23rd annual Hog Farmer Appreciation Dinner.

Unprecedented. Uncertain. Historic. Frantic. Challenging. Words have been used daily to describe the sudden havoc COVID-19 wreaked on the food system and the economy as America worked to slow the spread of the disease and save lives while we kept a nation fed.

Average U.S. pork production during the 12 months through February was up 1.9 percent compared with the year-ago level (most recent data).

America’s pig farmers produced a record-breaking number of market hogs in 2016, resulting in ample supplies of pork at the retail meat case and in restaurants.

Momentum is decidedly negative in the U.S. pork market at the moment.

It’s been a very positive year for the fresh pork category.