"Trade war" is a volatile term in today's geopolitical context, and everything, including agriculture, feels its effects.

 

How will the trade policies of secondterm US President Donald Trump shape the flow of corn from the United States to Southeast Asia (pages 4-5)? After all, it was not too ago in world history that US tariffs were imposed on Chinese imports - China responding in kind with tariffs on US agricultural products - during both nations' trade war in 2018.

 

All these add an element of uncertainty to pig farming, already clobbered by the spread of African swine fever in some countries.

 

Modern pig production faces an uphill battle toward the holy grail of profitability. To this end, there are many ways to skin the proverbial cat: strong biosecurity to protect against diseases and feed additives to optimise animal diets, for example.

 

Looking into Russia's pig farming sector, digital transformation is seen as the driver of its development, according to Vasily Komlatskiy of Kuban State Agrarian University (pages 8-9). He highlights pigletfeeding systems by Big Dutchman as he builds a case for precision technologies in pig farms that can ensure "the targeted use of resources and precise control over production process". Such technologies, in Komlatskiy's view, are the decisive factor in Russian pig farming's profitability.

 

When implemented well, digitisation and other supportive elements will set up pig-pork production for long-term success.

 

The full article is published on the February 2025 issue of LIVESTOCK & FEED Business. To read the full report, please email to inquiry@efeedlink.com to request for a complimentary copy of the magazine, indicating your name, mailing address and title of the report.