National Hog Farmer: History, Farm Progress Profile, Pork Coverage and Editors
Profile updated November 2026
National Hog Farmer has been the pork business authority for roughly 70 years, following the hog industry from small farrowing barns to modern integrated production. Founded in Iowa in the mid-1950s, it moved to Minnesota in 1965 and now publishes digitally as part of the Farm Progress livestock group. Here is its history, status, coverage and staff.
| Founded | Mid-1950s; it marked its 50th year in 2005 |
|---|---|
| Founder | C.R. Mitchell |
| Early base | Grundy Center, Iowa; moved to Minnesota in 1965 |
| Publisher | Farm Progress livestock group |
| Format | Digital: website, newsletters and digital content |
| Sister brands | BEEF, Feedstuffs |
| Official website | NationalHogFarmer.com |
History of National Hog Farmer
C.R. Mitchell founded National Hog Farmer in the 1950s, and library catalogs list its early home as the National Swine Growers Center in Grundy Center, Iowa. The magazine moved to Minnesota in 1965. Neal Black joined as managing editor in 1957 and became editor in 1973, writing a widely read monthly column before leaving in 1980 to lead the Livestock Conservation Institute.
Bill Fleming, an Iowa State graduate who had spent 28 years at BEEF, became the third editor from 1980 to 1993. Dale Miller, hired in 1973 straight out of the University of Minnesota, followed as only the fourth editor in the magazine's 38-year history, writing his first editorial in October 1993. Miller pushed the magazine to become more scientific as the industry modernized and launched in-depth Blueprint issues.
Lora Berg, who joined in 1993, became editor when Miller retired in 2013. In 2018 Farm Progress named Ann Hess editor. National Hog Farmer started its Masters of the Pork Industry recognition in 2006, the year after its 50th anniversary, and co-sponsored the industry's earlier producer recognition program until 2015.
National Hog Farmer Today
Like its sister title BEEF, National Hog Farmer moved fully into the digital space in 2021, continuing its coverage at nationalhogfarmer.com and through e-newsletters. Farm Progress describes it as the source for hog production, management and market news.
Farm Progress operates within Informa's exhibition business, which also runs the Farm Progress Show, the nation's largest outdoor farm show.
What National Hog Farmer Is Publishing Now
Production and health
Disease management, biosecurity, nutrition, genetics and barn technology remain the editorial core, a focus that dates to articles on swine dysentery and rhinitis in the 1970s.
Markets and business
Hog price analysis, cost of production, packer news and trade.
Policy and people
Federal and state policy, Proposition 12-style rules, and producer recognition such as Masters of the Pork Industry.
National Hog Farmer Editors and Staff
Editors past and present named in National Hog Farmer and Farm Progress announcements:
- Ann Hess - Editor since 2018; Content Producer, Farm Progress Livestock Team
- Kevin Schulz - Senior content specialist; former editor of The Land
- Sarah Muirhead - Brand Management Director, Livestock
- Kristin Bakker - Digital Content Specialist
- Lora Berg - Editor 2013-2018
- Dale Miller - Editor 1993-2013
Who Reads National Hog Farmer
Readers are pork producers, swine veterinarians, nutritionists and allied industry. Hogs generated $28.0 billion, about 14% of U.S. animal cash receipts in 2021, according to USDA's Economic Research Service.
Pig farmers learn early that the animals are smarter than people think and the markets are dumber than anyone would like. That combination is perfect material for farm.FM, where farm satire and farm humor take aim at hog cycles, regulators and escaped feeder pigs, with a side of ranch humor for the cattle neighbors. The farm jokes there are best enjoyed far from the barn, for obvious reasons.
Readers who want the full experience can pair the jokes with Tractor Tunes, the country music for farmers that farm.FM, the nation's first satirical farm site, plays between stories. This author page is a fine starting point.
National Hog Farmer Sources and Agriculture Authority Links
- National Hog Farmer: 2016 Pork Master Dale Miller - a history of the magazine through its longtime editor.
- National Hog Farmer: Neal Black remembered - the second editor's career and the 1965 move to Minnesota.
- Farm Progress: Ann Hess named editor - the 2018 appointment.
- USDA ERS: Animal cash receipts - hog sector receipts in context.
- USDA NASS Quick Stats - hogs and pigs inventory data.
National Hog Farmer FAQ
Who founded National Hog Farmer?
C.R. Mitchell founded the magazine in the 1950s; it celebrated its 50th year in 2005.
Is National Hog Farmer still in print?
It moved to digital in 2021 and continues at nationalhogfarmer.com and through e-newsletters.
Who is the editor of National Hog Farmer?
Ann Hess was named editor in 2018 and works on the Farm Progress livestock team.
What are the Masters of the Pork Industry?
An annual National Hog Farmer recognition of pork industry leaders, started in 2006.
Seventy years, five editors and countless barns later, National Hog Farmer is still where pork producers go for the news that moves their business.