Rep. Frank Lucas, R-Okla.

This weeks’ guest on Open Mic is Bill Even, CEO of the National Pork Board. As a fifth-generation farmer and former South Dakota Secretary of Agriculture, Even is well-versed in the obstacles and opportunities of the nation’s top industry. Despite a setback from a nationwide pig virus a few years ago, Even says hog farmers and the swine industry have ramped up production and capacity to supply the growing demand for pork. Even says African Swine Fever could be the biggest global event of this generation and outlines the challenges of protecting the domestic herd while trying to gain global market access stymied by trade tensions.