December 21
Updated Website Features Simplified Navigation
The KPA thanks you for visiting our new website. It was designed to provide quick and easy access to the most-visited pages by producers and consumers. There are some features still under construction. These should be finished in the next few weeks.
We do need your help in building one section. People ask your staff all the time, “Where can we find the best places to eat pork in Kansas?” To answer this question, KPA has created a Restaurant Guide on the new KPA website. The web page will include the restaurant’s location, the producer’s favorite item on the menu and a few comments about the menu item.
For added incentive to help be a part of this guide, producers will receive one $20 gift card for each restaurant submitted. Limit 2 restaurants per producer. Call the office and let us know what is your favorite pork dish or download the Restaurant Form.
Wendell Moyer Student Enrichment Grant Applications Available
In 1956, Wendell Moyer helped organize a small group of pork producers into the Kansas Swine Improvement Association. Their purpose was to work together to make their business more profitable while keeping the swine industry healthy and flourishing statewide. The KPA is working everyday to achieve this same goal.
The KPA would like to encourage participation in pork production while building our leaders of tomorrow.
Current KSU students who have completed between 25-100 credit hours are eligible to apply for a $1,000 scholarship. Please download the Application or contact the KPA at (785) 776-0442 for more information. Deadline for application is January 26, 2010.
KPA, MPA & NPB Holiday Ham Promotion
The Kansas Pork Association, Missouri Pork Association and National Pork Board joined forces to bring consumers a special holiday present...Pork! Ads will be placed in the Kansas City Star, December 19 and 20, that highlight ham sales, offer a recipe and give tips for ham preparation. Price Chopper’s network includes 32 stores in the Kansas City area. The Kansas City Star has a 90% Metro circulation and reaches 874,000 adult readers.
KPA Begins Radio and Web Ads with University of Kansas
The KPA will be sponsoring 30-second ads on 34 radio stations during each University of Kansas BIG XII basketball game. The agreement also includes internet ads on the KU Athletics website - kuathletics.com. The website ads are already on the site and will continue to cycle through March 2009. The ads will link consumers to theotherwhitemeat.com. During the 2008-09 year, kuathletics.com averaged just under 1.7 million page views and 245,000 unique visitors per month. If you visit the site, the ad revolves with other advertising. Hit your refresh button until the Pork ad appears in the right-hand column.
Radio advertising will air on the Jayhawk Radio Network in 28 markets.
PQA Plus Site Assessment Rebate Program
The Kansas Pork Association, the National Pork Board and the National Pork Producers Council are encouraging all producers to become PQA Plus certified and achieve PQA Plus Site Status. The purpose of this program is to encourage producers to be proactive in providing the best possible care for their animals and show commitment to the ethical principles of pork production as outlined in the We Care responsible pork initiative.
Having a PQA Plus advisor review your operation can both improve the well-being and productivity of animals in your care by noting changes or additions that may not otherwise be noticed.
The Kansas Pork Association is offering a $100 rebate to Kansas Pork Producers completing a PQA Plus Site Assesment from August 1 to December 31, 2009. The funding is available on a first-come-first-serve basis.
The following requirements and stipulations apply:
Click here to download the rebate form.
Please contact Tim Stroda at kpa@kspork.org or (785) 776-0442 with questions or to see if funds are still available.
Pork Radio Advertisement airing on K-State basketball
Listeners to Kansas State University basketball across the state will hear pork advertising during the games on the following list of stations
Click on Pork Ad to hear the advertisement.
BELOIT KVSV-AM 1190 AM
CHANUTE KINZ-FM 95.3 FM
CLAY CENTER KCLY-FM 100.9 FM
COFFEYVILLE KGGF-AM 690 AM
COLBY/GOODLAND KRDQ-FM 100.3 FM
CONCORDIA KNCK-AM 1390 AM
DODGE CITY KSKZ-FM 98.1 FM
EMPORIA KVOE-FM 101.7 FM
GOODLAND KLOE-AM 730 AM
GREAT BEND KZRS-FM 107.9 FM
HAYS KXNC-FM 104.7 FM
HIAWATHA KNZA-FM 103.9 FM
HUTCHINSON/WICHITA KHMY-FM 93.1 FM
JUNCTION CITY KJCK-AM 1420 AM
JUNCTION CITY KBLS-FM 102.5 FM
KANSAS CITY WHB-AM 810 AM
LIBERAL KSMM-AM 1470 AM
MANHATTAN KMKF-FM 101.5 FM
MANHATTAN KMAN-AM 1350 AM
MARYSVILLE KNDY-AM 1570 AM
NORTON KQNK-AM 1530 AM
NORTON KQNK-FM 106.7 FM
PHILLIPSBURG KKAN-AM 1490 AM
PHILLIPSBURG KQMA-FM 92.5 FM
PITTSBURG KSEK-AM 1340 AM
RUSSELL KRSL-AM 990 AM
SALINA KSAL-AM 1150 AM
SCOTT CITY KSKL-FM 94.5 FM
SENECA KMZA-FM 92.1 FM
TOPEKA KQTP-FM 102.9 FM
TOPEKA KTOP-AM 1490 AM
WICHITA KFTI-AM 1070 AM
WINFIELD KKLE-AM 1550 AM
| EQIP and WHIP Application Cutoff Date - January 15, 2010 Producers interested in applying for the 2010 NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Programs (EQIP) and Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) should apply by January 15, 2010. Applications may be submitted anytime; however, applications will be gathered for ranking at that point. Landowners and/or operators with eligible cropland, rangeland, or forestland with any EQIP/WHIP concerns should apply at their local NRCS field office and work with them on a conservation plan.For 2010, the EQIP program will provide up to 75% of the costs for eligible environmental improvements including concrete structures, lagoons, pipelines for waste transfer and composting facilities. The program will also assist producers in upgrading their manure transfer systems through portable hose systems, variable rate irrigation equipment, and phosphorus reduction equipment. |
WEEK ENDING December 18, 2009
GAO STUDY FINDS THAT ETHANOL PRODUCTION DOUBLED FEED COSTS
Ethanol production more than doubled feed costs for livestock producers in the U.S. between 2006 and 2008, according to a soon-to-be released report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO). An article in the Times-News of Twin Falls, Idaho, said the report shows that up to 60 percent of corn grown in the U.S. before 2006 was used in beef, pork, poultry and dairy production but that by 2008 more than one-third of corn in the U.S. was diverted to ethanol production. The report supports livestock producers' claims that ethanol has been undercutting agricultural sectors. It also found that livestock producers face reductions in land available for grazing. NPPC has insisted that the Obama administration and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency study the impact that ethanol production has on feed prices for livestock producers. While the U.S. pork industry has not opposed the use of ethanol and the country’s goal of reducing its dependence on foreign oil, U.S. pork producers have paid a price, literally, in the form of much higher feed costs. Due mostly to those higher costs, pork producers since October 2007 have lost nearly $24 on each hog marketed, and the pork industry has lost more than $6 billion.
PRODUCERS SCORE IMPORTANT WIN IN CONTRACTS CASE
NPPC this week won a critical court case related to contracts between producers and packers. A federal appeals court ruled that plaintiffs must show they suffered an adverse impact on competition when challenging a practice under the federal Packers and Stockyards Act (PSA). NPPC filed a friend-of-the-court brief in support of Pilgrim’s Pride Corp. in the case involving several of the poultry processors’ growers. The growers, who were supplied by Pilgrim’s Pride with chickens, feed and supplies, were paid according to a tournament system, which took into account the number and quality of each grower’s chickens. One grower, Pilgrim’s Pride founder and chairman, Lonnie Pilgrim, was not subject to the tournament system. The other growers sued under the PSA, claiming that Lonnie Pilgrim was given “undue or unreasonable preference or advantage.” The full U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in New Orleans overturned a ruling in which a three-judge panel of the same court said that “a plaintiff need not prove an adverse effect on competition to prevail” under the PSA. Under the three-judge decision, a plaintiff could have sued a packer that, for example, contracted with some but not all producers to deliver hogs on holidays, paying a bonus for the deliveries, and won the case if a factfinder (court or jury) simply deemed such a practice “unfair” without determining whether the plaintiff suffered a loss of competitiveness. In its brief to the full Fifth Circuit, NPPC argued that, contrary to the three-judge court’s holding that the meaning of language in the PSA is “plain,” the terms “unfair,” “unjustly discriminatory” and others are vague and in cases over the past 40 years other federal appeals courts have ruled that there must be a showing of adverse competitive impact before a practice can be labeled “unfair” or “unjustly discriminatory.” The decision reaffirms similar decisions in several other federal circuits that said plaintiffs a case under the PSA must have suffered an adverse impact on competition. The alternative would see every contract dispute becoming a claim under the PSA rather than being handled as a matter of state law.
FSIS PROPOSED RULE COULD AFFECT PORK PRODUCTS
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a supplemental proposed rule that, if finalized, will amend federal meat and poultry products inspection regulations to require nutrition labeling of the major cuts of single-ingredient, raw meat and poultry products, unless an exemption applies. The proposed rule was first introduced in 2001, but due to the eight-year gap in time since the publication of the proposed rule, FSIS is providing the public an opportunity to comment on the proposed rule. Among other commentary being requested, FSIS is looking for comments on whether nutrition information should be allowed on point-of-purchase materials for ground or chopped products, as an alternative to requiring nutrition information on the product labels.
Protect Your Pigs Against Mycotoxins
The unusually wet weather experienced in many areas this fall not only put corn harvest way behind, but it
provided ideal conditions for mold and mycotoxins to appear in corn—a potential headache for pork producers
using the new-crop grain in swine rations.
Although mold itself found in grain does not cause problems for livestock, pigs can be very sensitive to the
mycotoxins that molds sometimes produce. In these cases, pigs may refuse to eat the affected feed, but often the
symptoms may go unnoticed even as pig performance declines.
According to Bob Thaler, a South Dakota Cooperative Extension swine specialist, it’s the unpredictable nature
of mycotoxins that make it essential to know exactly how much is in the grain for any ratio formula to work. It’s
also why producers should keep a very close eye on the quality of corn, whether they harvest it themselves or
buy it from suppliers.
Specifically, Thaler says the mycotoxins to watch for include: aflatoxin, zearalenone, vomitoxin (also known as
DON), fumonosins and T2. “We recommend that you take samples from several different locations in the bin or load, and then send them to a certified lab for analysis. Your county Extension educator can provide more information about proper
sampling and where to send it.”
To help make sense of the lab results, watch for the following mycotoxins:
• Vomitoxin. Gibberella ear rot fungus produces the mycotoxin called deoxynivalenol (DON), also known as
vomitoxin. Vomitoxin does not cause health or reproductive problems, but when the total concentration in
the diet reaches 1 ppm, pigs will eat less feed, Thaler says. “This decrease in feed intake will result in slower
gains, but not death.” You can easily tell if there’s a problem with vomitoxins, because pigs will vomit and
suffer from diarrhea, in addition to eating less feed, adds Dr. Hans Stein, a swine nutrition specialist at the
University of Illinois Extension. “If you have to feed grain with vomitoxin in it, mix it up as best you can so
levels in the final diet are a maximum of 1 ppm in the final diet,” he says.
• Zearalenone. In contrast to vomitoxin, the mycotoxin Zearalenone has estrogen-like effects that tend to
cause problems in the breeding herd. It can cause a number of health issues, from swollen vulvas to reduced
birth weights, says Stein, who notes that Zearalenone seems to be less detrimental in grow-finish pigs. “If
you have to feed it, try to get it into the diet of grow-finish pigs, and try to keep it out of the diet of the
breeding herd and developing gilts.”
• Ochratoxin. This mycotoxin is a concern in swine diets. Reduced performance has been reported with levels
as low as 1.4 ppm, and high levels are toxic. Feed no more than 1 ppm of ochratoxin in the final diet, Stein says.
• T2 toxin. Particularly in the diets of young pigs, T2 is very toxic and reduces feed intake and average daily
gain. This mycotoxin also reduces the immune function of these pigs, says Stein, who recommends no more
than 0.5 ppm of T2 in the final diet.
• Fumonisin. Quite of bit of fumonisin has appeared in corn this fall. Don’t feed more than 10 ppm, Stein
says. “If you are above this level, you need to blend it down.”
• Diplodia. While the University of Illinois has received many calls about diplodia this fall, diplodia is not toxic
and can be fed to pigs with no detrimental effects. “There are some reports that feed intake may go down a
little when you feed diplodia corn, however,” Stein says. “Watch this, and try to blend it up as much as you can.”
• Aflatoxin. Thisis the only mycotoxin regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. No more than
20 ppb of aflatoxin is allowed for interstate shipment of contaminated grain. At low levels (20 to 200 ppb),
aflatoxin often decreases feed intake, depresses growth rate and can suppress the pig’s immune function.
"Pick Up Pork” Campaign Builds Social Media Buzz
The more you give, the more you get, according to the social media’s unwritten rules of online success. Through
the “Pick Up Pork, The All American Value!” promotion this fall, the Pork Checkoff found a novel way to give
something extra to pork fans on Facebook and followers on Twitter.
“When people became a fan of The Other White Meat Fan Page on Facebook or started following us on
Twitter, they had the chance to win a $100 gift card to a nearby grocery store to pick up pork,” says Cathy Lee Fredrickson, online content manager for the Pork Checkoff. “This was a great example of permission-based
marketing that gives people the power to be associated with pork, and it was an amazing success.”
In just two weeks, the contest generated 500 new Twitter followers for pork’s Twitter handle @AllAboutPork,
says Fredrickson. The Pork Checkoff actively “tweeted” throughout the whole promotion, posting short
messages like “loin = lean” about pork’s role in a healthy diet, pork’s value and more.
“In the social media, we’ve found that messages about pork’s benefits, such as the fact that ounce for ounce, pork
tenderloin is as lean as a skinless chicken breast, resonate with our fans and followers even more than recipes,”
Fredrickson says. “Since these people can pass along our messages to their friends and followers, it’s important
for us to keep posting information while being flexible and responsive to social media users’ interests.”
As part of the “Pick Up Pork” promotion, the Pork Checkoff partnered with The Write Spot’s Ann Marie Nichols,
an influential blogger and friend of pork, to share great ideas for a perfect “Pork Party Pack” to guarantee a hogwild
celebration. Nichols and the Checkoff encouraged people to visit the new TheOtherWhiteMeat.com to find
inexpensive meal ideas, pork recipes that are easy on the wallet, and simple tips from America’s pork producers,
who are proud to provide families across the country with good food at a great value.
Even at this time of year when American farm families are typically looking forward to planning for the new year, some are struggling. A spouse may have lost an off-farm job, a family member may not fully know his place in an operation and others have been hit by low prices for what they produce.
Resources are available through K-State Research and Extension, as well as eXtension, to help families who are struggling or in transition. eXtension is an educational partnership comprised of land grant universities across the country.
K-State and the Kansas Farm Analyst Program will offer “Keeping the Family Farming” Workshops in January for families who are incorporating family members and others into a farm operation or passing the farm business from one generation to the next. One workshop will be in Beloit on Jan. 9 and 23, 2010 at the Zion Lutheran Church at 621 N. Mill St. Another will be in Hiawatha Jan. 16 and 30, 2010 at the Fisher Community Center, 201 E. Iowa St. Registration and other information is available on the Web site: www.agmanager.info or by contacting Rich Llewelyn at 785-532-1504.
eXtension offers an eight-lesson course, “Investing for Farm Families,” which can help family members make strategic decisions while weaving together farm and personal investments. The course, developed by a team of Extension educators, is designed to help families plan for a financially stable future that meets their long-term needs. The online format means families can work at their own pace. More information is available on the Web site: www.extension.org/pages/InvestingforFarmFamilies.
The K-State Farm Analyst Program provides one-on-one educational services to Kansas farm families. Using Finpack computer software, analysts provide business analysis while teaching financial concepts through their application on individual farms. Analysts work with all types of operations as every farm plays a role in the economic environment of rural communities. More information is available by calling 785-636-5462 or email dhund@ksu.edu.
The Kansas Rural Family Helpline is a non-profit, direct service program dedicated to meeting the special needs of rural families in Kansas. The Helpline provides confidential, short-term emotional support, competent advice, and qualified referrals directly to rural families struggling with an unmet emotional, medical, financial or legal need. More information is available by calling 1-866-FARM-KSU (1-866-327-6578) or email farmksu@humec.ksu.edu or www.humec.k-state.edu/fshs/pfws/krfhprogram.html.
The Kansas Agricultural Mediation Service (KAMS), based in K-State Research and Extension, works with farm families in a confidential manner to find information, connect families with services and help resolve disputes that arise with government agencies, banks, suppliers and others. Two components are key features of its services -- financial counseling through the Farm Analyst Program and legal counseling through Kansas Legal Services. In many cases, KAMS services are free of charge. More information is available by calling 1-800-321-3276 or on the Web at www.ksre.ksu.edu/kams/.
The Kansas Farm Management Association (KFMA), a part of K-State Research and Extension, has economists based in several communities throughout Kansas who work cooperatively with farm families to provide production and financial management information for use in decision making. KFMA economists use on-farm visits, whole-farm analysis, enterprise analysis, and other programs to assist producers in developing sound farm accounting systems; improving decision making; comparing performance with similar farms; integrating tax planning, and marketing and asset investment strategies. More information is available by calling 785-532-1513 or on the Web at www.agmanager.info/KFMA/.
Farm Help Wanted
Hog Farm in South Central Kansas is offering a competitive salary and bonus for performance. Good attitude is needed. Will provide training.
620-752-3650
316-799-2650
To add your listing, please contact Tim Stroda at the KPA office at 785-776-0442 or e-mail to kpa@kspork.org
October Pork Exports Show Growing Momentum
Pork exports continued their upward momentum with a strong performance in October. Exports of 164,092
metric tons or 361.8 million pounds represented the second-largest monthly volume this year, while pork muscle
cut exports achieved their highest volume of 2009 at 128,392 metric tons or 283.1 million pounds.
Year-to-date exports are down 11 percent in volume to 1.53 million metric tons or 3.37 billion pounds and 13
percent in value to $3.57 billion compared to 2008, the highest ever year for pork exports, but they remain
nearly 50 percent higher than the second-best year on record, 2007. This year, exports account for 22.3 percent
of total production compared to 24 percent last year, while the value of exports equates to $38.17 per hog
slaughtered compared to last year’s $42.31.
Mexico continues to be a stalwart for U.S. pork exports. For the first 10 months of 2009, exports to Mexico
are up 33 percent in volume at 409,628 metric tons or 903.1 million pounds and 10 percent in value at $606.1
million compared year-ago totals. It is the No. 1 volume market for U.S. pork exports.
Japan remains the No. 1 value market for U.S. pork. While export volume, 355,323 metric tons or 783.4 million
pounds, is down slightly through October, the value of nearly $1.3 billion still exceeds last year’s pace by about 1
percent. October exports to Japan increased by nearly 20 percent in both volume and value over September and
exceeded the 2009 monthly average in terms of both volume and value.
October exports to the Greater China/Hong Kong region reached their highest level of the year despite a
continued ban on direct exports to mainland China. U.S. Pork also overcame a variety of market access issues by
recording a strong month in Russia. For January through October, however, these markets are still down more
than 40 percent compared to 2008.
Pork exports to the ASEAN region achieved their second-highest monthly total of the year in October, with the
Philippines accounting for most of the region’s growth. Results were similar in Korea, where pork exports still
trail 2008 by about 19 percent, but October exports were the highest since May.
Though down slightly from an all-time record in September, pork exports to Taiwan recorded another solid
month and have increased by 38 percent in volume and 27 percent in value for the year versus 2008. Exports to
the Oceania region of Australia and New Zealand have increased 18 percent in volume and 11 percent in value.
(Editor’s Note: Statistics refer to pork plus pork variety meat, unless otherwise indicated.)
Kansas GOLD Inc. working to update producer's information 
Garry Keeler, program coordinator for Kansas GOLD Inc., is now working to update the yearly information needed to recertify facilities. Kansas GOLD Inc. will be contacting producers as their certification becomes due. The program has also recently started working with several producers to begin the process of applying for new permits.
The GOLD program is designed to ensure that when a regulator visits your farm, the information they request can be found easily and is packaged in a pre-approved format. The process begins with a visit to your farm by the Kansas GOLD coordinator, who will begin by examining your KDHE permit for each facility number. This permit tells the coordinator what information needs to be collected and kept on file.
Kansas GOLD Inc. provides a cost-effective manner to ensure your operation is in compliance. For information, please click on GOLD or contact the KPA office at (785) 776-0442 or e-mail to kpa@kspork.org
K-State’s Swine Day is Another Success
Over 300 producers, allied representatives, K-State staff and students attended the KSU Swine Day on November 19th. The day included the K-State Swine Team discussing practical application of latest production research, a panel discussion on the impact of H1N1 that included Steve Henry DVM, Abilene Animal Hospital; Ingrid Garrison DVM, State Public Health Veterinarian, KDHE; and Liz Wagstrom DVM, Assistant Vice President, Science and Technology, National Pork Board. Kent Bang, of Bank of the West in Omaha, discussed the economic signals that provide a look into the future of the swine industry.
Steve Henry DVM leads the panel discussion.
KPA/KPPC Hosts Executive Board Meeting at K-State Swine Day
After the excitement of Swine Day on November 19, the KPA/KPPC Executive Board members met to review current NRCS EQIP updates, holiday promotions, social media activities, the new website, various public relations activities, property taxes and member incentive programs. Please remember to thank them for their dedication to your association!
KPA Promotes Pork at K-State vs. Missouri Game
The KSU Wildcats took on Mizzou Saturday, November 14, with the Kansas Pork Association there to cheer them on. Over 30 producer volunteers traveled from around the state to join in on the fun, promote pork and attend the game.
The KPA booth was located on the west side of the stadium. At the booth, volunteers served delicious pork loin samples provided by Prairie Fresh Prime, a product of Seaboard Foods, and prepared by Frontier Farm Credit of Marysville.
The promotion also featured $1 off coupons created by the National Pork Board. The coupons were for fresh pork and could be redeemed at any grocery store nationwide. All redemption was paid for by the National Pork Board’s retail team. To get the coupons out to attendees, producers were located at entry gates to the stadium to offer the $1 off coupons to the crowd that did not stop at the booth. To draw crowds to the booth, radio ads with K-State media promoted the event.
“We appreciate the support from the producer volunteers and sponsors who helped make the event successful with their enthusiasm,” said Tim Stroda, KPA President-CEO.
Overall, the event was a super success! Over 8,000 $1 off coupons left the KPA booth and over 1,200 pork loin samples were handed out! A special thank you goes out to the Frontier Farm Credit grilling team that showed up at 4:00 am to fire the smoker and get the pork cooking!
Willie the Wildcat stops in to get some pork samples
KPA Join Kansas Ag Commodity Groups for Advocacy Training
Pork producers along with farmers and ranchers from around the state gathered on November 4-5 for a in-depth training on agricultural advocacy. Ten industry leaders representing the KPA, KLA, Kansas Wheat, Kansas Corn, the Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association, the Kansas Soybean Association and the Kansas Soybean Commission participated in the training.
The training began with a visit from Kansas Secretary of Ag Josh Svaty and Center for Food Integrity Director of Development Kevin Sprouse. Staff members from each commodity group conducted sessions on social media, writing proactive-reactive letters and delivering messages to decision-makers and legislators. The training ended with a trip to WIBW-Topeka where farm broadcasters Kelly Lenz and Greg Akagi trained producers to convey a positive message through television and radio interviews.
Michael Springer of Springer Family Foods and Kent Condray of Condray Farms, Inc./ KC Pork, Inc. represented the KPA.
PQA Plus Site Assessment Rebate Program
The Kansas Pork Association, the National Pork Board and the National Pork Producers Council are encouraging all producers to become PQA Plus certified and achieve PQA Plus Site Status. The purpose of this program is to encourage producers to be proactive in providing the best possible care for their animals and show commitment to the ethical principles of pork production as outlined in the We Care responsible pork initiative.
Having a PQA Plus advisor review your operation can both improve the well-being and productivity of animals in your care by noting changes or additions that may not otherwise be noticed.
The Kansas Pork Association is offering a $100 rebate to Kansas Pork Producers completing a PQA Plus Site Assesment from August 1 to December 31, 2009. The funding is available on a first-come-first-serve basis.
The following requirements and stipulations apply:
Click here to download the rebate form.
Please contact Tim Stroda at kpa@kspork.org or (785) 776-0442 with questions or to see if funds are still available.
Pork Radio Advertisement airing on K-State basketball
Listeners to Kansas State University basketball across the state will hear pork advertising during the games on the following list of stations
Click on Pork Ad to hear the advertisement.
BELOIT KVSV-AM 1190 AM
CHANUTE KINZ-FM 95.3 FM
CLAY CENTER KCLY-FM 100.9 FM
COFFEYVILLE KGGF-AM 690 AM
COLBY/GOODLAND KRDQ-FM 100.3 FM
CONCORDIA KNCK-AM 1390 AM
DODGE CITY KSKZ-FM 98.1 FM
EMPORIA KVOE-FM 101.7 FM
GOODLAND KLOE-AM 730 AM
GREAT BEND KZRS-FM 107.9 FM
HAYS KXNC-FM 104.7 FM
HIAWATHA KNZA-FM 103.9 FM
HUTCHINSON/WICHITA KHMY-FM 93.1 FM
JUNCTION CITY KJCK-AM 1420 AM
JUNCTION CITY KBLS-FM 102.5 FM
KANSAS CITY WHB-AM 810 AM
LIBERAL KSMM-AM 1470 AM
MANHATTAN KMKF-FM 101.5 FM
MANHATTAN KMAN-AM 1350 AM
MARYSVILLE KNDY-AM 1570 AM
NORTON KQNK-AM 1530 AM
NORTON KQNK-FM 106.7 FM
PHILLIPSBURG KKAN-AM 1490 AM
PHILLIPSBURG KQMA-FM 92.5 FM
PITTSBURG KSEK-AM 1340 AM
RUSSELL KRSL-AM 990 AM
SALINA KSAL-AM 1150 AM
SCOTT CITY KSKL-FM 94.5 FM
SENECA KMZA-FM 92.1 FM
TOPEKA KQTP-FM 102.9 FM
TOPEKA KTOP-AM 1490 AM
WICHITA KFTI-AM 1070 AM
WINFIELD KKLE-AM 1550 AM
Manure Handling Safety
Recent news reports of flash fires and explosions in livestock buildings while liquid pit manure was being agitated and pumped reinforce the need for safety at all times when working on a swine farm.
The National Pork board has developed a factsheet on Safe Manure Removal Policies.
The KPA has WARNING tags available at no cost. Just contact the office to receive a supply.
FOR THE WEEK ENDING November 20, 2009
CLIMATE CHANGE – SENATE NOT READY AND OBAMA UNSURE
Senate Democrat leaders said Tuesday they would put off debate on a climate change bill until springtime. The decision comes just weeks before the U.N. is set to host 40 world leaders for the Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen Dec. 10. President Obama has made passage of climate change legislation a top priority, but with the Senate set to debate health care legislation before Thanksgiving recess, among other issues, the “cap-and-trade” bill is expected to hibernate for the winter. With no action on climate change here in the U.S., and nothing to report to the international conference, the president may opt out of the Copenhagen meeting. The Senate climate bill, sponsored by Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., and Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., calls for a cap-and-trade program, which would set a limit, or cap, on the amount of greenhouse gases that specific large industries such as energy utilities could release to the atmosphere. A business that has an emissions amount that falls below its cap could sell the unused amount up to the cap as offset credits; one that exceeds its cap would need to buy credits or reduce its emissions. The House passed its version of climate change legislation in June. Another issue with the timing of the climate bill is that it must pass six Senate committees before it can come to the Senate floor for a vote. So far only the Environment and Public Works Committee and Energy and Natural Resources Committee have taken up the bill.
SENATE PANEL APPROVES FOOD SAFETY BILL
The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee Wednesday approved a food-safety bill that would change the way the U.S. Food and Drug Administration deals with the nation’s food supply. S.510, sponsored by Sen. Richard Durbin, D-Ill., would allow the secretary of Health and Human Services to order a mandatory recall if a food company fails to voluntarily recall a product that could cause serious health consequences to humans or animals. The bill would increase fees from facilities subject to a re-inspection or food recall. The measure also would allow FDA to require certification for certain foods based on risk and to deny entry into the country of imported foods without certification. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, offered an amendment, which was adopted by the committee, that would require HHS to conduct a study on transporting seafood to rural areas. While the livestock and poultry industries are not covered by the legislation, NPPC has a number of concerns with S. 510, including provisions that impose user fees, allow mandatory recalls, set performance standards and impose civil penalties. The House passed its version of food-safety legislation in July. The Senate bill is expected to move to the Senate floor for a vote soon.
OBAMA SAYS HE'LL WORK TO PASS U.S.-KOREA FTA
President Obama this week indicated he’ll work to get approved in 2010 a trade deal between the United States and South Korea. The president met Wednesday with South Korean President Lee Myung-bak. In a letter sent to the president earlier this month, 88 U.S. House lawmakers – 44 Democrats and 44 Republicans – urged Obama to “prepare the U.S.-South Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS) for congressional consideration.” NPPC worked closely with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to get favorable treatment for U.S. pork and pork products in the Korea FTA. The United States entered negotiations with South Korea on a trade agreement in February 2006, and a deal was formally completed April 1, 2007. The FTA, according to NPPC, will generate hundreds of millions of dollars in new pork exports and ensure that U.S. pork exports to South Korea will be on an equal footing with pork from other countries. Chile, for example, enjoys lower duties on its pork exports to Korea – and will have unlimited duty-free access by 2014 – because of a trade agreement it has with South Korea. That deal took effect in 2004. According to Iowa State University economist Dermot Hayes, the U.S.-Korea agreement will increase U.S. live hog prices by $10 per head.
WTO TO CONSIDER MCOOL COMPLAINTS FROM CANADA, MEXICO
The World Trade Organization this week agreed to consider complaints from Canada and Mexico against the U.S. mandatory country-of-origin labeling (MCOOL) law. The WTO set up a dispute settlement panel to rule on the grievances. The 2008 Farm Bill included the MCOOL statute, which requires pork, beef, lamb and goat meat – and certain other commodities – to be labeled in one of four categories:
• Product of the U.S. if the animals from which the meat was derived were “born, raised and slaughtered” in the United States.
• Products of the U.S. and the other country if meat is from animals born in another country but raised and slaughtered in the United States, such as Canadian feeder pigs.
• Product of a foreign country if meat is from animals born, raised and slaughtered outside the United States.
• Product of more than one country, with a list of them, for meat from animals born, raised and/or slaughtered in more than one country – other than the United.
NPPC opposed MCOOL but, when it was apparent that congressional lawmakers would include it in the Farm Bill, worked to get changes to the original proposal, obtaining flexibility in labeling and recordkeeping for verifying an animal’s country of origin. Canada and Mexico claim that the labeling requirements lead consumers in the United States to discriminate against their products, a violation of WTO rules requiring equal treatment of domestic and imported products.
COMMITTEE HOLDS HEARING ON U.S. FINANCIAL MARKET REGULATION
The Senate Agriculture Committee Wednesday held a hearing focusing on the effects of financial reform legislation on end users. Committee Chairwoman Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark., said she intends to draft legislation that will bring much-needed transparency and accountability to the over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives market. Lincoln’s plan would bring the $450 trillion market in derivatives under federal regulation. Among those on hand to testify at the hearing were Gary Gensler, chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission; Glenn English, CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperatives; and Mark Boling, executive vice president and general counsel for Southwestern Energy Company. Lincoln said the committee will hold a second hearing on financial regulation on Dec. 2. Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner will testify at the hearing. The House Agriculture Committee Wednesday approved legislation regulating over-the-counter derivatives. A similar measure was also cleared by the House Financial Services Committee. The Agriculture panel bill would require standardized derivatives to be cleared through central clearinghouses and traded on an exchange or other regulated platform, subject to rules set by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission, as a way to bring transparency. Transactions that involve “end users,” such as processors, manufacturers and utilities, would be exempt from clearing. Last summer, the Obama administration proposed a package of OTC reforms that would require standardized OTC transactions to go through clearinghouses and to trade on federally regulated platforms.
MERC OFFERS PORK INDUSTRY SCHOLARSHIPS
The Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) is offering their annual scholarships to four college students who intend to pursue careers in the pork industry. NPPC administers the Lois Britt Memorial Pork Industry scholarship selection process. This marks the 20th year of the CME scholarship program, which recognizes outstanding youth in the pork community. To be eligible, students must be undergraduates in a two-year swine program or a four-year college of agriculture, provide a brief letter describing their expected role in the pork industry, write an essay on an issue affecting the pork industry and submit two letters of reference from professors or industry professionals. For more information on the program and eligibility requirements, click the following link: Pork Industry CME Scholarship.
WHAT’S AHEAD
HOUSE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE TO HOLD CLIMATE CHANGE HEARINGS
The House Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Energy, and Research is set to hold hearings Dec. 2-3 on climate change legislation. The hearing Dec. 2 will focus on the impact of climate change on the farm sector, while the hearing Dec. 3 will focus on the costs and benefits of agriculture offsets.
GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS HEARING SET
The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee will meet Dec. 2 at 10 a.m. to hold a hearing on policy options for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
REVITALIZATION OF RURAL AMERICA TO BE CONSIDERED
The Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee will hold a field hearing on revitalizing rural America Nov. 23 in Little Rock, Ark.
New Message Points Dispel Myths on H1N1 Origin, Impact of Modern Agriculture
Although there’s no scientific certainty about the exact origin of novel 2009 H1N1 virus, some in the media
have erroneously claimed that it emanated in North Carolina in the 1990s. Still others contend that modern
production practices help foster the development of novel viruses.
Dr. Liz Wagstrom at the Pork Checkoff offers these fact-based messages to refute these allegations:
• The claim made by some that the novel 2009 H1N1 virus originally came from swine farms in North
Carolina starting back in the 1990s is erroneous. Researchers at that time did find an H3N2 flu virus in
pigs there, but it was not the current H1N1 pandemic virus circulating around the world. That virus had
a different genetic architecture because it only had components from two species, (people and pigs) not
three like novel H1N1. In addition, that virus was found to have died out years ago.
• Assertions that modern swine facilities are most likely to blame for viruses reassorting and changing into
novel ones are not correct. This biological process can occur in humans, birds or animals. Modern swine
facilities actually help protect pigs from coming into contact with other species such as birds that may
carry the genetic component needed to create a novel virus. Pigs in these facilities also are protected from
many environmental stresses and disease-
National Eat Together Week, September 20-26, 2009
Fall Pick Up Pork, the All-American Value (ongoing)
Tailgating (ongoing)
The Other White Meat Tour '09
After logging over 27,700 miles on the road and after grilling over 686,300 pork samples for consumers, The Other White Meat Tour '09 has officially hit the brakes. What a great 28 weeks is was!
Farm Help Wanted
Hog Farm in South Central Kansas is offering a competitive salary and bonus for performance. Good attitude is needed. Will provide training.
620-752-3650
316-799-2650
To add your listing, please contact Tim Stroda at the KPA office at 785-776-0442 or e-mail to kpa@kspork.org
USMEF Conducts Chef Seminars in Cancun, Playa del Carmen
To train key decision makers from Mexico’s leading hotels and restaurants on the attributes and characteristics of U.S. beef and pork, USMEF recently held a series of eight chef seminars featuring Executive Chef Max Covaliu. The seminars, conducted with support from the Beef Checkoff and Pork Checkoff programs, averaged about 20 attendees each, including chefs, kitchen staff and food and beverage managers from hotels and restaurants in the Cancun-Playa del Carmen region – Mexico’s leading tourist destination.
Each seminar included a cutting workshop that highlighted the positive attributes of U.S. beef and pork. A particular focus of the cutting workshops was to illustrate the harvesting of value cuts from the shoulder clod, which most of the attendees are currently using only for ground beef. Chef Covaliu also addressed “myths versus realities” involving U.S. pork and offered several cooking suggestions that deliver improved flavor and consistency in pork dishes.
“These seminars are a critical part of USMEF’s strategy to provide alternative meat solutions to Mexico’s foodservice sector,” said Chad Russell, USMEF regional director for Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Central America. “It’s particularly important that we emphasize the quality and value delivered by U.S. beef and pork, because this industry has been battling though Mexico’s worst recession in decades and searching for ways to boost sales and improve profits.”
The eight seminars were conducted at the following locations:
Through September, Mexico is this year’s largest foreign market for U.S. beef and beef variety meat, totaling about 226,000 metric tons (498.2 million pounds) valued at $710.6 million. Mexico is also the largest volume destination for U.S. pork and pork variety meat, purchasing a total of 369,376 metric tons (814.3 million pounds) valued at $547.7 million.
Kansas GOLD Inc. working to update producer's information
Garry Keeler, program coordinator for Kansas GOLD Inc., is now working to update the yearly information needed to recertify facilities. Kansas GOLD Inc. will be contacting producers as their certification becomes due. The program has also recently started working with several producers to begin the process of applying for new permits.
The GOLD program is designed to ensure that when a regulator visits your farm, the information they request can be found easily and is packaged in a pre-approved format. The process begins with a visit to your farm by the Kansas GOLD coordinator, who will begin by examining your KDHE permit for each facility number. This permit tells the coordinator what information needs to be collected and kept on file.
Kansas GOLD Inc. provides a cost-effective manner to ensure your operation is in compliance. For information, please click on GOLD or contact the KPA office at (785) 776-0442 or e-mail to kpa@kspork.org
USDA CONFIRMS 2009 PANDEMIC H1N1 INFLUENZA VIRUS PRESENT IN MINNESOTA FAIR PIG SAMPLE
Agriculture Secretary Vilsack: "U.S. Pork Is Safe to Eat"
WASHINGTON, Oct. 19, 2009 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA's National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has confirmed the presence of 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza virus in a pig sample collected at the Minnesota State Fair submitted by the University of Minnesota. Additional samples are being tested.
"We have fully engaged our trading partners to remind them that several international organizations, including the World Organization for Animal Health, have advised that there is no scientific basis to restrict trade in pork and pork products," said Vilsack. "People cannot get this flu from eating pork or pork products. Pork is safe to eat."
Sequence results on the hemagglutinin, neuraminidase and matrix genes from the virus isolate are compatible with reported 2009 pandemic H1N1 sequences. The samples collected at the 2009 Minnesota State Fair were part of a University of Iowa and University of Minnesota cooperative agreement research project funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention which documents influenza viruses where humans and pigs interact at such as fairs.
The infection of the fair pig does not suggest infection of commercial herds because show pigs and commercially raised pigs are in separate segments of the swine industry that do not typically interchange personnel or animal stock. USDA continues to remind U.S. swine producers about the need for good hygiene, biosecurity and other practices that will prevent the introduction and spread of influenza viruses in their herd and encourage them to participate in USDA's swine influenza virus surveillance program.
More information about USDA's 2009 pandemic H1N1 efforts is available at www.usda.gov/H1N1flu.
National Pork Producers Council Statement On H1N1 Virus In U.S. Pigs
With today’s announcement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture that pigs in Minnesota tested positive for the 2009 novel H1N1 virus, the National Pork Producers Council reiterates that pork is safe to eat and handle and that, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu viruses cannot be transmitted through food, including pork.
Pigs, like people, sometimes get sick or contract influenza viruses and recover. Indeed, pigs in several other countries previously have contracted the novel H1N1 flu.
As it did in late April after initial reports on the H1N1 flu, NPPC is urging pork producers to tighten their existing biosecurity protocols to protect their pigs from the virus, including restricting public access to barns.
For more information about the H1N1 flu, visit www.factsaboutpork.com or www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu. Pork producers who want more information about dealing with the H1N1 flu should visit www.pork.org.
Statement from the National Pork Board on Testing of Pigs for H1N1
The announcement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Friday that tests are being conducted to determine if three pigs from the Minnesota State Fair in August are the first confirmed cases of the Novel H1N1 virus in the U.S. swine herd provides an opportunity to stress three important messages:
Regardless of the outcome of the tests, you cannot get the H1N1 flu from eating pork. Pork and pork products remain safe to eat and handle
Scientific studies conducted by the USDA have proven that the H1N1 flu is a respiratory virus, not a food-borne illness, and it is not found in the blood or meat of pigs exposed to the virus.
The two most important steps you can take to protect you and your family from the H1N1 flu are to wash your hands often with soap and water or hand sanitizer and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
"I would like to echo the comments of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack," said Chris Novak, chief executive officer of the National Pork Board. "People cannot get this flu from eating or handling pork."
Kansas partnering with Oklahoma in groundbreaking, bi-state stop animal movement exercise
Officials in Kansas and Oklahoma are partnering to conduct the first interstate emergency response exercise that will test coordination and the logistics of implementing a stop livestock movement order issued by state animal health officials.
The real-time exercise will take place Thursday, Oct. 22, in Topeka, Kan. and Oklahoma City Okla., and on the Kansas-Oklahoma border. The scenario is based on simulated outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in the eastern United States.
“Many states have conducted exercises to test their response plans to a highly contagious foreign animal disease within their own borders, so this exercise provides the new dimension of coordinating activities to stop animal movement across a shared border,” said George Teagarden, commissioner of the Kansas Animal Health Department.
The exercise, titled SAMS-KO, or Stop Animal Movement Statewide KS-OK, is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Kansas and Oklahoma are members of the Multi-State Partnership for Security in Agriculture, a consortium of 13 states that work together to protect the food and agriculture sector by sharing information and building interstate response capabilities. SES, Inc., of Merriam, Kan., was hired to design and conduct the exercise to test the plans and coordination needed to successfully stop and screen livestock and livestock-related traffic involved in interstate commerce.
“We conduct a number of exercises annually with our state partners in Kansas,” said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, Kansas adjutant general and director of the Kansas Division of Emergency Management. “However, working with our partners across state lines is critical because disasters seldom stop at the state line. We consider foreign animal disease to be one of the major threats to our state’s economy and the more we exercise for it, the more everyone will know what to expect should it happen in the U.S.”
Animal health, agriculture, law enforcement, transportation and emergency management officials from both states will participate in the exercise by working as players, evaluators and actors. The exercise will be played out as realistically as possible, in real time, and will involve emergency operations centers, key decision makers and local officials in both states. Traffic will be screened at two border locations -- one at the intersection of Highways 160 and 183 near Sitka, Kan., and the other three miles north of Turpin, Okla., on Highway 83.
"Kansas is a leader in animal agriculture, so it's no surprise our state would be among the first to test this critical element of our foreign animal disease response plan," said Josh Svaty, acting secretary of the Kansas Department of Agriculture. "I'm proud that folks in my department have been able to help develop and carry out this exercise and that we will play a strong supporting role in a real event. It will take all of us working together, including our partners in neighboring states, to control the spread of diseases that could devastate our livestock industry."
“A stop livestock movement order is designed to protect healthy animals from the introduction of harmful diseases. Its focus is to stop potentially diseased animals or contaminated animal-handling equipment from other states from entering our state and coming into contact with healthy animals,” Teagarden said. “This exercise will allow us to test how well our plan works and to identify future planning priorities.”
The exercise scenario involves an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, a highly contagious disease of cattle, sheep, swine, goats, deer and other cloven-hoofed animals that causes blisters on the mouth, teats and soft tissue of the feet. Infected animals have difficulty eating and walking. While it is painful for infected animals, it does not pose a significant threat to human health.
Foot-and-mouth disease was last identified in the United States in 1929. It is a primary concern for animal health officials because it could have potentially devastating economic consequences due to disrupted trade and lost investor confidence.
PQA Plus Site Assessment Rebate Program
The Kansas Pork Association, the National Pork Board and the National Pork Producers Council are encouraging all producers to become PQA Plus certified and achieve PQA Plus Site Status. The purpose of this program is to encourage producers to be proactive in providing the best possible care for their animals and show commitment to the ethical principles of pork production as outlined in the We Care responsible pork initiative.
Having a PQA Plus advisor review your operation can both improve the well-being and productivity of animals in your care by noting changes or additions that may not otherwise be noticed.
The Kansas Pork Association is offering a $100 rebate to Kansas Pork Producers completing a PQA Plus Site Assesment from August 1 to December 31, 2009. The funding is available on a first-come-first-serve basis.
The following requirements and stipulations apply:
Click here to download the rebate form.
Please contact Tim Stroda at kpa@kspork.org or (785) 776-0442 with questions or to see if funds are still available.
Are You Ready for Some Football?
Kansas Pork Producers prepare... Join us for tailgating fun and sampling on Saturday, November 14, in Manhattan before the game. The K-State Wildcats are slated to take on Mizzou for another hard hitting home game. Also hard hitting will be the promotions available at the event.
The KPA will be providing pork loin samples to the public in the west parking lot of Snyder Family Stadium. We plan to begin sampling two hours before kickoff.
With support from the National Pork Board, the Kansas Pork Association has prepared to hand out 20,000 coupons. Each coupon offers consumers $1.00 off fresh pork purchases at the grocery store.
The coupon includes a great game-day recipe on the front of the coupon. On the back, information explains how Kansas pork producers work to build and maintain trust in pork products. The coupons can be redeemed at any grocery store and all redemption costs will be covered by the National Pork Board.
Producers willing to help with the promotion will receive tickets to the ballgame. Please call 785-776-0442 to sign up for the promotion.
So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head to Manhattan. We will have the pork and football waiting!
Pork Radio Advertisement airing on K-State football
Listeners to Kansas State University football across the state will hear pork advertising during the games on the following list of stations
Click to hear one of the ads - Pork
BELOIT KVSV-AM 1190 AM
CHANUTE KINZ-FM 95.3 FM
CLAY CENTER KCLY-FM 100.9 FM
COFFEYVILLE KGGF-AM 690 AM
COLBY/GOODLAND KRDQ-FM 100.3 FM
CONCORDIA KNCK-AM 1390 AM
DODGE CITY KSKZ-FM 98.1 FM
EMPORIA KVOE-FM 101.7 FM
GOODLAND KLOE-AM 730 AM
GREAT BEND KZRS-FM 107.9 FM
HAYS KXNC-FM 104.7 FM
HIAWATHA KNZA-FM 103.9 FM
HUTCHINSON/WICHITA KHMY-FM 93.1 FM
JUNCTION CITY KJCK-AM 1420 AM
JUNCTION CITY KBLS-FM 102.5 FM
KANSAS CITY WHB-AM 810 AM
LIBERAL KSMM-AM 1470 AM
MANHATTAN KMKF-FM 101.5 FM
MANHATTAN KMAN-AM 1350 AM
MARYSVILLE KNDY-AM 1570 AM
NORTON KQNK-AM 1530 AM
NORTON KQNK-FM 106.7 FM
PHILLIPSBURG KKAN-AM 1490 AM
PHILLIPSBURG KQMA-FM 92.5 FM
PITTSBURG KSEK-AM 1340 AM
RUSSELL KRSL-AM 990 AM
SALINA KSAL-AM 1150 AM
SCOTT CITY KSKL-FM 94.5 FM
SENECA KMZA-FM 92.1 FM
TOPEKA KQTP-FM 102.9 FM
TOPEKA KTOP-AM 1490 AM
WICHITA KFTI-AM 1070 AM
WINFIELD KKLE-AM 1550 AM
Operation Main Street with a Kansas Twist
The KPA hasn’t wasted any opportunity to educate consumers on pork production in the last few months! Operation Main Street presentations were given at two Rotary meetings; Clay Center Golf Course and Topeka’s Washburn University. The meetings were a huge success and many consumers were amazed to hear about the changes the industry within the pork industry.
Operation Main Street speakers have a very positive impact by telling the industry’s story of innovation, quality and environmental stewardship. Presentations focus on how pork has been transformed over the last 15 years to be both tasty and even more nutritious. Also highted within the presentation are current production methods within a facility, feeds and feeding, antibiotic usage and environmental stewardship. Finally, many consumers are suprised to learn how much the swine industry offers the rural economy and contributes to our exports.
To learn more about Operation Main Street visit the National Pork Board’s Operation Main Street webpage at http://www.pork.org/Producers/OMS.aspx or contact the KPA office.
KSU Swine Team News
You have probably already heard about the exploding barns happening this fall in the Midwest. There have been several in Iowa and Minnesota (at least 5 that we have heard about). Please remember to cut any spark source and make sure nobody is in barns when agitating deep pits
Below is a link to the news story of the latest one in Minnesota.
http://kaaltv.com/article/stories/S1192219.shtml?cat=10151
Mark your calendars!
K-State Swine Day
Thursday, November 19, 2009
KSU Alumni Center
To download a program, click on Swine Day
FOR THE WEEK ENDING October 16, 2009
USDA TESTING U.S. PIGS FOR H1N1 FLU; NPPC REITERATES THAT PORK IS SAFE TO EAT
The U.S. Department of Agriculture in a statement issued today said it is conducting ‘confirmatory testing’ on swine for the novel H1N1 virus. The tests are being conducted on swine samples collected at the 2009 Minnesota State Fair between August 26 and September 1. According to USDA’s statement, the pigs sampled at the time showed no signs of illness and were apparently healthy. Agriculture Sec. Tom Vilsack’s said that, like people, pigs routinely get sick or contract influenza viruses. Indeed, pigs in other countries previously have contracted the novel H1N1 flu. In its own statement released today, NPPC reiterated that pork is safe to eat and handle and that, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu viruses cannot be transmitted through food, including pork. It also pointed out that the U.S. government has strict safeguards in place to protect the safety of the U.S. food supply. All pork found in retail stores and restaurants is inspected to the rigors of USDA standards for wholesomeness, and every pig is inspected to ensure that only healthy pigs enter the food supply. Since the H1N1 flu was first reported in late April, NPPC and the National Pork Board have urged pork producers to tighten their existing biosecurity protocols to protect their pigs from the virus, including restricting public access to barns. For more information about the H1N1 flu, visit www.factsaboutpork.com or www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu. Pork producers who want more information about dealing with the H1N1 flu should visit www.pork.org.
NPPC ASKS SUPPORT FOR LANGUAGE RESTRICTING GREENHOUSE GAS REPORTING
NPPC, along with the American Sheep Industry Association, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the National Chicken Council and the National Turkey Federation, this week sent a letter to members of the House and Senate Appropriations subcommittees that deal with environmental matters, outlining the priorities of the U.S. livestock and poultry industries in the fiscal 2010 spending bills for the Interior, Environment and Related Agencies, which soon will reviewed by a conference committee. Specifically, the groups ask that lawmakers support House language restricting the implementation of any rule requiring the mandatory reporting of greenhouse gas emissions from manure management systems in place on livestock farms. Under proposed EPA regulations, livestock producers who emit over the equivalent of 25,000 tons of carbon dioxide would be required to calculate and report the level of those emissions. The requirement would treat farms in a manner identical to coal-fired power plants and petroleum refineries and would impose an onerous burden on livestock producers to ascertain emissions from diffuse sources.
CONGRESSIONAL LETTER TO URGE OBAMA TO SUPPORT U.S.-SOUTH KOREA FTA
NPPC is encouraging U.S. House members to sign on to a letter from Reps. Adam Smith, D-Wash., and Dave Reichert, R-Wash., to President Obama, who next month travels to Asia to meet with foreign officials, asking that he “prepare the U.S.-South Korea Free Trade Agreement for congressional consideration.” In 2008 South Korea was the sixth largest market for U.S. pork, with exports valued at $284 million. The country ranked as a top destination for U.S. live hogs in 2008 with exports of $1.1 million. It is estimated that when the FTA is fully implemented, U.S. pork exports to the Asian nation will rise to nearly 600,000 metric tons worth about $10 per market hog to U.S. producers. That’s significantly more than the amount currently shipped to Japan, the No. 1 export market for U.S. pork.
NPPC OFFICIALS ATTEND LATIN AMERICAN PORK CONGRESS
NPPC President Don Butler andVice President and International Trade Counsel Nick Giordano this week attended the Latin American Pork Congress held in the Dominican Republic. The pair met with many leaders from western hemisphere pork-producer groups, along with industry representatives, to discuss among a host of other issues international trade affecting U.S. pork producers.
HOUSE SUBCOMMITTEE HOLDS HEARING ON CLEAN WATER ACT
TheHouse Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment Thursday held a hearing titled “The Clean Water Act After 37 Years: Recommitting to the Protection of the Nation's Waters.” EPA Administer Lisa Jackson was among the environmental specialists who testified before the subcommittee. In her testimony, Jackson announced that EPA is stepping up its efforts on Clean Water Act enforcement. Jackson also claimed that Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) pollute and threaten the safety of U.S. waters. Rep. Robert Latta, R-Ohio, asked Jackson how EPA will treat CAFOs in the effort to enforce compliance with the Clean Water Act. Jackson said the agency will work to develop a strategy to ensure that CAFOs are not unlawfully polluting various water sources. Jackson noted that EPA will identify the largest facilities and work with them to ensure that they obtain the appropriate permits and abide by the law.
WHAT’S AHEAD
NPPC TO TESTIFY ON PORK INDUSTRY ECONOMIC CRISIS
NPPC President Don Butler will testify Oct. 22 on the economic crisis in the U.S. pork industry before the House Committee on Agriculture’s Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry. Pork producers have suffered losses of an average of $25.90 per hog for the past two years. Other witnesses scheduled to testify include Dave Moody, president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association; Mark Greenwood, vice president of commercial lending for AgStar Financial Services of Mankato, Minn.; University of Minnesota agriculture economist Brian Buhr; and Rod Brenneman, president and CEO of pork producer and processor Seaboard Foods.
NPPC TO HOST RUSSIAN WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION NEGOTIATOR
Nick Giordano, NPPC’svice president and counsel for International Trade Policy, will meet with Russia’s World Trade Organization negotiator Max Medvedkov next week to discuss U.S.-Russian trade relations.
SENATE COMMITTEE TO HOLD HEARING ON CURRENT FOOD SAFETY SYSTEM
The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions is set to hold a hearing titled “Keeping America’s Families Safe: Reforming the Food Safety System” on Oct. 22. The House passed its version of food safety legislation in July.
Pork Checkoff Recommends Producers and Workers Get Vaccinated for Seasonal and Novel 2009 H1N1 Flu
To achieve the best human and animal health protection possible, the Pork Checkoff is advising producers, farm personnel and others who have contact with pigs to get the regular seasonal flu vaccination as soon as possible.
When available, this group also should get the novel H1N1 vaccination as well. Although this year is different with the addition of the novel H1N1 flu strain, the typical flu season starts in October and can last through May. Dr. Liz Wagstrom, assistant vice president of science and technology for the Pork Checkoff, said, "It's more important than ever for producers and swine farm workers to reduce the risk of getting sick and bringing the flu to the farm or workplace by getting vaccinated. "The seasonal flu vaccine is available everywhere right now and initial distribution of the novel H1N1 vaccine has begun across the country under the direction of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local authorities."
The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has recommended that certain groups of the population receive the novel H1N1 vaccine when it first becomes available. These target groups include pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age, healthcare and emergency medical services personnel, persons between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old, and people ages of 25 through 64 years of age who are at higher risk for novel 2009 H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.
In addition to getting vaccinated for these flu strains, Wagstrom recommends taking other steps to reduce the spread of infection among workers and of the pigs with human influenza viruses. This includes modifying sick-leave policies to encourage workers to stay away from the farm if they are suffering from acute respiratory infections. "Virus shedding is at its peak when the clinical illness is most severe, but people may remain contagious up to 24 hours after symptoms stop, usually from three to seven days," she said.
Good building ventilation and good hygiene also will help reduce transmission of the flu viruses. "To prevent pigs and humans from other species' influenza viruses, producers also should look at bird-proofing their buildings, protecting feed from birds and enforcing biosecurity practices such as the use of farm-specific clothing and footwear."
Additional biosecurity protocols can be found at www.pork.org under H1N1 in the Spotlight area. "The CDC has great information about everything flu-related, who should get vaccinated, who should not and so on. That's why I recommend everybody visit their Web site for more information," Wagstrom added.
The CDC's main Web site is www.cdc.gov. In addition, the agency has added www.flu.gov . The Pork Checkoff factsheet on influenza "Influenza: Pigs, People and Public Health" is located at www.pork.org/porkscience under public health. In addition, check for ongoing updates on novel H1N1 on pork.org.
Pork Pod delivers in-depth coverage on issues
Pork Pod is a tool the Pork Checkoff’s is utilizing to provide useful information to producers. Podcasting is a method of publishing files to the Internet, allowing users to subscribe to a feed and receive new files automatically by subscription at no cost. You can listen to podcasts on your computer, download the podcasts on computer and then create a CD or subscribe to a feed for your iPod.
Amanda Vittatoe Interview - Manure Pit Safety
Date: Friday, Oct. 2, 2009
Length: 07:00
Speakers: Don Wick & Amanda Vittatoe
Tim Bierman - World Pork Congress, China
Date: Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2009
Length: 15:20
Speakers: Don Wick & Tim Bierman, President, National Pork Board
Hogs and Pigs Report September 2009
Date: Friday, Sept. 25, 2009
Length: 15:20
Speakers:
Actions Surrounding a Suspect or Confirmed Case of Novel H1N1 Infection in Pigs
Posted: 09 Sep 2009 12:28 PM PDT
Date: Sept. 9, 2009
Length: 12:47
Speaker: Dr. Paul Sundberg, vice president of science and technology for the Pork Checkoff
The KPA Producer-to-Producer Classified Section is provided free of charge to producers who are looking for a way to advertise to other producers.
For sale:
4- 11 ton AP bulk bins like new.
4- 20 hole Stainless Steel Smidley type B finishing feeders. 3 years old.
1-1992 853 Bobcat Skid steer with 3300 hrs $6,500.
Call Mark Nelson (785) 617-0043
Farm Help Wanted
Hog Farm in South Central Kansas is offering a competitive salary and bonus for performance. Good attitude is needed. Will provide training.
620-752-3650
316-799-2650
To add your listing, please contact Tim Stroda at the KPA office at 785-776-0442 or
e-mail to kpa@kspork.org
Kansas GOLD Inc. working to update producer's information 
Garry Keeler, program coordinator for Kansas GOLD Inc., is now working to update the yearly information needed to recertify facilities. Kansas GOLD Inc. will be contacting producers as their certification becomes due. The program has also recently started working with several producers to begin the process of applying for new permits.
The GOLD program is designed to ensure that when a regulator visits your farm, the information they request can be found easily and is packaged in a pre-approved format. The process begins with a visit to your farm by the Kansas GOLD coordinator, who will begin by examining your KDHE permit for each facility number. This permit tells the coordinator what information needs to be collected and kept on file.
Kansas GOLD Inc. provides a cost-effective manner to ensure your operation is in compliance. For information, please click on GOLD or contact the KPA office at (785) 776-0442 or e-mail to kpa@kspork.org
USDA Conducting Confirmatory Testing on Possible Detection of 2009 Pandemic H1N1 Influenza in U.S. Swin
WASHINGTON, Oct. 16, 2009 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratories will be conducting confirmatory testing on swine samples collected at the 2009 Minnesota State Fair between August 26 and September 1. The pigs sampled at the time showed no signs of illness and were apparently healthy. The samples collected were part of a University of Iowa and University of Minnesota cooperative agreement research project funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) which documents influenza viruses where humans and pigs interact at such as fairs
"Like people, swine routinely get sick or contract influenza viruses. We currently are testing the Minnesota samples to determine if this is 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza," said Vilsack. "We are working in partnership with CDC as well as our animal and public health colleagues and will continue to provide information as it becomes available.
USDA's National Veterinary Services Laboratories may have confirmatory results within the next few days.
"I want to remind people that they cannot get this flu from eating pork or pork products," said Vilsack
An outbreak of 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza occurred in a group of children housed in a dormitory at the fair at the same time samples were collected from the pigs, but no direct link to the pigs has been made. Information available at this time would suggest the children were not sickened by contact with the fair pigs
USDA continues to remind U.S. swine producers about the need for good hygiene, biosecurity and other practices that will prevent the introduction and spread of influenza viruses in their herd and encourage them to participate in USDA's swine influenza virus surveillance program. Monitoring and studying these influenza viruses in swine, will help USDA learn about the virus, develop better tools to diagnose and develop new and improved vaccines to protect our U.S swine herds. USDA encourages commercial pork producers to intensify the biosecurity practices that they have in place, particularly during this flu season.
More information about USDA's 2009 pandemic H1N1 efforts is available at www.usda.gov/H1N1flu
National Pork Producers Council Statement On Testing Of Pigs For H1N1 Fl
Given today’s statement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture that it is conducting ‘confirmatory testing’ on swine for the novel H1N1 virus, the National Pork Producers Council is reiterating that pork is safe to eat and handle and that, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu viruses cannot be transmitted through food, including pork
Additionally, the U.S. government has strict safeguards in place to protect the safety of the U.S. food supply. All pork found in retail stores and restaurants is inspected to the rigors of USDA standards for wholesomeness, and every pig is inspected to ensure that only healthy pigs enter the food supply
The ‘confirmatory tests’ are being conducted on swine samples collected at the 2009 Minnesota State Fair between August 26 and September 1. According to USDA’s statement, the pigs sampled at the time showed no signs of illness and were apparently healthy
NPPC also echoes USDA Sec. Tom Vilsack’s pronouncement that, like people, pigs routinely get sick or contract influenza viruses. Indeed, pigs in other countries previously have contracted the novel H1N1 flu
Since the H1N1 flu was first reported in late April, NPPC and the National Pork Board have urged pork producers to tighten their existing biosecurity protocols to protect their pigs from the virus, including restricting public access to barns
For more information about the H1N1 flu, visit www.factsaboutpork.com or www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu. Pork producers who want more information about dealing with the H1N1 flu should visit www.pork.org.
Statement from the National Pork Board on Testing of Pigs for H1N1
The announcement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Friday that tests are being conducted to determine if three pigs from the Minnesota State Fair in August are the first confirmed cases of the Novel H1N1 virus in the U.S. swine herd provides an opportunity to stress three important messages:
Regardless of the outcome of the tests, you cannot get the H1N1 flu from eating pork. Pork and pork products remain safe to eat and handle.
Scientific studies conducted by the USDA have proven that the H1N1 flu is a respiratory virus, not a food-borne illness, and it is not found in the blood or meat of pigs exposed to the virus.
The two most important steps you can take to protect you and your family from the H1N1 flu are to wash your hands often with soap and water or hand sanitizer and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
"I would like to echo the comments of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack," said Chris Novak, chief executive officer of the National Pork Board. "People cannot get this flu from eating or handling pork."
Kansas partnering with Oklahoma in groundbreaking, bi-state stop animal movement exercis
Officials in Kansas and Oklahoma are partnering to conduct the first interstate emergency response exercise that will test coordination and the logistics of implementing a stop livestock movement order issued by state animal health officials.
The real-time exercise will take place Thursday, Oct. 22, in Topeka, Kan. and Oklahoma City Okla., and on the Kansas-Oklahoma border. The scenario is based on simulated outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in the eastern United States.
“Many states have conducted exercises to test their response plans to a highly contagious foreign animal disease within their own borders, so this exercise provides the new dimension of coordinating activities to stop animal movement across a shared border,” said George Teagarden, commissioner of the Kansas Animal Health Department.
The exercise, titled SAMS-KO, or Stop Animal Movement Statewide KS-OK, is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Kansas and Oklahoma are members of the Multi-State Partnership for Security in Agriculture, a consortium of 13 states that work together to protect the food and agriculture sector by sharing information and building interstate response capabilities. SES, Inc., of Merriam, Kan., was hired to design and conduct the exercise to test the plans and coordination needed to successfully stop and screen livestock and livestock-related traffic involved in interstate commerce.
“We conduct a number of exercises annually with our state partners in Kansas,” said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, Kansas adjutant general and director of the Kansas Division of Emergency Management. “However, working with our partners across state lines is critical because disasters seldom stop at the state line. We consider foreign animal disease to be one of the major threats to our state’s economy and the more we exercise for it, the more everyone will know what to expect should it happen in the U.S.”
Animal health, agriculture, law enforcement, transportation and emergency management officials from both states will participate in the exercise by working as players, evaluators and actors. The exercise will be played out as realistically as possible, in real time, and will involve emergency operations centers, key decision makers and local officials in both states. Traffic will be screened at two border locations -- one at the intersection of Highways 160 and 183 near Sitka, Kan., and the other three miles north of Turpin, Okla., on Highway 83.
"Kansas is a leader in animal agriculture, so it's no surprise our state would be among the first to test this critical element of our foreign animal disease response plan," said Josh Svaty, acting secretary of the Kansas Department of Agriculture. "I'm proud that folks in my department have been able to help develop and carry out this exercise and that we will play a strong supporting role in a real event. It will take all of us working together, including our partners in neighboring states, to control the spread of diseases that could devastate our livestock industry."
“A stop livestock movement order is designed to protect healthy animals from the introduction of harmful diseases. Its focus is to stop potentially diseased animals or contaminated animal-handling equipment from other states from entering our state and coming into contact with healthy animals,” Teagarden said. “This exercise will allow us to test how well our plan works and to identify future planning priorities.”
The exercise scenario involves an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, a highly contagious disease of cattle, sheep, swine, goats, deer and other cloven-hoofed animals that causes blisters on the mouth, teats and soft tissue of the feet. Infected animals have difficulty eating and walking. While it is painful for infected animals, it does not pose a significant threat to human health.
Foot-and-mouth disease was last identified in the United States in 1929. It is a primary concern for animal health officials because it could have potentially devastating economic consequences due to disrupted trade and lost investor confidence.
PQA Plus Site Assessment Rebate Program
The Kansas Pork Association, the National Pork Board and the National Pork Producers Council are encouraging all producers to become PQA Plus certified and achieve PQA Plus Site Status. The purpose of this program is to encourage producers to be proactive in providing the best possible care for their animals and show commitment to the ethical principles of pork production as outlined in the We Care responsible pork initiative.
Having a PQA Plus advisor review your operation can both improve the well-being and productivity of animals in your care by noting changes or additions that may not otherwise be noticed.
The Kansas Pork Association is offering a $100 rebate to Kansas Pork Producers completing a PQA Plus Site Assesment from August 1 to December 31, 2009. The funding is available on a first-come-first-serve basis.
The following requirements and stipulations apply:
Click here to download the rebate form.
Please contact Tim Stroda at kpa@kspork.org or (785) 776-0442 with questions or to see if funds are still available.
Are You Ready for Some Football?
Kansas Pork Producers prepare... Join us for tailgating fun and sampling on Saturday, November 14, in Manhattan before the game. The K-State Wildcats are slated to take on Mizzou for another hard hitting home game. Also hard hitting will be the promotions available at the event.
The KPA will be providing pork loin samples to the public in the west parking lot of Snyder Family Stadium. We plan to begin sampling two hours before kickoff.
With support from the National Pork Board, the Kansas Pork Association has prepared to hand out 20,000 coupons. Each coupon offers consumers $1.00 off fresh pork purchases at the grocery store.
The coupon includes a great game-day recipe on the front of the coupon. On the back, information explains how Kansas pork producers work to build and maintain trust in pork products. The coupons can be redeemed at any grocery store and all redemption costs will be covered by the National Pork Board.
Producers willing to help with the promotion will receive tickets to the ballgame. Please call 785-776-0442 to sign up for the promotion.
So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head to Manhattan. We will have the pork and football waiting!
Pork Radio Advertisement airing on K-State football
Listeners to Kansas State University football across the state will hear pork advertising during the games on the following list of stations
Click to hear one of the ads - Pork
BELOIT KVSV-AM 1190 AM
CHANUTE KINZ-FM 95.3 FM
CLAY CENTER KCLY-FM 100.9 FM
COFFEYVILLE KGGF-AM 690 AM
COLBY/GOODLAND KRDQ-FM 100.3 FM
CONCORDIA KNCK-AM 1390 AM
DODGE CITY KSKZ-FM 98.1 FM
EMPORIA KVOE-FM 101.7 FM
GOODLAND KLOE-AM 730 AM
GREAT BEND KZRS-FM 107.9 FM
HAYS KXNC-FM 104.7 FM
HIAWATHA KNZA-FM 103.9 FM
HUTCHINSON/WICHITA KHMY-FM 93.1 FM
JUNCTION CITY KJCK-AM 1420 AM
JUNCTION CITY KBLS-FM 102.5 FM
KANSAS CITY WHB-AM 810 AM
LIBERAL KSMM-AM 1470 AM
MANHATTAN KMKF-FM 101.5 FM
MANHATTAN KMAN-AM 1350 AM
MARYSVILLE KNDY-AM 1570 AM
NORTON KQNK-AM 1530 AM
NORTON KQNK-FM 106.7 FM
PHILLIPSBURG KKAN-AM 1490 AM
PHILLIPSBURG KQMA-FM 92.5 FM
PITTSBURG KSEK-AM 1340 AM
RUSSELL KRSL-AM 990 AM
SALINA KSAL-AM 1150 AM
SCOTT CITY KSKL-FM 94.5 FM
SENECA KMZA-FM 92.1 FM
TOPEKA KQTP-FM 102.9 FM
TOPEKA KTOP-AM 1490 AM
WICHITA KFTI-AM 1070 AM
WINFIELD KKLE-AM 1550 AM
Operation Main Street with a Kansas Twist
The KPA hasn’t wasted any opportunity to educate consumers on pork production in the last few months! Operation Main Street presentations were given at two Rotary meetings; Clay Center Golf Course and Topeka’s Washburn University. The meetings were a huge success and many consumers were amazed to hear about the changes the industry within the pork industry.
Operation Main Street speakers have a very positive impact by telling the industry’s story of innovation, quality and environmental stewardship. Presentations focus on how pork has been transformed over the last 15 years to be both tasty and even more nutritious. Also highted within the presentation are current production methods within a facility, feeds and feeding, antibiotic usage and environmental stewardship. Finally, many consumers are suprised to learn how much the swine industry offers the rural economy and contributes to our exports.
To learn more about Operation Main Street visit the National Pork Board’s Operation Main Street webpage at http://www.pork.org/Producers/OMS.aspx or contact the KPA office.
You have probably already heard about the exploding barns happening this fall in the Midwest. There have been several in Iowa and Minnesota (at least 5 that we have heard about). Please remember to cut any spark source and make sure nobody is in barns when agitating deep pits.
Below is a link to the news story of the latest one in Minnesota.
http://kaaltv.com/article/stories/S1192219.shtml?cat=10151
Mark your calendars!
K-State Swine Day
Thursday, November 19, 2009
KSU Alumni Center
To download a program, click on Swine Day.
FOR THE WEEK ENDING October 16, 2009
USDA TESTING U.S. PIGS FOR H1N1 FLU; NPPC REITERATES THAT PORK IS SAFE TO EAT
The U.S. Department of Agriculture in a statement issued today said it is conducting ‘confirmatory testing’ on swine for the novel H1N1 virus. The tests are being conducted on swine samples collected at the 2009 Minnesota State Fair between August 26 and September 1. According to USDA’s statement, the pigs sampled at the time showed no signs of illness and were apparently healthy. Agriculture Sec. Tom Vilsack’s said that, like people, pigs routinely get sick or contract influenza viruses. Indeed, pigs in other countries previously have contracted the novel H1N1 flu. In its own statement released today, NPPC reiterated that pork is safe to eat and handle and that, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu viruses cannot be transmitted through food, including pork. It also pointed out that the U.S. government has strict safeguards in place to protect the safety of the U.S. food supply. All pork found in retail stores and restaurants is inspected to the rigors of USDA standards for wholesomeness, and every pig is inspected to ensure that only healthy pigs enter the food supply. Since the H1N1 flu was first reported in late April, NPPC and the National Pork Board have urged pork producers to tighten their existing biosecurity protocols to protect their pigs from the virus, including restricting public access to barns. For more information about the H1N1 flu, visit www.factsaboutpork.com or www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu. Pork producers who want more information about dealing with the H1N1 flu should visit www.pork.org.
NPPC ASKS SUPPORT FOR LANGUAGE RESTRICTING GREENHOUSE GAS REPORTING
NPPC, along with the American Sheep Industry Association, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the National Chicken Council and the National Turkey Federation, this week sent a letter to members of the House and Senate Appropriations subcommittees that deal with environmental matters, outlining the priorities of the U.S. livestock and poultry industries in the fiscal 2010 spending bills for the Interior, Environment and Related Agencies, which soon will reviewed by a conference committee. Specifically, the groups ask that lawmakers support House language restricting the implementation of any rule requiring the mandatory reporting of greenhouse gas emissions from manure management systems in place on livestock farms. Under proposed EPA regulations, livestock producers who emit over the equivalent of 25,000 tons of carbon dioxide would be required to calculate and report the level of those emissions. The requirement would treat farms in a manner identical to coal-fired power plants and petroleum refineries and would impose an onerous burden on livestock producers to ascertain emissions from diffuse sources.
CONGRESSIONAL LETTER TO URGE OBAMA TO SUPPORT U.S.-SOUTH KOREA FTA
NPPC is encouraging U.S. House members to sign on to a letter from Reps. Adam Smith, D-Wash., and Dave Reichert, R-Wash., to President Obama, who next month travels to Asia to meet with foreign officials, asking that he “prepare the U.S.-South Korea Free Trade Agreement for congressional consideration.” In 2008 South Korea was the sixth largest market for U.S. pork, with exports valued at $284 million. The country ranked as a top destination for U.S. live hogs in 2008 with exports of $1.1 million. It is estimated that when the FTA is fully implemented, U.S. pork exports to the Asian nation will rise to nearly 600,000 metric tons worth about $10 per market hog to U.S. producers. That’s significantly more than the amount currently shipped to Japan, the No. 1 export market for U.S. pork.
NPPC OFFICIALS ATTEND LATIN AMERICAN PORK CONGRESS
NPPC President Don Butler andVice President and International Trade Counsel Nick Giordano this week attended the Latin American Pork Congress held in the Dominican Republic. The pair met with many leaders from western hemisphere pork-producer groups, along with industry representatives, to discuss among a host of other issues international trade affecting U.S. pork producers.
HOUSE SUBCOMMITTEE HOLDS HEARING ON CLEAN WATER ACT
TheHouse Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment Thursday held a hearing titled “The Clean Water Act After 37 Years: Recommitting to the Protection of the Nation's Waters.” EPA Administer Lisa Jackson was among the environmental specialists who testified before the subcommittee. In her testimony, Jackson announced that EPA is stepping up its efforts on Clean Water Act enforcement. Jackson also claimed that Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) pollute and threaten the safety of U.S. waters. Rep. Robert Latta, R-Ohio, asked Jackson how EPA will treat CAFOs in the effort to enforce compliance with the Clean Water Act. Jackson said the agency will work to develop a strategy to ensure that CAFOs are not unlawfully polluting various water sources. Jackson noted that EPA will identify the largest facilities and work with them to ensure that they obtain the appropriate permits and abide by the law.
WHAT’S AHEAD
NPPC TO TESTIFY ON PORK INDUSTRY ECONOMIC CRISIS
NPPC President Don Butler will testify Oct. 22 on the economic crisis in the U.S. pork industry before the House Committee on Agriculture’s Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry. Pork producers have suffered losses of an average of $25.90 per hog for the past two years. Other witnesses scheduled to testify include Dave Moody, president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association; Mark Greenwood, vice president of commercial lending for AgStar Financial Services of Mankato, Minn.; University of Minnesota agriculture economist Brian Buhr; and Rod Brenneman, president and CEO of pork producer and processor Seaboard Foods.
NPPC TO HOST RUSSIAN WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION NEGOTIATOR
Nick Giordano, NPPC’svice president and counsel for International Trade Policy, will meet with Russia’s World Trade Organization negotiator Max Medvedkov next week to discuss U.S.-Russian trade relations.
SENATE COMMITTEE TO HOLD HEARING ON CURRENT FOOD SAFETY SYSTEM
The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions is set to hold a hearing titled “Keeping America’s Families Safe: Reforming the Food Safety System” on Oct. 22. The House passed its version of food safety legislation in July.
Pork Checkoff Recommends Producers and Workers Get Vaccinated for Seasonal and Novel 2009 H1N1 Flu
To achieve the best human and animal health protection possible, the Pork Checkoff is advising producers, farm personnel and others who have contact with pigs to get the regular seasonal flu vaccination as soon as possible.
When available, this group also should get the novel H1N1 vaccination as well. Although this year is different with the addition of the novel H1N1 flu strain, the typical flu season starts in October and can last through May. Dr. Liz Wagstrom, assistant vice president of science and technology for the Pork Checkoff, said, "It's more important than ever for producers and swine farm workers to reduce the risk of getting sick and bringing the flu to the farm or workplace by getting vaccinated. "The seasonal flu vaccine is available everywhere right now and initial distribution of the novel H1N1 vaccine has begun across the country under the direction of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local authorities."
The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has recommended that certain groups of the population receive the novel H1N1 vaccine when it first becomes available. These target groups include pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age, healthcare and emergency medical services personnel, persons between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old, and people ages of 25 through 64 years of age who are at higher risk for novel 2009 H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.
In addition to getting vaccinated for these flu strains, Wagstrom recommends taking other steps to reduce the spread of infection among workers and of the pigs with human influenza viruses. This includes modifying sick-leave policies to encourage workers to stay away from the farm if they are suffering from acute respiratory infections. "Virus shedding is at its peak when the clinical illness is most severe, but people may remain contagious up to 24 hours after symptoms stop, usually from three to seven days," she said.
Good building ventilation and good hygiene also will help reduce transmission of the flu viruses. "To prevent pigs and humans from other species' influenza viruses, producers also should look at bird-proofing their buildings, protecting feed from birds and enforcing biosecurity practices such as the use of farm-specific clothing and footwear."
Additional biosecurity protocols can be found at www.pork.org under H1N1 in the Spotlight area. "The CDC has great information about everything flu-related, who should get vaccinated, who should not and so on. That's why I recommend everybody visit their Web site for more information," Wagstrom added.
The CDC's main Web site is www.cdc.gov. In addition, the agency has added www.flu.gov . The Pork Checkoff factsheet on influenza "Influenza: Pigs, People and Public Health" is located at www.pork.org/porkscience under public health. In addition, check for ongoing updates on novel H1N1 on pork.org.
Pork Pod delivers in-depth coverage on issues
Pork Pod is a tool the Pork Checkoff’s is utilizing to provide useful information to producers. Podcasting is a method of publishing files to the Internet, allowing users to subscribe to a feed and receive new files automatically by subscription at no cost. You can listen to podcasts on your computer, download the podcasts on computer and then create a CD or subscribe to a feed for your iPod.
Amanda Vittatoe Interview - Manure Pit Safety
Date: Friday, Oct. 2, 2009
Length: 07:00
Speakers: Don Wick & Amanda Vittatoe
Tim Bierman - World Pork Congress, China
Date: Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2009
Length: 15:20
Speakers: Don Wick & Tim Bierman, President, National Pork Board
Hogs and Pigs Report September 2009
Date: Friday, Sept. 25, 2009
Length: 15:20
Speakers:
- Steve Meyer, President, Paragon Economics
- Daniel Bluntzer, Director of Research, Frontier Risk Management, Corpus Christi, Texas
- Glenn Grimes, Professor Emeritus and Extension Marketing Specialist, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
- Joe Kerns, Iowa Select Farms, Iowa Falls, Iowa
Actions Surrounding a Suspect or Confirmed Case of Novel H1N1 Infection in Pigs
Posted: 09 Sep 2009 12:28 PM PDT
Date: Sept. 9, 2009
Length: 12:47
Speaker: Dr. Paul Sundberg, vice president of science and technology for the Pork Checkoff
The KPA Producer-to-Producer Classified Section is provided free of charge to producers who are looking for a way to advertise to other producers.
For sale:
4- 11 ton AP bulk bins like new.
4- 20 hole Stainless Steel Smidley type B finishing feeders. 3 years old.
1-1992 853 Bobcat Skid steer with 3300 hrs $6,500.
Call Mark Nelson (785) 617-0043
Farm Help Wanted
Hog Farm in South Central Kansas is offering a competitive salary and bonus for performance. Good attitude is needed. Will provide training.
620-752-3650
316-799-2650
To add your listing, please contact Tim Stroda at the KPA office at 785-776-0442 or
e-mail to kpa@kspork.org
Kansas GOLD Inc. working to update producer's information
Garry Keeler, program coordinator for Kansas GOLD Inc., is now working to update the yearly information needed to recertify facilities. Kansas GOLD Inc. will be contacting producers as their certification becomes due. The program has also recently started working with several producers to begin the process of applying for new permits.
The GOLD program is designed to ensure that when a regulator visits your farm, the information they request can be found easily and is packaged in a pre-approved format. The process begins with a visit to your farm by the Kansas GOLD coordinator, who will begin by examining your KDHE permit for each facility number. This permit tells the coordinator what information needs to be collected and kept on file.
Kansas GOLD Inc. provides a cost-effective manner to ensure your operation is in compliance. For information, please click on GOLD or contact the KPA office at (785) 776-0442 or e-mail to kpa@kspork.org
USDA Conducting Confirmatory Testing on Possible Detection of 2009 Pandemic H1N1 Influenza in U.S. Swine
WASHINGTON, Oct. 16, 2009 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratories will be conducting confirmatory testing on swine samples collected at the 2009 Minnesota State Fair between August 26 and September 1. The pigs sampled at the time showed no signs of illness and were apparently healthy. The samples collected were part of a University of Iowa and University of Minnesota cooperative agreement research project funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) which documents influenza viruses where humans and pigs interact at such as fairs
"Like people, swine routinely get sick or contract influenza viruses. We currently are testing the Minnesota samples to determine if this is 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza," said Vilsack. "We are working in partnership with CDC as well as our animal and public health colleagues and will continue to provide information as it becomes available.
USDA's National Veterinary Services Laboratories may have confirmatory results within the next few days
"I want to remind people that they cannot get this flu from eating pork or pork products," said Vilsack
An outbreak of 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza occurred in a group of children housed in a dormitory at the fair at the same time samples were collected from the pigs, but no direct link to the pigs has been made. Information available at this time would suggest the children were not sickened by contact with the fair pigs
USDA continues to remind U.S. swine producers about the need for good hygiene, biosecurity and other practices that will prevent the introduction and spread of influenza viruses in their herd and encourage them to participate in USDA's swine influenza virus surveillance program. Monitoring and studying these influenza viruses in swine, will help USDA learn about the virus, develop better tools to diagnose and develop new and improved vaccines to protect our U.S swine herds. USDA encourages commercial pork producers to intensify the biosecurity practices that they have in place, particularly during this flu season
More information about USDA's 2009 pandemic H1N1 efforts is available at www.usda.gov/H1N1flu.
National Pork Producers Council Statement On Testing Of Pigs For H1N1 Flu
Given today’s statement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture that it is conducting ‘confirmatory testing’ on swine for the novel H1N1 virus, the National Pork Producers Council is reiterating that pork is safe to eat and handle and that, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu viruses cannot be transmitted through food, including pork
Additionally, the U.S. government has strict safeguards in place to protect the safety of the U.S. food supply. All pork found in retail stores and restaurants is inspected to the rigors of USDA standards for wholesomeness, and every pig is inspected to ensure that only healthy pigs enter the food supply.
The ‘confirmatory tests’ are being conducted on swine samples collected at the 2009 Minnesota State Fair between August 26 and September 1. According to USDA’s statement, the pigs sampled at the time showed no signs of illness and were apparently healthy.
NPPC also echoes USDA Sec. Tom Vilsack’s pronouncement that, like people, pigs routinely get sick or contract influenza viruses. Indeed, pigs in other countries previously have contracted the novel H1N1 flu.
Since the H1N1 flu was first reported in late April, NPPC and the National Pork Board have urged pork producers to tighten their existing biosecurity protocols to protect their pigs from the virus, including restricting public access to barns.
For more information about the H1N1 flu, visit www.factsaboutpork.com or www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu. Pork producers who want more information about dealing with the H1N1 flu should visit www.pork.org.
Statement from the National Pork Board on Testing of Pigs for H1N1
The announcement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Friday that tests are being conducted to determine if three pigs from the Minnesota State Fair in August are the first confirmed cases of the Novel H1N1 virus in the U.S. swine herd provides an opportunity to stress three important messages:
Regardless of the outcome of the tests, you cannot get the H1N1 flu from eating pork. Pork and pork products remain safe to eat and handle.
Scientific studies conducted by the USDA have proven that the H1N1 flu is a respiratory virus, not a food-borne illness, and it is not found in the blood or meat of pigs exposed to the virus.
The two most important steps you can take to protect you and your family from the H1N1 flu are to wash your hands often with soap and water or hand sanitizer and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
"I would like to echo the comments of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack," said Chris Novak, chief executive officer of the National Pork Board. "People cannot get this flu from eating or handling pork."
Kansas partnering with Oklahoma in groundbreaking, bi-state stop animal movement exercis
Officials in Kansas and Oklahoma are partnering to conduct the first interstate emergency response exercise that will test coordination and the logistics of implementing a stop livestock movement order issued by state animal health officials.
The real-time exercise will take place Thursday, Oct. 22, in Topeka, Kan. and Oklahoma City Okla., and on the Kansas-Oklahoma border. The scenario is based on simulated outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in the eastern United States.
“Many states have conducted exercises to test their response plans to a highly contagious foreign animal disease within their own borders, so this exercise provides the new dimension of coordinating activities to stop animal movement across a shared border,” said George Teagarden, commissioner of the Kansas Animal Health Department.
The exercise, titled SAMS-KO, or Stop Animal Movement Statewide KS-OK, is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Kansas and Oklahoma are members of the Multi-State Partnership for Security in Agriculture, a consortium of 13 states that work together to protect the food and agriculture sector by sharing information and building interstate response capabilities. SES, Inc., of Merriam, Kan., was hired to design and conduct the exercise to test the plans and coordination needed to successfully stop and screen livestock and livestock-related traffic involved in interstate commerce.
“We conduct a number of exercises annually with our state partners in Kansas,” said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, Kansas adjutant general and director of the Kansas Division of Emergency Management. “However, working with our partners across state lines is critical because disasters seldom stop at the state line. We consider foreign animal disease to be one of the major threats to our state’s economy and the more we exercise for it, the more everyone will know what to expect should it happen in the U.S.”
Animal health, agriculture, law enforcement, transportation and emergency management officials from both states will participate in the exercise by working as players, evaluators and actors. The exercise will be played out as realistically as possible, in real time, and will involve emergency operations centers, key decision makers and local officials in both states. Traffic will be screened at two border locations -- one at the intersection of Highways 160 and 183 near Sitka, Kan., and the other three miles north of Turpin, Okla., on Highway 83.
"Kansas is a leader in animal agriculture, so it's no surprise our state would be among the first to test this critical element of our foreign animal disease response plan," said Josh Svaty, acting secretary of the Kansas Department of Agriculture. "I'm proud that folks in my department have been able to help develop and carry out this exercise and that we will play a strong supporting role in a real event. It will take all of us working together, including our partners in neighboring states, to control the spread of diseases that could devastate our livestock industry."
“A stop livestock movement order is designed to protect healthy animals from the introduction of harmful diseases. Its focus is to stop potentially diseased animals or contaminated animal-handling equipment from other states from entering our state and coming into contact with healthy animals,” Teagarden said. “This exercise will allow us to test how well our plan works and to identify future planning priorities.”
The exercise scenario involves an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, a highly contagious disease of cattle, sheep, swine, goats, deer and other cloven-hoofed animals that causes blisters on the mouth, teats and soft tissue of the feet. Infected animals have difficulty eating and walking. While it is painful for infected animals, it does not pose a significant threat to human health.
Foot-and-mouth disease was last identified in the United States in 1929. It is a primary concern for animal health officials because it could have potentially devastating economic consequences due to disrupted trade and lost investor confidence.
PQA Plus Site Assessment Rebate Program
The Kansas Pork Association, the National Pork Board and the National Pork Producers Council are encouraging all producers to become PQA Plus certified and achieve PQA Plus Site Status. The purpose of this program is to encourage producers to be proactive in providing the best possible care for their animals and show commitment to the ethical principles of pork production as outlined in the We Care responsible pork initiative.
Having a PQA Plus advisor review your operation can both improve the well-being and productivity of animals in your care by noting changes or additions that may not otherwise be noticed.
The Kansas Pork Association is offering a $100 rebate to Kansas Pork Producers completing a PQA Plus Site Assesment from August 1 to December 31, 2009. The funding is available on a first-come-first-serve basis.
The following requirements and stipulations apply:
Click here to download the rebate form.
Please contact Tim Stroda at kpa@kspork.org or (785) 776-0442 with questions or to see if funds are still available.
Are You Ready for Some Football?
Kansas Pork Producers prepare... Join us for tailgating fun and sampling on Saturday, November 14, in Manhattan before the game. The K-State Wildcats are slated to take on Mizzou for another hard hitting home game. Also hard hitting will be the promotions available at the event.
The KPA will be providing pork loin samples to the public in the west parking lot of Snyder Family Stadium. We plan to begin sampling two hours before kickoff.
With support from the National Pork Board, the Kansas Pork Association has prepared to hand out 20,000 coupons. Each coupon offers consumers $1.00 off fresh pork purchases at the grocery store.
The coupon includes a great game-day recipe on the front of the coupon. On the back, information explains how Kansas pork producers work to build and maintain trust in pork products. The coupons can be redeemed at any grocery store and all redemption costs will be covered by the National Pork Board.
Producers willing to help with the promotion will receive tickets to the ballgame. Please call 785-776-0442 to sign up for the promotion.
So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head to Manhattan. We will have the pork and football waiting!
Pork Radio Advertisement airing on K-State football
Listeners to Kansas State University football across the state will hear pork advertising during the games on the following list of stations
Click to hear one of the ads - Pork
BELOIT KVSV-AM 1190 AM
CHANUTE KINZ-FM 95.3 FM
CLAY CENTER KCLY-FM 100.9 FM
COFFEYVILLE KGGF-AM 690 AM
COLBY/GOODLAND KRDQ-FM 100.3 FM
CONCORDIA KNCK-AM 1390 AM
DODGE CITY KSKZ-FM 98.1 FM
EMPORIA KVOE-FM 101.7 FM
GOODLAND KLOE-AM 730 AM
GREAT BEND KZRS-FM 107.9 FM
HAYS KXNC-FM 104.7 FM
HIAWATHA KNZA-FM 103.9 FM
HUTCHINSON/WICHITA KHMY-FM 93.1 FM
JUNCTION CITY KJCK-AM 1420 AM
JUNCTION CITY KBLS-FM 102.5 FM
KANSAS CITY WHB-AM 810 AM
LIBERAL KSMM-AM 1470 AM
MANHATTAN KMKF-FM 101.5 FM
MANHATTAN KMAN-AM 1350 AM
MARYSVILLE KNDY-AM 1570 AM
NORTON KQNK-AM 1530 AM
NORTON KQNK-FM 106.7 FM
PHILLIPSBURG KKAN-AM 1490 AM
PHILLIPSBURG KQMA-FM 92.5 FM
PITTSBURG KSEK-AM 1340 AM
RUSSELL KRSL-AM 990 AM
SALINA KSAL-AM 1150 AM
SCOTT CITY KSKL-FM 94.5 FM
SENECA KMZA-FM 92.1 FM
TOPEKA KQTP-FM 102.9 FM
TOPEKA KTOP-AM 1490 AM
WICHITA KFTI-AM 1070 AM
WINFIELD KKLE-AM 1550 AM
Operation Main Street with a Kansas Twist
The KPA hasn’t wasted any opportunity to educate consumers on pork production in the last few months! Operation Main Street presentations were given at two Rotary meetings; Clay Center Golf Course and Topeka’s Washburn University. The meetings were a huge success and many consumers were amazed to hear about the changes the industry within the pork industry.
Operation Main Street speakers have a very positive impact by telling the industry’s story of innovation, quality and environmental stewardship. Presentations focus on how pork has been transformed over the last 15 years to be both tasty and even more nutritious. Also highted within the presentation are current production methods within a facility, feeds and feeding, antibiotic usage and environmental stewardship. Finally, many consumers are suprised to learn how much the swine industry offers the rural economy and contributes to our exports.
To learn more about Operation Main Street visit the National Pork Board’s Operation Main Street webpage at http://www.pork.org/Producers/OMS.aspx or contact the KPA office.
You have probably already heard about the exploding barns happening this fall in the Midwest. There have been several in Iowa and Minnesota (at least 5 that we have heard about). Please remember to cut any spark source and make sure nobody is in barns when agitating deep pits.
Below is a link to the news story of the latest one in Minnesota.
http://kaaltv.com/article/stories/S1192219.shtml?cat=10151
Mark your calendars!
K-State Swine Day
Thursday, November 19, 2009
KSU Alumni Center
To download a program, click on Swine Day
FOR THE WEEK ENDING October 16, 2009
USDA TESTING U.S. PIGS FOR H1N1 FLU; NPPC REITERATES THAT PORK IS SAFE TO EAT
The U.S. Department of Agriculture in a statement issued today said it is conducting ‘confirmatory testing’ on swine for the novel H1N1 virus. The tests are being conducted on swine samples collected at the 2009 Minnesota State Fair between August 26 and September 1. According to USDA’s statement, the pigs sampled at the time showed no signs of illness and were apparently healthy. Agriculture Sec. Tom Vilsack’s said that, like people, pigs routinely get sick or contract influenza viruses. Indeed, pigs in other countries previously have contracted the novel H1N1 flu. In its own statement released today, NPPC reiterated that pork is safe to eat and handle and that, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu viruses cannot be transmitted through food, including pork. It also pointed out that the U.S. government has strict safeguards in place to protect the safety of the U.S. food supply. All pork found in retail stores and restaurants is inspected to the rigors of USDA standards for wholesomeness, and every pig is inspected to ensure that only healthy pigs enter the food supply. Since the H1N1 flu was first reported in late April, NPPC and the National Pork Board have urged pork producers to tighten their existing biosecurity protocols to protect their pigs from the virus, including restricting public access to barns. For more information about the H1N1 flu, visit www.factsaboutpork.com or www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu. Pork producers who want more information about dealing with the H1N1 flu should visit www.pork.org.
NPPC ASKS SUPPORT FOR LANGUAGE RESTRICTING GREENHOUSE GAS REPORTING
NPPC, along with the American Sheep Industry Association, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the National Chicken Council and the National Turkey Federation, this week sent a letter to members of the House and Senate Appropriations subcommittees that deal with environmental matters, outlining the priorities of the U.S. livestock and poultry industries in the fiscal 2010 spending bills for the Interior, Environment and Related Agencies, which soon will reviewed by a conference committee. Specifically, the groups ask that lawmakers support House language restricting the implementation of any rule requiring the mandatory reporting of greenhouse gas emissions from manure management systems in place on livestock farms. Under proposed EPA regulations, livestock producers who emit over the equivalent of 25,000 tons of carbon dioxide would be required to calculate and report the level of those emissions. The requirement would treat farms in a manner identical to coal-fired power plants and petroleum refineries and would impose an onerous burden on livestock producers to ascertain emissions from diffuse sources.
CONGRESSIONAL LETTER TO URGE OBAMA TO SUPPORT U.S.-SOUTH KOREA FTA
NPPC is encouraging U.S. House members to sign on to a letter from Reps. Adam Smith, D-Wash., and Dave Reichert, R-Wash., to President Obama, who next month travels to Asia to meet with foreign officials, asking that he “prepare the U.S.-South Korea Free Trade Agreement for congressional consideration.” In 2008 South Korea was the sixth largest market for U.S. pork, with exports valued at $284 million. The country ranked as a top destination for U.S. live hogs in 2008 with exports of $1.1 million. It is estimated that when the FTA is fully implemented, U.S. pork exports to the Asian nation will rise to nearly 600,000 metric tons worth about $10 per market hog to U.S. producers. That’s significantly more than the amount currently shipped to Japan, the No. 1 export market for U.S. pork.
NPPC OFFICIALS ATTEND LATIN AMERICAN PORK CONGRESS
NPPC President Don Butler andVice President and International Trade Counsel Nick Giordano this week attended the Latin American Pork Congress held in the Dominican Republic. The pair met with many leaders from western hemisphere pork-producer groups, along with industry representatives, to discuss among a host of other issues international trade affecting U.S. pork producers.
HOUSE SUBCOMMITTEE HOLDS HEARING ON CLEAN WATER ACT
TheHouse Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment Thursday held a hearing titled “The Clean Water Act After 37 Years: Recommitting to the Protection of the Nation's Waters.” EPA Administer Lisa Jackson was among the environmental specialists who testified before the subcommittee. In her testimony, Jackson announced that EPA is stepping up its efforts on Clean Water Act enforcement. Jackson also claimed that Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) pollute and threaten the safety of U.S. waters. Rep. Robert Latta, R-Ohio, asked Jackson how EPA will treat CAFOs in the effort to enforce compliance with the Clean Water Act. Jackson said the agency will work to develop a strategy to ensure that CAFOs are not unlawfully polluting various water sources. Jackson noted that EPA will identify the largest facilities and work with them to ensure that they obtain the appropriate permits and abide by the law.
WHAT’S AHEAD
NPPC TO TESTIFY ON PORK INDUSTRY ECONOMIC CRISIS
NPPC President Don Butler will testify Oct. 22 on the economic crisis in the U.S. pork industry before the House Committee on Agriculture’s Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry. Pork producers have suffered losses of an average of $25.90 per hog for the past two years. Other witnesses scheduled to testify include Dave Moody, president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association; Mark Greenwood, vice president of commercial lending for AgStar Financial Services of Mankato, Minn.; University of Minnesota agriculture economist Brian Buhr; and Rod Brenneman, president and CEO of pork producer and processor Seaboard Foods.
NPPC TO HOST RUSSIAN WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION NEGOTIATOR
Nick Giordano, NPPC’svice president and counsel for International Trade Policy, will meet with Russia’s World Trade Organization negotiator Max Medvedkov next week to discuss U.S.-Russian trade relations.
SENATE COMMITTEE TO HOLD HEARING ON CURRENT FOOD SAFETY SYSTEM
The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions is set to hold a hearing titled “Keeping America’s Families Safe: Reforming the Food Safety System” on Oct. 22. The House passed its version of food safety legislation in July.
Pork Checkoff Recommends Producers and Workers Get Vaccinated for Seasonal and Novel 2009 H1N1 Flu
To achieve the best human and animal health protection possible, the Pork Checkoff is advising producers, farm personnel and others who have contact with pigs to get the regular seasonal flu vaccination as soon as possible.
When available, this group also should get the novel H1N1 vaccination as well. Although this year is different with the addition of the novel H1N1 flu strain, the typical flu season starts in October and can last through May. Dr. Liz Wagstrom, assistant vice president of science and technology for the Pork Checkoff, said, "It's more important than ever for producers and swine farm workers to reduce the risk of getting sick and bringing the flu to the farm or workplace by getting vaccinated. "The seasonal flu vaccine is available everywhere right now and initial distribution of the novel H1N1 vaccine has begun across the country under the direction of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local authorities."
The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has recommended that certain groups of the population receive the novel H1N1 vaccine when it first becomes available. These target groups include pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age, healthcare and emergency medical services personnel, persons between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old, and people ages of 25 through 64 years of age who are at higher risk for novel 2009 H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.
In addition to getting vaccinated for these flu strains, Wagstrom recommends taking other steps to reduce the spread of infection among workers and of the pigs with human influenza viruses. This includes modifying sick-leave policies to encourage workers to stay away from the farm if they are suffering from acute respiratory infections. "Virus shedding is at its peak when the clinical illness is most severe, but people may remain contagious up to 24 hours after symptoms stop, usually from three to seven days," she said.
Good building ventilation and good hygiene also will help reduce transmission of the flu viruses. "To prevent pigs and humans from other species' influenza viruses, producers also should look at bird-proofing their buildings, protecting feed from birds and enforcing biosecurity practices such as the use of farm-specific clothing and footwear."
Additional biosecurity protocols can be found at www.pork.org under H1N1 in the Spotlight area. "The CDC has great information about everything flu-related, who should get vaccinated, who should not and so on. That's why I recommend everybody visit their Web site for more information," Wagstrom added.
The CDC's main Web site is www.cdc.gov. In addition, the agency has added www.flu.gov . The Pork Checkoff factsheet on influenza "Influenza: Pigs, People and Public Health" is located at www.pork.org/porkscience under public health. In addition, check for ongoing updates on novel H1N1 on pork.org.
Pork Pod delivers in-depth coverage on issues
Pork Pod is a tool the Pork Checkoff’s is utilizing to provide useful information to producers. Podcasting is a method of publishing files to the Internet, allowing users to subscribe to a feed and receive new files automatically by subscription at no cost. You can listen to podcasts on your computer, download the podcasts on computer and then create a CD or subscribe to a feed for your iPod.
Amanda Vittatoe Interview - Manure Pit Safety
Date: Friday, Oct. 2, 2009
Length: 07:00
Speakers: Don Wick & Amanda Vittatoe
Tim Bierman - World Pork Congress, China
Date: Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2009
Length: 15:20
Speakers: Don Wick & Tim Bierman, President, National Pork Board
Hogs and Pigs Report September 2009
Date: Friday, Sept. 25, 2009
Length: 15:20
Speakers:
- Steve Meyer, President, Paragon Economics
- Daniel Bluntzer, Director of Research, Frontier Risk Management, Corpus Christi, Texas
- Glenn Grimes, Professor Emeritus and Extension Marketing Specialist, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
- Joe Kerns, Iowa Select Farms, Iowa Falls, Iowa
Actions Surrounding a Suspect or Confirmed Case of Novel H1N1 Infection in Pigs
Posted: 09 Sep 2009 12:28 PM PDT
Date: Sept. 9, 2009
Length: 12:47
Speaker: Dr. Paul Sundberg, vice president of science and technology for the Pork Checkoff
The KPA Producer-to-Producer Classified Section is provided free of charge to producers who are looking for a way to advertise to other producers.
For sale:
4- 11 ton AP bulk bins like new.
4- 20 hole Stainless Steel Smidley type B finishing feeders. 3 years old.
1-1992 853 Bobcat Skid steer with 3300 hrs $6,500.
Call Mark Nelson (785) 617-0043
Farm Help Wanted
Hog Farm in South Central Kansas is offering a competitive salary and bonus for performance. Good attitude is needed. Will provide training.
620-752-3650
316-799-2650
Kansas GOLD Inc. working to update producer's information
Garry Keeler, program coordinator for Kansas GOLD Inc., is now working to update the yearly information needed to recertify facilities. Kansas GOLD Inc. will be contacting producers as their certification becomes due. The program has also recently started working with several producers to begin the process of applying for new permits.
The GOLD program is designed to ensure that when a regulator visits your farm, the information they request can be found easily and is packaged in a pre-approved format. The process begins with a visit to your farm by the Kansas GOLD coordinator, who will begin by examining your KDHE permit for each facility number. This permit tells the coordinator what information needs to be collected and kept on file.
Kansas GOLD Inc. provides a cost-effective manner to ensure your operation is in compliance. For information, please click on GOLD or contact the KPA office at (785) 776-0442 or e-mail to kpa@kspork.org
RFD-TV To Feature a Conversation About Pork this evening
What's the latest on the H1N1 flu? What are pork producers doing to be prepared? Is the economic forecast for the nation's pork industry getting any better? Viewers of RFD-TV will have an opportunity to get answers to those questions and more on Monday, Oct. 12, when the Pork Checkoff will sponsor an hour-long program that includes the opportunity for viewers to call in questions.
Long-time farm broadcaster Max Armstrong will be the host for "RFD-Live: A Conversation About Pork," which will air at 7 p.m. (Central Daylight Time). Scheduled guests include: Dr. Steve Meyer, an agricultural economist; Chris Novak, chief executive officer of the National Pork Board; Dr. Paul Sundberg, vice president of science and technology at the National Pork Board; and Wathina Luthi, an Oklahoma pork producer.
"This is a tremendous opportunity for us to tell our story to both pork producers and to others throughout rural America," Novak said.
"As we head into the typical flu season, we want consumers to understand that you cannot get the H1N1 flu from eating or handling pork. But we also want viewers to get a better understanding of what is happening within the pork industry. This is a tough time for pork producers. We want to tell consumers what producers already know: That not only is pork safe, nutritious and delicious, it also is an especially good value at your grocery store right now. This is a great time to be buying pork.
"We also look forward to being able to tell producers about all the measures the Pork Checkoff is taking to promote pork this fall. During the RFD-TV program we will unveil our newest 30-second television commercial."
Novak said he hopes pork producers, as well as viewers who know little about the pork industry, will call in questions.
RFD-TV, now available in 40 million homes, can be viewed on the DISH Network at channel 231 and on DirecTV channel 345. Viewers with cable television should consult their local listings guide.
PQA Plus Site Assessment Rebate Program
The Kansas Pork Association, the National Pork Board and the National Pork Producers Council are encouraging all producers to become PQA Plus certified and achieve PQA Plus Site Status. The purpose of this program is to encourage producers to be proactive in providing the best possible care for their animals and show commitment to the ethical principles of pork production as outlined in the We Care responsible pork initiative.
Having a PQA Plus advisor review your operation can both improve the well-being and productivity of animals in your care by noting changes or additions that may not otherwise be noticed.
The Kansas Pork Association is offering a $100 rebate to Kansas Pork Producers completing a PQA Plus Site Assesment from August 1 to December 31, 2009. The funding is available on a first-come-first-serve basis.
The following requirements and stipulations apply:
Click here to download the rebate form.
Please contact Tim Stroda at kpa@kspork.org or (785) 776-0442 with questions or to see if funds are still available.
Are You Ready for Some Football?
Kansas Pork Producers prepare... Join us for tailgating fun and sampling on Saturday, November 14, in Manhattan before the game. The K-State Wildcats are slated to take on Mizzou for another hard hitting home game. Also hard hitting will be the promotions available at the event.
The KPA will be providing pork loin samples to the public in the west parking lot of Snyder Family Stadium. We plan to begin sampling two hours before kickoff.
With support from the National Pork Board, the Kansas Pork Association has prepared to hand out 20,000 coupons. Each coupon offers consumers $1.00 off fresh pork purchases at the grocery store.
The coupon includes a great game-day recipe on the front of the coupon. On the back, information explains how Kansas pork producers work to build and maintain trust in pork products. The coupons can be redeemed at any grocery store and all redemption costs will be covered by the National Pork Board.
Producers willing to help with the promotion will receive tickets to the ballgame. Please call 785-776-0442 to sign up for the promotion.
So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head to Manhattan. We will have the pork and football waiting!
Pork Radio Advertisement airing on K-State football
Listeners to Kansas State University football across the state will hear pork advertising during the games on the following list of stations
Click to hear one of the ads - Pork
BELOIT KVSV-AM 1190 AM
CHANUTE KINZ-FM 95.3 FM
CLAY CENTER KCLY-FM 100.9 FM
COFFEYVILLE KGGF-AM 690 AM
COLBY/GOODLAND KRDQ-FM 100.3 FM
CONCORDIA KNCK-AM 1390 AM
DODGE CITY KSKZ-FM 98.1 FM
EMPORIA KVOE-FM 101.7 FM
GOODLAND KLOE-AM 730 AM
GREAT BEND KZRS-FM 107.9 FM
HAYS KXNC-FM 104.7 FM
HIAWATHA KNZA-FM 103.9 FM
HUTCHINSON/WICHITA KHMY-FM 93.1 FM
JUNCTION CITY KJCK-AM 1420 AM
JUNCTION CITY KBLS-FM 102.5 FM
KANSAS CITY WHB-AM 810 AM
LIBERAL KSMM-AM 1470 AM
MANHATTAN KMKF-FM 101.5 FM
MANHATTAN KMAN-AM 1350 AM
MARYSVILLE KNDY-AM 1570 AM
NORTON KQNK-AM 1530 AM
NORTON KQNK-FM 106.7 FM
PHILLIPSBURG KKAN-AM 1490 AM
PHILLIPSBURG KQMA-FM 92.5 FM
PITTSBURG KSEK-AM 1340 AM
RUSSELL KRSL-AM 990 AM
SALINA KSAL-AM 1150 AM
SCOTT CITY KSKL-FM 94.5 FM
SENECA KMZA-FM 92.1 FM
TOPEKA KQTP-FM 102.9 FM
TOPEKA KTOP-AM 1490 AM
WICHITA KFTI-AM 1070 AM
WINFIELD KKLE-AM 1550 AM
Operation Main Street with a Kansas Twist
The KPA hasn’t wasted any opportunity to educate consumers on pork production in the last few months! Operation Main Street presentations were given at two Rotary meetings; Clay Center Golf Course and Topeka’s Washburn University. The meetings were a huge success and many consumers were amazed to hear about the changes the industry within the pork industry.
Operation Main Street speakers have a very positive impact by telling the industry’s story of innovation, quality and environmental stewardship. Presentations focus on how pork has been transformed over the last 15 years to be both tasty and even more nutritious. Also highted within the presentation are current production methods within a facility, feeds and feeding, antibiotic usage and environmental stewardship. Finally, many consumers are suprised to learn how much the swine industry offers the rural economy and contributes to our exports.
To learn more about Operation Main Street visit the National Pork Board’s Operation Main Street webpage at http://www.pork.org/Producers/OMS.aspx or contact the KPA office.
You have probably already heard about the exploding barns happening this fall in the Midwest. There have been several in Iowa and Minnesota (at least 5 that we have heard about). Please remember to cut any spark source and make sure nobody is in barns when agitating deep pits.
Below is a link to the news story of the latest one in Minnesota.
http://kaaltv.com/article/stories/S1192219.shtml?cat=10151
Mark your calendars!
K-State Swine Day
Thursday, November 19, 2009
KSU Alumni Center
To download a program, click on Swine Day.
FOR WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 9, 2009
LAWMAKERS URGE USDA TO HELP U.S. PORK PRODUCERS
Members of the U.S. Senate and House have urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture to lend assistance to U.S. pork producers to help them out of a 2-year-old economic crisis. NPPC applauded the congressional request. In separate letters recently sent to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, 24 senators and 63 representatives asked that USDA take the following actions to provide “much-needed emergency relief” to the U.S. pork industry:
The congressional efforts, led by Al Franken, D-Minn., and Richard Burr, R-N.C., in the Senate and by Tim Walz, D-Minn., and Steve King, R-Iowa, in the House, were made to help pork producers deal with losses averaging $22.50 per hog since September 2007. Over the past two years, the U.S. pork industry has lost more than $5 billion, and producers have lost more than 65 percent of the equity in their operations. In mid-August, NPPC urged USDA to make three $50 million purchases of pork, using fiscal 2009, fiscal 2010 and Section 32 funds. USDA agreed in early September to buy $30 million of pork, using fiscal 2009 funds.
NPPC BACKS NEW USDA RESEARCH AGENCY
NPPC applauded the launch Thursday of a new research and education arm within the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), which was created under the 2008 Farm Bill, will “advance knowledge for agriculture, the environment, human health and well-being and communities by supporting research, education and extension programs in the Land-Grant University System and other partner organizations.” NIFA replaced the former Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES), which had been in existence since 1994. NIFA, which also administers the national 4-H program, USDA’s 105-year-old youth development program, is directed by Dr. Roger Beachy, who reports to USDA Under Secretary for Research, Education and Economics Dr. Rajiv Shah. NPPC long has supported increased emphasis on agricultural research.
FISCAL 2010 AGRICULTURE SPENDING BILL APPROVED
The Senate and House this week approved a compromise fiscal 2010 agriculture appropriations bill, which would provide $121.2 billion, including $23.3 billion in discretionary funds. The Senate voted 76-22 for passage; the House approved the measure on a 263-162 vote. The bill includes $350,000 for a national trichinae certification program, $5.3 million for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Animal Identification System and $2.5 million for Pseudorabies management. The measure also includes language allowing USDA to conduct a scientific risk assessment on the safety of Chinese chicken imports, a measure strongly backed by NPPC.
NPPC OFFICIALS TRAVEL TO MEXICO FOR PRODUCER MEETINGS
NPPC board members and staff traveled to Mexico to meet with a number of Mexican pork producer groups regarding the regionalization of Mexico for hog cholera, the H1N1 flu virus and other issues affecting the North American hog industry, including the current financial crisis. On the trip, NPPC also met with Canadian producer representatives. NPPC has been meeting with Mexican and Canadian pork producer representatives since about the time the North American Free Trade Agreement was reached in 1994. Over the years, there have been many attempts by Mexican producers to restrict U.S. pork and live hog exports. NPPC continues to work hard to keep the border open. Likewise, NPPC has worked hard to ameliorate the impact of Canadian hog sector subsidies on U.S. pork producers.
DOJ ENLISTS STATE ATTORNEYS GENERAL TO SCRUTINIZE AGRICULTURE MARKETS
In recent remarks to state attorneys general at Columbia Law School in New York, Christine A. Varney, Assistant Attorney General in the U.S. Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division, said the division needs the help of the states’ top law enforcement officials to “police” agriculture markets. The Antitrust Division plans to look into the general state of competition in agriculture markets through a number of workshops in 2010 hosted jointly with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. DOJ wants to look into the level of transparency of market transactions and the degree of vertical integration and buyer power in the agricultural markets. Varney said her division has been heavily involved in reviewing proposed mergers in livestock markets, involving pork and beef, and “will maintain a watchful eye on the marketplace.”
WHAT’S AHEAD
NPPC TO TESTIFY ON PORK INDUSTRY ECONOMIC CRISIS
NPPC will testify Oct. 22 on the economic crisis in the U.S. pork industry before the House Committee on Agriculture’s Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry. Pork producers have suffered losses of an average of $22.50 per hog for the past two years.
HOUSE AG. COMMITTEE TO MARK-UP COMMODITY SPECULATION BILL
House Ag. Chairman Collin Peterson’s commodity speculation bill is expected to be marked-up in the coming weeks. The draft legislation would regulate the market for over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives. The discussion draft bill contains provisions addressing OTC clearing, trading, capital and margin requirements, and position limits. It builds on legislation the House Ag. Committee passed earlier this year, H.R. 977, the Derivatives Markets Transparency and Accountability Act of 2009, a bill to strengthen the oversight of futures, options and OTC markets.
Pork Checkoff Recommends Producers and Workers Get Vaccinated for Seasonal and Novel 2009 H1N1 Flu
To achieve the best human and animal health protection possible, the Pork Checkoff is advising producers, farm personnel and others who have contact with pigs to get the regular seasonal flu vaccination as soon as possible.
When available, this group also should get the novel H1N1 vaccination as well. Although this year is different with the addition of the novel H1N1 flu strain, the typical flu season starts in October and can last through May. Dr. Liz Wagstrom, assistant vice president of science and technology for the Pork Checkoff, said, "It's more important than ever for producers and swine farm workers to reduce the risk of getting sick and bringing the flu to the farm or workplace by getting vaccinated. "The seasonal flu vaccine is available everywhere right now and initial distribution of the novel H1N1 vaccine has begun across the country under the direction of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local authorities."
The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has recommended that certain groups of the population receive the novel H1N1 vaccine when it first becomes available. These target groups include pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age, healthcare and emergency medical services personnel, persons between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old, and people ages of 25 through 64 years of age who are at higher risk for novel 2009 H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.
In addition to getting vaccinated for these flu strains, Wagstrom recommends taking other steps to reduce the spread of infection among workers and of the pigs with human influenza viruses. This includes modifying sick-leave policies to encourage workers to stay away from the farm if they are suffering from acute respiratory infections. "Virus shedding is at its peak when the clinical illness is most severe, but people may remain contagious up to 24 hours after symptoms stop, usually from three to seven days," she said.
Good building ventilation and good hygiene also will help reduce transmission of the flu viruses. "To prevent pigs and humans from other species' influenza viruses, producers also should look at bird-proofing their buildings, protecting feed from birds and enforcing biosecurity practices such as the use of farm-specific clothing and footwear."
Additional biosecurity protocols can be found at www.pork.org under H1N1 in the Spotlight area. "The CDC has great information about everything flu-related, who should get vaccinated, who should not and so on. That's why I recommend everybody visit their Web site for more information," Wagstrom added.
The CDC's main Web site is www.cdc.gov. In addition, the agency has added www.flu.gov . The Pork Checkoff factsheet on influenza "Influenza: Pigs, People and Public Health" is located at www.pork.org/porkscience under public health. In addition, check for ongoing updates on novel H1N1 on pork.org.
Pork Pod delivers in-depth coverage on issues
Pork Pod is a tool the Pork Checkoff’s is utilizing to provide useful information to producers. Podcasting is a method of publishing files to the Internet, allowing users to subscribe to a feed and receive new files automatically by subscription at no cost. You can listen to podcasts on your computer, download the podcasts on computer and then create a CD or subscribe to a feed for your iPod.
Amanda Vittatoe Interview - Manure Pit Safety
Date: Friday, Oct. 2, 2009
Length: 07:00
Speakers: Don Wick & Amanda Vittatoe
Tim Bierman - World Pork Congress, China
Date: Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2009
Length: 15:20
Speakers: Don Wick & Tim Bierman, President, National Pork Board
Hogs and Pigs Report September 2009
Date: Friday, Sept. 25, 2009
Length: 15:20
Speakers:
- Steve Meyer, President, Paragon Economics
- Daniel Bluntzer, Director of Research, Frontier Risk Management, Corpus Christi, Texas
- Glenn Grimes, Professor Emeritus and Extension Marketing Specialist, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
- Joe Kerns, Iowa Select Farms, Iowa Falls, Iowa
Actions Surrounding a Suspect or Confirmed Case of Novel H1N1 Infection in Pigs
Posted: 09 Sep 2009 12:28 PM PDT
Date: Sept. 9, 2009
Length: 12:47
Speaker: Dr. Paul Sundberg, vice president of science and technology for the Pork Checkoff
The KPA Producer-to-Producer Classified Section is provided free of charge to producers who are looking for a way to advertise to other producers.
For sale:
4- 11 ton AP bulk bins like new.
4- 20 hole Stainless Steel Smidley type B finishing feeders. 3 years old.
1-1992 853 Bobcat Skid steer with 3300 hrs $6,500.
Call Mark Nelson (785) 617-0043
Farm Help Wanted
Hog Farm in South Central Kansas is offering a competitive salary and bonus for performance. Good attitude is needed. Will provide training.
620-752-3650
316-799-2650
Kansas GOLD Inc. working to update producer's information
Garry Keeler, program coordinator for Kansas GOLD Inc., is now working to update the yearly information needed to recertify facilities. Kansas GOLD Inc. will be contacting producers as their certification becomes due. The program has also recently started working with several producers to begin the process of applying for new permits.
The GOLD program is designed to ensure that when a regulator visits your farm, the information they request can be found easily and is packaged in a pre-approved format. The process begins with a visit to your farm by the Kansas GOLD coordinator, who will begin by examining your KDHE permit for each facility number. This permit tells the coordinator what information needs to be collected and kept on file.
Kansas GOLD Inc. provides a cost-effective manner to ensure your operation is in compliance. For information, please click on GOLD or contact the KPA office at (785) 776-0442 or e-mail to kpa@kspork.org
USDA on-farm action plan announced for novel 2009 H1N1
Through a combined effort of state and federal animal health officials and pork producers, a comprehensive on-farm plan has been created to keep the pork industry moving as normal even if a U.S. herd is suspected or confirmed as being infected with the novel 2009 H1N1 virus.
The plan addresses surveillance and actions recommended when novel H1N1 is confirmed. In these cases state animal health officials remain the primary source of reliable information regarding novel H1N1 in swine in their respective states and will be critical to the plan’s successful implementation. Under this plan, the herd veterinarian will work with the state animal health official and the pork producer to monitor animals for illness. When the herd veterinarian has determined the animals have recovered, or under direction of the state animal health official, pigs would be allowed to move freely through production and market channels.
“This plan of action is an important step to ensure the best possible outcome for producers, pigs and consumers,” said Dr. Paul Sundberg, vice president of science and technology for the Pork Checkoff. “It strengthens the already-strong relationship the pork industry has with state and federal animal health officials, which will allow us to act quickly if the novel H1N1 virus is detected at the farm level. In addition, the plan will allow recovered pigs to move through production and market channels, which should reassure producers at this time.”
Producers should continue to work with their veterinarian to implement strict biosecurity protocols to prevent possible transmission of the novel H1N1 virus onto their farms. With good surveillance, close cooperation between all interested parties and adherence to strict biosecurity, the pork industry is prepared to effectively manage and resolve novel H1N1 infections in U.S. swine while protecting both public and animal health.
PQA Plus Site Assessment Rebate Program
The Kansas Pork Association, the National Pork Board and the National Pork Producers Council are encouraging all producers to become PQA Plus certified and achieve PQA Plus Site Status. The purpose of this program is to encourage producers to be proactive in providing the best possible care for their animals and show commitment to the ethical principles of pork production as outlined in the We Care responsible pork initiative.
Having a PQA Plus advisor review your operation can both improve the well-being and productivity of animals in your care by noting changes or additions that may not otherwise be noticed.
The Kansas Pork Association is offering a $100 rebate to Kansas Pork Producers completing a PQA Plus Site Assesment from August 1 to December 31, 2009. The funding is available on a first-come-first-serve basis.
The following requirements and stipulations apply:
Click here to download the rebate form.
Please contact Tim Stroda at kpa@kspork.org or (785) 776-0442 with questions or to see if funds are still available.
Michigan working on tougher livestock rules
Legislation working its way through the Michigan legislature would impose stricter animal husbandry rules on Michigan’s pork and poultry industries.
The bill, which has passed the Michigan House on an 87-20 vote, is the result of a compromise reached between the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and groups representing Michigan’s pork and poultry producers. This after HSUS threatened to seek a ballot initiative similar to California’s controversial Proposition 2.
Sam Hines, executive vice president of Michigan Pork Producers, says the handwriting was on the wall.
“You know, the uncertainty that might come with the passage of a ballot initiative—and even the negative implications that would have—was something that both our poultry and pork producers wanted to avoid,” Hines says.
The bill would give producers ten years to make the transition to different systems. While the legislation is being compared to California’s law, Hines says it is actually closer to the compromise that HSUS negotiated with Colorado pork producers in 2008.
“In our case, it will allow the use of the stalls for breeding purposes until the sow is confirmed pregnant,” explains Hines. “At that time they would have to be co-mingled in a manner where they wouldn’t be impeded or constrained to any great extent. They could lie down and extend their extremities, etcetera.
Hines says the measure also allows for the use of a farrowing stall, which a sow could be put into seven days prior to the due date. “So there are a lot of provisions in the bill that our producers will have to transition into,” says Hines, “although some of them actually have begun to do some of that here already.”
The bill now goes to the Michigan Senate for consideration.
Pork Radio Advertisement airing on K-State football
Listeners to Kansas State University football across the state will hear pork advertising during the games on the following list of stations
Click to hear one of the ads - Pork
BELOIT KVSV-AM 1190 AM
CHANUTE KINZ-FM 95.3 FM
CLAY CENTER KCLY-FM 100.9 FM
COFFEYVILLE KGGF-AM 690 AM
COLBY/GOODLAND KRDQ-FM 100.3 FM
CONCORDIA KNCK-AM 1390 AM
DODGE CITY KSKZ-FM 98.1 FM
EMPORIA KVOE-FM 101.7 FM
GOODLAND KLOE-AM 730 AM
GREAT BEND KZRS-FM 107.9 FM
HAYS KXNC-FM 104.7 FM
HIAWATHA KNZA-FM 103.9 FM
HUTCHINSON/WICHITA KHMY-FM 93.1 FM
JUNCTION CITY KJCK-AM 1420 AM
JUNCTION CITY KBLS-FM 102.5 FM
KANSAS CITY WHB-AM 810 AM
LIBERAL KSMM-AM 1470 AM
MANHATTAN KMKF-FM 101.5 FM
MANHATTAN KMAN-AM 1350 AM
MARYSVILLE KNDY-AM 1570 AM
NORTON KQNK-AM 1530 AM
NORTON KQNK-FM 106.7 FM
PHILLIPSBURG KKAN-AM 1490 AM
PHILLIPSBURG KQMA-FM 92.5 FM
PITTSBURG KSEK-AM 1340 AM
RUSSELL KRSL-AM 990 AM
SALINA KSAL-AM 1150 AM
SCOTT CITY KSKL-FM 94.5 FM
SENECA KMZA-FM 92.1 FM
TOPEKA KQTP-FM 102.9 FM
TOPEKA KTOP-AM 1490 AM
WICHITA KFTI-AM 1070 AM
WINFIELD KKLE-AM 1550 AM
You have probably already heard about the exploding barns happening this fall in the Midwest. There have been several in Iowa and Minnesota (at least 5 that we have heard about). Please remember to cut any spark source and make sure nobody is in barns when agitating deep pits.
Below is a link to the news story of the latest one in Minnesota.
http://kaaltv.com/article/stories/S1192219.shtml?cat=10151
Mark your calendars!
K-State Swine Day
Thursday, November 19, 2009
KSU Alumni Center
To download a program, click on Swine Day.
SIDDIQUI TO BE U.S. TRADE OFFICE’S CHIEF AGRICULTURAL NEGOTIATOR
Sept. 23, 2009 –
The National Pork Producers Council today praised President Obama’s nomination of Dr. Islam A. Siddiqui as the Chief Agricultural Negotiator in the office of the U.S. Trade Representative, an agency critical to the health and profitability of the U.S. pork industry.
USTR’s mission is to develop and coordinate U.S. international trade, commodity, and direct investment policy, and overseeing negotiations with other countries.
“We’re pleased to see someone with such a strong agriculture background as Siddiqui nominated for this post,” said NPPC President Don Butler. “He’s a tough negotiator and is inheriting a lot of agricultural trade issues, with pork issues in China and Russia at the top of the list.”
Siddiqui is a prominent American agricultural scientist currently serving as vice president for science and regulatory affairs at CropLife America. His agriculture background goes back to the California Department of Food and Agriculture where he spent 28 years before serving in various capacities in the Clinton Administration at USDA as Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, Senior Trade Advisor to Secretary Dan Glickman and Deputy Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs.
NPPC worked closely with Siddiqui when he was at USDA in the Clinton Administration. According to NPPC Vice President and Counsel for International Trade Policy, Nick Giordano, “Siddiqui is tough as nails and is the kind of person you want to go to battle with. We look forward to working with him again.”
Trade remains vital to the U.S. pork industry. The U.S. pork industry is the number one exporter of pork products in the world, providing low cost, high-quality pork to consumers in 100 countries in any given year.
“This is a very critical time for the pork industry and we need to continue to fight hard to gain market access around the world and maintain it,” said NPPC’s Butler. “NPPC congratulates President Obama on a great choice, and we look forward to working his trade team on the many trade issues affecting the U.S. pork industry.”
Korean Bloggers Share Attributes of U.S. Pork with Thousands of Readers
Since bloggers are an exceptionally powerful and influential consumer medium in South Korea, USMEF recently hosted ten of the country’s “power bloggers” for a multifaceted seminar on U.S. pork.
The first day of the event focused on U.S. pork production, highlighting advances in pork safety, animal welfare and environmental protection. The bloggers were then assigned to go shopping for U.S pork cuts that they would feature in a summer vacation pork dish, prepared from their own recipes. This was followed by a session focused on the healthy attributes of U.S. pork, particularly as an essential source of protein for children.
The bloggers were then treated to a full-scale U.S. pork cooking class featuring Chef Wook-Sung Kim, owner and chef of the Eatery restaurant. Participants had the opportunity to prepare three delicious pork dishes: pesto pork belly, pork CT butt and clam stew, and pork CT butt scaloppini.
The seminar concluded with a wrap-up luncheon at the Best Western New Seoul Hotel, where a U.S. pork promotion is currently underway. U.S. pork CT butt steak was served as the main dish, with Executive Chef Cho Choo Hyeong of Room 201 – the hotel’s Italian-style restaurant —presenting his featured pork recipes.“
All participants were power bloggers who regularly have anywhere from 2,000 to10,000 visitors per day, and this seminar really helped them recognize the quality and superiority of U.S. pork,” said Jihae Yang, USMEF Korea director. “This event provided them with a very positive experience with U.S. pork, and one that they are able to disseminate to a very large number of Korean consumers.”
Through July, Korea is the fifth-largest value market for U.S. pork in 2009, with imports of nearly $130 million.
Emmitt's in the Party Zone with Pork!
Are you ready for some football and tailgating with pork? Emmitt Smith, professional football's all-time leading rusher, Pro Football Hall of Fame nominee and "Dancing with the Stars" champion, is teaming up with America's pork producers to share his love of tailgating and grilling with fans nationwide and pork is the menu MVP.
Pork scored big as football legend Emmitt Smith and his wife Pat kicked-off the tailgating season with a national satellite media tour. The pork-passionate couple did 25 interviews with media across the US promoting pork on the grill and the Pork Checkoff sponsored “Great Pork Recipe Playoffs” recipe contest on TheOtherWhiteMeat.com.
The "Great Pork Recipe Playoffs" recipe contest will search for the best tailgate recipes that incorporate regional flavors and pork as the star. From Sept. 2 until Nov. 16, consumers can submit their favorite regionally-inspired pork recipe on TheOtherWhiteMeat.com. Eight regional finalists will be selected and America will visit the site and vote from Dec. 1 until the 25 to choose the grand prize winner. The winner will win a tailgate party with Emmitt in Miami and tickets for the big game.
Emmitt is also featured in a new recipe brochure with ribs, chops, brats and pork steaks as well as in retail point-of-sale materials for retail promotions across the country this season. Emmitt and Pat will also demonstrate their two recipes for videos that will be showcased on TheOtherWhiteMeat.com.
Supermodel Mom Dishes About National Eat Together Wee
With the hustle and bustle of the back-to-school season, it’s easy to lose sight of family time. With the right planning and workable meal-time solutions, including pork, busy parents like supermodel Niki Taylor are re-establishing the timeless tradition of eating together with their children.
“Because we’re so busy, it’s more important than ever to get in that quality family time, and eating together is a great way to do that,” says Taylor, a mother of twin teens and a toddler, who has teamed up with the Pork Checkoff to celebrate National Eat Together Week (formerly National Eat Dinner Together Week) from Sept. 20-26. “The dinner table is a place for my family to connect with each other, and bring a little ‘food for thought’ to our day.”
America’s pork producers have officially been encouraging families to enjoy meals together for the last 14 years. Today, eating together is more relevant than ever. According to a recent study from the Food Marketing Institute, 85 percent of consumers say they’re eating a home-cooked meal three or more times a week. What’s more, a recent article published in USA Today says Google reports that searches for “recipes” have far outpaced the rest of the “food and drink” category.
Taylor prefers menus that are full of flavor and simple in preparation. That’s why she has created a few simple recipes with the Pork Checkoff to get everyone excited about getting back to the table and mixing up mealtime with some delicious new options. The recipes, which range from Pork and Apple Cheddar Burgers to Ham and Cheese Muffins, are available online at TheOtherWhiteMeat.com. The site is also packed with resources for busy parents to help turn meals from blah to “ahh,” thanks to fun family activities that can be done together inside or outside the home, such as placemats that can be printed from the site, a Mind Your Table Manners game, and conversation starters including what it means to give back.
“Whether it’s dinner, breakfast or a weekend brunch, we encourage families to eat together whenever they can,” says Pamela Johnson, director of consumer communications for the National Pork Board. “Pork tastes great and is versatile and easy to prepare, making it an ideal meal solution for on-the-go families. In today’s challenging times, families can also feel good about choosing pork for its nutritional value, as well as its affordability.”
Click for a Cause
As part of National Eat Together Week, Taylor is also featuring new pork family-friendly recipes and back-to-school tips on a satellite media tour. Besides cooking pork, she will also invite consumers to “click for a cause” when visiting the brand new TheOtherWhiteMeat.com.
For every recipe printed or shared from the special recipe section during National Eat Together Week, five pounds of pork (that’s 25 meals!) will be donated to food banks across the country in partnership with Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization.
Pork Debuts on “Designing Spaces” TV Show
Pork is serving up the inspiration to reconnect at the dinner table, thanks to the“Designing Spaces, Kid Spaces” TV show and the upcoming “Family Bonding in the Kitchen: Creating Delicious Pork Recipes Together” segment.
“When ‘Designing Spaces’ approached us about this opportunity, we decided it offered a great way to reach our target audience of busy mothers,” says Laurie Bever,director of consumer advertising for the Pork Checkoff. “Not only can we provide specific information about pork’s benefits during this seven-minute segment, which is completely focused on pork, but a third-party endorsement is very credible.”
Designing Spaces, a half-hour television series that crisscrosses the country to showcase home trends, strives to educate, empower, and entertain the audience to make every space count, and to provide solutions to enjoy the space they live in. The upcoming pork segment, which will be broadcast nationally on the Women’s Entertainment channel and The Learning Channel in late September, will also appear in a number of local TV markets from Atlanta to Minneapolis.
The segment features National Pork Board Consumer Advisory Panel member and registered dietitian Liz Ward, a mother of three who talks about the versatility, value and nutritional qualities of pork, while demonstrating easy pork dishes that can be prepared with children.
Ward notes that the recipes, including Happy Pork Chops, Cuban Glazed Pork Loin, Pork Tetrazzini, Pork Tortilla Soup, and Pork and Apple Cheddar Burgers, can be found on TheOtherWhiteMeat.com, which offers a wealth of family-friendly resources. These recipes have also been featured during National Eat Together Week, which America’s pork producers have celebrated each fall for the last 14 years.
“Your family can feel really good about choosing pork for its great taste, nutritional value and affordability,” Ward says. “Pork is also the ideal choice to keep the traditional of family mealtimes alive.”
The Designing Spaces” segment will be posted on TheOtherWhiteMeat.com once it airs.
Pork Pod delivers in-depth coverage on issues
Pork Pod is a tool the Pork Checkoff’s is utilizing to provide useful information to producers. Podcasting is a method of publishing files to the Internet, allowing users to subscribe to a feed and receive new files automatically by subscription at no cost. You can listen to podcasts on your computer, download the podcasts on computer and then create a CD or subscribe to a feed for your iPod.
Actions Surrounding a Suspect or Confirmed Case of Novel H1N1 Infection in Pigs
Posted: 09 Sep 2009 12:28 PM PDT
Date: Sept. 9, 2009
Length: 12:47
Speaker: Dr. Paul Sundberg, vice president of science and technology for the Pork Checkoff
H1N1 Fall Planning
Date: August 27, 2009
Length: 7:45
Speaker: Cindy Cunningham, assistant vice president of communications for the Pork Checkoff
Influenza A H1N1 Summary of Pork Checkoff Activities Part 2
Date: August 7, 2009
Length: 4:24
Speaker: Cindy Cunningham, assistant vice president of communications for the Pork Checkoff
Influenza A H1N1 Summary of Pork Checkoff Activities
Date: August 6, 2009
Length: 7:27
Speaker: Cindy Cunningham, assistant vice president of communications for the Pork Checkoff
The KPA Producer-to-Producer Classified Section is provided free of charge to producers who are looking for a way to advertise to other producers.
To add your listing, please contact Tim Stroda at the KPA office at 785-776-0442 or
e-mail to kpa@kspork.org
Kansas GOLD Inc. working to update producer's information
Garry Keeler, program coordinator for Kansas GOLD Inc., is now working to update the yearly information needed to recertify facilities. Kansas GOLD Inc. will be contacting producers as their certification becomes due. The program has also recently started working with several producers to begin the process of applying for new permits.
The GOLD program is designed to ensure that when a regulator visits your farm, the information they request can be found easily and is packaged in a pre-approved format. The process begins with a visit to your farm by the Kansas GOLD coordinator, who will begin by examining your KDHE permit for each facility number. This permit tells the coordinator what information needs to be collected and kept on file.
Kansas GOLD Inc. provides a cost-effective manner to ensure your operation is in compliance. For information, please click on GOLD or contact the KPA office at (785) 776-0442 or e-mail to kpa@kspork.org
USDA Agrees To Help U.S. Pork Producers
Agency Will Purchase Additional Pork Products For Federal Food Programs
Sept. 3, 2009 – The National Pork Producers Council commended U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack for his decision to lend assistance to the U.S. pork industry to help it weather a nearly 2-year-old economic crisis that has put some producers out of business.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture agreed to purchase up to $30 million of pork products, which will be used for various federal food programs. Secretary Vilsack, who heard from hundreds of hurting pork producers, announced the pork purchase. USDA also is working to reopen pork export markets that closed in the wake of the H1N1 flu outbreak.
“The action by USDA to buy additional pork will benefit America’s pork producers, the U.S. economy and the people who benefit from government food programs,” said NPPC President Don Butler. “NPPC is extremely grateful to Secretary Vilsack for recognizing the plight of our producers and for taking action to help them. The pork purchase and the ongoing efforts to reopen export markets are important steps that will help our industry bring pork supply and demand back into balance and allow producers to continue providing consumers worldwide with economical, nutritious pork products.”
In an Aug. 17 letter to the secretary, NPPC urged USDA to take immediate action to address a crisis that since September 2007 has seen producers losing an average of more than $21 on each hog marketed. The pork industry has lost more than $4.6 billion in equity over the past two years. NPPC asked the agency to:
Vilsack angry over media’s “swine flu” references
Months after the H1N1 virus came on the scene - many media outlets are still calling it the “swine flu.” Brownfield asked U.S. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack Thursday if he is dismayed by that, “Dismayed would not be a proper characterization of how I feel. It’s anger. And the reason it is - is because there are real people behind this.”And Vilsack says those real people are hard-working farmers, “I continually think about the farm families that are working hard every day trying to put food on our table(s). They need all the help they can get. The last thing they need is to have somebody - just because it’s easier, just because it’s a little bit catchier - using the wrong term and hurting them.”
And without using the term “swine flu” himself, Vilsack tells Brownfield members of the media still calling it that need to understand what it’s costing farmers, “You know, I think it would be great if a lot of these folks who casually refer to the flu as something other than H1N1 would be face to face with these farm families, know their struggles, know how hard it is to raise hogs, know how difficult it is to put food on the table and maybe they would be a little bit more sensitive than they are today.”
Vilsack says the U.S. government is repeating the consistent message to U.S. trading partners that there is not a problem with pork. Last week, Vilsack authorized a $30 Million purchase of pork for federal nutrition assistance programs - bringing the total to $151 Million this year to try and help pork producers.
KPA Pork Chop Open Golf Tournament held in Washington
The Pork Chop Open Golf Tournament was held Friday, August 28th, at Cedar Hills Golf Course in Washington. With perfect weather and great food, all golfers involved had a great time!
The tournament brought together golf enthusiasts from north central and northeast Kansas, as well as southern Nebraska. Delicious pork snacks were prepared by Frontier Farm Credit and the pork loin lunch was provided by Farmland Foods. The players also enjoyed the chance to win $10,000 if they hit a hole-in-one on Hole 7. A few shots got close!
Sponsors of the event included Bottenburg & Associates, ZFI Swine Semen Services, National Pork Board and the National Pork Producers Council. Hole sponsors included Farm Bureau Financial Services, Fourth and Pomeroy Associates, Inc., Hoovers, Inc., Clay Center Locker Plant, Farm Management Services, Inc., Bluestem Electric Coop Inc., Farmway Co-Op Inc., Kastl-Powell Agency Inc., Southeast Nebraska Coop, Suther Feeds, Inc., and Golf USA.
Results from the Tournament were as follows:
| Flight 1 | Team Leader | Flight 2 | Team Leader | Flight 2 | Team Leader |
| 1st | Jeff Brabec | 1st | Barney Rapp | 1st | Barney Rapp |
| 2nd | Andy Goeckel | 2nd | Luke Johnson | 2nd | Luke Johnson |
| 3rd | Gene Henderson | 3rd | Barrie Luers | 3rd | Barrie Luers |
Thank you sponsors and players. We look forward to seeing you next year!
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KC Pork, Inc. and Condray Farms, Inc. BBQ
The smell of pulled pork sandwiches filled the Faith United Church of Clifton, on the evening of Friday, August 28th. The dinner was hosted by the Condray family to show appreciation for the family and friends of KC Pork, Inc. and Condray Farms, Inc.
“The yearly gathering began as a way to say “thank you” to family and friends that helped us during Marian's broken arm a few years ago. After that, we just kept doing the gathering for fun. It is a great way to get our community together and enjoy pork!” stated Kent Condray of KC Pork, Inc. and Condray Farms, Inc.
The pork dishes were served from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.and free pork recipes and pork information sheets were used as centerpieces for the dinner tables.
From left: Marian, Kent, Andrea and Sarah Condray
Pork Radio Advertisement airing on K-State football
Listeners to Kansas State University football across the state will hear pork advertising during the games on the following list of stations
Click to hear one of the ads - Pork
BELOIT KVSV-AM 1190 AM
CHANUTE KINZ-FM 95.3 FM
CLAY CENTER KCLY-FM 100.9 FM
COFFEYVILLE KGGF-AM 690 AM
COLBY/GOODLAND KRDQ-FM 100.3 FM
CONCORDIA KNCK-AM 1390 AM
DODGE CITY KSKZ-FM 98.1 FM
EMPORIA KVOE-FM 101.7 FM
GOODLAND KLOE-AM 730 AM
GREAT BEND KZRS-FM 107.9 FM
HAYS KXNC-FM 104.7 FM
HIAWATHA KNZA-FM 103.9 FM
HUTCHINSON/WICHITA KHMY-FM 93.1 FM
JUNCTION CITY KJCK-AM 1420 AM
JUNCTION CITY KBLS-FM 102.5 FM
KANSAS CITY WHB-AM 810 AM
LIBERAL KSMM-AM 1470 AM
MANHATTAN KMKF-FM 101.5 FM
MANHATTAN KMAN-AM 1350 AM
MARYSVILLE KNDY-AM 1570 AM
NORTON KQNK-AM 1530 AM
NORTON KQNK-FM 106.7 FM
PHILLIPSBURG KKAN-AM 1490 AM
PHILLIPSBURG KQMA-FM 92.5 FM
PITTSBURG KSEK-AM 1340 AM
RUSSELL KRSL-AM 990 AM
SALINA KSAL-AM 1150 AM
SCOTT CITY KSKL-FM 94.5 FM
SENECA KMZA-FM 92.1 FM
TOPEKA KQTP-FM 102.9 FM
TOPEKA KTOP-AM 1490 AM
WICHITA KFTI-AM 1070 AM
WINFIELD KKLE-AM 1550 AM
Operation Main Street speaker visits Clay Center
The Kansas Pork Association joined 30 Rotarians, a few of them pork producers, at the Clay Center Country Club on August 27th for an educational luncheon. While dining on delicious pulled pork sandwiches, attendees learned how the pork industry has changed over the last 20 years.
The presentation by Jodi Termine, KPA staff, covered pork nutrition, pig nutrition and handling, environmental advancements and the current challenges in the pork industry. Also present at the meeting were Richard Cott and Ron Roth, both producers in the area, which provided an excellent opportunity for questions from the crowd. The speaking engagement was organized by Pork Checkoff’s Operation Main Street.
Operation Main Street, an intensive training program for the pork industry to help spread a positive message about the pork industry. Producers who participate in Operation Main Street gain public speaking experience, receive training on how to deliver a positive industry message to media and the public, and walk away ready for public presentations. Learn more about Operation Main Street by contacting the office or at http://www.pork.org/Producers/OMS.aspx.
Soybean meal prices jump through the roof!
Recently, soybean meal prices have jumped from approximately $360 per ton up to approximately $460 per ton. At the same time, the prices of dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) has dropped below $100 per ton. With these changing ingredient prices, it is extra important for swine producers to evaluate their diet formulations. With the high soybean meal price, adding 20 to 30% DDGS can save $5 to $9 per pig. Feel free to contact one of your swine extension specialists to evaluate your diets and see if the economics will work in your situation.
Mark your calendars!
K-State Swine Day
Thursday, November 19, 2009
KSU Alumni Center
To download a program, click on Swine Day
Consider Consequences Of Actions Against Chinese Tire Imports, Groups Urge USTR
Sept. 3, 2009 – An ad hoc coalition, which includes the National Pork Producers Council and 33 other food and agricultural organizations, today sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk urging him to consider the consequences of actions he might recommend be taken against China over tires imported into the United States.
President Obama is expected to make by Sept. 17 a decision on the findings of a U.S. International Trade Commission investigation of imports of certain car tires from China. The United Steelworkers filed a complaint with the ITC, claiming that a surge of Chinese tire imports had cost the union thousands of jobs. The ITC recommended a “safeguard action” of a 55 percent tariff on Chinese tires.
If the president accepts the ITC recommendation, the food and agricultural coalition is concerned that China will retaliate against U.S. products. Pork and soybeans, for example, have been mentioned as candidates for retaliation.
“We ask that you consider the effect of likely retaliatory action against U.S. food and agriculture products as you formulate your recommendations,” the coalition said in its letter. “Retaliatory actions by China against U.S. food and agricultural products … would significantly affect U.S. farmers, ranchers and food companies at a time when many are facing serious financial problems.”
USMEF’s Survey Shows Reaction of China’s Consumers to H1N1
Nearly two-thirds of China’s consumers stopped eating pork in the early stages of the H1N1
influenza outbreak this year, and more than one in five consumers in the world’s largest pork
market still believe that eating pork can result in catching the flu virus, according to a survey of
1,200 Chinese consumers commissioned last month by USMEF.
Speaking to the Fifth International Meat Secretariat (IMS) World Conference in Qingdao, China,
on Thursday, Sept. 3, Joel Haggard, senior vice president Asia-Pacific for USMEF, told the more
than 600 global pork industry executives in attendance that China – both the world’s largest pork
producer and consumer – may have been more affected by the H1N1 virus outbreak than
previously suspected.
“In the early stages of the outbreak, 64 percent of Chinese consumers refrained from pork
consumption,” said Haggard, citing research conducted Aug. 6-10 by Sinotrace Marketing
Research Company of 200 consumers in each of six Chinese cities: Beijing, Shanghai,
Chongqing, Guangzhou, Nanjing and Shenyang.
Even now, months after the initial outbreak, 21.2 percent of those surveyed still believe that
eating pork can lead to catching the H1N1 virus. Despite efforts by the Chinese government to
educate consumers regarding the safety of pork, 54.7 percent of those who fear the connection
between pork and the flu virus say that it is because the virus has been labeled “swine flu.”
"The research suggests that the initial Chinese consumer reaction to H1N1 was sharp, and that a
significant number of consumers may still associate the virus with pork and hogs,” said Haggard.
Emmitt's in the Party Zone with Pork!
Are you ready for some football and tailgating with pork? Emmitt Smith, professional football's all-time leading rusher, Pro Football Hall of Fame nominee and "Dancing with the Stars" champion, is teaming up with America's pork producers to share his love of tailgating and grilling with fans nationwide and pork is the menu MVP.
Pork scored big this week as football legend Emmitt Smith and his wife Pat kicked-off the tailgating season with a national satellite media tour this week. The pork-passionate couple did 25 interviews with media across the US promoting pork on the grill and the Pork Checkoff sponsored “Great Pork Recipe Playoffs” recipe contest on TheOtherWhiteMeat.com.
NOW, Emmitt is gaining even more points for pork with a media-filled day this Tuesday, September 8th. His first stop will be live on Good Morning America. Next, he will join Wendy Williams on her popular syndicated talk show (check your local listings for the schedule).
Finally, if you’ll be near a radio, you can tune into the following radio shows to hear Emmitt talk pork as well! National interviews for Emmitt are booked on “The Herd” (ESPN Radio), Sirius NFL Radio, “The Dan Patrick Show” and “The Tim Brando Show” (Sporting News Radio).
The "Great Pork Recipe Playoffs" recipe contest will search for the best tailgate recipes that incorporate regional flavors and pork as the star. From Sept. 2 until Nov. 16, consumers can submit their favorite regionally-inspired pork recipe on TheOtherWhiteMeat.com. Eight regional finalists will be selected and America will visit the site and vote from Dec. 1 until the 25 to choose the grand prize winner. The winner will win a tailgate party with Emmitt in Miami and tickets for the big game.
Emmitt is also featured in a new recipe brochure with ribs, chops, brats and pork steaks as well as in retail point-of-sale materials for retail promotions across the country this season. Emmitt and Pat will also demonstrate their two recipes for videos that will be showcased on TheOtherWhiteMeat.com.
Pork Goes Back to School
Kids are back in school and moms everywhere are looking for ways to balance their new busy schedules while getting family meals on the table. The National Pork Board's 14th annual National Eat Together Week program this year offers mealtime solutions, quick and easy pork recipes and tips from celebrity mom Niki Taylor to keep American families together and gathered around the table for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Taylor, a model and mom of twin teens and a toddler, will feature new pork family-friendly recipes and back-to-school tips on a satellite media tour during National Eat Together Week Sept. 20- 26. Besides cooking pork, she will also invite consumers to "click for a cause" when visiting TheOtherWhiteMeat.com.
For every recipe printed or shared from the special recipe section during National Eat Together Week, five pounds of pork will be donated to food banks across the country in partnership with Feeding America, the nation's largest domestic hunger-relief organization.
Pork Pod is a tool the Pork Checkoff’s is utilizing to provide useful information to producers. Podcasting is a method of publishing files to the Internet, allowing users to subscribe to a feed and receive new files automatically by subscription at no cost. You can listen to podcasts on your computer, download the podcasts on computer and then create a CD or subscribe to a feed for your iPod.
Actions Surrounding a Suspect or Confirmed Case of Novel H1N1 Infection in Pigs
Posted: 09 Sep 2009 12:28 PM PDTDate: Sept. 9, 2009
Length: 12:47
Speaker: Dr. Paul Sundberg, vice president of science and technology for the Pork Checkoff
H1N1 Fall Planning
Date: August 27, 2009
Length: 7:45
Speaker: Cindy Cunningham, assistant vice president of communications for the Pork Checkoff
Influenza A H1N1 Summary of Pork Checkoff Activities Part 2
Date: August 7, 2009
Length: 4:24
Speaker: Cindy Cunningham, assistant vice president of communications for the Pork Checkoff
Influenza A H1N1 Summary of Pork Checkoff Activities
Date: August 6, 2009
Length: 7:27
Speaker: Cindy Cunningham, assistant vice president of communications for the Pork Checkoff
Build Your Emergency Action Plan
Date: July 22, 2009
Length: 4:56
Speaker: Stacy Revels, project coordinator for the Pork Checkoff
Moving Pork Through Retail Promotions
Date: July 20, 2009
Length: 7:10
Speaker: Jarrod Sutton, director of retail marketing for the Pork Checkoff
The KPA Producer-to-Producer Classified Section is provided free of charge to producers who are looking for a way to advertise to other producers.
To add your listing, please contact Tim Stroda at the KPA office at 785-776-0442 or
e-mail to kpa@kspork.org
Kansas GOLD Inc. working to update producer's information
Garry Keeler, program coordinator for Kansas GOLD Inc., is now working to update the yearly information needed to recertify facilities. Kansas GOLD Inc. will be contacting producers as their certification becomes due. The program has also recently started working with several producers to begin the process of applying for new permits.
The GOLD program is designed to ensure that when a regulator visits your farm, the information they request can be found easily and is packaged in a pre-approved format. The process begins with a visit to your farm by the Kansas GOLD coordinator, who will begin by examining your KDHE permit for each facility number. This permit tells the coordinator what information needs to be collected and kept on file.
Kansas GOLD Inc. provides a cost-effective manner to ensure your operation is in compliance. For information, please click on GOLD or contact the KPA office at (785) 776-0442 or e-mail to kpa@kspork.org
Pork Promotion Highlights Hy-Vee Grand Opening in Manhattan
The Kansas Pork Association, The National Pork Board and Hormel were packing plenty of porktastic promotions for the first Hy-Vee store in Manhattan, which opened Tuesday, August 11th. The store is located in the vicinity of Bluemont Avenue & Tuttle Creek Boulevard.
To kick off the grand opening, the Kansas Pork Association worked with the National Pork Board and Hormel to offer $1.00 off coupons on fresh pork. The coupons were handed out by KPA and Pork Board staff at the store front or located by fresh pork products and tasting stations. Hy-Vee also worked to boost sales by slashing pork prices and utilizing multiple chefs during the busiest shopping hours. The chefs each had their own tasting stations and prepared various pork dishes 2-3 times daily.
Chefs prepared various pork dishes 2-3 times daily during the
Grand Opening of the Hy-Vee store in Manhattan.
The Kansas Pork Association worked with the National Pork Board and Hormel to offer $1.00 off coupons on fresh pork.
To see more pictures of the event, become a fan of KPA Facebook page. To get your Facebook page started, go to http://www.facebook.com/ and create an account. After creating an account, in the top right hand corner of the page, look for box that says“search.” Type in Kansas Pork Association (make sure you use capital letters) and click “search.” The Kansas Pork Association page should appear as one of your options. Click “Become a Fan” on the right side of the page. After that, you will be able to look at the page. Don’t forget to look through the tabs at the top of the page. Tabs available will include Info, Photos, Discussion, Boxes and Video. We have many pictures uploaded and a few good articles. We also will be adding videos. This page will be updated regularly so check back frequently.
If you have questions, please contact Jodi Termine at the KPA office at 785-776-0442 or kpa@kspork.org
KPA Pork Chop Open Golf Tournament to be held Friday
The Annual Pork Chop Open Golf Tournament will be held Friday, August 28, at Cedar Hills Golf Course in Washington. We would like to thank our event sponsors below.
Hole sponsors include: Bluestem Electric; Clay Center Locker Plant; Farm Bureau Financial Services; Farmway Coop Inc.; Farm Management Services, Inc.; Golf USA; Hoovers, Inc.; Kastl-Powell Agency Inc.; Fourth and Pomeroy Associates, Inc.; Southeast Nebraska Coop and Suther Feeds.
Event sponsors include:
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NPPC Asks USDA To Assist Pork Industry Washington
August 17, 2009
Asking for help to save the U.S. pork industry and thousands of jobs, the National Pork Producers Council has urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture to lend assistance to U.S. pork producers to help them weather a nearly 2-year-old economic crisis.
In a letter sent to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, NPPC requested $250 million in financial assistance and other actions that should help producers, who since September 2007 have lost an average of more than $21 on each hog marketed.
It asked the agency to:
Pork Groups Request Sow Buy-Out Program
August 19
Three pork producer marketing groups are requesting the USDA to start a sow purchase program to help invigorate the U.S. pork industry.
Producers Livestock Marketing Association, National Farmers Organization and Allied Producers Cooperative, who represent pork producers across the country, are asking USDA to evaluate the pork market impact of a $200 million federally-funded sow buy-out program. Pork producers lose more than $30 per animal today, and are projected to lose nearly $54 per head this fall, according to the group’s news release.
The marketers also support:
“U.S. pork producers have been increasing production in recent years as they responded to growing export demand, said Rick Keith, president, Producers Livestock. “But this year they've been financially clobbered when H1N1, wrongly labeled swine flu, appeared in Mexico and fear of North American pork hammered those exports,” Keith said. “No one can get the flu eating pork,” he added.
Since July 16, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange August hog futures contract has lost about $17 or 35 percent. June pork exports were down nearly 34 percent from year-ago levels. Producers have lost money the past 22 months, and the industry has racked up losses of $4.5 billion over the period.
Some ag economists estimate a U.S. sow number reduction of between 10 and 12 percent is required for the industry to return to profitability, and they calculate it will require a reduction of at least 400,000 sows to make any significant improvement at all.
The sow buy-out plan targets about 500,000 sows using government funds at $400 per animal for a total of $200 million. Producers would provide cash receipts verifying that the sows had been sold for slaughter, and sign a document testifying to their sow herd count and promise not to add sows back for a minimum of three years.
“The industry is grappling with downsizing supply right now, and some consideration toward government assistance in reducing the sow herd is warranted,” said Paul Olson, National Farmers president.
“Pork producers have been simply devastated by higher input costs, and are losing equity at alarming rates,” said John Kramer, an Allied Producers Cooperative board member. “In the final analysis, we need to reduce U.S. herd numbers by 10 percent.”
The three groups emphasize consideration toward government assistance in reducing the sow herd should be seriously contemplated. “If the federal government can bail out companies that have been badly managed, why can't it assist an industry that is well run, but got unfairly hurt by circumstances outside of its control,” asked Olson.
USMEF to Showcase Pork Ribs on Japan’s Largest Restaurant Portal
Internet portals and search engines have become extremely influential to consumers’ buying decisions, and can offer tremendous exposure for new products being introduced into a market. This trend is one of the major reasons USMEF is utilizing the “Guru Navi” (Gourmet Navigator) portal to familiarize Japanese consumers with U.S. pork back ribs.
Japan is the No. 1 value market for U.S. pork, setting a single-market record last year with pork plus pork variety meat exports of $1.55 billion. To grow the market even further, USMEF has been marketing selected pork cuts not traditionally utilized in Japanese cuisine – including the introduction of pork back ribs.
The Guru Navi portal, which debuted in 1996, was a pioneering Web search tool in Japan and its popularity has been steadily gaining momentum ever since. The site is estimated to have been viewed by more than 10 million separate users, and estimated use of the portal is a remarkable 850 million page views per month (about 28 million per day).
“The Guru Navi portal really has remarkable reach, making it the perfect vehicle for introducing a relatively new product in Japan such as pork back ribs,” said Greg Hanes, USMEF assistant vice president of international marketing and programs. “As far as the growth potential for U.S. back ribs is concerned, we have really just begun to introduce them in Japan. So a Web portal that reaches millions of consumers and thousands of restaurateurs is the perfect tool to help us continue to grow the market.”
From August 20 through September 25, USMEF will utilize support from the Pork Checkoff Program and the Market Access Program to conduct an “American Pork Back Rib & Spare Rib Fair 2009” through 48 Tokyo-area restaurants affiliated with Guru-Navi. A wide range of restaurant types will participate, including American dining, casual Japanese, Western and Asian. All participants will be using menu inserts during the promotion, providing excellent point-of-purchase exposure for U.S. pork ribs. The promotion will build upon the well-established USMEF theme “Erabarete No. 1” (Chosen #1 By You), which highlights U.S. pork’s position as the leading imported pork in Japan.
“This promotion is a new approach for USMEF,” said Hanes, “but we are very excited about its potential because effective Web-based promotion is taking on such great importance to both consumers and our industry partners in the foodservice and retail sectors.”
New Pork Recipes Pack a Punch for School Lunch
Maybe they won't receive applause and standing ovations, but school cooks can count on smiling faces when they serve innovative new pork recipes, from Baked Spaghetti Pie with Ham to Pork Taco Pasta with Chipotle Cream. The Pork Checkoff received a tremendous response when the kid-friendly culinary creations debuted recently at the School Nutrition Association's (SNA) annual conference in Las Vegas, Nev.
The nutritionally balanced pork recipes, which include Open-Faced Cuban Pork Sandwich, Asian Pepper Pot with Ham, and Roasted Red Pepper Lasagna, are designed to keep kids coming back for more. They also provide a valuable solution for school foodservice professionals who are taking advantage of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's commodity purchase program.
"The commodity pork purchases through the USDA in 2009 are much greater than in past years, and many conference participants told us this is the first time they've bought pork," says Traci Rodemeyer, manager of pork information for the Pork Board. "They are looking for recipe ideas, and we were happy to show how pork fits into a healthy diet."
The Pork Checkoff distributed more than 500 recipe sets and supplied the 7,000 SNA members at the conference with additional pork nutrition information and consumer recipes. In addition, the Checkoff promoted youth education materials, including the Kids' Cookbook brochure, filled with child-friendly pork recipes, and "Step Up to a Healthier You," which focuses on the USDA's new MyPyramid food guide to teach students about sources of protein and the safe handling of meat.
Nation's Restaurant News Serves Up New Pork Possibilities
Less expensive cuts of pork are helping restaurants manage their food costs while providing diners with the extra flavor they crave, and Nation's Restaurant News is taking note. In its recent article "Soaking in flavor: Marinades add pizzazz," the author cited information from the National Pork Board, along with Celebrated Chef Nancy Longo's use of yogurt to tenderize pork cap steak.
The article grew out of the Pork Checkoff's Taste of Elegance competition in Baltimore this summer, says Stephen Gerike, national foodservice marketing manager for the Pork Checkoff.
"While the Taste of Elegance promotes innovative ways for chefs to menu pork, we wanted to create a new angle to court the writers and editors who cover the foodservice industry. The Baltimore event offered a great opportunity to host a short Pork 101 presentation and provide useful information for the editors who attended."
Leading publications represented at the Taste of Elegance included Foodservice Monthly, Plate Magazine, Nation's Restaurant News, Food Arts, Restaurant Business, Meating Place, and Flavor & The Menu. During an hour and a half of downtime at the Taste of Elegance, the editors stopped by Baltimore's International Culinary Institute to watch Gerike showcase new cuts of pork from the leg and shoulder. They also enjoyed Chef Longo's recipe demonstrations featuring these pork cuts.
"To be included in a feature in Nation's Restaurant News is great, because this publication is on every food industry professional's desk every week," says Gerike.
New Pork Cuts Appeal to Meat Processors
When the members of the American Association of Meat Processors (AAMP) gathered in Omaha this summer for their 70th annual convention, they weren't interested in sitting through the same old presentations. During the meat fabrication demonstration, which showcased different ways to fabricate the pork carcass, primal and subprimal cuts to create value cuts from the fresh leg and long shoulder, the Pork Checkoff provided plenty of innovative ideas and food for thought.
"PowerPoint presentations are okay, but our members are really receptive to seeing demonstrations conducted right in front of them," says Jay Wenther, executive director of the AAMP, North America's largest meat trade organization. "It was good to have the Pork Checkoff involved; because they provide a whole spectrum of valuable information to help our members provide the cuts that their customers want."
Stephen Gerike, national foodservice marketing manager for the Pork Checkoff, demonstrated the pork cap steak, ham eye, pocket roast, pig wing, pork breast and collar butt during the meat fabrication demonstration.
"The key message was how value can be added to the fresh ham and shoulder primals by merchandising new cut options for consumers," says Gerike, who presented the one-hour workshop for more than 100 member operators from across the nation. "It was very well received, and members spent 30 minutes after the presentation asking questions and getting more information."
This was the first time that the Pork Checkoff was invited to address AAMP members, who are part of North America's largest meat trade organization and have been bringing safe, wholesome, quality food to America's tables since 1939. AAMP's membership includes more than 1,700 medium-sized and smaller meat, poultry and food businesses, including mom-and-pop meat lockers, packers, processors, wholesalers, in-home food service business, retailers, deli and catering operators, and industry suppliers.
Pork Pod is a tool the Pork Checkoff’s is utilizing to provide useful information to producers. Podcasting is a method of publishing files to the Internet, allowing users to subscribe to a feed and receive new files automatically by subscription at no cost. You can listen to podcasts on your computer, download the podcasts on computer and then create a CD or subscribe to a feed for your iPod.
Influenza A H1N1 Summary of Pork Checkoff Activities Part 2
Date: August 7, 2009
Length: 4:24
Speaker: Cindy Cunningham, assistant vice president of communications for the Pork Checkoff
Influenza A H1N1 Summary of Pork Checkoff Activities
Date: August 6, 2009
Length: 7:27
Speaker: Cindy Cunningham, assistant vice president of communications for the Pork Checkoff
Build Your Emergency Action Plan
Date: July 22, 2009
Length: 4:56
Speaker: Stacy Revels, project coordinator for the Pork Checkoff
Moving Pork Through Retail Promotions
Date: July 20, 2009
Length: 7:10
Speaker: Jarrod Sutton, director of retail marketing for the Pork Checkoff
The KPA Producer-to-Producer Classified Section is provided free of charge to producers who are looking for a way to advertise to other producers.
To add your listing, please contact Tim Stroda at the KPA office at 785-776-0442 or
e-mail to kpa@kspork.org
Kansas GOLD Inc. working to update producer's information
Garry Keeler, program coordinator for Kansas GOLD Inc., is now working to update the yearly information needed to recertify facilities. Kansas GOLD Inc. will be contacting producers as their certification becomes due. The program has also recently started working with several producers to begin the process of applying for new permits.
The GOLD program is designed to ensure that when a regulator visits your farm, the information they request can be found easily and is packaged in a pre-approved format. The process begins with a visit to your farm by the Kansas GOLD coordinator, who will begin by examining your KDHE permit for each facility number. This permit tells the coordinator what information needs to be collected and kept on file.
Kansas GOLD Inc. provides a cost-effective manner to ensure your operation is in compliance. For information, please click on GOLD or contact the KPA office at (785) 776-0442 or e-mail to kpa@kspork.org
Kansas Producer Boards Meet in Manhattan
Producer leaders who sit on the Executive Boards of the Kansas Pork Producers Council and Kansas Pork Association met on July 13 to provide input on the organizational budgets for the remainder of 2009 and 2010.
Market hog prices that have been lower than projected when the 2009 budget was approved, plus some additional expenditures approved by the KPPC during the H1N1 flu crisis, prompted a review of spending for the remainder of 2009. Utilizing an on-line producer survey, KPA staff recommended spending reallocations in several program areas. The KPPC Board approved the changes which shifts programming emphasis to promoting pork to customers of retailers and foodservice outlets.
At the KPA meeting, Jim Crane, Liberal, was appointed by the Board to fill a vacancy. He will be eligible for election at the Annual Meeting in February.
During the day, the election of the 2010 National Pork Producers (Pork Act) Delegates was held. Representing Kansas will be Kent Condray, Clifton; Alan Haverkamp, Bern; Pete Sherlock, Washington; and Michael Springer, Sycamore.
Kansas Pork Association Visits Salina AMBUCS Meeting to Educate Consumers
The Kansas Pork Association joined over 120 Salina AMBUCS businessmen at the Ramada Inn in Salina for an educational breakfast on July 24th. The breakfast club was contacted by Pork Checkoff’s Operation Main Street, which arranged the speaking opportunity for the KPA.
“Operation Main Street is a great way to let our customers know how the pork industry has changed over the last 30 years,” states Jodi Termine of the Kansas Pork Association. “There were questions and amazement as the group of pork enthusiasts realized how pork has been reinvented to meet consumer demand for an affordable, low fat and nutritious product.”
The National Association of American Business Clubs (AMBUCS) is a non-profit service organization consisting of a diverse group of men and women who are dedicated to creating mobility and independence for people with disabilities. Learn more about AMBUCS at http://www.ambucs.com/
To learn more about Operation Main Street follow the link: http://www.pork.org/Producers/OMS.aspx
Jodi Termine, KPA Staff, provided information on the pork industry to about 120 Salina AMBUCS businessmen at the Ramada Inn in Salina at an educational breakfast on July 24th.
ACRE: AWESOME or AWFUL? A K-STATE WEBINAR
Looking for the latest information on likely payments under the Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) program? Farmers, ag lenders, insurance agents, USDA, and others will find this bottom line approach to ACRE a little different than other approaches to the ACRE decision.
The KSU webinar on ACRE will be Tuesday, August 4, 2009. The focus of the webinar will be on the national average price and state yields by crop that will determine any ACRE payments for 2009. The objective is to provide all current information that will help farmers to decide if the odds are high in their state for an ACRE payment and the size of the ACRE payment.
We will offer the 1 hour program (with an additional hour for questions, as needed) at two times on Tuesday August 4, 7:00 a.m. and at 12:00 noon, CDT.
The link to the registration site is: http://commerce.cashnet.com/KSUAGECON
Troy Dumler and Art Barnaby will make the presentation. Troy will spend a few minutes highlighting his ACRE model in Excel for farmers to test out their own numbers. Art will focus on the very narrow issue of NASS price and state yield. Those two numbers will determine which states are eligible and the size of the ACRE check! Registrants will be emailed a PDF file with all of the power point slides.
Rich Llewelyn or Alicia Goheen will be glad to respond to any questions about access, registration, or other concerns about the webinar. Their contact information is:
Rich Llewelyn, email is rvl@ksu.edu or phone (785) 532-1504.
Or Alicia Goheen, email is agoheen@ksu.edu or phone (785) 532-4434.
The link to register and pay by credit card: http://commerce.cashnet.com/KSUAGECON
If you need to register and pay with a check, contact Rich.
Information about the webinar is: www.AgManager.info/events/webinars
You can also attend one of the group meetings being organized by extension agents in Wichita and Larned. The first is sponsored by Sedgwick County Extension and will take place at both the 7:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. times at the Sedgwick County extension office, 7001 W. 21st Street in Wichita. Contact Gary Cramer or Jackie Fees at 316.660.0100 to participate. The other group will meet at the Pawnee County extension office in the Courthouse, at 715 Broadway, in Larned, again at 7:00 a.m. or 12:00 p.m. Contact Rodney Wallace at 620.285.6901 to join this group.
ACRE AND DCP PROGRAM ENROLLMENT DEADLINE RAPIDLY APPROACHING
Manhattan, Kansas, July 16, 2009 – Jack Salava, Acting State Executive Director of USDA’s Farm Service Agency in Kansas reminds producers of the importance of timely electing and enrolling in the new Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) program or the traditional Direct and Counter-Cyclical Program (DCP). It is critical for producers to begin the enrollment process as soon as possible. The deadline to enroll in ACRE or DCP for 2009 is August 14, 2009.
Salava explained, "The Average Crop Revenue Election program is an innovative alternative to the traditional farm safety net. With this new program also comes a complex signup process. It is important producers contact their local office to set up appointments well before the August 14, 2009 deadline.”
Late-filed applications for ACRE or DCP will not be accepted. ACRE elections on the CCC-509ACRE will not be approved until all producers, including owners, on a farm have signed the CCC-509ACRE for election and the CCC-509 for enrollment into the ACRE program. For crop year 2009, a CCC-509ACRE and CCC-509 not having all requisite signatures of producers on a farm by the election/enrollment deadline of August 14, 2009 will not be considered submitted for the purpose of election/enrollment and will not be acted on or approved. If producers do not elect ACRE, they have the option of completing the CCC-509 contract for enrollment into the DCP program by August 14, 2009. Both ACRE and DCP require all signatures be obtained by the deadline.
Salava emphasized, “In all cases, it is the responsibility of the operator and owners of a farm to obtain and submit all necessary signatures on the CCC-509ACRE election form and the CCC-509 for ACRE or DCP program enrollment by the August 14, 2009 deadline.”
To elect ACRE for a farm, producers must complete Form CCC-509ACRE, which irrevocably elects ACRE for the farm through crop year 2012. Form CCC-509, the contract to participate in ACRE, must then be completed each year the producer intends to participate and receive benefits.
For more information about the ACRE program please visit your local Farm Service Agency (FSA) county office or visit http://www.fsa.usda.gov.
FOR THE WEEK ENDING July 24, 2009
COALITION ASKS SPEAKER TO PRECLUDE ANTIBIOTICS AMENDMENT ON BILLS
A group of agricultural organizations, including NPPC, today urged the Speaker of the House not to allow a bill to ban certain animal health products to be tacked on to any pending legislation. The Coalition for Animal Health, which includes organizations that represent veterinarians, farmers and ranchers, food and feed producers and animal medicine manufacturers, in a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., asked that the “Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act of 2009” (H.R. 1549) not be added to bills now being considered, including food-safety and health-care reform legislation. H.R. 1549 would ban from use in livestock and poultry animal health products that are used to prevent and control diseases. Farmers only would be allowed to use animal health products that treat diseases. The bill also would require all “critical antimicrobial animal drugs” to go through a second U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval process within two years of enactment of the legislation. Currently to win approval, an animal drug maker must demonstrate that a product is effective and safe for animals and for the environment. FDA also must determine that new antibiotics for food animals will not harm human health. The legislation purports to address an increase in antibiotic-resistant illnesses in humans. But, the coalition pointed out, numerous risk assessments, including one conducted by FDA, have shown risk levels associated with antibiotic use in agriculture that are extremely low, and nationally recognized scientific studies have shown that the removal of important animal health products could actually increase food-safety risks. In its letter, the coalition also noted that the food-safety and health-care reform bills are based on the important principle of prevention. “It would be ironic and inconsistent to add an amendment that would remove important tools for disease prevention used in veterinary medicine,” said the coalition. “Veterinary medicine has long employed prevention as the preferred option for dealing with diseases, and antibiotics are an important tool in the prevention toolbox.”
‘BAIL OUT’ OF CANADIAN PORK INDUSTRY WOULD HURT U.S. PORK PRODUCERS
An emergency government subsidy program for the Canadian pork industry proposed by the Canadian Pork Council would have a “lethal impact” on U.S. pork producers, according to NPPC. The CPC has asked the Canadian government to pump $800 million into the country’s pork industry. The key component of the program is a loan to pork producers – to be repaid over 10-15 years – of $30 for each market hog. A second component would provide $500 for each sow culled plus the market value of the animal. The proposal would artificially prop up Canadian pork production and, according to Iowa State University economist Dermot Hayes, U.S. live hog prices would be approximately 7 percent lower than otherwise would have been the case.
SENATE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE HOLDS CLIMATE CHANGE HEARING
The Senate Agriculture Committee met Wednesday to address the role of agriculture in global warming. Bob Stallman, president of the American Farm Bureau Federation, noted that the cost of no action must become a central part of the ongoing climate change debate and that rushing through any kind of climate change legislation without careful debate would be detrimental. The committee’s ranking member, Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., requested that committee Chairman Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, schedule more hearings on the topic. The House in June passed climate change legislation that NPPC anticipates will significantly increase energy prices and pork production costs. NPPC is working on a multi-year economic analysis of the costs to the pork industry of the House climate change bill. It is expected to be available before Congress returns from its August recess.
WHAT’S AHEAD
FOOD-SAFETY LEGISLATION MAY BE ON THE HOUSE AGENDA BEFORE AUGUST RECESS
The House may take up food-safety legislation next week before lawmakers begins their August recess. NPPC has voiced concerns about provisions in a bill approved June 10 by the House Energy and Commerce Committee that would give authority to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to conduct on-farm inspections, to quarantine geographic areas over food-safety problems and to create a “farm-to-fork” tracing system for food.
HEARING ON CHINESE POULTRY IMPORTS SCHEDULED
The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies will hold a hearing July 28 to discuss the importation of Chinese poultry products. NPPC and a coalition of agriculture and business organizations recently urged the committee not to include in its fiscal 2010 agriculture spending bill language that bans Chinese poultry products from entering the United States. The House Appropriations Committee passed a fiscal 2010 agricultural appropriations bill that does just that. The House measure contains language – first put in the fiscal 2006 Agriculture Appropriation Act – that prohibits the U.S. Department of Agriculture from using any funds to establish or implement a rule allowing Chinese poultry products to be imported into the United States. Proponents of the ban cite concerns over the safety of Chinese poultry and the methodology used by USDA to determine if the imports are safe. China has used the ban as an excuse to restrict the importation of U.S. products, including pork.
Chefs Develop a Taste for Pork Value Cuts
In these challenging economic times, restaurant chains and corporate chefs are looking for ways to offer the most value and quality for their customers while managing their costs. When the Pork Checkoff presented new ideas on pork value cuts during the International Corporate Chefs Association (ICCA) summit in Austin, Texas, recently, the culinary professionals ate it up.
"As the talk turned to average price per pound, you could see light bulbs going on," says Kevin Ryan, executive director of the International Corporate Chefs Association (ICCA), the first organization designed exclusively for corporate chefs from the nation's largest chains and multi-unit operations. "The creative uses of the product also caught their attention."
As a founding sponsor of the ICCA, the Pork Checkoff featured a workshop lead by Stephen Gerike, national foodservice marketing manager, that included pork cut identification and demonstrations of value cuts. Several sample tastings of these products were prepared and served by Kevin Williamson, chef/owner of Ranch 616 in Austin, who has attended the Checkoff's Pork Culinary Workshop at the Culinary Institute of America Greystone in California.
"We were able to show the chefs some cuts they hadn't seen before, as well as practical applications," says Gerike, who notes that Williamson features pork value cuts on his Ranch 616 menu, including smoked pork breast, pork medallions and pork cap steak.
Gerike's presentation was the talk of the summit and generated a lot of excitement and enthusiasm for pork, says Paul Perfilio, national foodservice marketing manager for the Pork Checkoff, who was appointed to the ICCA board of directors for a one-year term.
"The ICCA summit allows us to showcase just how economical, flavorful and versatile pork can be. Not only do we impart knowledge and ideas to the culinary professionals who feed America, but the summit also allows us to get corporate chefs' input on trends in the food industry."
New York City Buzzes About What's New with Pork
Twenty-one food bloggers and editors from Gourmet, Everyday with Rachael Ray, O, The Oprah Magazine, PARADE and other leading publications got a taste of the new possibilities with pork, thanks to the Pork Information Bureau's (PIB) "Farm to Table" event in the Big Apple this summer.
"The food was great, and it was a very informative session," says Lindsay Funston with Real Simple magazine. "We like to be on top of the meat trends, so this was up right up our alley."
Editors were welcomed at the mid-day luncheon with an elegant buffet featuring three pork recipes designed by chef/author/dietitian Laura Pensiero to highlight new emerging pork retail cuts. Laura's recipes, which showcased a variety of cooking techniques and appealed to varying skill levels, included:
Editors enjoyed their lunch while pork producers Brad Greenway and Lisa Colby offered a look at life on two different pork operations. Both emphasized the industry's commitment to ethical production practices, as well as environmental and sustainability measures.
Stephen Gerike, national foodservice marketing manager for the Pork Checkoff, then presented an introduction to the new pork cuts with a fabricated carcass and provided a primer on pork meat quality.
"These cuts are beginning to see some foodservice and retail distribution and the pork preview was well-received by the editors," says Pamela Johnson, Director of Consumer Communications for the Pork Checkoff.
After dessert and time for one-on-one discussions between the editors, staff and presenters, each attendee took home a branded tote bag containing all the ingredients needed to create the demonstrated recipe, as well as press materials on the new cuts and other pork-related information.
Pork Exports Weathering Influenza, Economic Crises Fairly Well
May decline in pork exports is less than feared
While May was expected to be the month in which U.S. pork exports were most affected by A-H1N1 influenza, the impact has not been as negative as some analysts had predicted, according to an analysis of USDA statistics by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). May pork plus pork variety meat exports totaled 143,682 metric tons or 316.8 million pounds, valued at $342.6 million. This is down 9 percent in value and 9.5 percent in volume from April, and down a substantial 24 percent in value and 27 percent in volume compared to May 2008. But spring of 2008 was a historic high point for U.S. pork exports, and a repeat of those results was not anticipated even before A-H1N1 influenza hampered demand and led to significant market closures for U.S. Pork.
When compared to May 2007, pork exports in May 2009 actually increased 43 percent in volume and 36 percent in value, and surpassed the volume and value achieved in any single month of that year. For the first five months of 2009, exports are down 4 percent in volume to 791,745 metric tons or 1.7 billion pounds, and 1 percent in value to $1.8 billion from the same period last year. It also is important to note that despite speculation about the domestic market absorbing excess pork due to sluggish exports, the percentage of total production exported (23.3 percent) is roughly on pace with 2008.
Despite being regarded as the epicenter of the A-H1N1 outbreak and enduring a weeklong shutdown of most commercial activity in early May, Mexico performed fairly well for the month. While pork and pork variety meat exports to Mexico declined by about 15 percent from April, volume was still 18 percent higher than in May 2008, totaling 34,227 metric tons or 75.5 million pounds. For the first five months of the year, Mexico has increased its imports of U.S. Pork by 48 percent in value and nearly 60 percent in volume over the same period last year. It has been the leading volume destination for U.S. Pork (211,391 metric tons or 466 million pounds) and trails only Japan in terms of value ($315 million vs. $695 million to Japan).
Japan continues to perform exceptionally well for U.S. Pork, with results through the first five months of the year surpassing last year's record pace by 4 percent in volume (192,050 metric tons or 423.4 million pounds) and 17 percent in value. Japan is still by far the top value destination for U.S. Pork, and trails only Mexico this year in terms of volume.
Other bright spots for U.S. Pork during the first five months of 2009 include Taiwan (up 75 percent in volume and 63 percent in value over January-May 2008), Australia (up 33 percent in volume and 35 percent in value), the Caribbean region (up 56 percent in volume and 53 percent in value), and Central and South America (up 25 percent in volume and 37 percent in value).
Conversely, exports to the Hong Kong/China market have declined by 46 percent in volume and 48 percent in value while Russia has fallen by 34 percent in volume and 35 percent in value. These results are due in part to the trade suspensions imposed as a result of A-H1N1 influenza, but both countries have also been making concerted efforts to bolster domestic pork production and reduce their reliance on imports.
Pork Pod is a tool the Pork Checkoff’s is utilizing to provide useful information to producers. Podcasting is a method of publishing files to the Internet, allowing users to subscribe to a feed and receive new files automatically by subscription at no cost. You can listen to podcasts on your computer, download the podcasts on computer and then create a CD or subscribe to a feed for your iPod.
Voluntary 14-day Withdrawal Period for all Tetracycline, Oxytetracycline and Chlortetracycline Products
Title: Voluntary 14-day Withdrawal Period for all Tetracycline, Oxytetracycline and Chlortetracycline Products
Date: July 1, 2009
Length: 5:32
Speaker: Steve Larsen, director of pork safety for the Pork Checkoff
Hogs and Pigs Report June 2009
Title: Hogs and Pigs Report June 2009
Date: June 29, 2009
Length: 16:01
Speakers:
Bob Brown - Independent Market Analyst, Edmond, Okla.
Victor Aideyan - Risk Management Consultant HISGRAIN Commodities Inc., London Ontario, Canada
Ronald Plain - Professor of Agricultural Economics, University of Missouri
Steve Meyer - Paragon Economics, Des Moines, Iowa
What Does Feed Management Include?
Title: What Does Feed Management Include?
Date: June 26, 2009
Length: 3:23
Speaker: Dr. Alan Sutton, Purdue University
KPA now on Facebook
The Kansas Pork Association would like to announce its Facebook page. Facebook was founded in February 2004 and is a social utility that helps people communicate more efficiently with their friends, family and coworkers.
Facebook's demographics include:
To get your Facebook page started, go to http://www.facebook.com/ and create an account. After creating an account, in the top right hand corner of the page, look for box that says“search.” Type in Kansas Pork Association (make sure you use capital letters) and click “search.” The Kansas Pork Association page should appear as one of your options. Click “Become a Fan” on the right side of the page. After that, you will be able to look at the page. Don’t forget to look through the tabs at the top of the page. Tabs available will include Info, Photos, Discussion, Boxes and Video. We have many pictures uploaded and a few good articles. We also will be adding videos. This page will be updated regularly so check back frequently.
If you have questions, please contact Jodi Termine at the KPA office at 785-776-0442 or kpa@kspork.org.
The KPA Producer-to-Producer Classified Section is provided free of charge to producers who are looking for a way to advertise to other producers.
To add your listing, please contact Tim Stroda at the KPA office at 785-776-0442 or e-mail to kpa@kspork.org
FARROW-TO-WEAN FARM FOR SALE IN CENTRAL MISSOURI
Turnkey 1000+ Sow operation with 87 acres, 2 ponds, 2 houses, machine shed, other outbuildings, irrigation system, great location at Lakeof the Ozarks in Montreal, Missouri. Owner retiring.
Very remote area -- we are the only Farrowing Operation in our county.
For more information or pictures, email vmorrow@hughes.net or phone 573-745-1827.
For Sale:
1 share or 1/2 share of 1,200 Head Sow Herd
Danbred - Terminal Duroc 661
Myco Positive PRRS Negative
Contact:
Doug Schwartz - 785-556-7505
Sharon Schwartz - 785-325-2568
Kansas GOLD Inc. working to update producer's information
Garry Keeler, program coordinator for Kansas GOLD Inc., is now working to update the yearly information needed to recertify facilities. Kansas GOLD Inc. will be contacting producers as their certification becomes due. The program has also recently started working with several producers to begin the process of applying for new permits.
The GOLD program is designed to ensure that when a regulator visits your farm, the information they request can be found easily and is packaged in a pre-approved format. The process begins with a visit to your farm by the Kansas GOLD coordinator, who will begin by examining your KDHE permit for each facility number. This permit tells the coordinator what information needs to be collected and kept on file.
Kansas GOLD Inc. provides a cost-effective manner to ensure your operation is in compliance. For information, please click on GOLD or contact the KPA office at (785) 776-0442 or e-mail to kpa@kspork.org
U.S. Pork Industry Seeks Producer Input on New Direction
Pork Checkoff Seeks Input from Pork Producers in Crafting New Strategic Plan
With a wide array of challenges facing pork producers today, the National Pork Board is seeking input from pork producers across the country for a new plan to shape the future of the U.S. pork industry. The objective of the planning process is to find new solutions to the economic, social, and scientific challenges facing the pork industry. To ensure the plan is focused on critical day-to-day needs of pork producers, a series of regional meetings is planned for July to get pork producer input from three distinct geographic areas of the country.
The meetings are open to all pork producers and to others with an interest in the future of the pork industry and the role of the Pork Checkoff. The meetings will be from 9 A.M. to 2 P.M. on:
And from 10 A.M. to 3 P.M. on:
During 2010, the National Pork Board will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the creation of the national Pork Checkoff. The strategic planning process is motivated in part by a desire to look at the role of the Pork Checkoff with fresh eyes, just as the pioneering producers who created the Checkoff did 25 years ago, said National Pork Board Chief Executive Chris Novak.
The big questions, Novak said, are, “What are the industry’s needs, concerns and priorities now, and what will they be five years from now and even 25 years from now? And what should the National Pork Board be doing to address these needs through the Pork Checkoff?”
At the regional meetings, producers will hear a brief overview of the National Pork Board, its role in the industry and its statutory obligations. There will be a progress report on the planning process to date. And then producers will have the opportunity to provide their own ideas and to discuss others’ ideas. The best of those ideas will go to the task force of producer leaders who are working with the farmer-leaders of the National Pork Board to craft a new plan for the future. The board is expected to approve a new strategic plan by the end of 2009.
Producers unable to attend one of the regional meetings can still participate in several ways, Novak said. They can provide their ideas to their state office or to state leaders who will attend the meetings. They also will have the opportunity to participate in an online survey that will be available on Pork.org.
Lunch will be provided at the regional meetings. To assist with meal planning, anyone planning to attend one of the regional meetings is asked to call (toll-free) the Producer Service Center at the National Pork Board – 800-456-PORK before July 17, 2009. Customer service representatives will have details and directions to the meetings in each of the three cities.
Gov. Parkinson names Rep. Josh Svaty Acting Secretary of Agriculture
Governor Mark Parkinson has named Representative Josh Svaty (SWAH’-tee) as the Acting Secretary of Agriculture as outgoing Secretary Adrian Polansky takes a new post heading the Kansas Farm Service Agency with the United States Department of Agriculture.
“Farming is in Josh’s blood – he’s the fifth generation to farm in Ellsworth County,” Parkinson said. “He’s demonstrated tremendous leadership in the Kansas House of Representatives and he’s going to do a great job leading the Department of Agriculture. I know that Josh has loved serving the people of the 108th, and is excited about now serving the entire state as a Cabinet Secretary.”
The Svaty Farm is a diversified operation in the heart of the Smoky Hills that includes wheat, milo, soybeans, corn, sunflowers, a cow/calf heard and sheep.
Josh has served as the State Representative of the 108th District in Kansas since 2003 where he served most recently on the committees for Energy and Utilities; was the ranking member on Agriculture and Natural Resources; and is on the joint committee on Energy and Environmental Policy. Josh has spoken nationally and has testified before the United States Congress on matters of energy, agriculture and water policy. Josh also serves on the national advisory council for his alma mater, Sterling College.
Currently, Josh, his wife Kimberly and their baby son, Jackson, live in rural Ellsworth County.
This nomination is subject to authorization by the Senate Confirmation Oversight Committee to exercise the powers, duties and functions of office during the interim period until the full Senate can consider the nomination. Acting Secretary Svaty will assume all secretarial duties following Secretary Polansky’s last day on July 17th.
“I’m glad that we’ll be able to continue working with Adrian Polansky over at the Kansas Farm Service Agency,” Parkinson said. “In today’s troubling economy, we rely on our bedrock industries like agriculture more than ever. Adrian will bring a lifetime’s worth of experience back to this post, and I know that he will serve Secretary Vilsack, the President and all of Kansas well.”
Adrian Polansky was appointed secretary of the Kansas Department of Agriculture by Governor Kathleen Sebelius in February 2003.
Polansky is a lifelong Kansan and owns Polansky Farms and Polansky Seed, both in Belleville. He has received many honors and awards which recognized his efforts to build a more efficient and cost-effective government and for outstanding leadership and management contributions made to the Farm Service Agency. In 1986, he was named wheat man of the year by the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers; and received the outstanding service to agriculture award by the Kansas Crops and Soils Industry Council.
Along with his duties as secretary, Polansky served on the Governor's Council on Homeland Security; the Kansas Task Force on Methamphetamine and Illegal Drugs; and as chair of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture’s biotechnology task force.
KPA Partners with Missouri Pork Producers Association, National Pork Board and
Price Chopper to promote retail pork sales in Kansas City area stores
Sizzling pork specials were in store for shoppers in the greater Kansas City area during the week of July 12th-21st. The pork promotion was a group effort made possible by the National Pork Board and Price Chopper and supported by the Missouri and Kansas Pork Associations.
To highlight the special pricing, ads were placed in the Kansas City Star on June 12th, 13th and 14th. The ads focused on driving consumer purchases for summer grilling with special pricing on fresh boneless butterfly chops, frozen two piece tenderloins, fresh boneless country-style ribs and Farmland bacon.
Price Chopper’s network of stores consists of 32 stores in the Kansas City area. The Kansas City Star has a 90% metro circulation and reaches 874,100 adult readers in the Kansas City area.
Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces New Livestock Indemnity Program
July 7, 2009 -
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced that eligible ranchers and livestock producers can begin applying for benefits under the provisions of the Livestock Indemnity Program in the 2008 Farm Bill on July 13.
"This program will provide livestock producers with a vital safety net to help them overcome the damaging financial impact of natural disasters," said Vilsack.
The Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) provides assistance to producers for livestock deaths that result from disaster. Using funds from the Agricultural Disaster Relief Trust Fund established under section 902 of the Trade Act of 1974, the program is administered by the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA). LIP compensates livestock owners and contract growers for livestock death losses in excess of normal mortality due to adverse weather, including losses due to hurricanes, floods, blizzards, disease, wildfires, extreme heat and extreme cold. Eligible losses must have occurred on or after Jan. 1, 2008, and before Oct. 1, 2011.
The following table provides the final dates to file a notice of loss and/or application for payment for either 2008 or 2009 livestock losses.
| Date of Livestock Death | Final Date to File a Notice of Loss |
Final Date to Submit an Application for Payment |
| Calendar Year 2008 | Sept. 13, 2009 | Sept. 13, 2009 |
| Jan. 1, 2009 to July 12, 2009 | Sept. 13, 2009 | Jan. 30, 2010 |
| July 13, 2009 to Dec. 31, 2009 | 30 days after death is apparent | Jan. 30, 2010 |
Specific provisions for the other supplemental agricultural disaster assistance programs authorized by the 2008 Act - the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP), the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Program (SURE), the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-Raised Fish (ELAP) and the Tree Assistance Program (TAP) - will be implemented through separate rulemakings and announced at a later date.
For more information on available supplemental disaster assistance programs, please visit your FSA county office or http://www.fsa.usda.gov .
2009 Upper Midwest Manure Handlers Expo
Central Iowa Expo Center
Boone, Iowa
July 22, 2009
The 2009 Upper Midwest Manure Handling Expo will be held on July 22 in Boone. The gates open at 8 a.m., with events continuing until 6 p.m. Admission is free and on-site parking is only $5.
The Manure Expo provides the opportunity to:
Visit: http://www.ag.iastate.edu/wastemgmt/expo_home.htm for an updated exhibitor and sponsorship list and additional Expo details.
ACRE AND DCP PROGRAM ENROLLMENT DEADLINE RAPIDLY APPROACHING
Manhattan, Kansas, July 16, 2009 – Jack Salava, Acting State Executive Director of USDA’s Farm Service Agency in Kansas reminds producers of the importance of timely electing and enrolling in the new Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) program or the traditional Direct and Counter-Cyclical Program (DCP). It is critical for producers to begin the enrollment process as soon as possible. The deadline to enroll in ACRE or DCP for 2009 is August 14, 2009.
Salava explained, "The Average Crop Revenue Election program is an innovative alternative to the traditional farm safety net. With this new program also comes a complex signup process. It is important producers contact their local office to set up appointments well before the August 14, 2009 deadline.”
Late-filed applications for ACRE or DCP will not be accepted. ACRE elections on the CCC-509ACRE will not be approved until all producers, including owners, on a farm have signed the CCC-509ACRE for election and the CCC-509 for enrollment into the ACRE program. For crop year 2009, a CCC-509ACRE and CCC-509 not having all requisite signatures of producers on a farm by the election/enrollment deadline of August 14, 2009 will not be considered submitted for the purpose of election/enrollment and will not be acted on or approved. If producers do not elect ACRE, they have the option of completing the CCC-509 contract for enrollment into the DCP program by August 14, 2009. Both ACRE and DCP require all signatures be obtained by the deadline.
Salava emphasized, “In all cases, it is the responsibility of the operator and owners of a farm to obtain and submit all necessary signatures on the CCC-509ACRE election form and the CCC-509 for ACRE or DCP program enrollment by the August 14, 2009 deadline.”
To elect ACRE for a farm, producers must complete Form CCC-509ACRE, which irrevocably elects ACRE for the farm through crop year 2012. Form CCC-509, the contract to participate in ACRE, must then be completed each year the producer intends to participate and receive benefits.
For more information about the ACRE program please visit your local Farm Service Agency (FSA) county office or visit http://www.fsa.usda.gov.
Resolve Issues Before Passing Food-Safety Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C., July 16, 2009 – While a food-safety bill making its way through the U.S. House largely exempts livestock and poultry farms, U.S. pork producers still have some concerns with the legislation, the National Pork Producers Council told the House Agriculture Committee, which today held a hearing on the measure.
In a letter sent yesterday to all members of the agriculture panel, NPPC and 24 state pork producer associations urged lawmakers to resolve a number of outstanding issues before finalizing the “Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009” (H.R. 2749), including:
The organizations also urge lawmakers to oppose any amendments that would ban certain antibiotics used in livestock production. Earlier this week, the House Rules Committee held a hearing on the “Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act of 2009” (H.R. 1549), which would ban animal health products that are used to prevent and control diseases. Farmers only would be allowed to use animal health products that treat diseases.
Voluntary 14-day Withdrawal Period for all Tetracycline, Oxytetracycline and Chlortetracycline Products
Pork producers are being reminded to review their use of feed/water tetracycline-class antibiotics (tetracycline, oxytetracycline or chlortetracycline) to make sure their use meets standards set by some export markets for U.S. Pork.
All U.S. pork producers are required to adhere to animal health-product withdrawal standards that meet U.S. maximum residue limits. These standards were determined through science-based testing by the Food and Drug Administration to ensure the safety of all products entering the national food chain. However, some countries that purchase U.S. pork products may have withdrawal requirements that exceed those on the product label.
Individual countries determine their own tissue residue limits. Not all countries agree with the maximum tissue residue limits set by the U.S. government, even though U.S. limits are based on scientifically sound food-safety data, said Steve Larsen, director of food safety for the Pork Checkoff.
Export markets are important to the U.S. pork industry. According to the annual study conducted by University of Missouri economists Ron Plain and Glenn Grimes, exports contributed $40.56 for every pig sold in the United States during 2008. Exports for 2009 are expected to fall below the record levels of 2008, but the economists say exports continue to make a positive contribution to hog prices.
With the added pressure on U.S. Pork exports in 2009, producers who sell to packers that market globally should take steps to help keep those markets open, Larsen said. Specifically, he said, producers are reminded to follow the voluntary 14-day withdrawal period for all feed/water tetracycline class antibiotics. However, producers should follow the labeled directions for injectable tetracycline class antibiotic products. Based on currently available information, a withdrawal of 14 days when using feed or water forms of tetracycline class antibiotics should meet the residue limits of international markets for U.S. pork.
Larsen urged producers to talk with their packer to understand the packer's policy if a residue greater than the tolerance for the international market is detected. Producers also should work with their veterinarian to consider product choices in the finisher phase and to develop appropriate treatment and withdrawal protocols, he said.
Pork Pod is a tool the Pork Checkoff’s is utilizing to provide useful information to producers. Podcasting is a method of publishing files to the Internet, allowing users to subscribe to a feed and receive new files automatically by subscription at no cost. You can listen to podcasts on your computer, download the podcasts on computer and then create a CD or subscribe to a feed for your iPod.
Voluntary 14-day Withdrawal Period for all Tetracycline, Oxytetracycline and Chlortetracycline Products
Title: Voluntary 14-day Withdrawal Period for all Tetracycline, Oxytetracycline and Chlortetracycline Products
Date: July 1, 2009
Length: 5:32
Speaker: Steve Larsen, director of pork safety for the Pork Checkoff
Hogs and Pigs Report June 2009
Title: Hogs and Pigs Report June 2009
Date: June 29, 2009
Length: 16:01
Speakers:
Bob Brown - Independent Market Analyst, Edmond, Okla.
Victor Aideyan - Risk Management Consultant HISGRAIN Commodities Inc., London Ontario, Canada
Ronald Plain - Professor of Agricultural Economics, University of Missouri
Steve Meyer - Paragon Economics, Des Moines, Iowa
What Does Feed Management Include?
Title: What Does Feed Management Include?
Date: June 26, 2009
Length: 3:23
Speaker: Dr. Alan Sutton, Purdue University
KPA now on Facebook
The Kansas Pork Association would like to announce its Facebook page. Facebook was founded in February 2004 and is a social utility that helps people communicate more efficiently with their friends, family and coworkers.
Facebook's demographics include:
To get your Facebook page started, go to http://www.facebook.com/ and create an account. After creating an account, in the top right hand corner of the page, look for box that says“search.” Type in Kansas Pork Association (make sure you use capital letters) and click “search.” The Kansas Pork Association page should appear as one of your options. Click “Become a Fan” on the right side of the page. After that, you will be able to look at the page. Don’t forget to look through the tabs at the top of the page. Tabs available will include Info, Photos, Discussion, Boxes and Video. We have many pictures uploaded and a few good articles. We also will be adding videos. This page will be updated regularly so check back frequently.
If you have questions, please contact Jodi Termine at the KPA office at 785-776-0442 or kpa@kspork.org.
The KPA Producer-to-Producer Classified Section is provided free of charge to producers who are looking for a way to advertise to other producers.
To add your listing, please contact Tim Stroda at the KPA office at 785-776-0442 or e-mail to kpa@kspork.org
FARROW-TO-WEAN FARM FOR SALE IN CENTRAL MISSOURI
Turnkey 1000+ Sow operation with 87 acres, 2 ponds, 2 houses, machine shed, other outbuildings, irrigation system, great location at Lakeof the Ozarks in Montreal, Missouri. Owner retiring.
Very remote area -- we are the only Farrowing Operation in our county.
For more information or pictures, email vmorrow@hughes.net or phone 573-745-1827.
For Sale:
1 share or 1/2 share of 1,200 Head Sow Herd
Danbred - Terminal Duroc 661
Myco Positive PRRS Negative
Contact:
Doug Schwartz - 785-556-7505
Sharon Schwartz - 785-325-2568
Kansas GOLD Inc. working to update producer's information
Garry Keeler, program coordinator for Kansas GOLD Inc., is now working to update the yearly information needed to recertify facilities. Kansas GOLD Inc. will be contacting producers as their certification becomes due. The program has also recently started working with several producers to begin the process of applying for new permits.
The GOLD program is designed to ensure that when a regulator visits your farm, the information they request can be found easily and is packaged in a pre-approved format. The process begins with a visit to your farm by the Kansas GOLD coordinator, who will begin by examining your KDHE permit for each facility number. This permit tells the coordinator what information needs to be collected and kept on file.
Kansas GOLD Inc. provides a cost-effective manner to ensure your operation is in compliance. For information, please click on GOLD or contact the KPA office at (785) 776-0442 or e-mail to kpa@kspork.org
Public Notice by Kansas Pork Producers Council and the National Pork Board
The election of pork producer delegate candidates for the 2010 National Pork Producers (Pork Act) Delegate Body will take place at 1:00 p.m., Monday, July 13, 2009, in conjunction with a Board of Directors meeting of the Kansas Pork Producers Council at the Wendell Moyer Office Building, 2601 Farm Bureau Road, Manhattan, KS 66502. All Kansas pork producers are invited to attend.Any producer, who is a resident of the state and has paid all assessments due may be considered as a delegate candidate and/or participate in the election. All eligible producers are encouraged to bring with them a sales receipt proving that hogs were sold in their name and the checkoff deducted. For more information, contact Kansas Pork Producers Council, 2601 Farm Bureau Road, Manhattan, KS, telephone 785/776-0442.
2009 Pork Industry Survey
Help your producer boards make decisions on projects for 2010 by filling out a short on-line survey. The boards will utilize the direction you provide as they create the KPA and KPPC budgets for next year.
All segments of the industry are encouraged to participate, but please take the survey before Friday, July 10.
Participants who provide their name and address will receive a $15 gift card to buy pork at their local retailer as a thank you. Your name will not be linked to your answers on the survey.
KPA Partners with Missouri Pork Producers Association, National Pork Board and
Price Chopper to promote retail pork sales in Kansas City area stores
Sizzling pork specials were in store for shoppers in the greater Kansas City area during the week of July 12th-21st. The pork promotion was a group effort made possible by the National Pork Board and Price Chopper and supported by the Missouri and Kansas Pork Associations.
To highlight the special pricing, ads were placed in the Kansas City Star on June 12th, 13th and 14th. The ads focused on driving consumer purchases for summer grilling with special pricing on fresh boneless butterfly chops, frozen two piece tenderloins, fresh boneless country-style ribs and Farmland bacon.
Price Chopper’s network of stores consists of 32 stores in the Kansas City area. The Kansas City Star has a 90% metro circulation and reaches 874,100 adult readers in the Kansas City area.
U.S. Pork Industry Seeks Producer Input on New Direction
Pork Checkoff Seeks Input from Pork Producers in Crafting New Strategic Plan
With a wide array of challenges facing pork producers today, the National Pork Board is seeking input from pork producers across the country for a new plan to shape the future of the U.S. pork industry. The objective of the planning process is to find new solutions to the economic, social, and scientific challenges facing the pork industry. To ensure the plan is focused on critical day-to-day needs of pork producers, a series of regional meetings is planned for July to get pork producer input from three distinct geographic areas of the country.
The meetings are open to all pork producers and to others with an interest in the future of the pork industry and the role of the Pork Checkoff. The meetings will be from 9 A.M. to 2 P.M. on:
And from 10 A.M. to 3 P.M. on:
During 2010, the National Pork Board will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the creation of the national Pork Checkoff. The strategic planning process is motivated in part by a desire to look at the role of the Pork Checkoff with fresh eyes, just as the pioneering producers who created the Checkoff did 25 years ago, said National Pork Board Chief Executive Chris Novak.
The big questions, Novak said, are, “What are the industry’s needs, concerns and priorities now, and what will they be five years from now and even 25 years from now? And what should the National Pork Board be doing to address these needs through the Pork Checkoff?”
At the regional meetings, producers will hear a brief overview of the National Pork Board, its role in the industry and its statutory obligations. There will be a progress report on the planning process to date. And then producers will have the opportunity to provide their own ideas and to discuss others’ ideas. The best of those ideas will go to the task force of producer leaders who are working with the farmer-leaders of the National Pork Board to craft a new plan for the future. The board is expected to approve a new strategic plan by the end of 2009.
Producers unable to attend one of the regional meetings can still participate in several ways, Novak said. They can provide their ideas to their state office or to state leaders who will attend the meetings. They also will have the opportunity to participate in an online survey that will be available on Pork.org.
Lunch will be provided at the regional meetings. To assist with meal planning, anyone planning to attend one of the regional meetings is asked to call (toll-free) the Producer Service Center at the National Pork Board – 800-456-PORK before July 17, 2009. Customer service representatives will have details and directions to the meetings in each of the three cities.
Pork Pod is a tool the Pork Checkoff’s is utilizing to provide useful information to producers. Podcasting is a method of publishing files to the Internet, allowing users to subscribe to a feed and receive new files automatically by subscription at no cost. You can listen to podcasts on your computer, download the podcasts on computer and then create a CD or subscribe to a feed for your iPod.
Voluntary 14-day Withdrawal Period for all Tetracycline, Oxytetracycline and Chlortetracycline Products
Title: Voluntary 14-day Withdrawal Period for all Tetracycline, Oxytetracycline and Chlortetracycline Products
Date: July 1, 2009
Length: 5:32
Speaker: Steve Larsen, director of pork safety for the Pork Checkoff
Hogs and Pigs Report June 2009
Title: Hogs and Pigs Report June 2009
Date: June 29, 2009
Length: 16:01
Speakers:
Bob Brown - Independent Market Analyst, Edmond, Okla.
Victor Aideyan - Risk Management Consultant HISGRAIN Commodities Inc., London Ontario, Canada
Ronald Plain - Professor of Agricultural Economics, University of Missouri
Steve Meyer - Paragon Economics, Des Moines, Iowa
What Does Feed Management Include?
Title: What Does Feed Management Include?
Date: June 26, 2009
Length: 3:23
Speaker: Dr. Alan Sutton, Purdue University
China: Government Steps into Pork Market to Stabilize Prices
By Joel Haggard, senior vice president, USMEF-Asia Pacific, and
John Lam, regional programs manager, USMEF-China/Hong Kong
The Chinese government has initiated a program to purchase domestic pork for its strategic reserve in an effort to stabilize pork prices, which have been falling or stagnant since April 2008. The program involves a coordinated effort among China’s Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of the Treasury, the National Reform and Development Commission (NDRC), and the China Agricultural Development Bank. The initial target purchases by national authorities are estimated at 120,000 metric tons (264.5 million pounds), which will be stockpiled under the administration of China’s Merchandise Reserve Management Center. The Merchandise Reserve Management Center held and managed stocks of U.S. pork the government purchased in late 2007 in an effort then to cool a spike in pork prices.
Under the program, which commenced June 13, the central government will make direct purchases and extend favorable loans to meat processors to make commercial purchases of pork. Capital loans with favorable terms will also be made to meat processors who wish to expand their processing capacity. Local media in China have reported that the China Agricultural Development Bank is allocating approximately RMB 2.4 billion (U.S. $ 351 million) for the pork strategic reserve program. The true extent of expenditures however is difficult to estimate, because several provinces have initiated their own pork reserve programs, including Henan, Hunan, Fujian, Gansu and Sichuan. For example, Henan has established a target to purchase over 22,000 tons (48.5 million pounds) of pork for a provincial frozen pork reserve.
The pork reserve program is a component of China’s pork price stabilization effort announced by the NDRC on Jan. 9, 2009. Under the program, China announced it would start purchasing pork for the reserve if the ratio of the live market hog price to the corn price stayed below 6:1 for four successive weeks. The program calls for additional measures, including restricting imports, if the hog-corn ratio stays persistently low.
USMEF-Beijing reports that the announcement of the program has halted the slide in hog prices and, in some provinces, caused prices to rise. For example, average live hog prices have risen 8.4 percent in the last 3 weeks in Shandong Province, a key eastern production area. Average hog prices in Shandong currently stand at approximately U.S. $ 70/cwt., and the current hog to corn ratio is just under 6:1. The price response has not been uniform throughout China however, as provincial pork reserve purchasing programs are being undertaken independently. According to some reports, some provincial programs are nearing completion, including those in Henan and Sichuan. Others, such as in Gansu province, are just commencing.
There are no signs that China intends to relax its de facto ban on imports of U.S. pork and pork products. Although China’s pork price stabilization program has provisions for the curb of imports if prices stay low over a prolonged period of time, Chinese authorities claim the current restrictions relate to H1N1 and its concern that the new virus could be transmitted to China’s domestic swine herd through imported pork scraps.
Larger domestic supplies and thus lower domestic prices have contributed to a 66 percent decline in China’s pork imports through May, totaling 54,728 tons (120.6 million pounds) compared to 162,111 tons (357.4 million pounds) during January through May 2008. Reported imports from the U.S. declined by 77 percent, totaling 18,862 tons (41.6 million pounds) compared to 81,230 tons (179.1 million pounds) during the first five months of 2008. However, China’s total pork imports were still 250 percent larger than the same period in 2007, with imports from the U.S. up 591 percent. China’s variety meat imports from all suppliers in the first five months of 2009 decreased by 35 percent to 143,703 tons (316.8 million pounds), but imports from the U.S. increased by 7 percent to 48,552 tons (107 million pounds).
KPA now on Facebook
The Kansas Pork Association would like to announce its Facebook page. Facebook was founded in February 2004 and is a social utility that helps people communicate more efficiently with their friends, family and coworkers.
Facebook's demographics include:
To get your Facebook page started, go to http://www.facebook.com/ and create an account. After creating an account, in the top right hand corner of the page, look for box that says“search.” Type in Kansas Pork Association (make sure you use capital letters) and click “search.” The Kansas Pork Association page should appear as one of your options. Click “Become a Fan” on the right side of the page. After that, you will be able to look at the page. Don’t forget to look through the tabs at the top of the page. Tabs available will include Info, Photos, Discussion, Boxes and Video. We have many pictures uploaded and a few good articles. We also will be adding videos. This page will be updated regularly so check back frequently.
If you have questions, please contact Jodi Termine at the KPA office at 785-776-0442 or kpa@kspork.org.
The KPA Producer-to-Producer Classified Section is provided free of charge to producers who are looking for a way to advertise to other producers.
To add your listing, please contact Tim Stroda at the KPA office at 785-776-0442 or e-mail to kpa@kspork.org
FARROW-TO-WEAN FARM FOR SALE IN CENTRAL MISSOURI
Turnkey 1000+ Sow operation with 87 acres, 2 ponds, 2 houses, machine shed, other outbuildings, irrigation system, great location at Lakeof the Ozarks in Montreal, Missouri. Owner retiring.
Very remote area -- we are the only Farrowing Operation in our county.
For more information or pictures, email vmorrow@hughes.net or phone 573-745-1827.
For Sale:
1 share or 1/2 share of 1,200 Head Sow Herd
Danbred - Terminal Duroc 661
Myco Positive PRRS Negative
Contact:
Doug Schwartz - 785-556-7505
Sharon Schwartz - 785-325-2568
Kansas GOLD Inc. working to update producer's information
Garry Keeler, program coordinator for Kansas GOLD Inc., is now working to update the yearly information needed to recertify facilities. Kansas GOLD Inc. will be contacting producers as their certification becomes due. The program has also recently started working with several producers to begin the process of applying for new permits.
The GOLD program is designed to ensure that when a regulator visits your farm, the information they request can be found easily and is packaged in a pre-approved format. The process begins with a visit to your farm by the Kansas GOLD coordinator, who will begin by examining your KDHE permit for each facility number. This permit tells the coordinator what information needs to be collected and kept on file.
Kansas GOLD Inc. provides a cost-effective manner to ensure your operation is in compliance. For information, please click on GOLD or contact the KPA office at (785) 776-0442 or e-mail to kpa@kspork.org
June 11
Public Notice by Kansas Pork Producers Council and the National Pork Board
The election of pork producer delegate candidates for the 2010 National Pork Producers (Pork Act) Delegate Body will take place at 1:00 p.m., Monday, July 13, 2009, in conjunction with a Board of Directors meeting of the Kansas Pork Producers Council at the Wendell Moyer Office Building, 2601 Farm Bureau Road, Manhattan, KS 66502. All Kansas pork producers are invited to attend.Any producer, who is a resident of the state and has paid all assessments due may be considered as a delegate candidate and/or participate in the election. All eligible producers are encouraged to bring with them a sales receipt proving that hogs were sold in their name and the checkoff deducted. For more information, contact Kansas Pork Producers Council, 2601 Farm Bureau Road, Manhattan, KS, telephone 785/776-0442.
2009 Pork Industry Survey
Help your producer boards make decisions on projects for 2010 by filling out a short on-line survey. The boards will utilize the direction you provide as they create the KPA and KPPC budgets for next year.
All segments of the industry are encouraged to participate, but please take the survey before Monday, July 6.
If you would rather fill out a paper survey, please contact the KPA office at 888-776-0442. Participants who provide their name and address will receive a $15 gift card to buy pork at their local retailer as a thank you. Your name will not be linked to your answers on the survey.
Click Here to take survey
Pork advertising heard statewide
Radio listeners across the state heard pork advertising during the last 2 weeks. The 30- second spot aired a total of 1115 times on 41 stations. The message encouraged consumers to eat pork because it is a versatile and high quality product.
To hear one of the ads, click on Pork Radio Ad.
The stations carrying the broadcasts are listed below.
1 KABI-AM Abilene 1560 AM
2 KSAJ-FM Abilene 98.5 FM
3 KNCK-AM Concordia 1390 AM
4 KOTE-FM Eureka 93.5 FM
5 KBUF-AM Garden City 1030 AM
6 KKJQ-FM Garden City 97.3 FM
7 KVGB-AM Great Bend 1590 AM
8 KBGL-FM Great Bend 106.9 FM
9 KAYS-AM Hays 1400 AM
10 KXKU-FM Hutchinson 106.1FM
11 KALN-AM Iola 1370AM
12 KBLS-FM Manhattan 102.5 FM
13 KNGL-AM McPherson 1540 AM
14 KBBE-FM McPherson 96.7 FM
15 KQNK-AM Norton 1530AM
16 KQNK-FM Norton 106.7FM
17 KLKC-AM Parsons 1540 AM
18 KKAN-AM Phillipsburg 1490 AM
19 KQMA-FM Phillipsburg 92.5 FM
20 KCAY-FM Russell 95.9 FM
21 KRSL-AM Russell 990 AM
22 KSAL-AM Salina 1150 AM
23 KYEZ-FM Salina 93.7 FM
24 KSKL-FM Scott City 94.5 FM
25 WIBW-AM Topeka 580 AM
26 WIBW-FM Topeka 94.5 FM
27 KULY-AM Ulysses 1420AM
28 KNSS-AM Wichita 1330 AM
29. KSOK-FM Ark City 95.9FM
30. KVSV-AM Beloit 1190AM
31. KXKU-FM Hutchinson 106.1FM
32. KSLS-FM Liberal 101.5FM
33. KLKC-AM Parsons 1540AM
34. KKAN-AM Phillipsburg 1490 AM
35. KQMA-FM Phillipsburg 92.5 FM
36. KSEK-AM Pittsburg 1340AM
37. KFH-AM Wichita 1240AM
38. KFH-FM Wichita 98.7FM
39.KSSA-FM Ingalls 105.9 FM
40. KFFX-FM Emporia 104.9
41. KFRM Clay Center 550 AM
REGIONAL EXERCISE TO IMPROVE STATES’ PREPAREDNESS FOR DISASTER AND TERRORISM RESPONSE
The states of Kansas, Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska (FEMA Region VII) are participating in an exercise this month involving disasters and terrorist attacks in the Midwest including the introduction of a foreign animal disease in Kansas and Iowa as well as various emergency response situations in both states.
The exercise, called Vigilant Guard 09, is a National Guard exercise, which involves local, state and federal emergency response partners.
The portion of the exercise involving the simulated introduction of foreign animal disease (FAD) occurs in Iowa the week of June 8. Then on June 18, the State Emergency Operation Center (SEOC) in Topeka will activate to address FAD as the exercise scenario moves the disease into Kansas.
"This exercise will provide us a great opportunity to test our planned response to foreign animal disease and a variety of disasters, and determine if changes are needed before such events happen," said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, director of Kansas Division of Emergency Management and Kansas Adjutant General. "The threat of foreign animal disease and the possibility of multiple, simultaneous large-scale disasters in the Midwest, whether natural or manmade, are an unfortunate part of our world today. We want to take every opportunity to ensure we are prepared for all of these situations."
NPPC: Greenhouse Gas Reporting Plan Could Increase Environmental Problems
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s proposal to require livestock agriculture to report manure-related greenhouse gas emissions is not well thought out and could increase environmental problems, according to the National Pork Producers Council.
In comments on the plan submitted recently, NPPC applauded EPA’s efforts to address global climate change and provide leadership in protecting the environment. But the group said requiring livestock producers to report manure-related emissions will add costs to pork operations while basically duplicating information EPA already compiles. The group said EPA should step back and let the Agriculture Department take the lead in attempting to reduce greenhouse gases coming from farms and ranches.
“The current greenhouse gas inventory that EPA compiles every year, along with the information from a cap and trade offsets program, is more than enough to support the rule’s objectives,” NPPC said. “Its proposal simply adds great costs to the covered producers without adding anything to the current body of knowledge regarding manure emissions.”
Congress is considering climate change legislation that, among other things, would set a limit, or cap, on the amount of greenhouse gases that specific large emitters such as energy utilities could release to the atmosphere. Each unit of greenhouse gas an emitter is allowed to release under its cap is called a credit, which may be bought and sold. Those able to release less gas than they are allowed under their cap may sell credits; those over it will need to buy credits or reduce their energy production.
In March, EPA proposed to require businesses, including livestock operations, to report emissions of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide under the Clean Air Act. Those emitting at least 25,000 metric tons of gas annually would be affected under the plan. EPA estimated this would be only 40 to 50 livestock operations nationwide and that compliance costs would be only $900 per facility.
Minnesota hog farmer Randy Spronk, chairman of NPPC’s environmental committee, questioned EPA’s reporting threshold, saying the agency misjudged the number of producers the rule would affect and the costs it would impose. The pork industry, Spronk pointed out, is participating in an EPA air monitoring study that will determine with much more certainty the greenhouse gases coming from hog farms, but that data won’t be available until next year. “Until we know what’s coming off our farms and in what amounts, producers should be protected from regulation for air emissions,” he said.
In its comments, NPPC offered a number of reasons why EPA’s mandatory emissions reporting program is not appropriate for hog farms and needs to be revised. Among them:
- Relying on the Clean Air Act to address climate change will steer pork producers toward actions that will increase emissions and could cause additional environmental problems. Additional reporting requirements, for example, are a disincentive to installing manure lagoon covers and manure digesters that can capture methane gas and convert it to electricity.
- The Agriculture Department is better equipped than EPA to administer a greenhouse gas program for livestock producers. It has the technical expertise and institutional resources, along with a track record for working with farmers on measuring reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Also, USDA has the producer protections required to assure widespread participation in any greenhouse gas reduction program.
- EPA’s proposal exempts from reporting requirements greenhouse gas emissions from natural processes such as from animals’ digestive systems. But it doesn’t exempt manure decomposition—also a natural process—even though it accounts for only a small portion of total livestock-related greenhouse gas emissions.
- EPA failed to adequate describe which operations are subject to mandatory reporting. Conflicting definitions of “facilities” and “manure management systems” leave in doubt who is covered under the regulation and who is not.
- While EPA estimated that farms with at least 73,000 hogs will be required to report emissions, it did not explain how it arrived at this number. NPPC, working with industry and university scientists, has been unable to duplicate it.
- The costs of the recordkeeping and reporting requirements under the rule are underestimated. EPA’s estimate of $900 to conduct tests and do emissions calculations bears little relation to the actual costs hog farmers will incur to comply with the rule.
National Pork Checkoff Board calls for action on We Care, PQA Plus®; pork producers, customers respond
The National Pork Board has adopted a resolution urging all U.S. pork producers to become certified in the Pork Quality Assurance Plus® program by June 30, 2010, and to achieve PQA Plus® site status by Dec. 31, 2010. Additionally, the board is recommending that producers embrace the ethical principles the industry adopted in 2008.
Steve Weaver, a California pork producer and president of the 15-member board that directs programs funded by the Pork Checkoff, announced the board's action during World Pork Expo in Des Moines.
Weaver said the board adopted the PQA Plus resolution to give additional momentum to the pork industry's burgeoning We Care initiative. That initiative, which includes the PQA Plus program as well as other programs, is part of the industry's desire to earn the trust of its customers, he said.
"We Care is important because it gives pork producers the opportunity to talk about what they do on their farms both in terms of the ethical principles that guide them and the practices they employ," Weaver said. "That's a conversation we want to have with as many people as we can.
"PQA Plus is important because it includes steps that allow us to demonstrate directly to our customers that we are raising animals and producing pork in a socially responsible way."
Weaver said the board "strongly recommends" that pork producers follow the lead of the thousands of producers who already are certified in PQA Plus and who have had their production operations assessed to receive PQA Plus site status.
"I also encourage them to join the producers from across the United States who have pledged their support for We Care," Weaver said. "It is a way for us to come together as an industry to celebrate what we do every day and to demonstrate that we are doing it the right way."
Support for the pork industry's initiative is evident by the rapidly increasing number of producers certified in the Pork Checkoff's PQA Plus program, Weaver said. In May, the number of pork producers certified in PQA Plus reached 30,000.
"World Pork Expo is the fitting place to highlight the industry's support for these efforts, because it was here - two years ago in June 2007 - that PQA Plus was rolled out," he added. "We look forward to seeing all U.S. pork producers certified in PQA Plus in the next year."
Pork industry stakeholders also continue to declare their support for these initiatives. At World Pork Expo, Tyson Foods publicly endorsed We Care. Gary Machan, vice president of pork procurement for Tyson Foods, stated that the program mirrors Tyson's own core values. Machan also announced that Tyson will ask all of its U.S. suppliers of pork to become PQA Plus certified by June 30, 2010, and to have pork production sites assessed by the end of that year.
In May, JBS USA, LLC (formerly known as Swift & Company) reiterated its company's support for PQA Plus. In a letter, JBS requested that all of its U.S. suppliers of pigs be certified in the industry's judicious antimicrobial use, pork safety and animal well-being certification program by Dec. 31, 2009.
Seaboard Foods also has expressed its support and has said all of its farms will have PQA Plus site assessment by the end of 2010.
"It takes the participation of the entire industry to achieve our goal," Weaver said. "And, here we have producers and packers demonstrating their commitment to producing safe and wholesome pork in a way that honors the industry's values."
Specifically, We Care is aimed at spreading the industry's message of social responsibility with audiences within and outside the industry. The We Care message was developed by producers and encourages other producers to live and to operate their businesses with care and respect for: The public's health; producer health and safety; the communities that host pork production; the well-being of the animals; and the environment.
PQA Plus is an education and certification program for pork producers. PQA Plus' content incorporates animal care and well-being principles and judicious antimicrobial use guidelines to the pork industry food safety and residue avoidance practices established in earlier versions of the PQA program. Pork producers can receive PQA Plus certification by attending a training session with a National Pork Board-certified PQA Plus advisor. PQA Plus-certified pork producers can receive PQA Plus site status for their production operations by having an advisor conduct an on-farm assessment of animal care practices on their farms.
Pork Producers Prepare for Emergencies, Checkoff Launches Emergency Action Plan Tool
The floods of 2008 are fresh in Iowa pork producers' memories less than a year after rising waters from the Mississippi and its tributaries flooded thousands of acres of crops and dozens of pig barns following heavy spring rains. Helping pork producers prepare for this and many other types of emergencies is the goal of the Pork Checkoff's new emergency action plan tool.
Officially introduced at the 2009 World Pork Expo, the emergency action plan tool guides producers through the planning and documenting of an emergency response plan. The tool is Web-based and can be found at http://eap.pork.org . Users are instructed to log in, describe their operations and consider various situations that can put a farm's employees, animals or facilities at risk. Additionally, users are required to think about and describe the resources, including people, equipment and locations, that can be of use in case disaster strikes.
Liz Wagstrom, assistant vice president for the Pork Checkoff, said, "In an emergency, things can happen very fast. Having a plan at the ready ensures that important decisions are not overlooked and that all resources are mobilized to achieve an effective solution.
"Having the foresight to prepare a plan and share it with all the people in the operation ensures that everyone knows what the expected outcome is and how to achieve it," Wagstrom said. "The Checkoff tool gives the user the option of printing one or more copies of the finished plan. We foresee pork producers sharing printed version of their plans also with emergency responders, for example, so the rescue team knows what, who and where available resources can be found."
Wayne Peugh, pork producer from Illinois and past president of the National Pork Board, was one of several pork producers that tested a pilot version of the emergency action plan development tool in early 2009. Peugh also has experience with emergencies. "Last year we had a fire at one of our sites," Peugh said. "We got through it, but at the time I would have really appreciated having a document that listed all of the resources we could count on, all of the people we had to contact and all of the things we needed to do. This tool fills that need."
A farm's emergency action plan is one of the documents that are reviewed as part of a PQA Plus® on-farm assessment.
"Having an emergency action plan also satisfies a very important requirement of PQA Plus' site assessments," Peugh said. "In several ways, the emergency action plan fits into the pork industry's We Care way of life. Having an action plan is a great way for responsible pork producers to plan for preserving the health and safety of our employees and of our animals," he added.
Peugh's feedback and comments along with those of the other producers who tested the first version of the tool were incorporated into the final version of the tool.
Major Retailers in Japan Featuring U.S. Baby Back Pork Ribs
USMEF-Japan’s recent participation in two major trade shows already is paying dividends for the U.S. pork industry with the help of two of Japan’s leading retailers.
With funding support from the Pork Checkoff and the Market Access Program, recipes and menu suggestions featuring baby back pork ribs were among the items showcased by USMEF-Japan at FoodEx 2009, Asia’s largest food trade show, and the Meat Industry Showcase, the largest meat-focused exhibition in Japan. These promotions captured the attention of many in attendance at both shows, including Aeon, Japan’s largest retailer.
As part of its current U.S. pork campaign, Aeon introduced U.S. baby back pork ribs at five regional “anchor” outlets for a trial promotion May 29-31. Because baby back pork ribs are a new item for Japanese consumers, USMEF provided merchandising tips and suggested the use of seasonings to attract customers.
“Sales performed extremely well, much to the satisfaction of Aeon’s meat buyers,” said USMEF Japan director Gregory Hanes. “Plans are now in place to conduct a similar, higher-volume trial promotion in July, and Aeon is excited about promoting baby back pork ribs in December as a party menu item for the high-demand Christmas/New Year season.”
A second major retailer in Japan is also planning to hold a trial promotion for baby back pork ribs at 120 outlets later this month. This will be the first of the retailer’s monthly trial promotions, leading up to a nationwide promotion in December during the high-demand holiday season.
To further build on this retail success, USMEF-Japan is developing new “easy-to-cook” rib recipes based on familiar Japanese home cooking methods. Unique point-of-purchase materials for baby back pork rib promotions are also in development. On the foodservice side, a major chain restaurant operator is exploring ways to include baby back ribs on its menus at several well-known chains.
“We are very excited to see this item, which is quite new for this market, capturing so much interest in Japan,” Hanes said. “It’s another great example of how the U.S. pork industry is able to continue expanding our high-quality items in this market.”
KPA now on Facebook
The Kansas Pork Association would like to announce its Facebook page. Facebook was founded in February 2004 and is a social utility that helps people communicate more efficiently with their friends, family and coworkers.
Facebook's demographics include:
To get your Facebook page started, go to http://www.facebook.com/ and create an account. After creating an account, in the top right hand corner of the page, look for box that says“search.” Type in Kansas Pork Association (make sure you use capital letters) and click “search.” The Kansas Pork Association page should appear as one of your options. Click “Become a Fan” on the right side of the page. After that, you will be able to look at the page. Don’t forget to look through the tabs at the top of the page. Tabs available will include Info, Photos, Discussion, Boxes and Video. We have many pictures uploaded and a few good articles. We also will be adding videos. This page will be updated regularly so check back frequently.
If you have questions, please contact Jodi Termine at the KPA office at 785-776-0442 or kpa@kspork.org.
The KPA Producer-to-Producer Classified Section is provided free of charge to producers who are looking for a way to advertise to other producers.
To add your listing, please contact Tim Stroda at the KPA office at 785-776-0442 or e-mail to kpa@kspork.org
FARROW-TO-WEAN FARM FOR SALE IN CENTRAL MISSOURI
Turnkey 1000+ Sow operation with 87 acres, 2 ponds, 2 houses, machine shed, other outbuildings, irrigation system, great location at Lakeof the Ozarks in Montreal, Missouri. Owner retiring.
Very remote area -- we are the only Farrowing Operation in our county.
For more information or pictures, email vmorrow@hughes.net or phone 573-745-1827.
For Sale:
1 share or 1/2 share of 1,200 Head Sow Herd
Danbred - Terminal Duroc 661
Myco Positive PRRS Negative
Contact:
Doug Schwartz - 785-556-7505
Sharon Schwartz - 785-325-2568
Kansas GOLD Inc. working to update producer's information
Garry Keeler, program coordinator for Kansas GOLD Inc., is now working to update the yearly information needed to recertify facilities. Kansas GOLD Inc. will be contacting producers as their certification becomes due. The program has also recently started working with several producers to begin the process of applying for new permits.
The GOLD program is designed to ensure that when a regulator visits your farm, the information they request can be found easily and is packaged in a pre-approved format. The process begins with a visit to your farm by the Kansas GOLD coordinator, who will begin by examining your KDHE permit for each facility number. This permit tells the coordinator what information needs to be collected and kept on file.
Kansas GOLD Inc. provides a cost-effective manner to ensure your operation is in compliance. For information, please click on GOLD or contact the KPA office at (785) 776-0442 or e-mail to kpa@kspork.org
May 29
WORLD PORK EXPO SET FOR JUNE 3-5
The 21st annual World Pork Expo will be held June 3-5 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. As the largest pork-industry trade show and exhibition in the world, the expo draws more than 30,000 pork producers, exhibitors and visitors from across the country and around the globe. For more information, visit the World Pork Expo Web site at http://www.worldpork.org.
Pork Checkoff Presents PORK Academy at World Pork Expo
The Pork Checkoff is sponsoring Producers Opportunity for Revenue and Knowledge (PORK) Academy Wednesday, June 3 thru Friday, June 5 during World Pork Expo at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa.
"We invite all pork producers attending World Pork Expo to join us for the PORK Academy seminars," said Ron Schoo, chairman of the Pork Checkoff's Producer Services Committee and a pork producer from New Um, Minn, "Access to accurate and timely information is vital to my operation, and the Pork Checkoff is helping provide that through educational seminars like PORK Academy."
PORK Academy is a series of seminars designed to inform pork producers about current industry challenges. PORK Academy presents producers with a series of seminars that will benefit their operation.
"The seminars are not only designed to provide producers with information they can use on their farm, but by hosting these seminars during World Pork Expo it gives producers time to explore other opportunities at World Pork Expo," said Schoo.
PORK Academy's seminars on Wednesday, June 3 will provide producers with information on swine diseases, biosecurity, and environmental protection.
On Thursday, June 4 the seminars will focus on disaster preparedness, proper euthanasia techniques, energy costs, Hispanic labor in the swine industry, and feed management. Friday's topics include alternative feed ingredients and energy costs.
The marketing seminar on Wednesday and Thursday, sponsored by the Pork Checkoff, will provide producers with information on weather outlooks, expectations for future feed costs, and hog and pork economic outlooks.
Pork Academy Schedule
Pork advertising heard statewide
Radio listeners across the state heard pork advertising during the last 2 weeks. The 30- second spot aired a total of 1115 times on 41 stations. The message encouraged consumers to eat pork because it is a versatile and high quality product.
To hear one of the ads, click on Pork Radio Ad.
The stations carrying the broadcasts are listed below.
1 KABI-AM Abilene 1560 AM
2 KSAJ-FM Abilene 98.5 FM
3 KNCK-AM Concordia 1390 AM
4 KOTE-FM Eureka 93.5 FM
5 KBUF-AM Garden City 1030 AM
6 KKJQ-FM Garden City 97.3 FM
7 KVGB-AM Great Bend 1590 AM
8 KBGL-FM Great Bend 106.9 FM
9 KAYS-AM Hays 1400 AM
10 KXKU-FM Hutchinson 106.1FM
11 KALN-AM Iola 1370AM
12 KBLS-FM Manhattan 102.5 FM
13 KNGL-AM McPherson 1540 AM
14 KBBE-FM McPherson 96.7 FM
15 KQNK-AM Norton 1530AM
16 KQNK-FM Norton 106.7FM
17 KLKC-AM Parsons 1540 AM
18 KKAN-AM Phillipsburg 1490 AM
19 KQMA-FM Phillipsburg 92.5 FM
20 KCAY-FM Russell 95.9 FM
21 KRSL-AM Russell 990 AM
22 KSAL-AM Salina 1150 AM
23 KYEZ-FM Salina 93.7 FM
24 KSKL-FM Scott City 94.5 FM
25 WIBW-AM Topeka 580 AM
26 WIBW-FM Topeka 94.5 FM
27 KULY-AM Ulysses 1420AM
28 KNSS-AM Wichita 1330 AM
29. KSOK-FM Ark City 95.9FM
30. KVSV-AM Beloit 1190AM
31. KXKU-FM Hutchinson 106.1FM
32. KSLS-FM Liberal 101.5FM
33. KLKC-AM Parsons 1540AM
34. KKAN-AM Phillipsburg 1490 AM
35. KQMA-FM Phillipsburg 92.5 FM
36. KSEK-AM Pittsburg 1340AM
37. KFH-AM Wichita 1240AM
38. KFH-FM Wichita 98.7FM
39.KSSA-FM Ingalls 105.9 FM
40. KFFX-FM Emporia 104.9
41. KFRM Clay Center 550 AM
KPA Participates in Taste of Home Cooking School
Warm Pork and Raspberry Salad was one of the delicious dishes featured at the Taste of Home Cooking School on May 12 in Manhattan. Over 700 attendees had the opportunity to visit the Kansas Pork Association booth to learn about the versatility of whole pork loins and were provided with multiple recipes to get more pork on their plate. The consumers were also offered safety tips for cooking and storage
This year’s Taste of Home Cooking School program was themed Easy Breezy Spring and was presented by KCLY 100.9. The program was a 1-1/2-hour-long program that was made available at select locations across the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. The jam-packed program offers easy-to-prepare recipes and creative crafts and decorating ideas. Each guest received the Taste of Home Recipe Card Collection Cookbook showcasing the recipes displayed on stage. Attendees also received an attractive gift bag and were entered for prize drawings at the show.
Kansas Pork Association Hosts “Pork is Safe” Day at the Capitol
“We have a bipartisan group of pork eaters,” stated Gov. Mark Parkinson lightheartedly as 500 legislators, staff and various media outlets enjoyed a freshly grilled slice of pork loin on a warm bun outside the Capitol on Wednesday, May 6.
The Kansas Pork Association sponsored the “Pork is Safe” event in response to the recent negative press due to the H1N1 virus.
Attendees heard remarks from the Governor, Secretary of Agriculture Adrian Polansky, Senator Mark Taddiken, chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and Rep. Larry Powell, who leads the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. Each commented on the safety of eating and handling pork
Polansky said the H1N1 had characteristics of a series of flu strains. It was misleading to tag it with the “swine” name, he said. And, he said, people should realize they can’t get sick from consuming pork products.
“It’s absolutely not a food-borne illness,” Polansky said.
Tim Stroda, chief executive officer of the Kansas Pork Association, said the market price for hogs has taken a hit as the flu moved from Mexico to the United States and elsewhere.
That same negative press led to a temporary drop in supermarket sales of pork products and triggered an international pork scare that led to bans on importation of U.S. pork and the slaughter of swine herds overseas.
“It’s a serious situation,” Stroda said. “Our industry is working hard to reassure consumers that pork is safe to eat and handle.”
Kansas pork producers were on hand to help prepare and serve the pork. Materials provided to the attendees included recipes, Kansas swine industry facts and information about the H1N1 flu.
Governor Mark Parkinson addresses the attendees to the "Pork is Safe" Day at the Capitol.
Senator Mark Taddiken, Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, helps reassure consumers that "Pork is Safe."
Kansas Pork Association members that worked to serve sandwiches included Josh Borhn, Sedgwick; Alan Haverkamp, Bern; Roy Henry, Longford; Jerry Morris, Sedgwick; Michael Springer, Sycamore; Pete Sherlock, Washington; Christy Springer, Sycamore; and Tim Stroda Kansas Pork Association CEO.
Jerry Morris and Pete Sherlock work to prepare sandwiches for attendess of the event.
To see more photos, click on Photos
Celebrity Chef Guy Fieri Promoting The Other White Meat Tour
Date: May 20, 2009
Length: 9:00
Speaker: Guy Fieri
H1N1: Behind the Scenes Look at the National Pork Board’s Efforts
Date: May 12, 2009
Length: 10:40
Speaker: Chris Novak, Chief Executive Officer for the National Pork Board
FOR THE WEEK ENDING May 29, 2009
USDA TO HOLD SECOND ROUND OF ANIMAL ID LISTENING SESSIONS
The U.S. Department of Agriculture this week announced a second round of listening sessions on a mandatory national animal identification system. NPPC will have producers participating at sessions in Missouri and North Carolina. The organization previously had representatives give comments at sessions in Texas and Kentucky. The U.S. pork industry has been a strong supporter of a mandatory animal ID system. In 1988, it established a swine ID system, which helped eradicate pseudorabies from the commercial herd. It since has enhanced its system – and made it consistent with USDA’s National Animal Identification System – by registering swine premises and asking pork packers to require premises registration as a condition of sale. NPPC and the National Pork Board have registered more than 54,000, or 80 percent, of the estimated 67,300 hog farms. Premises registration data includes the physical location of a farm, a contact telephone number and other publicly available information. Testifying in March in support of a mandatory animal ID system, NPPC President Don Butler told the House Committee on Agriculture’s Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry that such a system would:
Following are the locations and dates for upcoming listening sessions:
Jefferson City, Mo. – June 9
Rapid City, S.D. – June 11
Albuquerque, N.M. – June 16
Riverside, Calif. – June 18
Raleigh, N.C. – June 25
Jasper, Fla. – June 27
USTR’S KIRK TO SEEK RUSSIAN COOPERATION IN LIFTING BAN ON PORK
U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Ron Kirk this week said he will ask Russia to lift its ban on U.S. pork products at a meeting next week in St. Petersburg, Russia, with Russian Economy Minister Elvira Nabiullina. Russia banned the importation of U.S. pork products in response to the H1N1 flu outbreak. Lifting restrictions on U.S. pork exports has been a top priority of the Obama administration since countries imposed them in the wake of inaccurate reports that the flu outbreak was from swine. The administration – and NPPC – consistently has said pork is safe to eat and the H1N1 flu cannot be transmitted through the handling or consumption of pork. “Bans on U.S. meat by more than a dozen countries following the outbreak of the new flu virus are unfair and have jeopardized as much as $900 million in annual U.S. exports,” Kirk said recently. “Russia is restricting U.S. meat trade with measures not based on international standards.” Russia is one of the largest importers of U.S. pork, with $476 million in U.S. pork exports going there in 2008. That made Russia the No. 5 market for U.S. pork last year.
WHAT’S AHEAD
FOOD-SAFETY LEGISLATIVE HEARING, MARK UP SET
A food-safety bill sponsored by Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, next week will have a legislative hearing – at which lawmakers discuss the bill’s provisions; the bill could be debated and amended, or marked up, as early as the following week. NPPC has concerns with many of the bill’s provisions, including one that would expand the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s authority to conduct on-farm inspections. NPPC also is concerned about efforts to attach to the legislation an amendment that would ban the use in livestock of certain antibiotics.
Media Roundtable, Consumer Outreach Highlight USMEF Efforts to Bolster Pork Demand in Mexico
As Mexico’s commercial and consumer activity rebound in the wake of the A-H1N1 Influenza outbreak, USMEF is working to address any lingering consumer concerns about the safety of pork and making concerted efforts to re-energize consumer interest in U.S. pork.
On May 18, USMEF organized a media roundtable entitled, “H1N1 Influenza: In the Opinion of Specialists.” The event drew considerable interest, with 22 key representatives of Mexico’s television networks (including CNN in Spanish), major newspapers and wire services attending.
USMEF Regional Director Chad Russell welcomed the audience and introduced a panel of medical and public health specialists and food scientists, including: Dr. Eduardo Guzman (internist), Dr. Georgina Gomez (USMEF dietician), Dr. Maria Rubio (president of AMEXITEC, the Mexican Meat Science Association), Dr. Juan Gabriel Gay (epidemiologist), and Dr. Nelson Huerta (USMEF technical director). Each gave a brief presentation on A-H1N1 Influenza, focusing on their area of expertise. The presentations were followed by a very active question-and-answer session.
“The objective of this event was to convey the true medical facts about A-H1N1 Influenza and really drive home the point that it has no relationship to pork consumption,” Russell said. “We’re very pleased with the coverage and with the interest and questions we received from the media.”
The roundtable event was just the latest step in USMEF’s media and consumer outreach efforts aimed at reversing the considerable interruption in pork demand caused by misinformation about A-H1N1 Influenza, as well as the widespread economic disruption Mexico endured as a result of the influenza outbreak. In addition to placing pork safety announcements in print media outlets, USMEF is distributing 1 million pork safety information flyers directly to leading supermarkets, restaurant chains and distributors. The first 500,000 of these flyers are already in circulation, while the next 500,000 are being printed. USMEF is also airing informational advertisements on three popular Mexican radio networks.
Direct consumer contact is also critical to USMEF’s efforts, and this facet of the campaign is being carried out in three well-established USMEF programs: the Don Pepes program is a popular consumer outreach effort in which trained chefs discuss the attributes of U.S. meat; Dieticians at Supermarkets activity focuses on the nutritional value of including meat in a daily diet; and the Meat Consultants strategy promotes new U.S. meat cuts. All of these USMEF initiatives address consumer questions about product quality, selection and preparation. With this well-respected outreach network already in place in Mexico, it is proving to be an ideal vehicle for addressing consumer concerns or misperceptions about pork safety.
“USMEF’s media relations efforts have had a wide reach and have been very important in spreading our safety message across the country at this critical time,” Russell said. “But the Don Pepes, the Dieticians at Supermarkets and the Meat Consultants programs are such perfect complements to the media campaign, because they offer the opportunity for trustworthy, face-to-face interaction with the consumer.”
The interruption in demand caused by the A-H1N1 Influenza outbreak comes at a time when U.S. pork exports were reaching new heights in Mexico. Through the first quarter of 2009, pork exports to Mexico increased by 74 percent in volume and 66 percent in value over the same period last year. Mexico has been the largest volume destination and the second-largest (to Japan) value market for U.S. pork this year. It is clear, however, that a dedicated marketing and safety information effort is essential for bringing the market back to this level of performance as quickly as possible.
“We couldn’t be more pleased with the remarkable results U.S. pork achieved in the first quarter of this year, but we absolutely cannot rest on our laurels,” Russell said. “U.S. pork has an excellent following In Mexico, and we know it can bounce back quickly. But right now we need to jump-start pork demand and effectively counter any remaining concerns or misgivings consumers may have about returning to pork as their protein of choice.”
KPA now on Facebook
The Kansas Pork Association would like to announce its Facebook page. Facebook was founded in February 2004 and is a social utility that helps people communicate more efficiently with their friends, family and coworkers.
Facebook's demographics include:
To get your Facebook page started, go to http://www.facebook.com/ and create an account. After creating an account, in the top right hand corner of the page, look for box that says“search.” Type in Kansas Pork Association (make sure you use capital letters) and click “search.” The Kansas Pork Association page should appear as one of your options. Click “Become a Fan” on the right side of the page. After that, you will be able to look at the page. Don’t forget to look through the tabs at the top of the page. Tabs available will include Info, Photos, Discussion, Boxes and Video. We have many pictures uploaded and a few good articles. We also will be adding videos. This page will be updated regularly so check back frequently.
If you have questions, please contact Jodi Termine at the KPA office at 785-776-0442 or kpa@kspork.org.
The KPA Producer-to-Producer Classified Section is provided free of charge to producers who are looking for a way to advertise to other producers.
To add your listing, please contact Tim Stroda at the KPA office at 785-776-0442 or e-mail to kpa@kspork.org
FARROW-TO-WEAN FARM FOR SALE IN CENTRAL MISSOURI
Turnkey 1000+ Sow operation with 87 acres, 2 ponds, 2 houses, machine shed, other outbuildings, irrigation system, great location at Lakeof the Ozarks in Montreal, Missouri. Owner retiring.
Very remote area -- we are the only Farrowing Operation in our county.
For more information or pictures, email vmorrow@hughes.net or phone 573-745-1827.
For Sale:
1 share or 1/2 share of 1,200 Head Sow Herd
Danbred - Terminal Duroc 661
Myco Positive PRRS Negative
Contact:
Doug Schwartz - 785-556-7505
Sharon Schwartz - 785-325-2568
The KPA provides comments from analysts on a periodic basis. Their opinions and comments represent the opinions of the commentators--they do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Kansas Pork Association.
Hog Outlook
Glenn Grimes & Ron Plain
University of Missouri
May 29, 2009
Retail pork prices in April were down one percent from March but up two percent from April of 2008. For January-April pork, prices at retail were up 3.9 percent from a year earlier. The processor-retailer margin for January-April was up 7.1 percent from last year. However, the packers' margin was down 7.6 percent. The producers benefitted some from the higher retail prices with live hog prices up 3.2 percent from January-April of 2008. However, this modest price increase for hogs was not nearly enough to cover the average cost of producing hogs.
As indicated by the retail price, the demand for pork at the consumer level for home consumption was up 1.3 percent in January-April compared to 12 months earlier. However, the demand for live hogs was down 3.1 percent for January-April compared to a year earlier.
Live barrow and gilt weights in Iowa-Minnesota at 268.1 pounds last week were down 1.1 pounds from a week earlier but up 5.4 pounds from a year earlier. Barrow and gilt carcass weights under Federal Inspection for the week ending May 16 at 201 pounds were up 4.0 pounds from a year earlier. Barrow and gilt carcass weights have been 3-4 pounds per head above last year since mid April. There is no question that marketings are not as current as a year ago by approximately two days.
Feeder pig prices last week were $2-5 per head lower than a week earlier. The 10 pound basis pigs weighted average was $39.46 per head.
The weighted average price per head with a formulated price for 10-pound-basis pigs was $35.08, per head and the cash or spot market for 10-pound pigs was $18.57 per head. The weighted average formulated price for 40-pound pigs was $56.41 per head while the cash price for 40-pound pigs was $38.71 per head.
Pork product cutout Thursday afternoon at $59.66 per cwt was down $0.22 per cwt from a week earlier. Loins at $79.80 were up $2.16 per cwt, Boston butts at $61.37 per cwt were down $5.15 per cwt, hams at $40.39 per cwt were down $4.21 per cwt and bellies at $77.29 per cwt were up $6.02 per cwt from seven days earlier.
Top live hog prices Friday morning were $1.50 lower to $1.00 per cwt higher compared to a week earlier. Weighted average negotiated carcass prices Friday morning were $1.26 - $3.67 per cwt higher compared to seven days earlier.
The top live prices for select markets were: Peoria $34.00 per cwt, Zumbrota, Minnesota, $39.00 per cwt and interior Missouri $39.50 per cwt. The weighted average negotiated carcass prices Friday morning by area were: western Cornbelt $58.44 per cwt, eastern Cornbelt $56.15 per cwt, Iowa-Minnesota $58.45 per cwt and nation $57.73 per cwt.
Slaughter this week under Federal Inspection was estimated at 1804 thousand head, down 1.2 percent from a year earlier.
Pork product prices cannot get any traction to move higher. Even though demand for pork at the consumer level was up over one percent for January-April, here in May it appears to be weaker than a year earlier. How much summer rally we will eventually get is uncertain at the present time, and we cannot rule out that the flu episode will ruin any seasonal increase.
Kansas GOLD Inc. working to update producer's information
Garry Keeler, program coordinator for Kansas GOLD Inc., is now working to update the yearly information needed to recertify facilities. Kansas GOLD Inc. will be contacting producers as their certification becomes due. The program has also recently started working with several producers to begin the process of applying for new permits.
The GOLD program is designed to ensure that when a regulator visits your farm, the information they request can be found easily and is packaged in a pre-approved format. The process begins with a visit to your farm by the Kansas GOLD coordinator, who will begin by examining your KDHE permit for each facility number. This permit tells the coordinator what information needs to be collected and kept on file.
Kansas GOLD Inc. provides a cost-effective manner to ensure your operation is in compliance. For information, please click on GOLD or contact the KPA office at (785) 776-0442 or e-mail to kpa@kspork.org
Kansas Pork Association Hosts “Pork is Safe” Day at the Capitol
“We have a bipartisan group of pork eaters,” stated Gov. Mark Parkinson lightheartedly as 500 legislators, staff and various media outlets enjoyed a freshly grilled slice of pork loin on a warm bun outside the Capitol on Wednesday, May 6.
The Kansas Pork Association sponsored the “Pork is Safe” event in response to the recent negative press due to the H1N1 virus.
Attendees heard remarks from the Governor, Secretary of Agriculture Adrian Polansky, Senator Mark Taddiken, chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and Rep. Larry Powell, who leads the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. Each commented on the safety of eating and handling pork
Polansky said the H1N1 had characteristics of a series of flu strains. It was misleading to tag it with the “swine” name, he said. And, he said, people should realize they can’t get sick from consuming pork products.
“It’s absolutely not a food-borne illness,” Polansky said.
Tim Stroda, chief executive officer of the Kansas Pork Association, said the market price for hogs has taken a hit as the flu moved from Mexico to the United States and elsewhere.
That same negative press led to a temporary drop in supermarket sales of pork products and triggered an international pork scare that led to bans on importation of U.S. pork and the slaughter of swine herds overseas.
“It’s a serious situation,” Stroda said. “Our industry is working hard to reassure consumers that pork is safe to eat and handle.”
Kansas pork producers were on hand to help prepare and serve the pork. Materials provided to the attendees included recipes, Kansas swine industry facts and information about the H1N1 flu.
Governor Mark Parkinson addresses the attendees to the "Pork is Safe" Day at the Capitol.
Senator Mark Taddiken, Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, helps reassure consumers that "Pork is Safe."
Kansas Pork Association members that worked to serve sandwiches included Josh Borhn, Sedgwick; Alan Haverkamp, Bern; Roy Henry, Longford; Jerry Morris, Sedgwick; Michael Springer, Sycamore; Pete Sherlock, Washington; Christy Springer, Sycamore; and Tim Stroda Kansas Pork Association CEO.
Jerry Morris and Pete Sherlock work to prepare sandwiches for attendess of the event.
To see more photos, click on Photos
Letter from Steve Weaver, President of the National Pork Board
Dear fellow pork producers,
From nightly network newscasts to online blogs, I'm sure you've heard and seen numerous reports about the H1N1 flu virus. The Pork Checkoff, through the National Pork Board, has been working nonstop with other industry partners to remind consumers that pork remains safe to eat. While getting the facts to our customers is very important, I want to take a few moments of your time to tell you about how the H1N1 outbreak relates to your operation.
At first, the virus was spreading only from person to person, but we now know that it can infect pigs. In Alberta, Canada, pigs in a single herd reportedly became sick with the H1N1 virus after being in contact with a worker who had flu-like symptoms after returning from Mexico. The virus caused mild illness in the herd, and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has reported that the pigs and the worker are recovering.
At this time, the H1N1 virus has not been found in any U.S. pigs. However, the Canadian incident shows that we all need to take extra precautions to help ensure that the virus does not enter our herds. I have stepped up the biosecurity measures at my Elk Grove, Calif., farm, and I urge you to do the same at your operation.
Please read through the biosecurity practices recommended by the National Pork Board by clicking on the Internet link below and join me in helping to protect the U.S. herd.
Biosecurity Recommendations for Producers
Sincerely,
Steve Weaver
National Pork Board President
NPPC Asks USDA To Help U.S. Pork Producers
The National Pork Producers Council in a letter sent today urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help the U.S. pork industry deal with the negative effects of what initially was misnamed “swine” influenza and is now known as the H1N1 flu or Influenza A.
Pork producers, who prior to the announcement of the current flu “outbreak” already were losing money, have seen losses accelerate to an average of $17.69 on each hog marketed as of May 1. Total losses reached $7.2 million a day between April 24 and May 1.
“Given those loses and based on May 1 futures prices,” said NPPC President Don Butler, “a bad situation for pork producers has been exacerbated and could get worse unless the industry gets some relief.”
To help stem the losses U.S. pork producers are incurring, NPPC has asked USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack to:
NPPC told Sec. Vilsack it would identify and bring to his attention other actions USDA could take to assist the U.S. pork industry during the current situation.
Influenza Update: Market Access Report; Talking Points on Food Safety, Emerging Issues
As more H1N1 Influenza cases are confirmed across the United States, USMEF is working with U.S. and overseas trade officials to clarify the latest details on trade suspensions and market access. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reporting 896 confirmed cases in 41 U.S. states. For a complete list of these states and further details, visit the CDC Web site.
Despite repeated pressure from local pork producer groups, government officials in Mexico have imposed no new restrictions on U.S. pork.
“Mexico’s market remains open, though we continue to watch this situation very carefully and maintain regular communication with Mexico’s officials on this issue,” said Chad Russell, USMEF regional director for Mexico and the Dominican Republic. “Producer groups have tried to convince the Agriculture Ministry and their legislators to close the market for 15 days due to the large inventory of domestic pork that has accumulated in Mexico. Fortunately, these requests have thus far been rejected. Mexico’s government is focused on reopening its foreign markets and any move to prohibit pork imports would jeopardize this important objective. In addition, unlike some governments, Mexico’s has admirably adhered to its international trade obligations during this crisis.”
Progress was made with regard to Russia’s trade suspensions earlier in the week, as trade restrictions were removed from 13 states. That positive momentum may be short-lived, however, as multiple news reports suggest that Illinois has now been added to Russia’s list of states from which all fresh meat products are ineligible. This change is not yet official, but is widely anticipated within the industry.
In other market access news, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has clarified its suspension to include only uncooked pork. Jordan’s suspension – though still unofficial – includes only uncooked pork products and does not restrict meat from other species. Azerbaijan and Bahrain have moved from USMEF’s “watch list” to the official suspension list as a result of the latest changes to the FSIS Export Library.
The complete USMEF Market Access Update for May 7 can be found online.
While concern about the severity of the H1N1 Influenza outbreak may be subsiding to some degree, misperceptions about food safety are still found in many circles.
Updated information on market access will be posted as it becomes available at www.usmef.org.
KPA now on Facebook
The Kansas Pork Association would like to announce its Facebook page. Facebook was founded in February 2004 and is a social utility that helps people communicate more efficiently with their friends, family and coworkers.
Facebook's demographics include:
To get your Facebook page started, go to http://www.facebook.com/ and create an account. After creating an account, in the top right hand corner of the page, look for box that says“search.” Type in Kansas Pork Association (make sure you use capital letters) and click “search.” The Kansas Pork Association page should appear as one of your options. Click “Become a Fan” on the right side of the page. After that, you will be able to look at the page. Don’t forget to look through the tabs at the top of the page. Tabs available will include Info, Photos, Discussion, Boxes and Video. We have many pictures uploaded and a few good articles. We also will be adding videos. This page will be updated regularly so check back frequently.
If you have questions, please contact Jodi Termine at the KPA office at 785-776-0442 or kpa@kspork.org.
The KPA Producer-to-Producer Classified Section is provided free of charge to producers who are looking for a way to advertise to other producers.
To add your listing, please contact Tim Stroda at the KPA office at 785-776-0442 or e-mail to kpa@kspork.org.
For Sale:
370 PIC 1050 Maternal Line Barrows weighing 65 pounds
Available around April 30th
Myco and circovirus vaccinated, PRRS negative
Contact: Mark Nelson - 785-617-7043
Employment
Looking for a stable work environment? Southeastern Kansas family owned swine operation seeks a team player to work with Nursery and Finishing pigs. Benefits include on farm housing, competitive salary, health insurance, accident insurance, retirement, and paid vacation. Position available March 1, 2009. Send resume or request application by calling 8 AM to 5 PM 620-331-0185, evenings 620-331-3909, fax 620-331-4306, email sff@comgen.com
For Sale:
1 share or 1/2 share of 1,200 Head Sow Herd
Danbred - Terminal Duroc 661
Myco Positive PRRS Negative
Contact:
Doug Schwartz - 785-556-7505
Sharon Schwartz - 785-325-2568
Kansas GOLD Inc. working to update producer's information
Garry Keeler, program coordinator for Kansas GOLD Inc., is now working to update the yearly information needed to recertify facilities. Kansas GOLD Inc. will be contacting producers as their certification becomes due. The program has also recently started working with several producers to begin the process of applying for new permits.
The GOLD program is designed to ensure that when a regulator visits your farm, the information they request can be found easily and is packaged in a pre-approved format. The process begins with a visit to your farm by the Kansas GOLD coordinator, who will begin by examining your KDHE permit for each facility number. This permit tells the coordinator what information needs to be collected and kept on file.
Kansas GOLD Inc. provides a cost-effective manner to ensure your operation is in compliance. For information, please click on GOLD or contact the KPA office at (785) 776-0442 or e-mail to kpa@kspork.org
Pork Safe To Eat, Handle, Says Kansas Pork Association
“Pork is safe to eat and handle,” says Tim Stroda, CEO of the Kansas Pork Association. Amid public concern about the H1N1 flu strain, the Kansas Pork Association wishes to reassure the public that pork is safe to consume.
On Wednesday, May 6th on the south side of the Capitol, Kansas pork producers, along with the National Pork Board, will be providing pork loin sandwiches to legislators, staff and agency personnel.
At 11:45 a.m., a media event will highlight the message of “Pork is Safe.” Invited speakers include Governor Mark Parkinson; Secretary of Agriculture Adrian Polansky; Senator Mark Taddiken, Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee; and Representative Larry Powell, Chair of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.
Kansas Pork Association Chairman Ron Suther, a pork producer from Blaine, believes the event will help consumers recognize the pork industry’s commitment to feeding the world with a safe and nutritious product. “We want to reiterate that U.S. pork is safe and you cannot get this flu by eating pork or pork products,” Suther said.
The following information reaffirms the safety of pork:
STATEMENT FROM SECRETARY VILSACK ON CANADA DETECTION OF H1N1 IN ALBERTA SWINE
May 2
"I received word this afternoon that Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) officials have tentatively confirmed that swine from a herd in Alberta, Canada, have tested positive for the H1N1 strain currently causing illness in humans. A Canadian carpenter who had been in Mexico, upon return, was exhibiting flu-like symptoms, did work on the Alberta farm, and subsequently the family and swine on the farm became ill.
First and foremost, this detection does not change the situation here in the United States:
- There have been no reports that the novel H1N1 strain currently causing illness in humans is in U.S. swine.
- This is not a foodborne illness. The American food supply is safe and pork and pork products are safe. As is the case with all meat and poultry, safe handling and cooking practices should be used to kill any germs or bacteria that could make you sick.
- As a precaution, people with flu-like symptoms should not interact with swine, and swine showing influenza symptoms should be kept away from the public and brought to the attention of the State Animal Health Authorities or USDA. Proper biosecurity measures – as in any influenza situation – will protect against the spread of virus.
Additional details about the Alberta situation are that no sick swine have left the farm, and the animals and premises have been quarantined. The swine and humans are recovering and appear healthy. We are working closely with our CFIA counterparts to be kept abreast of the situation, and will await the final confirmatory test results, which could take anywhere from 5 days to 2 weeks. Canada has handled this situation appropriately and taken the necessary steps and precautions.
Here in the United States, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is actively working to develop an H1N1 vaccine for swine, just as the CDC is doing for humans. It is standard operating procedure at the USDA to send any unusual virus, such as the H1N1 virus, detected through our surveillance network to our labs in Ames, Iowa. Our scientists routinely diagnose animal diseases and develop vaccines to protect livestock and poultry in the United States.
Today's discovery will not impact our borders or trading with Canada. As prescribed by the World Organization for Animal Health guidelines, any trade restrictions must be based on science so at this time, we are awaiting confirmatory test results before considering any action."
‘Pork Is Safe To Eat, Handle,’ Says Pork Industry
“Pork is safe to eat and handle,” the U.S. pork industry continues to reassure people in the wake of a report from Canada that pigs in an Alberta pork operation contracted an H1N1 virus. A worker who recently visited Mexico – and became ill with the flu – is suspected of transmitting the virus to a pig.
“People cannot get the flu from eating and handling pork,” said Dr. Jennifer Greiner, director of science and technology for the National Pork Producers Council. “The flu is a respiratory illness, it’s not a food-borne illness.”
According to the World Health Organization, the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Health and Human Services and Homeland Security the H1N1 flu strain that has been contracted by 763 people worldwide cannot be transmitted by eating pork; it is not a food safety issue.
Today, the World Trade Organization, the OIE and the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization issued a joint statement saying pork is safe.
“Influenza is not uncommon in pigs,” Greiner said, “but they recover, and it does not affect the safety or quality of pork.
“It is well known that influenzas are transmissible, and it is not a surprise that a flu virus has passed from people to pigs. The bottom line is pork is safe to eat and handle.”
No Swine Operations Quarantined in Kansas due to H1N1 Flu Virus
April 29
The State Emergency Operations Center in Topeka received information on Wednesday indicating there are rumors regarding swine operations under quarantine in Kansas due to the H1N1 flu virus.
George Teagarden, Livestock Commissioner, Kansas Animal Health Department, says there are no quarantines in the state of swine facilities and the H1N1 virus has not been found in any swine in Kansas or the United States.
Two cases of human H1N1 flu have been reported in Kansas residents, Kansas health and emergency management officials are taking proactive steps to lessen the potential impact of the virus to Kansans.
The Kansas Division of Emergency Management partially activated its State Emergency Operations Center Monday, April 27. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has established a toll-free hotline at 1-877-427-7317 with operators available to answer the public’s questions from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Additional information regarding the H1N1 flu may be found at www.kdheks.gov and www.cdc.gov . For the latest overall emergency response information regarding flooding or swine flu, also see www.kansas.gov/ksadjutantgeneral.
To learn what Kansas swine producers are doing to keep their animals healthy, visit http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=145 .
NPPC Calls For Accurate Reporting On Influenza
DES MOINES, Iowa, May 1, 2009 – Noting that the U.S. pork industry is nearing the brink of financial disaster, the National Pork Producers Council today called for accurate reporting on the recent influenza outbreak.
NPPC urged U.S. pork producers and others involved in the pork industry to address influenza outbreak misinformation, which already has exacerbated an economic crisis in the pork industry.
Much of the media has referred to the current influenza as “swine” flu despite the fact that the flu virus is not of pig origin, is not in the U.S. pig herd and never has been found in pigs anywhere in the world. Additionally, the World Health Organization, World Organization for Animal Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Health and Human Services and Homeland Security have said this is not “swine” flu. They are calling it Influenza A or H1N1 flu.
“We strongly urge the media to accurately report about the H1N1 flu virus and the safety of pork consumption,” said NPPC CEO Neil Dierks. “Inaccurate media reports are negatively affecting U.S. pork producers and the reputation of U.S. pork as a quality and safe product. That’s hurting producers economically and threatening U.S. pork export markets.
“Everyone should be focusing resources on finding a solution to this public health threat, not making unscientific claims,” said Dierks.
“Speculative theories about the H1N1 virus spreading from pigs to humans are irresponsible and only contribute to unnecessary worry among U.S. citizens,” added Dr. Jen Greiner, NPPC director of Science and Technology. “According to the CDC, this virus is very different from that found in pigs, and influenza viruses are not transmitted by food; you cannot get influenza from eating pork or pork products.”
In a letter sent today to the major broadcast media outlets and wire services, NPPC requested that the H1N1 influenza not be called “swine” flu. At least one outlet agreed not to use the term.
“We’re pleased with the editorial decision of the Gannett Company [a leading U.S. newspaper publisher and broadcaster] to no longer use the term ‘swine flu’ in any of its published or broadcast references to the H1N1 virus,” said Dallas Hockman, NPPC vice president of Industry Relations. “We thank Gannett for this decision and hope other U.S. and global media outlets see fit to do the same.”
The incorrect reporting of the H1N1 flu, or Influenza A, as “swine” flu has compounded the economic squeeze the U.S. pork industry has experienced the past 19 months, when producers lost an average of $20 per hog. Since the flu outbreak became a major news story, producers have lost another $6 per pig, with average hog prices falling from $124 a
head on April 24 to $118 on April 28. That decline cost the industry nearly $2.5 million a day.
NPPC is urging all segments of the U.S. pork industry to help disseminate the facts about pork being safe to eat and to counter misinformation being reported by the media or peddled by activist groups.
“While education and prevention hopefully can minimize the dreadful impacts of the global flu outbreak,” said Hockman, “only by working together can the pork industry and consumer and health groups work to minimize the H1N1 virus’s impact on the pork industry. It’s critical for the pork industry that all concerned organizations be dedicated and diligent about communicating the true facts about pork and the H1N1 flu.”
NPPC Expects Export Restrictions Temporary
The National Pork Producers Council today said it expects the restrictions placed on U.S. pork exports by certain nations due to concerns about the H1N1 virus to be temporary.
“The restrictions should be short lived because U.S. and international authorities have made it clear that the H1N1 virus is transmitted through human contact and that pork is 100 percent safe to consume,” said NPPC Vice President and International Trade Counsel Nick Giordano. “NPPC has been in constant contact with U.S. trade officials, and U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Ron Kirk have been busy working the phones with our trading partners. It is imperative that our trade officials stop the export bleeding now.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) today named the virus “Influenza A,” and the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) said the H1N1 influenza should never have been named “swine” flu and there is no justification for the imposition of trade measures on the importation of pigs or their products.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security all confirm there are no food safety issues with the virus and that it is not in the U.S. hog herd. Despite those facts, Ukraine, St. Lucia, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, Thailand, Honduras and Croatia have banned U.S. pork imports. Russia and China, which are significant markets for U.S. pork exports, and Kazakhstan have banned U.S. pork from certain states.
“The U.S. pork industry maintains the capacity to serve the Chinese and Russian markets from non-restricted states,” Giordano said. “The other nations account for only a very small percentage of U.S. pork exports.”
While the current export restrictions are manageable, Giordano pointed out, it will be difficult to withstand the loss of further markets. The U.S. pork industry already has lost money for 19 straight months as a result of high input costs, with producers losing an average of $20 per hog marketed.
Pork exports in 2008 accounted for more than 20 percent of total U.S. pork production, contributed approximately $48 per hog harvested and supported more than 65,000 U.S. jobs. The creation of new export opportunities and the maintenance of existing export markets are critical to the sustainability of the U.S. pork industry.
For more information about influenza and pork, visit www.factsaboutpork.org.
World Pork Expo will go on as planned
The National Pork Producers Council's World Pork Expo will go on as scheduled June 3-5, 2009, at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines.
National Pork Board to Reinforce 'Pork is Safe' Message
May 3
To assure consumers that pork is safe, and will continue to be safe to eat, the National Pork Board on Thursday approved funding for a national media advertising program. The advertising, which should begin appearing next week, will be targeted to major daily newspapers and to a variety of Internet-based media.
"We have been conducting nightly consumer research this week to measure consumer reaction to the deluge of information about 'swine flu,'" said Chris Novak, chief executive officer of the National Pork Board. "Even though the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and others have said this influenza strain should be called H1N1 and not swine flu, we needed to know if consumer behavior is being impacted."
More than 8 of every 10 consumers continue to believe pork is safe to eat, according to the daily consumer tracking research. And among consumers who have purchased pork products recently, more than 9 in 10 believe it is safe.
"But we know from the research that there is additional work that needs to be done to continue to provide assurances for consumers," Novak said. "In addition to emphasizing the pork safety message, this advertising effort also gives us the opportunity to remind consumers about the nutritional benefits from eating pork."
Novak said that based on the board's approval, plans for the advertising message and for the selection of media are being finalized. Preliminary plans call for using both newspapers with national reach and some regional newspapers, plus online search engines and sites that reach those consumers who make food purchasing decisions.
Additionally, the board approved additional funding for other efforts to get the "pork is safe" message to consumers. Those efforts include making experts about food safety and nutrition available to television stations and to other media.
"The early and extensive reporting of this terrible disease as swine flu, even though international health organizations were saying there has been no proven connection between this virus and pigs, did some damage," Novak said. "It has been devastating for our producers who have seen hog prices fall each day this week.
"But the positive consumer attitudes about the safety of pork we are seeing in our tracking research are good news. We are optimistic that consumers will continue to make pork part of their families' daily meals."
Steve Weaver, a California pork producer and president of the National Pork Board, noted that record-high prices for corn and soybeans over the last year already have put many pork producers in a perilous financial position. "The events of the last week have added to that stress," Weaver said. "The National Pork Board understands these challenges and remains committed to doing whatever it can to help producers in these difficult economic times."
Market Access Just Part of Struggle to Maintain Pork Trade
The past week has been extremely challenging for the U.S. pork industry as it works with U.S. and global health organizations to calm unfounded fears connecting pork consumption to the influenza outbreak. While the H1N1 influenza virus was unfortunately dubbed “swine flu” at the outset of this news cycle, these basic facts are clear:
Despite repeated assurances from public health agencies and food safety experts, the influenza scare has caused some consumers to shy away from pork. Even more unfortunate has been the overreaction by some foreign governments that have imposed bans on pork and pork products from the United States, or from the states with confirmed influenza cases.
“USMEF is working in each of our markets to prevent expansion of these obstacles to trade, and to limit the scope and length of any trade suspensions,” said Philip Seng, president and CEO of the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).
These efforts include frequent contact with trade and food safety officials in overseas markets in order to provide sound, scientific facts that they are able to use to reassure the public about the safety of U.S. pork. In some cases, the results have been highly successful as several major trading partners have resisted pressure to impose bans or restrictions on pork imports. Japan, South Korea and Taiwan are just a few examples of markets in which U.S. pork continues to be readily available to consumers, and where health officials have emphasized the safety of pork.
“The majority of our trading partners have stepped up to the plate and followed sound science on this issue,” said Seng. “The bans imposed by Russia, China and some other markets are quite frustrating, however, because they have no scientific basis and are simply adding to the confusion and unfounded fears about pork.”
In markets that remain open, educating consumers and maintaining confidence in the safety of pork is a major challenge. Following are insights from USMEF’s global staff:
* JAPAN - In the largest foreign market for U.S. pork, the government has taken very strong and positive actions to inform consumers about the safety of pork, and have even reminded retailers that pork imported from the United States was not to receive any disparaging treatment in comparison to domestic pork. The results have been very positive, as U.S. pork has not been pulled from any stores or restaurants, and initial reports suggest only slight declines in demand. Influenza does seem to be dampening travel and tourism activity somewhat during the Golden Week holiday in Japan, and officials are taking additional safety measures regarding people entering the country. Specifically, travelers entering the country at airports are subject to thermographic screenings and other precautions that slow arrivals, lengthen travel times and may deter travel to some degree. Any slowdown directly related to pork imports or food safety, however, appears to be minimal.
* SOUTH KOREA - A similar situation exists in Korea, where health officials cited the lack of any scientific justification for a pork import ban, despite pressure from consumer groups and local pork producers. An increase in screenings for pork imports could slow trade, however, and cause some importers to pull back on shipments of chilled pork. Reports on demand in Korea suggest a pullback in pork purchases regardless of origin, but no drastic rejection of pork by consumers.
* TAIWAN - Taiwan has issued warnings to its citizens about travel to the United States or Mexico, but have also emphasized that pork consumption poses no risk related to influenza. Where necessary, USMEF is working with importers and retailers to provide safety information and reassure consumers about the safety of pork. While a few companies may be delaying or reducing imports of U.S. pork, this does not appear to be a significant trend.
* MEXICO - Mexico is the No. 2 market for U.S. pork this year and is consistently the largest combined export market for U.S. pork and beef. Despite some unfounded rumors of trade restrictions or border closings, Mexico remains fully open to all U.S. products, including red meat exports. The biggest challenges in Mexico, however, are the drastic shutdown in economic activity and a noticeable decline in pork demand. Consumption of many food products is obviously affected by the closure of Mexico City restaurants and the cancellation of public events and other activities. Pork demand has been particularly hard-hit, however, as misinformation about the source and spread of the influenza virus has been difficult to combat.
“Right now it is hard to separate the impact on pork from the widespread slowdown in general buying activity,” said Chad Russell, USMEF regional director for Mexico and the Dominican Republic. “But we have definitely seen some shift away from pork as the protein of choice, as many consumers appear to be choosing poultry, beef and other food items instead.”
Russell said USMEF has been very successful in communicating with the government of Mexico and preventing any trade restrictions from being imposed. USMEF is also gathering market intelligence and working on plans to rebuild pork demand in this critical export market. The execution of this effort, however, must be carefully planned. With the government ordering a shutdown of all non-essential business activity until May 6, any rebound in economic activity is not on the immediate horizon. In the meantime, employment in the foodservice sector and other areas of the economy is suffering greatly. The impact is especially severe, given that Mexico’s economy was already slumping. The government of Mexico had already reported a 10.8 percent contraction in February’s economic activity when compared to February 2008. With the additional impact from influenza, that trend is certain to worsen.
“The entire economy in Mexico is suffering mightily right now, and we know its recovery will take some time,” he said. “But we also know this is an outstanding market for U.S. pork and beef, and we are taking steps to ensure that we are well-positioned to have continued success here in the future.”
* WESTERN HEMISPHERE - Elsewhere in the Western Hemisphere, most markets remain open to U.S. pork. Canada, which is consistently a top five market for U.S. pork, has imposed no influenza-related trade restrictions on pork imports or live swine from the United States. While Honduras and St. Lucia have imposed suspensions on U.S. pork and swine imports, most other countries have followed scientific recommendations. Bolivia, Costa Rica and Guatemala have in fact reversed earlier announcements of import bans, and now remain open to U.S. pork. Though initial reports from Central and South America suggest some decline in pork consumption, USMEF is countering this trend by providing up-to-date information to government and industry officials in order to bolster consumer confidence in pork. In the Caribbean, USMEF is moving aggressively to provide retailers with safety information that allows them to communicate effectively with consumers and avoid any slippage in pork demand.
* RUSSIA/CHINA - In terms of market closures, the most problematic suspensions have been those imposed by Russia and China. Russia has taken the unusual measures of banning pork from southern-tier states regardless of whether they have a confirmed influenza case, and banning export of all uncooked meat product s from certain states with confirmed cases. These moves have greatly disrupted all meat trade with Russia, creating tremendous confusion among exporters about product eligibility.
China’s ban on pork exports is limited to states with confirmed influenza cases, but China has also banned transshipments through any of these states. This creates a particular problem with regard to California, as exporters work to re-route shipments through ports in the Pacific Northwest or direct products to other Asian markets.
“The actions taken by China have been very disruptive,” said Joel Haggard, USMEF senior vice president for the Asia-Pacific region. “We are working to address the transshipment issue as well as the lack of justification for the entire suspension. But with China’s government heading into a holiday period, I’m afraid we are at least several days away from any kind of resolution.”
While Russia and China are considered the most serious suspensions in terms of market size, a full list of official or potential closures can be viewed online.
According to Seng, USMEF will continue to work aggressively to restore market access and maintain the exceptional global demand for U.S. pork, which has been many years in the making.
“Having experienced professionals on the ground in key markets has been very beneficial during this difficult time,” he said. “This has allowed USMEF to keep critical lines of communication open and mitigate the negative impact as much as possible. Whether we are communicating with consumers, importers, or trade officials, these well-established relationships have proven to be very valuable.
“The U.S. pork industry has been one of the great trade success stories of our entire national economy – exporting about 25 percent of its total production last year,” Seng added. “It was the 17th consecutive year of record pork exports, and one of every three pounds of pork traded on the world market last year was produced in the United States. While we face a very serious challenge right now in terms of both market access and consumer demand, pork producers across the nation can rest assured that USMEF will do everything we can to maintain their industry’s momentum in the global marketplace.”
Updated information on market access will be posted as it becomes available at www.usmef.org.
H1N1 flu heightens emphasis on biosecurity
At this time, no U.S. pigs have been found to be infected or sick with the virus. It is unknown if this new strain causes any type of illness in swine. However, because it is novel, the National Pork Board is urging producers to take extra precaution to protect our industry’s workers and our animals.
To prevent the introduction of the new strain of influenza virus H1N1 into your operation, follow good biosecurity practices. Because people have been reported sick with this virus, make sure your biosecurity practices place special emphasis on protecting your animals and your operation’s workers by monitoring all persons having access to your operation.
Consider the following practices:
1. Establish, implement and enforce strict sick leave policies for workers presenting with influenza-like symptoms such as fever, cough, body aches, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea.
2. Implement biosecurity for workers reporting international travel.
3. Limit visitors to swine facilities
4. Follow other generally accepted biosecurity practices, including:
If you observe, or employees report, respiratory illness in pigs, contact a swine veterinarian immediately, especially if the onset or presentation of this illness is unusual. If deemed necessary, your veterinarian may require samples be taken from animals to send to veterinary diagnostic laboratories. If animals develop a fever or go off feed, the veterinarian may take lung tissues samples and nasal swabs to send to a veterinary diagnostic laboratory.
If you have workers collect these samples, require that they use personal protective equipment including a properly fitted, valveless N95 respirator, gloves and safety goggles.
Talk to your veterinarian if influenza-like symptoms have been reported or observed in any of the people that have, or have had, contact with your animals and report that upon submission of the samples to a diagnostic laboratory.
National Pork Board Joins USDA, Others Calling Flu H1N1
The National Pork Board is now calling the influenza outbreak the H1N1 flu, aligning with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and other government agencies that begun referring to the virus by its viral strain.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack said Tuesday that the virus should not be called “swine flu” because there is no indication that any swine from the United States has been infected.
“This really isn't swine flu.” Secretary Vilsack said. “It's H1N1 virus. That's very, very important. And it is significant, because there are a lot of hardworking families whose livelihood depends on us conveying this message of safety.
“I want to reiterate that U.S. pork is safe,” Secretary Vilsack said. “While we in the United States are continuing to monitor for new cases of H1N1 flu, the American food supply is safe.”
“What we call this flu is important,” said Chris Novak, chief executive officer of the National Pork Board. “Consumers and our international customers need to be assured that pork is safe and will continue to be safe to consume. Calling this swine flu, when to date there has been no connection between animals and humans, has the potential to cause confusion. There simply is no reason for anyone to be concerned about the safety of eating pork.”
Earlier, the World Organization for Animal Health, also known as the OIE, had recommended renaming the current influenza because it contains avian and human components and because no pig has been found to be ill. The OIE, which manages the fight against animal diseases globally, compared its preference for a geographic naming of this influenza to the Spanish influenza, a human flu pandemic with animal origin that killed more than 50 million people in 1918-1919. The current flu has not reached pandemic proportions according to the World Health Organization.
“The virus has not been isolated in animals to date. Therefore, it is not justified to name this disease swine influenza,” the Paris-based organization said in a statement.
According to Peter Cowen, associate professor of epidemiology and public health at North Carolina State University, the H1N1 virus is being called “swine flu” because of the 1918 outbreak in Spain. That virus, Cowen said, became known as the swine influenza virus because it caused significant mortality in both swine and human populations.Cowen, as did the OIE, notes that it appears that people who have come down with the current novel H1N1 virus have had no contact with swine.
The reason this virus is being called swine flu, Cowen said, “is the history and evolution of the virus. It also rests on the fact the some of the genetic analysis indicates that elements from viruses that have traditionally been found in swine populations are incorporated.
“However, since we know nothing of how this virus has gotten into the human population and there apparently is no history of swine exposure, it probably makes more sense epidemiologically to refer this simply as an H1N1 virus.”
Cowen noted that the H5N1 virus prevalent in Asia was known as avian influenza or bird flu, but that it, over time, is becoming known by its viral strain, rather than bird flu.
As for the widespread public use of the term swine flu, Cowen said it’s unfortunate because the name implies a simple, zoonotic transmission between swine and people, when in reality, its origin and epidemiology is likely to be much more complex.
Volunteers are needed for the 2009 The Other White Meat Tour
It’s time to sign up for the promotion at the Wichita River Festival. Click on the link below to watch a short video clip that helps explain exactly what we will be doing at the Other White Meat Tour as well as some quick tips to make this a successful trip!
http://www.pork.org/Producers/tour.aspx
The Kansas Pork Association and the National Pork Board will work together to reimburse volunteers for hotel and mileage when a they sign up to work for 2 shifts during the Other White Meat Tour. If you are interested in volunteering with the tour on May 8-10 at the Wichita Riverfest, contact the office at 785-776-0442.
Event Dates and Shifts are as follows:
Friday, May 8th - 5pm-9:30pm
Saturday, May 9th - Shift 1, 10am-3pm; Shift 2, 3pm-9pm
Sunday, May 10th - Shift 1, 11am -4pm; Shift 2, 4pm-9pm
Please call 785-776-0442 to tell us what shifts you can work and we’ll send you more information
If your not familiar with The Other White Meat Tour, it is a trailer that travels across the country through the traditional grilling season of May through September, stopping at high-traffic consumer events that reach a large percentage of the Checkoff’s target audience, females who are 25-49 years old with kids in the home and who want to be better cooks.
The trailer is manned by a combination of National Pork Board staff, volunteer pork producers and temporary staff. The goal of the tour is to educate consumers on proper cooking methods for pork and responsible pork production.
Join in the fun! Volunteers will be needed to assist in cooking, handing out pork loin samples and handing out recipes or promotional material on May 8-10 at the Wichita Riverfest.
The KPA provides comments from analysts on a periodic basis. Their opinions and comments represent the opinions of the commentators--they do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Kansas Pork Association.
H1N1 Influenza A Fallout Assessed
May 1, 2009
Meat Export Federation News
April 29
Audio: Influenza-Related Closures Growing, but Most Destinations Remain Open
Audio with USMEF President and CEO Philip Seng
The recent influenza outbreak has generated global attention, and an uneven response from international trading partners with regard to market access for red meat. The United States exports pork to about 80 nations across the world, and the in the vast majority of these countries the market access conditions for U.S. pork exports have not been adversely impacted. Some notable exceptions have occurred, however, and USMEF is working to compile accurate information on these market suspensions as it becomes available. According to USMEF President and CEO Philip Seng, the organization is also working closely with all sectors of the pork industry and with U.S. trade officials to provide trading partners with updated safety information and alleviate any consumer concerns about the safety of U.S. pork.
Audio Clip #1 :35 Outcue: (…quickly as possible.)
Public health officials have been very diligent in reassuring consumers about the safety of pork, and this appears to have been effective in limiting the spread any unfounded food safety concerns in the United States. Health officials in many overseas markets have taken similar action, mitigating any adverse consumer reaction toward pork or pork imports. Seng cites Japan as an excellent example, where Japan’s farm minister has reassured the public that handling and consumption of pork does not pose a risk to their health or safety, and that a ban on pork imports is not necessary.
Audio Clip #2 :46 Outcue: (…won't have any problems.)
So far, the combination of official and rumored market suspensions are limited to countries representing roughly 10 percent of U.S. pork export volume. Russia and Jordan are the only countries so far that have suspended trade for meat products other than pork. But the situation is still very serious, and USMEF will work closely with trade officials to restore market access as quickly as possible.
Updated information on market access will be posted as it becomes available at www.usmef.org.
Swine Flu Not Found in U.S. Swine Herds
Transmission in U.S. Appears to Have Been Human-to-Human
Swine Flu has not been found in swine herds in the United States, and the strain of swine flu that has sickened more than 60 people in the U.S. and killed or sickened many more in Mexico has human influenza and avian influenza genes as well as swine influenza genes, according to two Kansas State University scientists.
“There is no evidence that this swine influenza virus is currently in the U.S. swine population,” said Juergen Richt, veterinary microbiologist and University Distinguished Professor in the K-State College of Veterinary Medicine. He added that in the U.S. cases, there is no evidence that the people affected had any interaction with swine.
Richt said that the H1N1 virus “most likely originated in the swine population in Mexico.”
Because influenza is a virus found in the respiratory system in humans and pigs, there is little chance that meat from even infected swine would be contaminated – as long as humans are not eating meat from the lungs or other parts of the respiratory tract, Richt said. Even if it were present on pork meat, which would be unlikely, thorough cooking would kill the virus.
For that reason and because the disease has not been found in any U.S. swine, K-State swine veterinarian Steve Dritz said, “From a scientific standpoint, there’s no reason to limit exports of U.S. pork.”
Information from the World Health Organization posted April 28 on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Website, concurred: “There is also no risk of infection from this virus from consumption of well-cooked pork and pork products. Individuals are advised to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis and should seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms of influenza-like illness.”
Both Richt and Dritz said this human outbreak of swine flu should serve as a reminder to swine producers to be vigilant in monitoring the health of their herds.
Dritz said that it is now especially important for producers to limit visitors to their operations and to question employees – specifically in asking if they have had flu symptoms in the past two to three days. The symptoms are like any flu symptoms, he said, including fever, coughing, lack of appetite and/or nasal congestion.
If a producer discovers respiratory disease symptoms in their herd, it is important that they contact a veterinarian so that appropriate tests are done.
Dritz said that although most swine flu strains have low mortality rates, it is possible for a strain to have higher mortality rates than are typical. He reminded, however, that the strain of swine flu that has sickened people in several countries and killed more than 150 people in Mexico, has not been found in U.S. pigs.
An audio report of interviews with Juergen Richt and Steve Dritz on this subject is available on the K-State Research and Extension Web site: http://www.ksre.ksu.edu.
Enhanced Biosecurity Plans Strongly Encouraged
The National Pork Board is urging pork producers to enhance the biosecurity plans on their farms as the result of a new strain of the swine influenza virus type H1N1 being reported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The virus is unique and has not been seen in the U.S. swine herd.
At this time, no pigs have been found to be infected or sick with the virus. It is unknown if this new strain causes any type of illness in swine. However, because it is novel, the National Pork Board is urging producers to take extra precaution to protect our industry's workers and our animals.
To prevent the introduction of the new strain of swine influenza virus type H1N1 into your operation, follow good biosecurity practices. Because people have been reported sick with this virus, make sure your biosecurity practices place special emphasis on protecting your animals and your operation's workers by monitoring all persons having access to your operation.
Consider the following practices:
If you observe, or employees report, respiratory illness in pigs, contact a swine veterinarian immediately, especially if the onset or presentation of this illness is unusual. If deemed necessary, your veterinarian may require samples be taken from animals to send to veterinary diagnostic laboratories. If animals present fever or go off feed, the veterinarian may take lung tissues samples and nasal swabs to send to a veterinary diagnostic laboratory.
If you have workers collect the samples, require that they use personal protective equipment including an N95 respirator without an exhalation valve, gloves and safety goggles.
Talk to your veterinarian if influenza-like symptoms have been reported or observed in any of the people that have or have had contact with your animals and report that upon submission of the samples to a diagnostic laboratory.
Volunteers are needed for the 2009 The Other White Meat Tour
It’s time to sign up for the promotion at the Wichita River Festival. Click on the link below to watch a short video clip that helps explain exactly what we will be doing at the Other White Meat Tour as well as some quick tips to make this a successful trip!
http://www.pork.org/Producers/tour.aspx
The Kansas Pork Association and the National Pork Board will work together to reimburse volunteers for hotel and mileage when a they sign up to work for 2 shifts during the Other White Meat Tour. If you are interested in volunteering with the tour on May 8-10 at the Wichita Riverfest, contact the office at 785-776-0442.
Event Dates and Shifts are as follows:
Friday, May 8th - 5pm-9:30pm
Saturday, May 9th - Shift 1, 10am-3pm; Shift 2, 3pm-9pm
Sunday, May 10th - Shift 1, 11am -4pm; Shift 2, 4pm-9pm
Please call 785-776-0442 to tell us what shifts you can work and we’ll send you more information
If your not familiar with The Other White Meat Tour, it is a trailer that travels across the country through the traditional grilling season of May through September, stopping at high-traffic consumer events that reach a large percentage of the Checkoff’s target audience, females who are 25-49 years old with kids in the home and who want to be better cooks.
The trailer is manned by a combination of National Pork Board staff, volunteer pork producers and temporary staff. The goal of the tour is to educate consumers on proper cooking methods for pork and responsible pork production.
Join in the fun! Volunteers will be needed to assist in cooking, handing out pork loin samples and handing out recipes or promotional material on May 8-10 at the Wichita Riverfest.
Ethical Principles to become part of all programs
In 2007, a group of dedicated pork producers began work on a document that is vitally important to the industry’s future. That document is a statement of ethical principles. These leaders believed that if pork producers are to continue to be able to chart their own destiny, they must have the trust of our customers and of those who have the power to regulate. This statement is the first step in the process of building trust. It lays out in very simple statements what pork producers believe.
Ethical Principles for U.S. Pork Producers
U.S. pork producers recognize our obligation to build and maintain the trust of customers and the public in our products and our practices. To promote confidence in what we do and how we do it, we affirm the following ethical principles.
Food Safety: We affirm our obligation to produce safe food. Animal Well-Being: We affirm our obligation to protect and promote animal wellbeing.
Environment: We affirm our obligation to safeguard natural resources in all of our practices.
Public Health: We affirm our obligation to ensure our practices protect public health.
Employee Care: We affirm our obligation to provide a work environment that is safe and consistent with our other ethical principles.
The Communities in which we operate: We affirm our obligation to contribute to a better quality of life in our communities.
Utilizing these principles, the National Pork Board and the National Pork Producers Council have begun a unified industry-wide initiative designed to increase and maintain the trust and confidence afforded to the pork industry. The Responsible Pork Initiative will promote the industry’s long-standing commitment to responsiblity and improvement.
The Initiative’s success will depend on the participation of individual pork producers. While the national organizations have provided your state association with a toolkit filled with ideas for print, billboard, and radio advertising, each piece utilizes a pork producer’s photo or voice. This is where you come into the picture, literally. Your producer leaders have authorized funding to work on the Responsible Pork Inititive in 2009. As we move into the year, I will be calling on many of you to participate in this Initiative.
The success of the program will really depend on your willingness to demonstrate to neighbors, regulators, lawmakers, etc., that pork producers care about how pork is produced in Kansas and across the country. Below is a link to a “contract” for you to sign and display showing that you support and follow the Ethical Principles. Please download and print copies of the document.
I would also suggest you print copies for your employees to sign and display in their work area.
Ethical Principles "Contract"
KPA Community Outreach Program
The Pork Community Outreach is designed to assist individual pork producers in becoming more involved and positively visible in their local communities. The KPA is offering matching funds on the expenses on selected community relations activities. The purpose of this program is to multiply the positive effects of pork producer involvement in the communities where hogs are raised.
To be eligible you must:
Fill out a cost share request form and submit it to the KPA at least two weeks prior to your event and submit design ideas to the KPA so that appropriate logos and messages may be included.
To find more information about the program, click on Community Outreach.
The KPA Producer-to-Producer Classified Section is provided free of charge to producers who are looking for a way to advertise to other producers.
To add your listing, please contact Tim Stroda at the KPA office at 785-776-0442 or e-mail to kpa@kspork.org
For Sale:
370 PIC 1050 Maternal Line Barrows weighing 65 pounds
Available around April 30th
Myco and circovirus vaccinated, PRRS negative
Contact: Mark Nelson - 785-617-7043
Employment
Looking for a stable work environment? Southeastern Kansas family owned swine operation seeks a team player to work with Nursery and Finishing pigs. Benefits include on farm housing, competitive salary, health insurance, accident insurance, retirement, and paid vacation. Position available March 1, 2009. Send resume or request application by calling 8 AM to 5 PM 620-331-0185, evenings 620-331-3909, fax 620-331-4306, email sff@comgen.com
For Sale:
1 share or 1/2 share of 1,200 Head Sow Herd
Danbred - Terminal Duroc 661
Myco Positive PRRS Negative
Contact:
Doug Schwartz - 785-556-7505
Sharon Schwartz - 785-325-2568
Kansas GOLD Inc. working to update producer's information
Garry Keeler, program coordinator for Kansas GOLD Inc., is now working to update the yearly information needed to recertify facilities. Kansas GOLD Inc. will be contacting producers as their certification becomes due. The program has also recently started working with several producers to begin the process of applying for new permits.
The GOLD program is designed to ensure that when a regulator visits your farm, the information they request can be found easily and is packaged in a pre-approved format. The process begins with a visit to your farm by the Kansas GOLD coordinator, who will begin by examining your KDHE permit for each facility number. This permit tells the coordinator what information needs to be collected and kept on file.
Kansas GOLD Inc. provides a cost-effective manner to ensure your operation is in compliance. For information, please click on GOLD or contact the KPA office at (785) 776-0442 or e-mail to kpa@kspork.org
FOR THE WEEK ENDING April 25, 2009
FOOD-SAFETY SYSTEM NEEDS PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP TO BE EFFECTIVE
To be effective, the nation’s food-safety system must have adequate funding and personnel, food-safety policies and procedures based on sound science and a partnership between federal food-safety agencies and food producers, NPPC Thursday told a congressional panel. NPPC Past President Jill Appell, a pork producer from Altona, Ill., told the House Committee on Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry that, for the most part, federal food-safety agencies, particularly the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS), which oversees the safety of pork and other meat and poultry products, do a good job. But there is room for improvement. NPPC urged lawmakers to:
NPPC DISCUSSES TRADE ISSUES WITH USTR AMBASSADOR KIRK
NPPC President Don Butler, CEO Neil Dierks and Vice President and Counsel for International Trade Policy Nick Giordano this week met with U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk about trade issues. The NPPC group spoke with the new trade ambassador about the pending free trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea, the Transpacific Strategic Economic Partnership negotiations, the Mexican trucking issue and pork issues related to Russia, China and Taiwan. NPPC works closely with USTR on trade issues, urging it to negotiate favorable treatment for pork in free trade agreements and to keep open existing markets.
EPA SEEKS COMMENTS ON INCREASING ETHANOL BLEND TO 15 PERCENT
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is seeking public comments on a waiver application to increase the percentage of ethanol that can be blended into gasoline to 15 from the current level of 10 percent, which was set in 1978. The comment period ends in mid-May. EPA is responding to a request from Growth Energy, which represents ethanol, and 54 ethanol manufacturers to increase the blend percentage. EPA must make a decision on the waiver application by Dec. 1, 2009. NPPC has asked the Obama administration to study the economic impact of an expansion of corn-ethanol production and usage before increasing the blend percentage.
CLIMATE CHANGE HEARINGS HELD
The House Energy and Commerce Committee this week held hearings on climate change and the American Clean Energy Security Act of 2009, legislation sponsored by panel chairman Henry Waxman, D-Calif., and Edward Markey, D-Mass. Among those testifying were U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson, Energy Sec. Steven Chu and Transportation Sec. Ray LaHood. Business organizations, policy think tanks and environmental groups also testified on the impact climate change legislation could have on the economy. The 648-page Waxman-Markey bill calls for a 20 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 from 2005 levels and an 83 percent cut by 2050. While proponents of the measure said it would create millions of “green” jobs, critics said it would cost jobs and significantly raise energy prices. NPPC is closely monitoring the debate on climate change.
NORTH AMERICAN PORK INDUSTRY TALKS
NPPC President Don Butler, President-elect Sam Carney, Vice President Doug Wolf, CEO Neil Dierks, Vice President and International Trade Counsel Nick Giordano and NPPC staff this week met in Williamsburg, Va., with their counterparts from the Canadian Pork Council and the Federation of Mexican Pork Producers to discuss mutual areas of concern to, and opportunities for, the North American pork industry. Among the topics discussed at this semi-annual meeting were animal identification, the environment, food safety, the U.S. Mandatory Country-of-Origin Labeling law and trade policy.
OBAMA NOMINATES TWO FOR USDA POSTS
President Obama recently sought to fill two more posts at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, nominating Dr. Rajiv Shah to be Under Secretary of Research, Education and Economics and Chief Scientist and picking Edward Avalos, a New Mexico agriculture marketing official, to be Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs. Shah currently is the director of Agricultural Development in the Global Development Program for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation where he manages its Agricultural Development program, including grant-making portfolios in science and technology, farmer productivity, market access and policy and statistics, with the goal of helping the world’s poor lead healthy and productive lives. Avalos has spent 34 years in agriculture marketing, including promoting the sale of peppers in 12 states; sheep, goats, and cattle in Mexico; and pecans in Japan and China.
WHAT’S AHEAD
IMMIGRATION HEARING NEXT WEEK
The Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security and Refugees will hold a hearing on immigration reform Thursday, April 30.
WORLD PORK EXPO SET FOR JUNE 3-5
The 21st annual World Pork Expo will be held June 3-5 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. As the largest pork-industry trade show and exhibition in the world, the expo draws more than 30,000 pork producers, exhibitors and visitors from across the country and around the globe. For more information, visit the World Pork Expo Web site at http://www.worldpork.org.
Pork Tenderloin Appears in “People’s” Weight Loss Challenge
New research supports the benefits of eating lean pork when dieting, and pork tenderloin has earned recognition in “People” magazine’s recent “Weight Loss Challenge Update.”
“This series shows how real people are achieving their weight loss goals, and it was great to see pork mentioned as part of a healthy diet,” says Ceci Snyder, assistant vice president of consumer marketing for the Pork Checkoff.
The “People” magazine article features Jamie Macaraeg, 29, a nurse’s aide who has lost 10 pounds. Her biggest shock? This busy caregiver has to eat more, including healthy meal choices like pork tenderloin. According to her nutritionist, Macaraeg would go hours without food, causing her body to go into starvation mode and not burn calories effectively.
“Now, Macaraeg eats every three hours, swapping her old lunch of Doritos for pork tenderloin and steamed veggies,” notes the article.
This story dovetails with a study published in 2009 in the British Journal of Nutrition, which revealed that eating a calorie-restricted diet with additional protein at breakfast, including Canadian bacon and eggs, led to increased feelings of fullness throughout the day. “This supports the ongoing body of research that shows how lean protein, including pork, can help people feel full while dieting,” Snyder says. “This is important for those watching their weight, because it may lead to eating fewer excess calories later in the day.”
In addition to publicizing this news in traditional media outlets, the Pork Checkoff maximized the power of the Internet by distributing a social media news release and video designed to catch the attention of bloggers. So far, the campaign has worked extremely well, exceeding the Checkoff’s goals for marketing metrics, Snyder says.
Get the skinny on pork
Pork’s positive role in weight management is also supported by a related study published in Obesity. Researchers found a reduced-calorie diet with higher protein intakes – about 30 percent of total calories, including 6 ounces of pork each day – helped overweight women preserve more lean mass while losing weight compared to those eating less protein but the same amount of calories.
“Consumers who focus on what they can include in their diets rather than what they cannot are most likely to succeed in their weight loss efforts,” notes Elizabeth Ward, a nationally-known registered dietitian, USA Today writer and mother who has teamed up with the Pork Checkoff to promote better health. “With so many nutrient-rich lean pork cuts available in the market today, variety in healthy meal options can make weight control less daunting.”
New Site Showcases Online Pork Videos
Online video remains one of the fastest growing trends on the Web, and the Pork Checkoff is making it easy to access a wide variety of video resources for all things pork.
“This new site provides a central location to house all our videos, including YouTube clips, features on the Pork Industry Environmental Stewards and information on careers in pork production,” says Teresa Roof, public relations manager for the Pork Checkoff. “We’re also adding new videos to keep the site fresh and encourage people to come back.”
The site (http://video.pork.org/) can be accessed from the Pork.org home page by clicking on the “Watch Videos” link near the upper right corner of the page. Along with a featured video presentation, the site lists categories for animal well-being, careers, environment, and consumers. In addition, an online search tool allows visitors to easily find the information they need.
Future videos that will be added to the site include employee training videos, producer testimonials about Pork Quality Assurance Plus®, and b-roll video that the media can download.
“Collecting all our videos in one place offers two big benefits,” Roof says. “Producers and consumers can easily find information, and the site will also help with search engine optimization, so we can drive more traffic to the site.”
Pork industry makes its voice heard
The Pork Checkoff’s online videos give an insider’s look into modern pork production, sustainability in agriculture, animal well-being and more. For example, the YouTube videos include:
These videos, which run approximately one to two minutes each, compliment several other YouTube videos that have been viewed worldwide, include “Pig Farmers Take Action” (which focuses on animal health and well-being, including Pork Quality Assurance Plus), “Ride Along with a Pig” (which shows why transportation is a very important issue for pork producers), and “Pigs Are Hungry, Too” (which addresses pigs’ nutritional needs and requirements for optimum care).
Pork Producers Support a Sustainable World
America’s pork producers are proud to be part of the “green generation” as they incorporate responsible, sustainable, agricultural practices on their farms, where every day is Earth Day.
“Farming is our livelihood, and protecting the natural resources is part of doing business and part of daily life,” says Randy Brown, an Ohio pork producer and member of the National Pork Board whose family operation has received the Pork Industry Environmental Steward award.
Pork producers care about their land, their environment, their neighbors and their community, adds Allan Stokes, director of environmental programs for the Pork Checkoff. Utilizing the valuable nutrients in swine manure in an environmentally sustainable way allows farmers to replenish soil health and grow more crops that can be fed to livestock.
“Proper manure nutrient utilization is the first and best form of recycling,” adds Stokes, who notes that manure management is heavily regulated by federal and state law. “Manure is a natural material which helps replenish and build the soil’s organic content, as well as the soil’s moisture holding capacity. This is something that manufactured fertilizers do not do.”
It’s also worth noting that U.S. pork production has a relatively low impact regarding the creation of greenhouse gasses. Stokes cites a review of the most recent U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Report on Greenhouse Gas Emissions for the United States, issued April 15, 2009. It shows that in 2007, the emissions from swine operations of the three principle greenhouse gasses (carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide) in the aggregate from enteric fermentation and manure management accounted for only 0.33 percent of the total greenhouse gas emissions for the United States.
To put this into perspective, emissions from wastewater treatment facilities to manage municipal and industrial wastewater accounted for 0.41 percent, while emissions from municipal and industrial landfills accounted for 1.94 percent, Stokes says. “This equals the amount from enteric fermentation for all livestock.”
Even though pork production has a relatively low impact when it comes to greenhouse gas emissions, the pork industry is currently engaged in a Carbon Footprint Initiative. “This research is aimed at identifying areas where producers can become even more efficient in their production, resulting in further reductions in emissions of these gasses - because it’s the right thing to do,” Stokes says.
Swine Flu or North American Flu?
The international organization that manages the fight against animal diseases globally said Monday that the flu virus now spreading around the world would more accurately be called “North American influenza” rather than “swine flu.”
The Office International des Epizooties, commonly known by the acronym OIE or World Organization for Animal Health, said the current influenza, because it contains avian and human components and because no pig has been found ill, would more accurately be called the North American influenza, based on its geographic origin.
OIE compared it preference for the geographic naming of this influenza to the Spanish influenza, a human flu pandemic with animal origin that killed more than 50 million people in 1918-1919. The current flu has not reached pandemic proportions.
“The virus has not been isolated in animals to date. Therefore, it is not justified to name this disease swine influenza,” the Paris-based organization said in a statement.
According to Peter Cowen, associate professor of epidemiology and public health at North Carolina State University, the H1N1 virus is being called “swine flu” because of the 1918 outbreak in Spain. That virus, Cowen said, probably had a wild bird origin but nonetheless became known as the swine influenza virus because it caused significant mortality in both swine and human populations.
Cowen, as did the OIE, notes that it appears no exposure to swine has occurred among people who have come down with the current novel H1N1 virus.
The reason this virus is being called swine flu, Cowen said, “is the history and evolution of the virus. It also rests on the fact the some of the genetic analysis indicates that elements from viruses that have traditionally been found in swine populations are incorporated.
“However, since we know nothing of how this virus has gotten into the human population but there apparently is no history of swine exposure, it probably makes more sense epidemiologically to refer this simply as an H1N1 virus.”
Cowen noted that the H5N1 virus prevalent in Asia was known as avian influenza or bird flu, but that it, over time, is becoming known by its viral strain, rather than bird flu.
As for the widespread public use of the term swine flu, Cowen said it’s unfortunate because the name implies a simple, zoonotic transmission between swine and people, when in reality, its origin and epidemiology is likely to be much more complex.
Statement from the National Pork Board on Swine Influenza
Amid public concern about the reports of swine influenza in humans, the National Pork Board wishes to reassure the public that pork is safe and will continue to be safe to consume. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has posted this statement on its Web site (cdc.org/swineflu):
"Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe."
The CDC and other health organizations continue to caution that the virus is contagious and is spreading from humans to humans. The CDC has said it has not found any evidence to indicate that any of the illnesses resulted from contact with pigs.
Nonetheless, the National Pork Board is encouraging pork producers to maintain strict biosecurity procedures on their farms.
"We share the concern of the global health community regarding the spread of this disease," said Steve Weaver, a California pork producer and president of the National Pork Board. "To ensure the good health of our animals and for all those who provide care for the animals, we are urging pork producers to be vigilant in taking measures to prevent the spread of this disease."
The National Pork Board also has offered its extensive resources about swine to assist public health officials as they address treatment and prevention strategies.
National Pork Producers Council Statement On Hybrid Flu And Pork
“Pork is safe to eat, and direct contact with swine is not the source of, and U.S. pigs have not been infected with, the hybrid influenza that has been identified in a number of people in the United States and more than 1,300 in Mexico.
“NPPC wants to assure domestic and global consumers about the safety of pork and urges pork producers to tighten their existing biosecurity protocols to protect their pigs from this virus, including restricting public access to barns.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security:
KDHE Reports 2 Cases of Swine Flu in Kansas
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announced today that two cases of swine flu have been confirmed in Kansas involving two adults residing in the same household in Dickinson County. Neither of the patients was hospitalized - one is still ill and being treated, and one is recovering.
One of the patients had recently traveled to Mexico, flying in and out of Wichita. Both persons work in Saline County and became ill with the same unique (H1N1) strain of swine flu that has been identified in Mexico, California and Texas.
"It's not yet known whether this will become the next flu pandemic," stated Dr. Jason Eberhart- Phillips, State Health Officer and Director of the KDHE Division of Health. "We are working closely with health agencies at all levels and are continuing to monitor these cases. We are taking this situation very seriously."
KDHE and the Dickinson County Health Department are investigating the sources of exposure, and efforts are being coordinated with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Individuals who have been in contact with the patients are being interviewed and tested. Local health departments and hospitals in Kansas are being continuously updated and provided with information about the swine flu virus.
In accordance with the Kansas Response Plan, KDHE is also monitoring and instituting recommendations from CDC for any additional influenza disease surveillance activities, reviewing plans to further enhance those activities, and advising health care providers to use rapid detection tests for persons who have symptoms consistent with swine flu, especially if they have recently been in Mexico, and taking other steps under the plan.
The symptoms of swine flu in humans are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include:
Individuals who experience the above symptoms should contact their physician, who will determine whether testing or treatment is needed. There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. As with any influenza virus, individuals are encouraged to take the following steps to reduce spread:
Enhanced Biosecurity Plans Strongly Encouraged
The National Pork Board is urging pork producers to enhance the biosecurity plans on their farms as the result of a new strain of the swine influenza virus type H1N1 being reported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The virus is unique and has not been seen in the U.S. swine herd.
At this time, no pigs have been found to be infected or sick with the virus. It is unknown if this new strain causes any type of illness in swine. However, because it is novel, the National Pork Board is urging producers to take extra precaution to protect our industry's workers and our animals.
To prevent the introduction of the new strain of swine influenza virus type H1N1 into your operation, follow good biosecurity practices. Because people have been reported sick with this virus, make sure your biosecurity practices place special emphasis on protecting your animals and your operation's workers by monitoring all persons having access to your operation.
Consider the following practices:
If you observe, or employees report, respiratory illness in pigs, contact a swine veterinarian immediately, especially if the onset or presentation of this illness is unusual. If deemed necessary, your veterinarian may require samples be taken from animals to send to veterinary diagnostic laboratories. If animals present fever or go off feed, the veterinarian may take lung tissues samples and nasal swabs to send to a veterinary diagnostic laboratory.
If you have workers collect the samples, require that they use personal protective equipment including an N95 respirator without an exhalation valve, gloves and safety goggles.
Talk to your veterinarian if influenza-like symptoms have been reported or observed in any of the people that have or have had contact with your animals and report that upon submission of the samples to a diagnostic laboratory.
New Strain of the Swine Influenza Virus Type H1N1 Being Reported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Date: April 24, 2009
Length: 7:09
Speaker: Dr. Liz Wagstrom, assistant vice president of science and technology for the Pork Checkoff
Swine Influenza Should Have No Impact on Food Safety, Pork Exports
News reports regarding a swine influenza outbreak in Mexico and the southwestern United States are gaining traction throughout the world and raising questions about any potential impact on trade or food safety. At this time, however, there have been no reports of an infected swine herd in the U.S., nor is there any actual connection between the virus and pork production, processing or consumption.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have identified six cases in Southern California and two in Texas in which people have been diagnosed with a form of influenza virus known as swine influenza virus subtype H1N1. News sources have cited a much more serious situation in Mexico, where as many as 60 deaths have been reported and school closures are among the precautions being taken to prevent further spread of the virus.
Preliminary investigations indicate that none of the U.S. cases resulted from any contact with hogs or from handling or consumption of pork, and there is no evidence at this time that this subtype is present in any pigs in the United States. In fact, the swine influenza subtype isolated from these cases is unique and not previously recognized in either pigs or people.
According to CDC, “This virus is different, very different from that found in pigs.”
There is no known connection between pork meat and the swine flu virus. As with any fresh meat product, consumers are encouraged to properly handle and cook pork and follow normal food safety practices.
Swine influenza is not a reportable disease, and therefore should not cause any obstacles for exports of U.S. pork. Concerns have surfaced, however, about a possible impact on live hog trade. USMEF will closely monitor the situation for any actions being considered by trading partners or any other developments that could affect international trade.
“Right now there is no evidence and no facts that would cause this situation to escalate into a food safety or trade issue with regard to pork,” said Paul Clayton, USMEF senior vice president for export services. “But obviously the potential is high for misinformation to spread and for misperceptions to develop. So this is a situation we will be watching very carefully.”
Volunteers are needed for the 2009 The Other White Meat Tour
It’s time to sign up for the promotion at the Wichita River Festival. Click on the link below to watch a short video clip that helps explain exactly what we will be doing at the Other White Meat Tour as well as some quick tips to make this a successful trip!
http://www.pork.org/Producers/tour.aspx
The Kansas Pork Association and the National Pork Board will work together to reimburse volunteers for hotel and mileage when a they sign up to work for 2 shifts during the Other White Meat Tour. If you are interested in volunteering with the tour on May 8-10 at the Wichita Riverfest, contact the office at 785-776-0442.
Event Dates and Shifts are as follows:
Friday, May 8th - 5pm-9:30pm
Saturday, May 9th - Shift 1, 10am-3pm; Shift 2, 3pm-9pm
Sunday, May 10th - Shift 1, 11am -4pm; Shift 2, 4pm-9pm
Please call 785-776-0442 to tell us what shifts you can work and we’ll send you more information
If your not familiar with The Other White Meat Tour, it is a trailer that travels across the country through the traditional grilling season of May through September, stopping at high-traffic consumer events that reach a large percentage of the Checkoff’s target audience, females who are 25-49 years old with kids in the home and who want to be better cooks.
The trailer is manned by a combination of National Pork Board staff, volunteer pork producers and temporary staff. The goal of the tour is to educate consumers on proper cooking methods for pork and responsible pork production.
Join in the fun! Volunteers will be needed to assist in cooking, handing out pork loin samples and handing out recipes or promotional material on May 8-10 at the Wichita Riverfest.
Ethical Principles to become part of all programs
In 2007, a group of dedicated pork producers began work on a document that is vitally important to the industry’s future. That document is a statement of ethical principles. These leaders believed that if pork producers are to continue to be able to chart their own destiny, they must have the trust of our customers and of those who have the power to regulate. This statement is the first step in the process of building trust. It lays out in very simple statements what pork producers believe.
Ethical Principles for U.S. Pork Producers
U.S. pork producers recognize our obligation to build and maintain the trust of customers and the public in our products and our practices. To promote confidence in what we do and how we do it, we affirm the following ethical principles.
Food Safety: We affirm our obligation to produce safe food. Animal Well-Being: We affirm our obligation to protect and promote animal wellbeing.
Environment: We affirm our obligation to safeguard natural resources in all of our practices.
Public Health: We affirm our obligation to ensure our practices protect public health.
Employee Care: We affirm our obligation to provide a work environment that is safe and consistent with our other ethical principles.
The Communities in which we operate: We affirm our obligation to contribute to a better quality of life in our communities.
Utilizing these principles, the National Pork Board and the National Pork Producers Council have begun a unified industry-wide initiative designed to increase and maintain the trust and confidence afforded to the pork industry. The Responsible Pork Initiative will promote the industry’s long-standing commitment to responsiblity and improvement.
The Initiative’s success will depend on the participation of individual pork producers. While the national organizations have provided your state association with a toolkit filled with ideas for print, billboard, and radio advertising, each piece utilizes a pork producer’s photo or voice. This is where you come into the picture, literally. Your producer leaders have authorized funding to work on the Responsible Pork Inititive in 2009. As we move into the year, I will be calling on many of you to participate in this Initiative.
The success of the program will really depend on your willingness to demonstrate to neighbors, regulators, lawmakers, etc., that pork producers care about how pork is produced in Kansas and across the country. Below is a link to a “contract” for you to sign and display showing that you support and follow the Ethical Principles. Please download and print copies of the document.
I would also suggest you print copies for your employees to sign and display in their work area.
Ethical Principles "Contract"
KPA Community Outreach Program
The Pork Community Outreach is designed to assist individual pork producers in becoming more involved and positively visible in their local communities. The KPA is offering matching funds on the expenses on selected community relations activities. The purpose of this program is to multiply the positive effects of pork producer involvement in the communities where hogs are raised.
To be eligible you must:
Fill out a cost share request form and submit it to the KPA at least two weeks prior to your event and submit design ideas to the KPA so that appropriate logos and messages may be included.
To find more information about the program, click on Community Outreach.
The KPA Producer-to-Producer Classified Section is provided free of charge to producers who are looking for a way to advertise to other producers.
To add your listing, please contact Tim Stroda at the KPA office at 785-776-0442 or
e-mail to kpa@kspork.org
For Sale:
370 PIC 1050 Maternal Line Barrows weighing 65 pounds
Available around April 30th
Myco and circovirus vaccinated, PRRS negative
Contact: Mark Nelson - 785-617-7043
Employment
Looking for a stable work environment? Southeastern Kansas family owned swine operation seeks a team player to work with Nursery and Finishing pigs. Benefits include on farm housing, competitive salary, health insurance, accident insurance, retirement, and paid vacation. Position available March 1, 2009. Send resume or request application by calling 8 AM to 5 PM 620-331-0185, evenings 620-331-3909, fax 620-331-4306, email sff@comgen.com
For Sale:
1 share or 1/2 share of 1,200 Head Sow Herd
Danbred - Terminal Duroc 661
Myco Positive PRRS Negative
Contact:
Doug Schwartz - 785-556-7505
Sharon Schwartz - 785-325-2568
Kansas GOLD Inc. working to update producer's information
Garry Keeler, program coordinator for Kansas GOLD Inc., is now working to update the yearly information needed to recertify facilities. Kansas GOLD Inc. will be contacting producers as their certification becomes due. The program has also recently started working with several producers to begin the process of applying for new permits.
The GOLD program is designed to ensure that when a regulator visits your farm, the information they request can be found easily and is packaged in a pre-approved format. The process begins with a visit to your farm by the Kansas GOLD coordinator, who will begin by examining your KDHE permit for each facility number. This permit tells the coordinator what information needs to be collected and kept on file.
Kansas GOLD Inc. provides a cost-effective manner to ensure your operation is in compliance. For information, please click on GOLD or contact the KPA office at (785) 776-0442 or e-mail to kpa@kspork.org
FOOD-SAFETY SYSTEM NEEDS PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP TO BE EFFECTIVE
To be effective, the nation’s food-safety system must have adequate funding and personnel, food-safety policies and procedures based on sound science and a partnership between federal food-safety agencies and food producers, NPPC Thursday told a congressional panel. NPPC Past President Jill Appell, a pork producer from Altona, Ill., told the House Committee on Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry that, for the most part, federal food-safety agencies, particularly the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS), which oversees the safety of pork and other meat and poultry products, do a good job. But there is room for improvement. NPPC urged lawmakers to:
NPPC DISCUSSES TRADE ISSUES WITH USTR AMBASSADOR KIRK
NPPC President Don Butler, CEO Neil Dierks and Vice President and Counsel for International Trade Policy Nick Giordano this week met with U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk about trade issues. The NPPC group spoke with the new trade ambassador about the pending free trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea, the Transpacific Strategic Economic Partnership negotiations, the Mexican trucking issue and pork issues related to Russia, China and Taiwan. NPPC works closely with USTR on trade issues, urging it to negotiate favorable treatment for pork in free trade agreements and to keep open existing markets.
EPA SEEKS COMMENTS ON INCREASING ETHANOL BLEND TO 15 PERCENT
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is seeking public comments on a waiver application to increase the percentage of ethanol that can be blended into gasoline to 15 from the current level of 10 percent, which was set in 1978. The comment period ends in mid-May. EPA is responding to a request from Growth Energy, which represents ethanol, and 54 ethanol manufacturers to increase the blend percentage. EPA must make a decision on the waiver application by Dec. 1, 2009. NPPC has asked the Obama administration to study the economic impact of an expansion of corn-ethanol production and usage before increasing the blend percentage.
CLIMATE CHANGE HEARINGS HELD
The House Energy and Commerce Committee this week held hearings on climate change and the American Clean Energy Security Act of 2009, legislation sponsored by panel chairman Henry Waxman, D-Calif., and Edward Markey, D-Mass. Among those testifying were U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson, Energy Sec. Steven Chu and Transportation Sec. Ray LaHood. Business organizations, policy think tanks and environmental groups also testified on the impact climate change legislation could have on the economy. The 648-page Waxman-Markey bill calls for a 20 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 from 2005 levels and an 83 percent cut by 2050. While proponents of the measure said it would create millions of “green” jobs, critics said it would cost jobs and significantly raise energy prices. NPPC is closely monitoring the debate on climate change.
NORTH AMERICAN PORK INDUSTRY TALKS
NPPC President Don Butler, President-elect Sam Carney, Vice President Doug Wolf, CEO Neil Dierks, Vice President and International Trade Counsel Nick Giordano and NPPC staff this week met in Williamsburg, Va., with their counterparts from the Canadian Pork Council and the Federation of Mexican Pork Producers to discuss mutual areas of concern to, and opportunities for, the North American pork industry. Among the topics discussed at this semi-annual meeting were animal identification, the environment, food safety, the U.S. Mandatory Country-of-Origin Labeling law and trade policy.
OBAMA NOMINATES TWO FOR USDA POSTS
President Obama recently sought to fill two more posts at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, nominating Dr. Rajiv Shah to be Under Secretary of Research, Education and Economics and Chief Scientist and picking Edward Avalos, a New Mexico agriculture marketing official, to be Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs. Shah currently is the director of Agricultural Development in the Global Development Program for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation where he manages its Agricultural Development program, including grant-making portfolios in science and technology, farmer productivity, market access and policy and statistics, with the goal of helping the world’s poor lead healthy and productive lives. Avalos has spent 34 years in agriculture marketing, including promoting the sale of peppers in 12 states; sheep, goats, and cattle in Mexico; and pecans in Japan and China.
WHAT’S AHEAD
IMMIGRATION HEARING NEXT WEEK
The Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security and Refugees will hold a hearing on immigration reform Thursday, April 30.
WORLD PORK EXPO SET FOR JUNE 3-5
The 21st annual World Pork Expo will be held June 3-5 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. As the largest pork-industry trade show and exhibition in the world, the expo draws more than 30,000 pork producers, exhibitors and visitors from across the country and around the globe. For more information, visit the World Pork Expo Web site at http://www.worldpork.org.
Added April 25
Pork Tenderloin Appears in “People’s” Weight Loss Challenge
New research supports the benefits of eating lean pork when dieting, and pork tenderloin has earned recognition in “People” magazine’s recent “Weight Loss Challenge Update.”
“This series shows how real people are achieving their weight loss goals, and it was great to see pork mentioned as part of a healthy diet,” says Ceci Snyder, assistant vice president of consumer marketing for the Pork Checkoff.
The “People” magazine article features Jamie Macaraeg, 29, a nurse’s aide who has lost 10 pounds. Her biggest shock? This busy caregiver has to eat more, including healthy meal choices like pork tenderloin. According to her nutritionist, Macaraeg would go hours without food, causing her body to go into starvation mode and not burn calories effectively.
“Now, Macaraeg eats every three hours, swapping her old lunch of Doritos for pork tenderloin and steamed veggies,” notes the article.
This story dovetails with a study published in 2009 in the British Journal of Nutrition, which revealed that eating a calorie-restricted diet with additional protein at breakfast, including Canadian bacon and eggs, led to increased feelings of fullness throughout the day. “This supports the ongoing body of research that shows how lean protein, including pork, can help people feel full while dieting,” Snyder says. “This is important for those watching their weight, because it may lead to eating fewer excess calories later in the day.”
In addition to publicizing this news in traditional media outlets, the Pork Checkoff maximized the power of the Internet by distributing a social media news release and video designed to catch the attention of bloggers. So far, the campaign has worked extremely well, exceeding the Checkoff’s goals for marketing metrics, Snyder says.
Get the skinny on pork
Pork’s positive role in weight management is also supported by a related study published in Obesity. Researchers found a reduced-calorie diet with higher protein intakes – about 30 percent of total calories, including 6 ounces of pork each day – helped overweight women preserve more lean mass while losing weight compared to those eating less protein but the same amount of calories.
“Consumers who focus on what they can include in their diets rather than what they cannot are most likely to succeed in their weight loss efforts,” notes Elizabeth Ward, a nationally-known registered dietitian, USA Today writer and mother who has teamed up with the Pork Checkoff to promote better health. “With so many nutrient-rich lean pork cuts available in the market today, variety in healthy meal options can make weight control less daunting.”
New Site Showcases Online Pork Videos
Online video remains one of the fastest growing trends on the Web, and the Pork Checkoff is making it easy to access a wide variety of video resources for all things pork.
“This new site provides a central location to house all our videos, including YouTube clips, features on the Pork Industry Environmental Stewards and information on careers in pork production,” says Teresa Roof, public relations manager for the Pork Checkoff. “We’re also adding new videos to keep the site fresh and encourage people to come back.”
The site (http://video.pork.org/) can be accessed from the Pork.org home page by clicking on the “Watch Videos” link near the upper right corner of the page. Along with a featured video presentation, the site lists categories for animal well-being, careers, environment, and consumers. In addition, an online search tool allows visitors to easily find the information they need.
Future videos that will be added to the site include employee training videos, producer testimonials about Pork Quality Assurance Plus®, and b-roll video that the media can download.
“Collecting all our videos in one place offers two big benefits,” Roof says. “Producers and consumers can easily find information, and the site will also help with search engine optimization, so we can drive more traffic to the site.”
Pork industry makes its voice heard
The Pork Checkoff’s online videos give an insider’s look into modern pork production, sustainability in agriculture, animal well-being and more. For example, the YouTube videos include
These videos, which run approximately one to two minutes each, compliment several other YouTube videos that have been viewed worldwide, include “Pig Farmers Take Action” (which focuses on animal health and well-being, including Pork Quality Assurance Plus), “Ride Along with a Pig” (which shows why transportation is a very important issue for pork producers), and “Pigs Are Hungry, Too” (which addresses pigs’ nutritional needs and requirements for optimum care).
Pork Producers Support a Sustainable World
America’s pork producers are proud to be part of the “green generation” as they incorporate responsible, sustainable, agricultural practices on their farms, where every day is Earth Day.
“Farming is our livelihood, and protecting the natural resources is part of doing business and part of daily life,” says Randy Brown, an Ohio pork producer and member of the National Pork Board whose family operation has received the Pork Industry Environmental Steward award.
Pork producers care about their land, their environment, their neighbors and their community, adds Allan Stokes, director of environmental programs for the Pork Checkoff. Utilizing the valuable nutrients in swine manure in an environmentally sustainable way allows farmers to replenish soil health and grow more crops that can be fed to livestock.
“Proper manure nutrient utilization is the first and best form of recycling,” adds Stokes, who notes that manure management is heavily regulated by federal and state law. “Manure is a natural material which helps replenish and build the soil’s organic content, as well as the soil’s moisture holding capacity. This is something that manufactured fertilizers do not do.”
It’s also worth noting that U.S. pork production has a relatively low impact regarding the creation of greenhouse gasses. Stokes cites a review of the most recent U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Report on Greenhouse Gas Emissions for the United States, issued April 15, 2009. It shows that in 2007, the emissions from swine operations of the three principle greenhouse gasses (carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide) in the aggregate from enteric fermentation and manure management accounted for only 0.33 percent of the total greenhouse gas emissions for the United States.
To put this into perspective, emissions from wastewater treatment facilities to manage municipal and industrial wastewater accounted for 0.41 percent, while emissions from municipal and industrial landfills accounted for 1.94 percent, Stokes says. “This equals the amount from enteric fermentation for all livestock.”
Even though pork production has a relatively low impact when it comes to greenhouse gas emissions, the pork industry is currently engaged in a Carbon Footprint Initiative. “This research is aimed at identifying areas where producers can become even more efficient in their production, resulting in further reductions in emissions of these gasses - because it’s the right thing to do,” Stokes says.
Hog Outlook
Glenn Grimes & Ron Plain
University of Missouri
April 24, 2009
Good news as to cold storage stock of pork at the end of March. Stocks at 593 million pounds were down 10 percent from a year earlier and down five percent from a month earlier. For the last five years, stocks of pork at the end of March were up 0.2 percent from a month earlier. Therefore stocks moved counter to normal at a good percentage. Even better news is that chicken cold storage stocks at the end of March were down 17 percent from a year earlier. Broiler producers are making progress at downsizing the size of the broiler production machine.
Retail pork prices in March were down 0.6 percent from February 2009 but up 3.8 percent from March of 2008. For January-March of 2009 retail pork prices were up 4.5 percent from 12 months earlier.
All members of the Pork Industry with the exception of the packers had better margins than a year earlier. The processor-retailer margin was up 6.8 percent and live hog prices for January-March were 6.2 percent higher but packer margin was down 9.9 percent for these three months compared to 2008.
The packers and hog producers have similar problems with overcapacity compared to the demand for pork and pork processing. This means both segments of the industry will have to downsize in the next few years to get production capacity in line with demand.
The live weights of barrows and gilts in Iowa-Minnesota last week at 269 pounds per head were down 0.9 pound per head but up 3.4 pounds from a year earlier.
Cash feeder pig prices at United Tel-O-Auction this week were $4-10 per cwt lower than two weeks earlier. The prices at United by weight groups were: 40-50 pounds at $114.50-118 per cwt and a group of 63 pounds at $100 per cwt.
The weighted average price per head for 50-54 percent lean early weaned 10 pound basis pigs in the U.S. last week were $36.04 and 40 pound basis $62.39 per head. These pigs were $2-3 per head lower than a week earlier.
Pork product prices were pushed lower this week with the cutout Thursday afternoon at $59.78 per cwt was down $2.13 per cwt from last week. Loins at $74.49 were down $3.16 per cwt, Boston butts at $70.14 were up $0.71 per cwt, hams at $42.84 per cwt were down $5.89 per cwt and bellies at $75.89 were down $0.82 per cwt from seven days earlier.
Gilt and sow slaughter data is sending mixed signals. Sow slaughter for the year is down nearly eight percent and for the last four weeks down over 13 percent. Gilt slaughter is running relatively high. Our guess is that the breeding herd is not changing very much if any in either direction.
Live hog prices Friday morning were $2.00 - $4.25 compared to a week earlier. Weighted average negotiated carcass prices Friday morning were $1.91 - $2.89 per cwt higher compared to seven days earlier.
The top live prices at select markets Friday morning were: Peoria $36 per cwt, Zumbrota, Minnesota, at $41 per cwt and interior Missouri $44.50 per cwt. The weighted average negotiated carcass by area were: western Cornbelt $61.68 per cwt, eastern Cornbelt $60.10 per cwt, Iowa-Minnesota $62.60 per cwt and nation $60.62 per cwt.
Slaughter this week was estimated at 2145 thousand head, down 4.6 percent from a year earlier.
Enhanced Biosecurity Plans Strongly Encouraged
The National Pork Board is urging pork producers to enhance the biosecurity plans on their farms as the result of a new strain of the swine influenza virus type H1N1 being reported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The virus is unique and has not been seen in the U.S. swine herd.
At this time, no pigs have been found to be infected or sick with the virus. It is unknown if this new strain causes any type of illness in swine. However, because it is novel, the National Pork Board is urging producers to take extra precaution to protect our industry's workers and our animals.
To prevent the introduction of the new strain of swine influenza virus type H1N1 into your operation, follow good biosecurity practices. Because people have been reported sick with this virus, make sure your biosecurity practices place special emphasis on protecting your animals and your operation's workers by monitoring all persons having access to your operation.
Consider the following practices: