The latest tweaks to the popular program include two new pilot programs to connect with retailers and other food chain audiences and to reach health care professionals, such as physicians and nurse practitioners.
“We want these groups to understand that pork producers are leading the way when it comes to animal care, food safety and antibiotic stewardship,” said Ernie Barnes, director of producer services for the Pork Checkoff.
OMS speakers such as Bill Luckey, a pork producer from Columbus, Nebraska, have welcomed the new challenges.
OMS speakers have scheduled more than 2,000 presentations to high-level decision makers and thought leaders. In all, OMS speakers have given more than 8,700 presentations in 42 states since 2004. Media coverage of the presentations has reached more than 35 million people, Barnes noted.
“OMS speakers have always been committed to finding new ways to answer consumer questions and build trust in the pork industry,” Barnes said.
Antibiotic Questions
“The training session was very beneficial to me as an OMS speaker,” said Randy Brown, a pork producer from Nevada, Ohio, who has given over 60 OMS speeches. “This training will help me to be even more effective and transparent as we talk about responsible antibiotic use on pig farms.”
For more information on becoming an OMS speaker contact the Pork Checkoff Service Center at (800) 456-PORK or contact Ernie Barnes at ebarnes@pork.org.