Last spring, the joint industry and US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Feed Risk Task Force was created to look at the risk that imported feed and ingredients pose as a potential source for pathogen introduction. The task force, made up of USDA officials, animal agriculture representatives, and feed industry representatives, will assess the risk and role of feed for the epidemiology of disease transmission and spread, evaluate existing research for feed risks and mitigations, and identify current gaps in knowledge. The first in-person meeting of the group was held on June 11 in Washington, DC.

For more information, contact Dr Lisa Becton at LBecton@pork.org or call 515-223-2791.

Checkoff and American Heart Association promote pork

The National Pork Board is working with the American Heart Association to promote the heart health benefits of the pork tenderloin and pork sirloin roast. The American Heart Association has certified the pork sirloin roast and the pork tenderloin as a heart-healthy food. This simple icon delivers results by giving consumers an easy way to cut through the intricate and often conflicting nutrition “noise” and easily identify products as heart-healthy foods.

For more information, contact Adria Huseth at AHuseth@pork.org or call 515-223-2632.

Checkoff to host dietitians on farm tour

In June, the Pork Checkoff showcased all-things pork to 10 highly influential Registered Dietitians (RDs) on a farm tour in Ohio. The 2-day event included touring a sow barn and a nursery/finishing barn. The RDs learned about the latest pork nutrition research and had a hands-on cooking experience. The tour provided a forum to dispel myths about modern pig farming.

Learn more at library.pork.org and search for 2017 Pork Promo.

Team pork meets with ARS to build collaboration

An industry group with representatives from the Pork Checkoff, the National Pork Producers Council, and the American Association of Swine Veterinarians recently returned from a meeting with top leaders and scientists at the US Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service in Beltsville, Maryland. Topics covered the research spectrum including animal science, food safety, animal welfare, foreign animal disease, gene editing, public health, and sustainability. The group will meet regularly to build stronger ties and define mutual research priorities.

For more information, contact Dr Heather Fowler at HFowler@pork.org or call 515-223-2633.

Blockchain may hold key to We Care metrics

While still murky for many people, the future may hold good things for America’s pork producers when it comes to blockchain. That’s why Checkoff continues to stay on top of this technology and is collaborating with tech leaders such as Ripe Technologies. Andy Brudtkuhl, Checkoff’s director of emerging technology, says blockchain will allow producers to demonstrate how the We Care ethical principles guide pig farming through best practices that benefit people, pigs and the planet.

For more information, contact Andy Brudtkuhl at ABrudtkuhl@pork.org or call 515-223-2604.

Biosecurity information targets youth show pig exhibitors

The Checkoff’s science and technology, communications, and producer services teams are creating and sharing biosecurity information for youth show pig exhibitors. The cross-departmental team is working with the National Junior Swine Association, Team Purebred, the Agriculture Future of America, and the National FFA. A special page on pork.org went live in early June to make getting this critical information easier than ever.

For more information, go to www.pork.to/showpig. Or contact Dr Lisa Becton at LBecton@pork.org or call 515-223-2791.

Checkoff continues nationwide FAD drills

The Pork Checkoff has been setting up its table top display of a typical small town and rural area for many years to help bring more realism into its ongoing series of foreign animal disease (FAD) drills. Of the roughly two dozen, day-long drills conducted over the last 5 years, most have focused on foot-and- mouth disease. Last August, the emphasis switched to African swine fever.

“We changed gears to meet the changing needs of our industry,” said Cindy Cunningham, assistant vice president of communications with the Pork Checkoff. “Most drills have included the state veterinarian, state and federal government officials, packers, state pork associations, and of course, producers.”

Cunningham says these drills are designed to help our producers and industry experience what would happen in their particular region of the country, prior to an outbreak. She added, “Now is the time to prepare while we can build a plan, stockpile resources and work to determine the best path forward should we have a confirmation of a foreign animal disease in the United States.”

For more information, contact Dr Patrick Webb at PWebb@pork.org or call 515-223-3441.

Registration Open for Pig Welfare Symposium

The National Pork Board’s second biennial Pig Welfare Symposium will take place November 13-15, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It will be a forum for sharing ideas, learning from other segments of the industry, and fostering dialog on pig welfare-related issues. Registration is now open at pork.org/pws. For more information, contact Dr Sara Crawford at SCrawford@pork.org or 515-223-2790.