As more state animal health officials give AgView the greenlight to help augment their state’s ability to respond to a foreign animal disease (FAD) emergency, the Checkoff-funded software platform is gaining traction in the pork industry. “We’re pleased with how producers and animal health officials are responding to the introduction of AgView,” says Dr Dave Pyburn, chief veterinarian with the National Pork Board. “We are always happy to do demonstrations of the software’s capabilities for producers and veterinarians who want to learn how AgView can help mitigate a swine health emergency, such as African swine fever.”

Pyburn points to AgView’s core strengths as shown in the infographic below, which highlights the platform’s top five features.

For more information, contact Dr Dave Pyburn at DPyburn@pork.org or visit agview.com.

Humane Animal Handling modules available in Spanish

The Checkoff-funded Humane Animal Handling online training series is now available in Spanish. The four, 15-minute modules cover Pig Movement, Environment, Animal Handling, and Electric Prod Use. They are designed to easily fit with established training schedules for onboarding new employees or as part of an annual training refresher for experienced handlers. If you are interested in implementing this training contact Stephanie Wisdom at SWisdom@pork.org or info@pork.org.

Managing increased feed costs

Historically, feed costs have represented 65% to 75% of the variable costs of swine production, but for many producers this figure is testing the upper limit of that range because of the recent surge in corn and soybean prices. The Pork Checkoff’s newly edited Alternative Feed Ingredients resource outlines considerations when selecting alternative feed ingredients for swine diets and is available at pork.to/feed. The Pork Checkoff is also working on updating and developing several other resources to help producers manage increased feed costs and control costs in other areas of their farms.

For more information, contact Dr Chris Hostetler at CHostetler@pork.org or 515-223-2600.

Russ Nugent to represent NPB on SHIC Board of Directors

Russ Nugent, PhD, from Arkansas, has joined the Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) Board of Directors, representing the National Pork Board. Nugent was appointed to fill the SHIC board seat previously held by National Pork Board member Bill Luckey of Nebraska.