In November of last year, the National Pork Board (NPB) approved $15 million in funding for a new Swine Health Information Center (SWIC). The venture will focus efforts on implementing preparedness for disease challenges that could affect U.S. swine herds. During the 2015 World Pork Expo, Dr. Paul Sundberg who is currently serving as the vice president and technology for … Read More
NPPC CEO Provides Organization Update
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) is continually hard at work ensuring the needs of swine producers across the country are met. During the World Pork Expo, I met with CEO of the NPPC, Neil Dierks, so he could provide us an update on the organization and the issues they support. “We have been dealing with a number of issues. … Read More
Swine Production Without Antibiotics
Swine industry issues were all the rage during the recent 2015 World Pork Expo and the hottest of those issues was antibiotics. As host of the event, the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), had their staff on hand to help inform producers and consumers. I spoke with Dr. Liz Wagstrom, Chief Veterinarian, NPPC, and she said the topic of antibiotics … Read More
Canada and Mexico Start COOL Retaliation Process
The governments of Mexico and Canada Thursday officially requested retaliation rights against the United States over Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) for beef and pork products. “Canada will request authorization from the WTO to impose over C$3 billion (US$2.4 billion) in retaliatory measures against the U.S., while Mexico will seek authorization for over US$653 million,” said the agricultural government representatives … Read More
Pork Leaders Highlight Industry Issues at #WPX15
This morning on day two of the 2015 World Pork Expo the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) hosted another press conference to address three issues impacting pork producers, swine businesses and organizations and the consumer. Dr. Howard Hill, NPPC past president, began the morning discussing the 2015 Dietary Guidelines that were released in February. He noted the committee did not … Read More
Are You Attending 2015 World Pork Expo?
Next week 20,000 pork producers and other professionals from throughout the world will assemble at the Iowa State Fairground in Des Moines, Iowa for the 2015 World Pork Expo. The National Pork Producers Council brings the world’s largest pork-specific trade show, educational seminars with the latest information, national youth swine shows, plenty of pork barbecue and much more to us … Read More
Industry Reacts to Final WTO COOL Ruling
In response to the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) fourth and final ruling on Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) for muscle cuts of beef and pork, the COOL Reform Coalition is calling for “immediate congressional intervention” to bring the U.S. into compliance with its trade obligations and avoid the threat of retaliatory action on the part of Mexico and Canada. “We … Read More
World Pork Expo’s MusicFest
The 2015 World Pork Expo is right around the corner, June 3-5 and will present four diverse musical acts during MusicFest on Thursday, June 4, offering something for everyone. From 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., attendees can take in the musical performances on Grand Avenue at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Brought to you by the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), … Read More
Pork Producers: Port Dispute Threatens Ag Exports
A work slowdown by some West Coast dock workers is threatening the U.S. pork export market. The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) joined 92 other food, agricultural and allied industry groups in urging the parties involved to resolve the issues, and NPPC even called on the federal government to consider all remedies to bring the dispute to a swift end. … Read More
Lawsuit to Protect Farmer Data Dismissed
Agricultural organizations seeking to block the Environmental Protection Agency from releasing personal information of livestock and poultry farmers and ranchers in response to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests were dealt a blow this week when the federal district court in Minnesota dismissed the lawsuit. The court concluded that no federally permitted livestock or poultry farmer is injured by such … Read More