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
Swine – Surviving Tough Economic Times 101
Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. (BIVI) is committed to its customers, the swine producer. Hard economic times are inevitable in the agriculture industry, but the pork community has hit some tough times in recent years and BIVI is here to help. During last week’s World Pork Expo, they hosted a Lunch & Learn to give advice for producers in managing swine … Read More
AP Catches Some Waves During #WPX15
Everyone was surfing in the USA with the Beach Boys as fun in the sun was the theme of this year’s Automated Production Systems’ (AP) pig roast. Attendees were dancing in the streets with the AP crew, tossing beach balls and trying their hands at hoola-hooping in want is fondly known as tent row. AP offers automated production and control … Read More
Telling Your Farm Story Via Social Media
“If we don’t tell our farmer story then someone else will,” said Erin Brennemen, Iowa pork producer during the panel discussion “Our Barn Door is Open,” that took place during the 2015 World Pork Expo (#WPX15). The #RealPigFarming panel was hosted by the National Pork Board (NPB) and moderated by outgoing vice president Brad Greenway, a South Dakota pork producer. … Read More
Managing Swine Production Costs
Managing swine production costs during tough economic times is something producers across the country constantly have on their minds. The folks at Boehringer Ingelheim understand that and put together a Lunch & Learn session during the 2015 World Pork Expo to share tips on handling costs, production and profitability. Dr. Daryl Olsen, AMVC, provided a historical perspective on costs in … Read More
State of Ag, Trade Topics During #WPX15
Iowa Governor Terry Branstad along with Iowa Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds spent some time at the Iowa Fairgrounds during World Pork Expo 2015 held is Des Moines, Iowa. While onsite, they spoke to dozens of Iowa pork producers as well as address a crowd during the SIP luncheon hosted by the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC). Branstad noted that Iowa … Read More
Livestock Antibiotic Use Big Issue at #WPX15
Livestock antibiotic use was definitely the topic of the week at World Pork Expo. National Pork Producers Council president and North Carolina swine veterinarian Ron Prestage was among those who attended a White House forum on fighting antibiotic resistance. “Lot of brain power in that room looking at trying to cooperatively work together to face the issues and challenges of … 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