News from the ABA

from Experience Berkshire February 2020

Photography Tips from Torie Egger

News from the American Berkshire Association

CHANGES TO REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS In June of 2019 the American Berkshire Association (ABA) held their 144 th Annual Membership Meeting in Springfield, Ill. On the ballot were three proposed bylaw changes. All three items on the ballot were passed by the membership. These updates to the constitution and bylaws take effect with pigs farrowed January 1, 2020 and after.

Item one amended article I, section 3 to add another option to how good-standing members can vote: “through a secured electronic voting system approved by the ABA.” This change allows members to have the option to submit their votes for the Board of Directors candidates on-line on the Association’s website. The second approved change allows members to vote “through a secured electronic voting system approved by the ABA.” This change is reflected in article XIV, section 4.

Members voted to approve an amendment of article XIX, section 4 of the ABA by-laws. The bylaws now read: “Disqualification for Registration of Breeding animals. The presence of one or more of the following are disqualifications for registration: a) less than 6 functional teats on each side...” The section used to read “...12 functional teats”. This section of the ABA by-laws is now consistent with an already current show rule of a minimum of 6 functional teats on each side of Berkshire pigs. Any boars or gilts that do not have 6 functional teats on each side that are already in breeding production are grand-fathered in to comply with this change. REMINDER: A.I. CERTIFICATIONS The ABA requires a separate A.I. Certificate for each litter. Before the office can record any litter out of a boar that you do not own, you must obtain an A.I. Certificate by contacting the boar stud where you purchased the semen. Please be sure to get the ear notch and the registration number of your litters sire. The boar’s information is needed to match the correct AI certificate to the correct litter. All A.I. Certificates must be completed online. REMINDER: LITTER REGISTRATIONS When you send in litter registrations be sure that you are the owner of the sow—if you are not, please include a transfer as they are not completed automatically by the ABA office. If the sow is not in your name when you send in the litter registrations it will delay your papers. Also, please be sure to have the registration number of the sire. Furthermore, please order a A.I. Certificate from the stud who owns the boar or have sent in DNA on the sire. If the office doesn’t have DNA on the sire, your litters cannot be registered. DNA TESTING CHEAT SHEET Registration Requirements: All Sires must be DNA banked and stress tested—a negative mating does not fulfill this requirement (all stress genotypes are eligible for registration, but EVERY sire MUST have a DNA test result on file at ABA office). The card to DNA bank must come from the ABA office (cannot be a Genalysis card). There is no need to complete two cards, as the same card is used for banking and testing.

Show requirements: All animals must be stress negative on the pedigree (HAL-1843* nm will be printed under the pigs name). This can either be from a test or a negative mating. This is also a requirement at all Team Purebred events.

100% Pure Berkshire Pork® Program: All sires must be tested negative for both the stress and Napole genes.

If you are unsure if you have DNA banked a boar, you can do a pedigree search from the ABA website (you set up your own login information—click on New User to get set up). If you are unsure if your sire has been stress tested, please contact Katie Brummet, katie@americanberkshire.com, if you have questions or need assistance on DNA testing , A.I. Certifications, transfers or litter registrations. Please be sure to include the registration number of the animal in question. BOARD OF DIRECTORS NOMINATIONS If you are interested in nominating a member to run for the ABA Board of Directors, please contact Nominating Committee Chair Jeff Wippel by email at oink.berks@gmail.com by March 14.

2020 Membership Renewal & Questionnaire

Name:________________________________ Breeder Number:____________ Address:________________________________________________________ City:_____________________ State: _______________ Zip:___________ Home Number:______________________ Cell Number:_______________ E-mail address: ___________________________________________________ Website address: __________________________________________________ Do you have a Facebook, Twitter or Instagram page for your Berkshire operation? YES I want to receive newsletters and other info from the office by (Circle one): Mail Email My address has changed in the last year? YES NO I want my e-mail address included with my breeders directory listing? YES NO NO

We would like to know more about you and your herd: What is your occupation? ______________________ Spouse’s __________________ What are your hobbies? ________________________ Spouse’s __________________ Number of Berkshire sows? ________________ Number of Other breed sows ____________ How many sows do you have capacity for? _______________ Do you feed out market hogs? Yes No If Yes, how many? ________ Capacity _________ Do you sell Berkshire market hogs to a locally owned processing plant that retails pork to consumers or restaurants in the area? YES NO Do you market Berkshire hogs or pork directly to consumers or restaurants? YES NO Do you participate in the ABA meat program, 100% Pure Berkshire Pork® Program? YES NO Another program? YES NO

Please select the options below: $75 for maintenance fee *senior members only, Jr is free $25 for breeder directory listing in Breeders Digest magazine $25 to link website to breeder directory listing *for this option, you must also select breeder directory listing above Total Amount: __________

Return to: American Berkshire Association 2637 Yeager Road, West Lafayette, IN 47906 Or katie@americanberkshire.com Please pay by check or credit card: Card Number: _________________________________ Expiration Date: __________ Code: ___________

Progeny TESTED SEMEN WITH ProvenPRIME PORK QUALITY

B787 DREAMLINER 89-6 2018 ABA PRIME PORK INDEX SIRE #1 boar in the NATION for: • SPI • Born Alive • 21 day Litter Wt

WHEELS UP 1-9 2015 NBS SUPER SIRE + 2015 NBS PORQUE AWARD + 2017 ABA PERFORMANCE INDEX SIRE #2 boar in the NATION for number born alive Ranks in the top 10% of the breed for SPI

Semen available on these sires and more! View our full sire catalog at flynberks.com WE WANT TO BE YOUR FULL SERVICE 100% BERKSHIRE SEMEN SUPPLIER!

LANCE & KRISTI KNOBLOCH KEEGAN, KELWIN, GABE, DAYTON

Vision 2025: A Plan for Sustained Growth of Berkshire Pigs and Pork

words by Neil Knobloch

What is Vision 2025? Vision 2025 is a strategic goal the American Berkshire Association (ABA) Board of Directors (BOD) has set to double litter recordings by the year 2025. Think about what it would take to reach this strategic goal. The ABA has experienced unprecedented growth in recent years because of the popularity of the breed among youth, families, and breeders. What would happen if more chefs and consumers knew and experienced Berkshire pork? There is no question that the number of recorded litters could double by the year 2025. Currently, the Berkshire breed ranks number #3 among the 9 major breeds in the number of litters recorded in 2019 (see figure below).

Why Vision 2025? There are several reasons why Vision 2025 is a strategic goal for ABA to help meet the growing demand for Berkshire pigs and pork: (1) to meet the demand of 100% purebred Berkshire pork; (2) help producers, processors, distributors, and chef educate consumers about the value of Berkshire pork; and, (3) be economically viable and sustainable as a single breed association to provide services for its members.

When did Vision 2025 begin? In July 2016, the ABA BOD engaged in strategic discussions to consider current challenges and future opportunities of the ABA and the direction the BOD should take in the future (next 5-10 years). The following shared values were identified: (1) passion and promotion for Berkshires unites the breed as a whole above individual interest; (2) integrity and honesty by maintaining purity of the breed, being accountable to ABA’s constitution and bylaws, and doing what is best for the breed; (3) cultivating respect, fairness, and professionalism among all members and stakeholders; (4) building on the Berkshire tradition, being progressive, and providing value to the members; (5) promoting and supporting multiple purposes and markets for all Berkshire breeders; and, (6) growing the Experience Berkshire brand based on quality, excellence, value, and being family-oriented. The BOD has used these values to inform their decision-making as they organized Vision 2025. The BOD also identified the ABA’s strengths and future opportunities to help advance Vision 2025 (see table on page 11).

ABA has enjoyed unprecedented growth as an association because of over 800 breeders’ efforts in improving the Berkshire brand, including meat quality, breeding stock, and phenotype, which has helped advance the popularity of Berkshires, especially among youth exhibitors. Concurrently, ABA members have experienced and shared major challenges in marketing 100% Pure Berkshire Pork®. The Berkshire breed has

been ranked #1 in meat quality traits, such as tenderness and juiciness, for over 25 years. There is tremendous unrealized growth potential regarding excellent meat quality, breed improvement, commercial production, and consumer marketing. Leveraging the position as being a premier eating experience with Berkshire pork, ABA has a unique opportunity to capitalize on consumer demand that could result in the phenomenal growth of the breed. ABA is financially strong and is forecasting the next 10 years to position the breed for sustained growth to meet this unprecedented consumer demand. As such, the BOD has implemented several strategies to advance Vision 2025: (1) developing a marketing plan; (2) publishing Experience Berkshire; (3) testing ABA pork quality and performance; (4) simplifying the certification process; and, (5) starting a new direct-toconsumer program. Developing Marketing and Education: In 2016, the ABA hired Brad Myers, an Entrepreneurship Intern from Purdue University, to develop an ABA marketing plan. The plan outlined four goals: (1) develop the ABA brand; (2) re-design the website; (3) increase social media presence; and, (4) build a community of breeders. This plan has guided the BOD to make strategic marketing efforts to promote the Berkshire brand and establish contemporary engagement with producers. In the last 4 years, several strategies were implemented to address ABA’s marketing goals. Clay Parrish, ABA Marketing Intern, developed producer videos. Mallorie Boggs developed the ABA Brand Guide, redesigned the website, developed numerous social media posts, and started the Berkshire News electronic newsletter and the online publication—Experience Berkshire. Current efforts include marketing campaigns, which are coordinated on social media using Facebook and are integrated with the ABA website. ABA’s website platform was transformed in 2019, which includes tools for ABA members to promote their Berkshires through classified advertisements and through an online membership directory to conduct more robust searches to connect with ABA members. Publishing Experience Berkshire: This online (and now print) publication was started in 2019 to develop the Berkshire brand as an inclusive experience for families to enjoy all aspects of the food system from the farm to the table. This publication features positive experiences with Berkshires—from the perspectives of producers, youth, families, experts, chefs, and consumers. The online publication promotes crossmarketing efforts with social media and features can be shared by families, chefs, and consumers on their favorite social media venues such as FaceBook, Tweeter, Instagram, websites, and blogs. The printed version of Experience Berkshire will broaden the reach by sharing the Experience Berkshire with consumers at Farmers’ Markets, tradeshows, and popular waiting rooms of health care providers. Experience Berkshire was developed for consumers and chefs because consumers are interested in purchasing pork that consistently tastes good. According to Steve Meyer, Vice President of Pork Analysis for EMI Analytics and Agri-Stats, consumers need to know how to ways to conveniently prepare pork. Testing ABA Pork Quality and Performance: In 2016, the ABA initiated the first ABA Progeny Test after the National Barrow Progeny Test was discontinued. The ABA Progeny Test provides producers to conduct research on performance and meat quality traits of Berkshire genetics using a testing site near Terre Haute, Indiana. Eight pigs from three different dams bred to the same sire are put on test when they are 40 pounds and monitored and tested for growth performance indicators. The pigs are processed and loin samples are tested for meat quality indicators. The results of this test help producers monitor and advance their meat quality traits. The results of the ABA Progeny Test provides a sense of quality control for breeders and helps them communicate science-based information about the quality of their Berkshire pork. This testing program is the R&D (aka, research and development) strategy for ABA members to continue to advance their genetics and pork quality. To help promote participation and recognition of progeny from ABA Progeny Tested sires, the BOD re-activated the Meat Quality Rewards Program. This program provides recognition and prize money for offspring of top quality meat sires who place 1st in class, reserve champion and champion at ABA shows. Simplifying Online Certification: In 2017, online modules were created for producers and processors to learn about the 100% Pure Berkshire Program. Producers and processors can watch their respective module, and complete an online quiz and agreement form in less than 30 minutes. This is a 3rd party verification that helps producers and processors market their pork as

Strong Membership & Leadership • Passion and expertise of breeders • Tradition and autonomy—the oldest swine registry and a single breed association • Diversity and mutual respect among members • Family values and informal mentoring to foster new breeders at shows

Youth Engagement & Exhibitions • Youth engagement and development through Team Purebred • The only breed with an affiliated Foundation to support youth engagement and scholarships

#1 Meat Quality & Breed Improvement • Performance and meat quality testing; 1st on meat quality traits for 25 years • Finding a balance between breed character and breeder integrity

Profitability & Multiple Markets • Profitability and entrepreneurship opportunities are driven by the marketability of all stock (e.g., feeder pigs; meat quality breeding stock; show pigs) • The best pork eating experience; tremendous upside for demand

Professionalism & Customer Service • Excellence in office efficiencies and customer service • Strong committee member engagement

Build on Existing Collaborations & Organizational Efficiencies • Shared office and STAGES program with National Swine Registry • Joint junior membership organization (Team Purebred) and Breeders Digest with Certified Pedigreed Swine • Identify ways to increase efficiencies with office and personnel expenses

Expand the Berkshire Meat Program and Marketing Services • Leverage the #1 pork eating experience and expanding the meat program to accommodate more breeders • Provide co-branding and marketing services for ABA members

Increase Value for ABA Members • Explore more youth engagement and leadership opportunities for junior members • Provide more resources to educate producers, chefs, and consumers • Increase the use of expected progeny differences and the STAGES program • Provide user-friendly online platforms for member services

100% Pure Berkshire Pork. There is confusion in the marketplace as some “Berkshire” pork is not 100% Pure Berkshire. A crossbred with Berkshire influence may not be as juicy, tender, and flavorful as 100% Pure Berkshire Pork. Certified producers and processors can differentiate themselves as having #1 ranked meat quality traits and live up to consumer expectations as truth in marketing—Berkshire on a label can be verified as being 100% Pure Berkshire Pork through the oldest swine registry in the United States. Certified producers can help recruit processors to become certified, and together they can distinguish their Berkshire pork as being 100% Pure Berkshire Pork.

Starting a New Direct-to-Consumer Program: Recently, ABA approved the development of a new Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) program. The plan is to roll out this new program in the Summer of 2020. Many Berkshire producers have their own brand, but want to verify their brand is registered Berkshire pork (not just called “Berkshire” in name only with no 3rd party verification). The focus of the program will help producers who want to co-market their ABA registered Berkshires for direct sales to consumers through farmers’ markets, restaurant sales for chefs, and retail sales for consumers. By recording their litters of Berkshire pigs, producers will be able to purchase stickers (at a nominal cost) to put on their Berkshire products with their existing brand. Producers will also be able to access ABA’s marketing services to develop online and printed marketing resources to co-market their existing brands with the ABA brand. This will help producers distinguish Berkshire pork in their marketing efforts because consumers can easily distinguish the difference in color of pork, which translates to pork quality (Brewer, 2001). Ninety-eight percent of consumers reported taste is important when selecting food and consumers use visual cues such as color and marbling when purchasing pork (Brewer, 2002).

The BOD has listened to the members, and Vision 2025 was a focused response to be inclusive of everyone to translate their passion for producing Berkshires into meeting the demand for Berkshire pigs and pork. For ABA to continue to provide value to its members, it is critical to make strategic investments in testing, recognizing, marketing, and promoting the premier tasting experience consumers can have with Berkshire pork. It is important for all producers to be engaged in building the Experience Berkshire brand and seeing the Vision 2025 become a reality. The demand for Berkshire pork is real and meeting the demand for Berkshire pork is daunting and exciting! This reality will be positive for everyone—youth, families, producers, chefs, and consumers. Let’s make Vision 2025 a reality! •

References Brewer, M. S. (2001). Consumer Attitudes Toward Color and Marbling of Fresh Pork. National Pork Board Facts #04520. Des Moines, IA: National Pork Board.

Brewer, M. S. (2002). Consumer attitudes: What they say and what they do. Fact Sheet Pork Information Gateway. Des Moines, IA: National Pork Board.

Neil Knobloch is a Professor of Agricultural Education at Purdue University and served two terms on the ABA BOD (2014-20). His three children (Grant, Nelson & Kedron) were coowners of Knobloch Family Berks and raised Berkshire pigs for over 11 years.

Experience Berkshire is now on Instagram and Facebook!

Click the icons then tap the follow button.

Since 2009

Restaurant Wholesale & Retail Provider Pasture and woodland raised Berkshire pork • Non-GMO grain fed Highest Animal Welfare Call us for your Berkshire pork needs in NW Arkansas and SW Missouri.

Found on these fine restaurant plates everyday! Go find one.

To order, message or email: csbansley@yahoo.com or BansleysBerkshireRidgeFarm In Bentonville, AR: • Oven & Tap • The Hive • Tusk & Trotter • All Onyx Coffee Labs • Snack Lab • Co Op Ramen • Sweet Freedom Cheese • Brightwater Culinary School In Eureka Springs, AR: • Bombadil’s Cafe • Rockin’ Pig Saloon In Fayetteville, AR: • Farmers Table Cafe • Onyx Coffee Labs • Prelude Breakfast Bar • • Mockingbird Kitchen • Dot’s Nashville Hot Chicken • Farrell’s Lounge In Rogers, AR: • Doughp Bakery • Onyx Coffee Labs • Snack Lab • Bean & Vine • Komodo Modern Asian Cuisine In Springdale, AR: • Cooks Cafe In Branson, MO: • Level 2 Steakhouse

Q&A with Logan Thornton Kuna, Idaho

Logan Thornton and his family have a farrow-to-finish operation focused on providing quality Berkshire and commercial crossbred market hogs. Located in Kuna, Idaho, The Flying Pig Farm has a mix of modern production with outdoor old school finishers and gestation, as well as fair pigs for kids at local shows around Idaho and some neighboring states. They mix all their own feed for our pigs and sell some to local producers. In 2017, Logan was named a Pig Farmer of Tomorrow by the Pork Checkoff. 1. How long have you been raising pigs? How did you get started? My dad, Brad, started the Flying Pig Farm after finishing college in 1983. He raised pigs for FFA projects and the college pig farm gave him the fire to start his own farm. I grew up in it and knew pretty early on it was something I wanted to do as well. versatile occupation. There is room for all types of producers because there are so many different types of consumers for pigs. From show pig production to backyard pasture pigs we can do it all and we need to be respectful of how all of us choose to get involved in this great industry 6. What would you like to see from the ABA in the next 5 years? Not being familiar with all the behind the scenes efforts of the ABA I would hope they continue to promote the versatility of the breed as far as use in the show ring and the plate but remember what sets us apart is the eating experience Berkshire pork gives the end consumer. 7. What advice do you have for someone who wants to get started in Berkshires? Have fun with it..find what you love and go for it.

2. How many sows do you currently have? We stay around 230-250 sows. Around 175 are Berkshire sows. The others are a combination of commercial crossbred, Yorkshire and cross show pig sows. 3. Where do you market your pigs to? Anyone who wants PORK! haha. Many local orders delivered to our local custom butcher along with a few restaurants in downtown Boise, Idaho. We also supply to some regular customers throughout the region. 4. Why did you choose to do Berkshires? My mom Lisa wanted Berkshires for years since the farm started but the first Berkshires stepped foot on the farm in 2008. We love their marketability and quality eating experiences it provides all customers. Berkshire pork is a known product to all pork lovers and we are happy to provide it to the people of the Northwest. 5. What is the biggest concern you see in the industry currently? Staying united as an industry. Raising pigs is such a 8. As a Pig Farmer of Tomorrow, what was that experience like? I learned there are so many people all over the country passionate about pigs. Through networking and social media, we are a powerful force for pork and protecting and educating about the industry we love. As a pig farmer of tomorrow, I was able to show many people our farm and how we care for our animals. 9. Why is advocating for the industry important to you? How can others help promote the swine industry as well? I think it starts locally. Friends, family, and neighbors we talk to regularly are less aware of what we do on the farm than we may think. I believe helping those close to you understand what we do can strengthen and support us and that just snowballs from there. •