Texas Pork Producer Connection - June 2015

PRODUCER CONNECTION

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TEXAS PORK PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION • VOLUME 2, NUMBER 3

In this Issue Texas Pork Industry Conference Producer Spotlight: Harman Farms Announcements, Changes & News

A few words from the Director of Communications...

Howdy Y’all,

, xas, our history runs deept Te in n tio cia so as k toc e our membership bu the second oldest lives Established in 1889 and ip and members. TPPA’s main goal is to serv longevity and strength and so does our leadersh mbers working together, we wouldn’t have thet accomplishments and s seen grea without the leaders and me ious leadership TPPA ha we must not stand idly and relish ev pr r ou r de Un . ay tod try changes, that holds true es, but as time and indus mmunications for seven achieved many mileston for greater things. Being the Director of Co recent changes and I am in the past, but press onan staff person for TPPA, I have witnessed some years, and now the veter current growth of the Association. excited to be a part of the y ugh being used to the wa tho Al rt. sta the m fro as gh rship came new ide tasks have been brou t With the change in leadeeded to keep an open mind. New projects and w really excited about things were, I knew I neme with great apprehension, but one that I am noanges, or should I say before me, and some ca tion” magazine. This is just one of the many che our state’s producers is the “Producer Connectaking place. In keeping true to our goal, to serv ormation. Being in my improvements, that are from you was for more timely and relevant inf the feedback we receiveddesk and very fitting for the new publication. position, this falls on my re bsite in progress and mo we w ne a e, zin ga ma ve requested us to tra l. roducer Connection” The creations of the “Pr membership is a step onto the road y’all have have seen an increased communication with ou the call in communication efforts; in return we ed on committees and We’re trying to answer includes a record number of new people involved and for calls into the response from you. This mp and CTBR scholarship applications submittwe demanded more and advertising, along with ca demanded, and we’ve tried to provide in return office and emails. You’vethe plate. y’all have stepped up to s year ars at conference and thi what ye in ut no tur st be d ha to provide Last year we st. We have worked hard we have had peeked interelineup of speakers and program activities we hope is a tremendous nference. So don’t disappoint us, come for this year ’s Annual Co ging each other. You challenge us to do on out. Let’s keep challenyou in return to participate in programs better and we challengeus; as an association we will continue to and communicate with grow!

r by mere chanceth;er.”

“Growth is neve orking toge it’s the result of forces w

Cassidy Smith 89 s Pork Industry Since 18 xa Te e th r fo ice Vo ed Representing a Unifi ♦ 512.451.5536 Fax P.O. Box 10168

♦

Austin, TX 78766

♦

512.453.0615

June / July 2015

UPCOMING EVENTS JUNE

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1st - 6th ~ World Pork Expo, Des Moines, IA 5th - 7th ~ Texas A&M BBQ Camp, College Station, TX 8th - 11th ~ Texas 4-H Round-up 12th - 14th ~ Texas A&M Livestock Judging Camp #1 15th - 17th ~ Texas A&M Livestock Judging Camp #2

TPPA Mission Statement “The mission of the Texas Pork Producers Association is to help our members produce and market pork for a profit.”

Producer Connection is the official publication of the Texas Pork Producers Association and is published by the Texas Pork Producers Association. All inquiries should be directed to the TPPA office.

Advertising Information To place an ad or for advertising rates and guidelines, please contact Texas Pork Producers Association at (512) 453-0615 or communications@texaspork.org

Texas Pork Producers Association P.O. Box 10168 Austin, Texas 78766 512-453-0615 - Local Phone 512-451-5536 - Fax tppa@texaspork.org www.texaspork.org Texas Pork Producers Association 8500 Shoal Creek Blvd.

Bldg. 4, Suite 120 Austin, Texas 78757

18th - 20th ~ Texas Tech University Meat & Livestock Judging

Camp 18th - 19th ~ Texas A&M Livestock Judging Coaches Clinic 21st - 25th ~ Texas Pork Leadership Camp 29th - July 4th ~ NSR Summer Type Conference, Louisville, KY

JULY 1st - 5th ~ TJLA Belt Buckle Bonanza, Waco, TX 10th - 11th ~ Annual Texas Pork Industry Conference and

Youth Symposium, Kerrville, TX 11th ~ Twin Rivers Summer Classic, Clarksville, TX 13th - 17th ~ Texas FFA Convention, Corpus Christi, TX 26th ~ Greenville FFA Summer Classic, Greenville, TX

Programs are made available to pork producers without regard to race, color, sex, religion or national origin. TPPA is an equal opportunity employer.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

BOARD OF DIRECTORS STAFF

President - Kyle Stephens, Amarillo

Lorenzo Devora, Pipe Creek Rory Duelm, New Braunfels Mike Gruber, Dalhart Kurt Kelso, Seguin David Kempen, San Angelo Melton Harms, Springtown Barret Klein, Boerne Cody McCleery, Weatherford Robert Peffley, Miami Chuck Real, Marion Ewrin Schwartz, Jr., San Angelo

President Elect - Jimmy Hayes, Port Lavaca Vice President - Corby Barrett, Perryton Immediate Past President - Kenneth Kensing, Fredericksburg Executive Member - Stanley Young, Lubbock Executive Member - Denny Belew, Tahoka Executive Member - Jay Winter, Lubbock

Executive Vice President Brandon R. Gunn bgunn@texaspork.org Director of Communications Cassidy Smith csmith@texaspork.org

Bailee Wright Lubbock

Meet the Intern

University: Junior Agricultural Media & Communications major at West Texas A&M University. I am involved in many clubs and organizations within the Agriculture Sciences Department, as well as a member of the Livestock Judging Team. I plan on pursuing a Masters degree in Education or Leadership and using my degrees to globally advocate for the livestock industry.

Proudest Accomplishment: My proudest accomplishment is being able to represent my university as an Agriculture Ambassador, which allows me to work first hand with the youth of Texas and promote leadership through agriculture.

Favorite Quotes: Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding,” and “Blessed is the leader who seeks the best for those he serves.”(Author Unknown) Why TPPA?: TPPA is a voice for an industry I am passionate about and uses its voice to serve producers, consumers and the young people involved in the industry. I am very thankful for the opportunity to help serve, as well as learn and grow from the association and those involved.

Background: I grew up showing gilts and barrows at all the Texas majors and was heavily involved in FFA and 4-H. My two passions in life are serving others and being involved in the agriculture industry.

I love to travel and stay busy; I truly believe life is best spent living out of a suitcase. My favorite thing to do, now that I am no longer showing, is to watch my little brother show his hogs and heifers.

For those who work & get paid by the acre...

not the hour.

www.aacropinsurance.com Livestock Gross Margin Insurance for Swine * Provides protection against the loss of gross margin (market value of livestock minus feed costs) on swine.

Livestock Risk Protection Insurance for Swine * Designed to insure against declining market prices. Pork producers choose from a variety of coverage levels & insurance periods matching the time your hogs would normally be marketed.

PRF, MPCI & Crop Hail policies are also available during regular sales seasons. Premiums & returns vary by location of insured.

Judy Turner 361-212-8350

For specific information on your farming or ranching needs, contact one of our agents today!

T.E. Chester 361-219-1193

Donate to the ‘FUN Auction’ FUN Auction will be held in conjuction with the Texas Pork Producers Industry Conference on July 11th. Auction procedes go to help fund non-checkoff programs such as Public Policy Efforts, CTBR and membership benefits. If you would like to donate items to the FUN Action please contact the TPPA office.

Market News Wiechman Pig Company

May 26, 2015 (Daily Buying Station)

Summer Internships Available!!

Production Agriculture Needs You! This honorable Career needs bright minds like yours so that we can continue to lead the world in food production.

Texas Farm, LLC, a growing Pork Production Company, is expanding its Animal Production and Production Leadership Team.

Join us!

Bring your Bright Mind and start Helping Feed the World!

Contact us at 4200 South Main Perryton, Texas or contact Isabel (806) 435-5935 ext. 3100; idominguez@texasfarmpork.com to start pursuing your future today.

Top Butchers (200-300 lbs.) - $51.34/cwt.

Sows (< 450 lbs.) - $0.16/lb.

Sows (450 - 500 lbs.) - $0.19/lb.

Sows (500 - 550 lbs.) - $0.23/lb.

Sows (550 - 600 lbs.) - $0.24/lb.

Sows (600+ lbs.) - $0.25/lb.

Big Boars - 7.00 /cwt.

Gainesville Livestock Auction May 19, 2015

#1 Butchers (230-270 lbs.) - $0.75 - $0.80/lb. #2 Butchers (220-280 lbs.) - $0.65 - $0.75/lb.

Sows (<400 lbs.) - $0.20 - $0.55/lb.

Sows (400-500 lbs.) - $0.25 - $0.35/lb.

Sows (500-700 lbs.) - $0.25 - $0.35/lb.

Feeder Pigs (25-90 lbs.) - $0.20 - $1.00/lb.

Feeder Pigs (100-175 lbs.) - $0.65 - $1.00/lb.

Boars (<200 lbs.) - $0.50 - $0.75/lb.

Boars (200-300 lbs.) - $0.20 - $0.55/lb.

Boars (300+ lbs.) - $0.10 - $0.14/lb.

Brenham Livestock Auction May 22, 2015

Butchers 1-2 Grade (230-260 lbs.) - $0.65 - $0.72/lb.

Butchers 2-3 Grade (225-275 lbs.) - $0.62 - $0.65/lb.

Butchers 3-4 Grade (225-275 lbs.) - $0.55 - $0.60/lb.

Packer Sows 1-2 Grade (550-700 lbs.) - $0.24 - $0.28/lb.

Packer Sows 2-3 Grade (350-500 lbs.) - $0.22 - $0.26/lb.

Packer Sows 3-4 Grade (250-500 lbs.) - $0.20 - $0.24/lb.

Lightweight Boars - $0.25 - $0.30/lb.

Feeder Pigs 1-2 Grade (40-80 lbs.) - $1.00 - $1.05/lb.

Feeder Pigs 2-3 Grade (40-80 lbs.) - $0.90 - $1.00/lb.

Seguin Cattle Company May 12, 2015

#1 Butchers - $0.52 - $0.57/lb. #2 Butchers - $0.48 - $0.52/lb.

Sows - $0.30 - $0.40/lb.

Feeder Pigs - $1.00 - $1.10/lb.

Feeder Shoats - $0.90 - $1.00/lb.

CHECK YOUR E-MAIL FOR WEEKLY MARKET REPORTS

R R B B T T C C R R I I A A F F E ATTE SSTTA ATTEESS CCEERRTTIIFFIICCA

AVAILABLE TO

PURCHASE

Now!

GET YOUR ORDER IN! WWW.TEXASPORK.ORG TEXAS PORK PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION P.O. BOX 10168 AUSTIN, TX 78766 512.453.0615

Your Search for the

BEST

Begins & Ends

TEXAS PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION

HERE

Texas Pork Producers Association

Certified Texas Bred Registry

The Certified Texas Bred Registry program was established to promote Texas bred and raised pigs and support both the breeders and the 4-H / FFA youth of Texas who raise & show Certified Texas Bred pigs.

How does participation benefi t you?

✓ Additional Premiums

• $100 premium is awarded to individuals exhibiting a CTBR Class Champion in each class of the barrow shows at the State Fair of Texas, Fort Worth Stock Show, San Antonio Livestock Exposition, Star of Texas and the Houston Livestock Show.

• Premium money is distributed to all placing barrows at the San Angelo Stock Show in addition to buckles and trophies awarded to exhibitors of Champion and Reserve Champion breeds.

• $46,000+ was awarded during the 2014-2015 show season to Texas 4-H and FFA students.

✓ Scholarship Opportunities

• $35,000 has been awarded to Texas students since 2011 through the CTBR program.

• In 2015, three scholarships were awarded at $2,500 each.

✓ Production Grant Program

• Provide financial assistance to deserving 4-H and FFA students at a minimum amount of $2,500 who are continuing their involvement in swine production through establishing their own breeding program.

✓ Participate in the San Angelo Stock Show

• The CTBR Texas Stars Gilt Show & Select Sale and the San Angelo Barrow Show is only open to youth exhibiting pigs registered in the Certified Texas Bred Registry program.

• Gilts selected for the sale brought an average of nearly $2,600 back to each exhibitor in 2015.

How to participate?

✓ Buy your showpigs from a CTBR breeder! ✓ Exhibit your CTBR pig at a Texas Major Show or the State Fair of Texas! ✓ Become a TPPA member for additional benefits!

Sincere Appreciation to our Title Sponsor, Lindner Feed & Milling, and our individual sponsors of trophies & buckles at the San Angelo Stock Show.

P.O. Box 10168

*

Austin, TX 78766

*

512.453.0615

*

512.451.5536 Fax

In Memoriam Lorenzo “Lo” Devora 1941-2015 Lorenzo “Lo” Devora, Jr. was born in Floresville, Texas on May 2, 1941 to Lorenzo, Sr. and Casiana Devora. He started school in Poth and graduated from South San H.S. in San Antonio. Lo worked for Austin Bridge, HB Zachary, and Koger Properties in various forms of construction, and in 1979 started his own business, Devora Construction. He also had a hog farm for decades in Somerset, TX and was an active member of the Texas Pork Producers, serving on the TPPA Board of Directors for 33 years. In 2012, he and his wife, Sharon, were honored for their contribution to the pork industry by being inducted into the Pork Hall of Honor with a plaque that hangs in the Kleberg Animal Science Building at Texas A&M University. He also served on the Somerset School Board for 5 years, with 4 years as President during a time of great progress. Lo loved to travel, with his last trip being though the Panama Canal in April.

Remembering Lorenzo Devora

I am fortunate to have known Lorenzo Devora for over 38 years. He was a dedicated father, grandfather, husband and family man; a smart businessman and a natural leader. I first knew him as a member of three local pork producer associations in Texas. He believed in supporting all of these groups and he truly loved his fellow producers. Many times, Lorenzo used his construction crew and equipment to pour concrete, build barns, and other facilities for anyone that needed help, often at his cost and sometimes at a loss.

He served for years as a representative on the Board of the Texas Pork Producers Association for one or more of the local associations to which he belonged. Later he was elected by the TPPA members as an At-Large Director on the Board where he was re-elected every three years until his death. He was selected by the TPPA Board to represent the association at numerous meetings of the National Pork Producers Council and National Pork Board organizations.

He served on several different committees over the years, but his most effective and a natural fit was the Public Policy Committee.

He often led producers on many trips to meet with elected officials and governmental agency staff in Austin and Washington, D.C. His jovial and warm personality made these formal meetings seem like leaning against his pickup out on the farm and talking with an old friend. He would often have these politicos agreeing with him by the end of the conversation.

I think that Lorenzo’s greatest quality was his ability to hold well-grounded personal values and opinions and conduct a serious discussion; at times it was a disagreement with someone but yet when the conversation was over, you always knew that he was still your friend.

Anyone that ever met him, never forgot him. Those that knew him, liked him. And those that knew him well, will miss him always!

Ken Horton, Former TPPA Executive Vice President

Never Met a Stranger

I met Lo when he first got into the hog business. Many years ago at a pig sale in Seguin, a red sports car came cruising in and parked right in the middle of it all. I was wondering who in the world is this?!? Out of the car emerged a man I would meet and have a great conversation with later in the day, Lorenzo Devora. The phrase about ‘never meeting a stranger’ applied to Lo more than anyone I’ve ever known. I’ve known Lo for a long time and have worked with him on many things; his construction crew has poured a lot of concrete at our farm. One time we were having issues with the cement company getting their trucks out to the farm; we were on a tight schedule with a deadline that had to be met. I was making zero progress and was pretty frustrated, so Lo gets a hold of the company and tells them the trucks better get out here now, or else. The guy on the other end of the line asks who he’s speaking with to which Lo replies, “Devora” and spells it out emphatically “D-E-V-O-R-A”. The guy asks what his first name is; in a pretty stern voice, Lo replied “M.R.”! Our problem was solved! Lo was a very confident, sincere and loyal person; he was someone that made you laugh and that you always wanted to be around. A great friend, we will miss him dearly.

Chuck Real

Larger than Life

This is perhaps the best phrase that I can use to describe Lorenzo. Lo often introduced himself as one of the biggest hog farmers in Texas, after a minute or two, folks would realize what he meant and give a brief chuckle or smile. Putting all humor aside, Lo was huge in all aspects of life and in spite of all of his health issues, he was too busy living his life to the fullest to ever give a thought to passing. The loss of Lo will weigh heavy with those of us that were able to share in his life. I have been truly blest to have Lo as a confidant, mentor, and friend. We ended all of our conversations with “Love ya brother”; we will truly miss this special member of our family. As to any special stories about Lo, please join me at any time or any place to visit about this very special person.

David Kempen

Taking Charge

Lorenzo has been instrumental in one of TPPA’s projects you’ve seen in the magazine - the restoration of the Texas Pork Hall of Honor - being the main person I’ve worked with in conjunction with Texas A&M University. To start, TAMU has their own contractor for this and communicate with him exclusively; he’s been doing the rest of the construction in the Kleberg Animal Science Building. The plan of what was going to be done, how, what materials, timeline, etc. was pretty much finalized with the contractor and TAMU from what I thought when we joined in the talks; they knew what they wanted done and were set. The expense of this project was pretty high and was going to require quite a bit of fundraising, more than I knew TPPA would be able to afford. Lo had gotten this contractor’s name and number and called him without me or TAMU knowing. Lo calls me one day and says, “Plans have changed, papa. I told the contractor this and that and this on what needs to be done.” Lo goes on and on about what his thoughts were for this project and how it needed to be done.

By the end of this conversation, I was a bit shocked and actually pretty worried about what he had done. This was a joint project between TAMU and TPPA, but TAMU was definitely taking the lead; we were just grateful to be a part of it and that the Hall of Honor was housed at Texas A&M University. This was their building, their plans, so it was not up to us. When we got off the phone, I figured I needed to do damage control and quickly called TAMU to explain we didn’t mean to overstep and get in the way. TAMU said no worries and it was okay. Well low and behold a few weeks later, I was contacted about the project. The expense was going to be less than half of what we originally expected! We’re now getting close to be able to fund the project and move forward with restoring the Hall of Honor to the level of quality it deserves; and it’s because of Lo’s “take-charge’ and “results-driven” personality. From the time I started with TPPA, I knew that when Lo believed something, he went right after it. He said what was on his mind and you knew where he stood, always. For being a rookie with TPPA and the Board, I appreciated that very much.

Brandon Gunn

Your CONTRIBUTION can keep our LEGACY ALIVE! Honoring Our History

The Texas pork industry has a rich history filled with hardworking, passionate individuals whose dedication to the swine industry is still present today. For 27 years, these individualsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; commitment to the Texas swine industry has been recognized in the Texas Pork Hall of Honor, located in the Kleberg Animal Science building at Texas A&M University, in College Station.

Within recent years, Texas A&M University dedicated the atrium of the Animal Science building to Dr. Hesby, for his dedication to the thousands of students he instructed in his lifetime. Hanging in the most visible part of the atrium, there are currently 26 inductees in the Hall of Honor, all of which have helped guide and improve the Texas pork industry. Additionally the atrium has been remodeled, providing relaxing study areas for students. All areas of the atrium have been renovated, except the Hall of Honor. Over the years, several plaques have fallen a part and become damaged. To continue this time honored tradition of showing appreciation to our associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s past and present leaders, the Texas Pork Hall of Honor needs your assistance to maintain its location and prominence.

TPPA requests your help to raise the necessary funds in order to restore this prestigious part of our history. Your contribution will be greatly appreciated, and recognized on a plaque at the location of the Texas Pork Hall of Honor, as well as multiple TPPA media outlets. Use the form below, or go to the TPPA website, at texaspork.org and join me in the effort to save a great part of our history.

We sincerely thank those that have contributed, but we still need help!

Hall of Honor Plaque Restoration Donation Form Name: Company: Address: City: Bronze $100+

Zip:

State: Silver $250+

Gold $500+

Platinum $750+

The Best from Spring Farrowing!

Zane Michael Beyers

Todd and Moriah Beyers are happy to announce the birth of their son Zane Michael Beyers who was born on March 13 in Lubbock, Texas. Zane weighed 7 pounds, 13 ounces and measured 19.75 inches long. He is welcomed by big sister Bryleigh, grandparents Gary and Karen Jennings of Fredonia, Texas, and grandparents Dennis and Jodi Beyers of Pana, Illinois.

Congratulations to the Beyers Family!

“Servin ng Texas Aniimal Agricultture Since 18893”

Texas Ani T imal Health Comm mission (TTAHC) Texas Por T rk Produccers Asso ociation (TTPPA)

Biosec B curityy Measures for Sw wine V Validaation What you W u shouldd know

A Anytime there is congre egation of sw wine, especcially swine originating from differrent premises, there iss an increassed risk for the spread of diseases such as P Porcine Epid demic Diarrhea (PEDv),, Porcine e and Respiratory Syndrome (PRR RS), and inffluenza. Esttablishing aand followin ng sound Reproductive practices is tthe cornerstone for red ducing the risk of spreading thesee diseases. With fall biosecurity p

owing are ssome consid derations fo or swine ow wners and vaalidation evvents rapidlyy approachiing, the follo alidation evvent organizzers to consiider that will help minim mize disease exposure.. va

Prior to the vvalidation evvent, it is reccommended d that owneers:    

Clean n and disinfect trailer(s) tthoroughly p prior to haulling swine Only haul swine ffrom the sam me premisess e hauled togeether, mainttain solid separation bettween If swine from diffferent premiises must be nimize fecal contaminatiion the pigs from diffferent premiises and min ontact validaation event Monitor the health of swine ‐‐ if any pig iss sick or has diarrhea, co nizers so that appropriatte alternative plans, suchh as a differeent tagging date or location, may organ be maade

during the vvalidation evvent, event o organizers sshould consiider the follo owing: Prior to and d     

Encou urage exhibitors to repo ort sick pigs aand have an alternate plan for validating those animals, such as an alternaate date or llocation direction traffic flow by designating a single enttrance and exit point Traffic flow – utilize a single d on – maintain n appropriatte space bettween truckss and trailerss to reduce tthe Vehiccle separatio opportunity for in ncidental contact betwe een swine Desiggnate a separate line for any swine that appear tto be unhealthy at time of arrival; th hese pigs should be processed at a different locatio on or after aall healthy sw wine have beeen processed Limit foot traffic – – encourage e owners to sstay with theeir truck or ttrailer and liimit foot traffic of all individuals that are not essen ntial validatio on personneel

  

Only have owners enter traile ers; have ow wners move pigs to the b back of traileer or gatte for validation personn nel to apply tag or allow w owners to aapply tags under direct supe ervision of vaalidation personnel Provid de and enco ourage the use of boot b bath stationss by all particcipants Equip pment disinfection – o Taaggers and p pliers should d be disinfectted betweenn each use w time for ccleaning o Have multiple e taggers and d pliers available to allow nd disinfection an o Efffective sanittizing solutio ons include SSynergize™, Tek‐Trol®, V Virkon® S, an nd bleach so olutions mixe ed and used according t o label direcction

V Validation pe ersonnel sho ould:    

Wear rubber bootts or other footwear thaat can be cleeaned and diisinfected orr dispossable boot covers that are changed between grooups of pigss from differeent premisees Clean and disinfecct hands or w wear disposaable gloves tthat are changed betweeen groups o of pigs from d different pre emises Mainttain vigilance e of biosecurity – if valid dation persoonnel observve sick swinee, take extra precautions to cle ean and disin nfect person nnel and equuipment prio or to processsing the nextt pig Establlish a designated area aw way from alll swine for ddisposable iteems, such ass boot coverrs and glovess, to be colle ected for rem moved

A After the valiidation even nt, it is recom mmended th hat owners:: 

Isolate e validated p pigs from other swine fo or at least 211 days, care for validated pigs lastt wners  Monittor swine daily for signs of sickness; if symptom s appear ow should d consult the eir private veterinary practitioner  Clean and disinfecct equipmen nt, clothing, shoes and trrailers

dustry to thee best of ourr ability.

Why is this important? Protect ourr local pork producers aand pork ind he risk, but reduces thee risk.

Be awarre of the facttors and creeate a plan. This cannot eliminate th Fo or additional informatio on visit the N National Porkk Board web bsite at www w.pork.org This informa ation was prrovided to yo ou courtesy o of the Texass Animal Heaalth Commisssion (TAHC) and the Texas Pork Produ ucers Associaation (TPPA)).

www.tah hc.texas.gov 512‐719‐0700

ww ww.texasporrk.org 8800‐501‐76775

May 2014 4

STATE FAIR OF TEXAS CTBR Order Form

For pigs to be exhibited at the State Fair of Texas ONLY!!!

STEP 1: Membership

Breeder must be a member of the Texas Pork Producers Association, in good standing.

Annual Producer Membership is $35 and is due September 1st of each year.

Youth Membership, under the age of 18, is $10 and is due September 1st of each year.

Only one name per membership.

All individual names appearing on a CTBR Certificate MUST be a member of TPPA in good standing.

** Litter Record is NOT required for the 2015 State Fair ** STEP 2: CTBR Certificate Request

Number of CTBR Certificates Requested (On or before August 1, 2015)

X $7.00 =

STEP 3: Payment Total

$

If you need to renew your membership add Membership Fee here:

$

Total:

$

STEP 4: Information Required

*All individual names appearing on a CTBR Certificate MUST be a member of TPPA in good standing.*

Individual Memberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Name:

Check if you want this name to appear on CTBR Certificates.

Name of Farm/Business/Partnership:

Check if you want this name to appear on CTBR Certificates.

Mailing Address City

State

Home Telephone

TX

Zip

Cell/Daytime phone

Fax

Check if you want your breeder log to be sent to you through E-mail.

E-mail Signature

Date

STEP 5: Mail form and payment to:

TPPA P.O. Box 10168 Austin, TX 78766

For additional information: Call (512) 453-0615 You can purchase CTBR Certificates online, visit TPPA web site at www.texaspork.org

News from the

National Pork Board WALMART SUMMER GRILLING PROMOTION

For the fifth year in a row, NPB is doing a summer promotion with Walmart and it keeps getting bigger and better. NPB started with the “Build A Better Burger” promotion in 2010, followed by the “Dibs On My Ribs” promotion two years ago. Last year we had the “Ready Set Ribs” promotion with Smithfield-Farmland as our partner. This year NPB is once again partnering with Walmart as well as Smithfield-Farmland, but we are also partnering with A-1 Original Sauce and Johnsonville in order to execute a full- scale promotion incorporating many different marketing vehicles.

This year’s theme of “Pork’s got your grill covered!” truly focuses on the entire pork category. We wanted to celebrate pork on the grill -- from ribs and chops to loins and brats, find everything you need for your grilling holidays with pork!

Check out www.GrillPork.org and stop by Walmart this summer in order to see how NPB is celebrating pork this summer!

MARKET RESOURCE CENTER

Retail sales for the first quarter of 2015 came in with strong results. For all pork sold at retail, total pounds sold increased 2.5% and retail price increased by 5.3% to $2.96 per pound.

With an increase in both pounds sold and price, the total dollar sales increased by 7.9% vs. first quarter 2014. A look at fresh pork sales shows a similar story. Pounds sold increased by 0.2% in the first quarter and retail price increased by 5.7%, resulting in an increase of 5.9% total sales of fresh pork at retail.

When compared with beef and chicken, pork had the largest increase in total dollar sales and pounds sold.

Retail beef prices increased 17.8% followed by pork at +5.3% and chicken at 4.7%. Pork continues to be positioned well in the marketplace offering great value and selection.

EXPORT STATISTICS

US pork exports are still lagging behind 2014. Challenges being faced by exporters are: repercussions from the west coast port backlog, market access issues, currency values and

tough competition. First quarter exports were down 14% in value (at $1.421 billion) and 10% in volume (at 1.16 billion lbs) from first quarter of 2014. But, March showed an improvement of 10% from February of 2015. Top volume markets were: Mexico, Japan, Hong Kong/China, South Korea, Canada, Central/South America, Oceania, Caribbean and ASEAN. Top value markets were: Japan, Mexico, Canada, South Korea, Hong Kong/China, Central/South America, Oceania, Caribbean and ASEAN.

USDA GRANTS $7.4 MILLION TO STUDY BIOSECURITY, REDUCE IMPACT OF DISEASE OUTBREAKS

A recently announced $7.4 million, five-year grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture will place the University of Vermont at the forefront of a national effort to reduce the impact of catastrophic disease outbreaks within the U.S. livestock industry. UVM will lead the multi-institutional effort, multidisciplinary biosecurity initiative.

The end-product will be a variety of research-based messaging strategies, educational programs, Web modules and other initiatives designed to protect food-producing livestock from new, emerging or foreign diseases and pests.

While introducing new biosecurity products like vaccines to agricultural producers is relatively easy, changing the behaviors of producers, veterinarians and others in the livestock supply chain is at least as important to animal health and is much more challenging, said team leader Julie Smith, an associate professor with joint appointments in UVM Extension and the Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

For that reason, the project integrates faculty from a number of different disciplines, including those in veterinary, animal and the social sciences. “Our goal is to facilitate the development and adoption of practices and policies that collectively reduce the impact of new diseases of food-producing hoofstock,” Smith said.

“So we are taking a human behavioral approach rather than a diseasespecific one and integrating theories of behavior change, communications and economic decision-making.”

One of the key components of the proposal is the UVM Social-Ecological Gaming and Simulation Laboratory (SEGS Lab), established with funding from the National Science Foundation’s Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR). The SEGS lab takes an experimental gaming approach for bringing the dynamics of human decision-making into models of ecosystem-level problems, enabling researchers to determine how farmers and producers would react to disease or pest outbreaks without exposing animals to new infectious threats.

The SEGS lab allows the researchers to “place farmers and producers into virtual worlds to see how they react to different situations,” said Scott Merrill, a research assistant professor in UVM’s Department of Plant and Soil Science and one of the lab’s designers. “Data collected using experimental gaming and simulation can be used to develop models that will help us understand producer decision-making, which will allow for improved communication and education.”

SIMPLIFY ACCESS TO INFORMATION ON PEDV

New cases of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus (PEDv) continue to surface, and many health specialists feel producers will see more cases of PEDv next winter, when new, naïve gilts that have not been exposed to the virus enter the sow herd. Dr. John Waddell, Director of Swine Technical Services for Boehringer, Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. says PED SOURCE (www.PEDresource.com) brings all the information producers and veterinarians need on PEDv to one location.

Remember this Acronym: SOURCE The website also helps you determine whether you should eliminate, diminish or prevent the virus from entering your farm by first determining a systematic approach to PED control and management. The

process involves focusing on six key areas, identified with the acronym S.O.U.R.C.E.: “State” – State the desired goals you hope to achieve.

“Obtain” – Obtain your current herd health status.

“Understand” – Understand the risks you and your operation face when you’re up against PEDv. “Reduce” – Reduce the risks of infecting or re-infecting your herd.

“Construct” – In conjunction with your veterinarian, construct solutions that include a variety of options.

“Execute” – Execute and monitor solutions that you and your veterinarian have identified for your operation.

The website helps producers obtain the current status of their herd by explaining the symptoms and the diagnostic tests that are available. It also provides talking points that help producers discuss PEDv control with people who provide services to their operation.

DOMINO’S SAYS “NO” TO PETA

U.S. vegans will have to wait longer for vegan-friendly options at Domino’s. According to the Detroit Free Press, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) proposed Domino’s add vegan cheese and meat to its topping options.

Despite their request, Domino’s shareholders overwhelmingly rejected the proposal by an estimated 43.2 million votes. Less than one percent of shareholders supported the idea. It should be noted PETA owns 39 of the company’s shares.

“Like any prudent restaurant operation, we only add new items to our menu when there is meaningful consumer demand for that product,” the board reported. “We have yet to see clear indication of that demand, which would suggest that we add it to the menu of our more than 5,000 U.S. stores and, therefore, the Board cannot and does not support this proposal.”

Domino’s vice president of communications Tim McIntyre echoed the board’s statement. “We’re constantly looking at consumer trends and new things. There has been no sign of consumer demand,” he told Detroit Free Press reporters.

“We know a little bit more about launching products than they do. We know a little more about running our company than they do.”

This isn’t the first time Domino’s shareholders have denied requests from animal rights groups. In 2012, shareholders voted against a resolution proposed by the Humane Society of the United States requiring pork suppliers to eliminate individual maternity pens from their gestation barns. The agricultural industry responded by hosting a nation-wide “pizza party” to pay it forward.

SOARING PORK PRICES COME BACK DOWN TO EARTH

In its Q2 report, Rabobank says the global pork industry searched for stability during Q1 2015, with strong supply growth and relatively weak demand driving the market.

Pork prices are sharply lower, as robust global supply growth (driven by the US, Russia and Brazil) has outpaced rather subdued demand, dragging producer profitability into negative territory.

Rabobank animal protein analyst Albert Vernooij says: “The increasing competition in the global export market will result in continuous price and margin pressure in most countries around the globe.

Therefore, after the buoyant—at least price-wise—last couple of years, the global pork industry is slowly moving towards the bottom of the cycle.”

Outlook for global and regional markets: • In the U.S., as supply recovers after PEDv, the question is as to what degree recovery will be coupled with the strengthening US dollar and lower prices.

• In the EU, prices will follow seasonal developments, but will remain lower than the historical average and below break-even level.

• With the industry slowly improving, prices bottomed out in China during March.

• Brazilian prospects remain positive, but less buoyant than in Q1, driven by pressured domestic consumption and difficult Russian export negotiations.

FORMER HSUS UNDERCOVER INVESTIGATOR: GESTATION STALLS GOOD FOR SOWS

HumaneWatch.org, a project of the Center for Consumer Freedom, has released a video interview with a former undercover investigator for the animal liberation group Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).

Gestation stalls, or individual maternity pens (IMPs), are used to house pregnant pigs. IMPs provide for individual care and feeding while preventing the fighting that occurs when pregnant sows are housed in groups. Mainstream veterinary groups support maternity pens as a humane housing option.

However, HSUS has been lobbying legislators to ban these gestation pens and are pressuring food companies to only source pork from farms that use group housing of sows.

According to the HSUS investigator, who worked on pork farms: • “When they’re not in crates, they [sows] fight each other. With gestation crates, they can’t bite each other…They’re in a safe spot.”

• “I have to believe they [HSUS] know the pigs would prefer to be in gestation crates…but choose instead to push the anti-gestation crate legislation because of what it would do to the pig farming industry.”

• “Objectively, HSUS should be for gestation crates if they’re honestly, truly for animal welfare.”

“Farmers, veterinarians, and animal scientists stand opposed to HSUS’s campaign against individual maternity pens—and now one of its own investigators does, too,” Will Coggin, director of research for HumaneWatch.org. “HSUS counts on manipulating an unknowing public with its propaganda, but the power of truth is demonstrated by one of HSUS’s own.”

“HSUS’s real agenda is forcing farmers into costly infrastructure changes designed at putting them out of business, not helping pregnant pigs,” Coggin continued. “HSUS is an anti-meat extremist group that doesn’t speak for Americans, veterinarians, or farmers—or animals.”

The National Pork Board has responsibility for Checkoff-funded research, promotion and consumer information projects and for communicating with pork producers and the public. Through the Pork Checkoff, U.S. pork producers and importers pay $0.40 per $100 of value when pigs are sold and when pigs or pork products are brought into the United States.

For more information on Checkoff-funded programs, pork producers can call the Pork Checkoff Services at (800) 456-7675 or check the website at www.pork.org.

News from the

National Pork Producers Council SENATE SENDS TPA BILL TO FLOOR FOR VOTE

The Senate voted 65-33 Thursday, May 14 to send Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) legislation to the floor for debate and a final vote, after failing to cut off a filibuster of the bill.

(Stopping debate requires 60 votes.)

TPA defines U.S. negotiating objectives and priorities for trade agreements and establishes consultation and notification requirements for the president to follow throughout the negotiation process. The Senate TPA bill was coupled with a Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) measure, which would provide aid to U.S. workers who have lost their jobs as a result of foreign trade. The House is expected to take up the TPA bill after Memorial Day. Also Thursday, the Senate passed a bill to renew trade benefit programs for sub-Saharan Africa, Haiti and other developing countries, along with another vote to advance the customs and enforcement bill. NPPC is leading private-sector support for TPA, which it says is essential for getting U.S. trading partners to their best and bottom line offers in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a regional trade agreement among 12 countries now in the final stages of negotiation.

NPPC Past President Randy Spronk, a pork producer from Edgerton, Minn., attended a meeting Thursday with U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and USTR Chief Agriculture Negotiator Darci Vetter to drive home the message of the importance of TPA to the U.S. pork industry, which exports nearly 30 percent of its production. Also this week, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told reporters that “Each [TPP] negotiation member nation considers the TPA bill indispensable toward an early agreement on TPP talks,” and “Japan strongly hopes an early enactment of the bill in the U.S.” TPA is expected to pass in the Senate, while it will not be voted on in the House until June.

NPPC URGES CONGRESS TO FIX MEAT LABELING LAW

Trade retaliation is imminent unless Congress repeals a U.S. meat labeling law, said the National Pork Producers Council, following the May 18th World Trade Organization decision upholding an earlier ruling that the statute violates U.S. international trade obligations.

The WTO rejected an appeal by the United States of the international trade body’s October 2014 ruling that the U.S. Country-Of-Origin Labeling (COOL) law discriminates against Canadian cattle and pigs and Mexican cattle. COOL requires meat to be labeled with the country where the animal from which it was derived was born, raised and harvested.

Canada and Mexico send livestock to the United States to be fed out and processed. The WTO decision paves the way for those countries to place tariffs on U.S. imports.

“Unless Congress acts now, Canada and Mexico will put tariffs on dozens of U.S. products,” said NPPC President Ron Prestage, a veterinarian and pork producer from Camden, S.C. “That’s a death sentence for U.S. jobs and exports. “I know tariffs would be financially devastating for the U.S. pork industry, and I’m sure they’ll have a negative impact on a host of other agricultural and nonagricultural sectors.”

Canada and Mexico are expected to quickly request authorization from the WTO to retaliate against U.S. products. The level of retaliation will be equivalent to the economic harm incurred by the countries from COOL; Canada and Mexico are expected to claim billions of dollars in damages.

The WTO likely will authorize retaliation sometime this summer.

HOUSE VOTES TO BLOCK ‘WOTUS’ RULE

The House voted 261-155 Tuesday, May 12 to block the Obama administration’s proposed “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) rule, which seeks to clarify the waters to be protected under the Clean Water Act

(CWA). The rule would broaden the jurisdiction of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to include, among other water bodies, intermittent and ephemeral streams such as the kind farmers use for drainage and irrigation. It also would encompass lands adjacent to such waters.

Many every-day farming practices, including spreading manure, could be subject to CWA regulations that would require a permit. Currently, jurisdiction – based on several U.S. Supreme Court decisions – includes “navigable” waters and waters with a significant hydrologic connection to navigable waters. The House legislation would force the agencies to withdraw the rule and to consult with state and local officials before rewriting them. The White House has threatened to veto the measure.

AG COMMITTEE APPROVES REAUTHORIZATION OF, IMPROVEMENTS TO CFTC

The House Agriculture Committee in mid May approved the “Commodity End-User Relief Act” (H.R. 2289), by voice vote, to reauthorize and improve the operations of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).

The bill, which was introduced by committee Chairman K. Michael Conaway, R-Texas, and Reps. Austin Scott, R-Ga., and David Scott, D-Ga., chairman and ranking member, respectively of the Subcommittee on Commodity Exchanges, Energy and Credit, improves customer protections in the wake of such commodity firm failures as MF Global and Peregrine Financial. It also corrects reforms made following the 2008 financial crisis that, nonetheless, had end-users facing unnecessary changes to customary business practices that served little purpose. NPPC strongly supported the legislation.

NPPC COMMENTS CRITICAL OF DIETARY GUIDELINES RECOMMENDATIONS

In comments submitted May 7 , NPPC was critical of recommendations related to meat in the American diet made by a panel of health and nutrition professionals. A report from the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) will be used by the secretaries of Agriculture and Health and Human Services to write the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which affect all federal food purchasing programs, including the School Lunch program. NPPC pointed out that there is ample scientific evidence supporting the nutritive value of meat and noted that previous Dietary Guidelines recognized and supported the critical role animal proteins play in ensuring a nutritionally optimal American diet.

The organization said that the DGAC concluding that consumers should eat less “red” and “processed” meats and omitting lean meat from the profile of a healthful diet were reached “on tenuous grounds.” NPPC also was critical of the committee for not reviewing the “full breadth of scientific research that supports the inclusion of meat into healthy dietary profiles” and for relying extensively on information sources from outside the Nutrition Evidence Library, a USDA repository of nutrition information.

Additionally, NPPC took the DGAC to task for including a recommendation related to “sustainability,” instructing consumers that a diet higher in plantbased and lower in animal-based foods would be more environmentally sustainable.

NPPC WEIGHS IN ON IMPORTANT TAX REFORMS

NPPC joined a number of other agricultural groups on an April 15 letter to members of the Senate Finance Committee, urging the panel to consider several tax reforms important to farmers and ranchers.

Among other reforms, the groups asked the committee to retain the cash accounting method for farmers and ranchers. A tax reform discussion draft in the last Congress had a provision that would have required farmers who have gross receipts of

$10 million or more to switch from using cash accounting to accrual accounting; current law requires this of operations of $25 million or more.

For many pork producers, the accrual method would result in, for example, the taxation in one tax year on pigs (inventory) that go to market in the next tax year. The switch also would have subjected pork producers to new compliance regulations – which are hundreds of pages – on inventory capitalization rules.

The organizations also asked that lawmakers make permanent the Section 179 small business expensing provision of the tax code. Agriculture requires large investments in machinery, equipment and other depreciable assets. Section 179 allows producers to write off capital expenditures in the year that purchases are made rather than depreciate them over time. That provides an incentive for farmers and ranchers to invest in their businesses and offers the benefit of reducing the record keeping burden associated with the depreciation.

EU TRADE COMMISSIONER MEETS WITH USTR’S FROMAN

The European Commissioner for Trade, Cecilia Malmstrom, was in Washington, D.C. the first week of May, to meet with U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman on the ongoing Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiations between the European Union (EU) and the United States.

Malmstrom suggested that the lack of Trade Promotion Authority legislation, which currently is moving to the Senate floor, has slowed the negotiations. She acknowledged that the TTIP talks likely will drag into 2016, when U.S. elections could pose a threat to advancing politically sensitive trade matters. Despite leaders from both sides of the Atlantic pushing to conclude a TTIP deal, critical ideological rifts in agriculture remain. While the EU is willing to eliminate tariffs on nearly all goods, it announced publicly its unwillingness to eliminate them on beef, poultry and pork. It also is refusing to reconsider its stance on beef hormones and the feed additive ractopamine, which is

used in U.S. beef and pork production – a stance Malmstrom reiterated during her Washington visit. NPPC remains steadfast in its position that tariff and non-tariff barriers must be eliminated on all products, including pork, something that’s been accomplished in previously concluded U.S. free trade agreements.

PERU AGREES TO ELIMINATE TRICHINAE TESTING REQUIREMENT ON U.S. PORK

In a big victory for the U.S. pork industry, Peru has agreed to eliminate trichinae testing requirements on chilled U.S. pork based on a U.S. Department of Agriculture certification that the pork originated from PQA Plus farms. (PQA Plus is an education and training program run by the National Pork Board that certifies that hog operations are meeting their commitments related to animal wellbeing, food safety, worker safety and environmental protection.) NPPC worked closely with U.S. and Peruvian officials for many years to eliminate the testing, which artificially raises the cost of selling chilled pork in the South American country. The risk of getting trichinae from consuming U.S. pork is less than 1 in 300,000,000.

Peru’s U.S. pork imports increased significantly after the U.S.-Peru Free Trade Agreement was implemented in 2009, jumping from just $650,000 in 2008 to more than $6.7 million in 2014.

The National Pork Producers Council conducts public-policy outreach on behalf of its 43 affiliated state associations, enhancing opportunities for the success of U.S. pork producers and other industry stakeholders by establishing the U.S. pork industry as a consistent and responsible supplier of high-quality pork to the domestic and world markets.

The Strategic Investment Program, is the primary source of funds for the National Pork Producers Council. By enrolling in SIP, you are assured a seat at the table when decisions are made regarding the future of the U.S. pork industry.

For more information or to join NPPC, visit WWW.NPPC.ORG

Political Decisions Could Impact Hog Market Future

By: Dr. Steve Meyer, President of Paragon Economics Inc. The pork industry will be involved in and closely observing three political situations for the remainder of 2015. All are critical to the industry’s future and all could have market impacts this year and beyond.

The Livestock Mandatory Reporting Act of 1999 which created our current mandatory price reporting system is due to automatically expire on Sept. 30. Congress must act to extend the act and keep the system running but it appears that this will happen without a lot of difficulty. Pork producers and packers have identified three changes that they would like to see Congress enact and reauthorization language that includes the changes passed the House Agricultural Committee last week on a voice vote. I am not aware of pending problems in either the entire House or the Senate but we are dealing with Congress so the potential for mischief always exists.

The three changes are: • The creation of a fifth purchase type called Negotiated Formula Purchases to capture animals which are negotiated by a producer and packer (and thus free to move from one buyer to another) on a lot-by-lot basis but for which a set dollarvalued price is not arrived upon. These animals are now included in the Swine or Pork Market Formula category but producers believe they impact the Negotiated category and should not be lumped in with long-term formula bought pigs.

• The inclusion of late-day purchases of pigs in the next day’s morning and afternoon purchased swine reports. These lateday purchases are believed to impact the next day’s trade more than they do the actual day they are bought and including them in those next-day reports will provide more hogs, trades and buyers in the data and prevent some of the current issues with non-publication of data due to confidentiality restrictions.

• Specify mandatory price reporting as an essential service in order to keep it running in the event of a government shutdown.

Of the three requested changes, the last one is likely the only one that will be contentious in Congress. I suppose virtually every commercial interest in America is trying to get their particular government service designated as essential following the challenges of October 2013. One interesting note, though: Deeming price reporting essential will not cost more than did the shutdown since idled workers received back pay for the time they were not allowed to work. Go figure.

The two other issues are both trade related.

First, the administration is trying to complete work on the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement that holds great promise for the U.S. pork industry. That promise is predicated primarily by the potential removal of Japan’s gate price mechanism for pork imports that has, in effect, shut out the United States and other exporters from the market for lower-valued products. I understand that autos and rice are the primary remaining sticking points but that one critical item is missing: The president’s ability to negotiate a trade deal that will not be changed by Congress.

This authority, called “fast-track” or, more correctly, trade promotion authority sets some parameters and then allows the administration to negotiate trade deals that will receive an up or down vote by Congress with no changes or amendments allowed. The authority gives assurance to trade partners that what they negotiate will be the same as what Congress votes on – an assurance that some are requiring before they will agree to the TPP. But some lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are opposed to extending the same authority to President Obama that has been given to every president since 1974. It appears TPA will be required for TPP, the latter of which is of primary importance to U.S. pork.

Finally, there is mandatory country-of-origin labeling. The World Trade Organization will render its decision this month on the latest U.S. appeal of an adverse finding regarding this 2003 law and the subsequent rules that have been enacted to administer it. The United States is going to lose this appeal just as it has lost all previous ones. But this time, Canada and Mexico will be given the green light to impose retaliatory tariffs.

Canada’s will be an exercise in self-injury since any negative impact on U.S. prices will also decrease Canadian prices. I believe the impact, though, will be small since Canada is a pork-surplus country meaning that any reduction of imports from the United States will just reduce Canadian exports and allow the U.S. product to flow to those vacated Canadian export markets. The same is true of Canadian beef. It would be best for Canada to leave beef and pork alone and put more tariffs on industrial goods that might lead to more Congressional support for a repeal.

Mexico’s tariffs, though, will bite. The reason is that a restriction of exports to Mexico will indeed drive prices there higher, reducing consumption. The product that we cannot ship to Mexico at these higher prices will have to find a home here or in another market, putting pressure on domestic prices.

And the scariest part of all of this? Some close observers do not believe the U.S. Senate will act on MCOOL before its August break meaning that the retaliatory tariffs are very Dr. Steve Meyer, President of likely to be enacted. I had hoped Congress would act at the 11th hour to prevent this fiasco Paragon Economics Inc. but I’m hearing that my optimism might be just wishful thinking.

Economic Impact of U.S. Pork Trade, 1986-2014 Ron Plain, Professor of Agricultural Economics, University of Missouri-Columbia

There has been a dramatic increase in U.S. pork exports in the past 29 years. U.S. pork exports have grown from 86 million pounds carcass weight equivalent in 1986 to 4.858 billion pounds in 2014, an increase of 5649%. During this same period, U.S. pork imports declined by 10%. The U.S. has gone from importing 1.036 billion pounds more pork than we exported in 1986 to exporting 3.851 billion pounds more pork than we imported in 2014 (Table 1). In 2014, exports equaled 21.27% of U.S. pork production and imports equaled 4.41% of production.

In 2014, the U.S. exported $6.674 billion of pork and pork variety meats. The value of pork and pork byproduct exports has grown from $1.97 per hog slaughtered in 1986 to $62.45 per head slaughtered in 2014 (Table 2).

Table 2 Table 1 Table 2 and Exports Value of U.S. Pork and Byproduct Exports U.S. Pork Imports and Exports Value of U.S. Pork and Byproduct Exports carcass weightpounds equivalent) (million of carcassPer weight equivalent) Per Head of U.S. Hog Slaughter Head of U.S. Hog Slaughter Pork Imports 2014 1007 2013 880 2012 802 2011 803 2010 859 2009 834 2008 832 2007 968 2006 990 2005 1024 2004 1099 2003 1185 2002 1071 2001 951 2000 967 1999 827 1998 705 1997 634 1996 619 1995 664 1994 744 1993 740 1992 646 1991 775 1990 898 1989 896 1988 1137 1987 1195 1986 1122 Year

Pork Exports 4858 4992 5380 5196 4223 4094 4651 3141 2995 2668 2181 1717 1612 1559 1287 1277 1230 1044 970 787 549 446 420 290 243 268 195 109 86

Net Pork Exports 3851 4113 4578 4393 3363 3260 3819 2173 2005 1642 1082 532 541 608 320 451 525 410 351 123 -195 -294 -226 -485 -655 -628 -942 -1086 -1036

Value of Pork 2014 $52.74 2013 45.83 2012 48.21 2011 47.99 2010 37.02 2009 31.74 2008 35.35 2007 25.21 2006 23.97 2005 22.01 2004 18.15 2003 13.80 2002 13.42 2001 14.17 2000 12.34 1999 10.86 1998 10.17 1997 11.36 1996 11.02 1995 8.79 1994 5.73 1993 5.20 1992 4.76 1991 3.79 1990 3.84 1989 3.72 1988 2.84 1987 1.59 1986 1.05 Year

Value of Byproducts $9.71 8.14 7.66 7.10 6.35 6.36 6.59 3.68 3.38 3.43 3.38 2.38 2.02 2.23 2.00 1.83 2.13 2.46 1.82 1.83 1.80 1.61 1.66 1.71 1.51 1.35 1.62 1.10 0.92

Total $62.45 53.97 55.87 55.10 43.37 38.10 41.94 28.89 27.35 25.44 21.53 16.18 15.44 16.40 14.34 12.69 12.30 13.82 12.84 10.62 7.53 6.81 6.42 5.50 5.35 5.07 4.46 2.69 1.97

Honduras 1.0 Dominican 1.0 For more than 25 years prior to 2014, Japan was the largest foreign buyer of U.S. pork. In 2014 Mexico replaced Japan as the largest U.S. pork customer, purchasing 28.4% of our exports.

Japan purchased 25.3% Others 6.0 of our exports. Combined

these two countries purchased 11.4% of total 2014 U.S. pork production. Canada and South Korea are third and fourth in pork purchases from the U.S. Table 3 shows our most important foreign pork customers in 2014 by their percentage share of U.S. pork exports purchased based on carcass weight equivalent. Table 4 shows sources of pork imports by market share.

Table 4 untry Table in 2014 U.S. Pork Import by Country in Table 20144 3 U.S. Pork ExportsShare

by Country in 2014 U.S. Pork Import by Country in 2014 ge Percent of Tonnage Percent Share of Tonnage Percent Share of Tonnage Country Mexico Japan Canada South Korea China (Mainland) Australia Colombia Hong Kong Russia Philippines Honduras Dominican Others

% of U.S. Exports 28.4 25.3 11.1 7.9 6.8 3.2 2.7 2.6 2.1 2.0 1.0 1.0 6.0

Country % of U.S. Exports Canada 76.9 Denmark 7.8 Poland 6.5 Mexico 2.1 Italy 1.8 Ireland 1.3 Netherlands 1.1 Spain 1.0 Others 1.6

Changes in trade have permitted the pork industry to grow at an average additional rate of 0.8% per year over the last 29 years. The U.S. pork industry was 25 million head larger in 2014 than it would have been had pork imports and exports remained at 1986 levels.

untry in 2014 only has changes in the quantity of pork traded allowed faster growth of the U.S. pork industry, but it has also ge Not added to producersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; incomes in the years when net exports grew. Table 5 shows our effort to calculate the effect of

imports and exports on the price of hogs. Using a demand elasticity of -0.3, we assume a 1% increase (decrease) in net exports as a share of total U.S. pork production will result in a 3.33% rise (fall) in hog prices. We also assume that changes in pork trade are and any herd size change due to price changes are fully accomplished in 12 Country %notofanticipated U.S. Exports months. The total income of all U.S. pork producers has been improved by $9 billion over the last 29 years due to the Canada increase in net exports. 76.9 Pork producers can take credit for much of this export growth. They have funded foreign promotion efforts and Denmark 7.8 improved the quality of pork which has made it more competitive on world markets. Efforts by the U.S. government to liberalize trade, as well Poland 6.5as improved per capita incomes in many foreign countries are also important factors in increasing exports.

Mexico

2.1

Three major groups in the U.S. have contributed to the promotion of pork exports. They are USDA, the U.S. meat packing industry, and hog Italy 1.8producers. Pork producers alone have spent $104.2 million in the last 28 years to promote exports through Pork Checkoff funds. Just slightly over 1% of the $9 billion benefit from increased pork trade since 1986 would be required1.3 to repay the $104.2 million in Checkoff money spent on export promotion during this period.

Ireland

Netherlands 1.1

Table 5 Table 5Funding of Export Promotion, Net Pork Trade as % of U.S. Production, Checkoff Checkoff Funding Promotion, Net Pork Trade as %Imports of U.S. Production, and and Estimated BenefitoftoExport Producers from Changes in Exports and Estimated Benefit to Producers from Changes in Exports and Imports Benefit1 to Producers from Enhanced Pork Checkoff Funding Net Import or Export2 Trade Year % mil. $ Total3 mil. $ Per cwt. $ Per hog $ 2014 6.3 16.86 net exp.

-696.7 -2.29 -6.52 2013 7.3 17.74 net exp.

-1,380.0 -4.46 -12.31 2012 6.8 19.69 net exp.

241.1 0.78 2.13 2011 4.8 19.30 net exp.

2,497.8 8.31 22.53 2010 4.7 15.00 net exp.

437.1 1.46 3.96 2009 5.7 14.18 net exp.

-987.3 -3.24 -8.69 2008 4.7 16.36 net exp.

2,615.7 8.48 22.46 2007 4.7 9.90 net exp.

170.1 0.58 1.56 2006 4.2 9.53 net exp.

663.8 2.37 6.34 2005 4.8 7.94 net exp.

1,127.5 4.09 10.89 2004 4.4 5.27 net exp.

1,146.9 4.20 11.08 2003 4.7 2.67 net exp.

- 30.8 - 0.12 - 0.31 2002 4.8 2.75 net exp.

- 132.2 - 0.50 - 1.32 2001 5.2 3.18 net exp.

553.2 2.17 5.65 2000 5.2 1.69 net exp.

- 249.0 - 0.98 - 2.54 1999 4.9 2.33 net exp.

- 129.2 - 0.49 - 1.27 1998 5.7 2.76 net exp.

114.7 0.45 1.14 1997 4.8 2.37 net exp.

136.0 0.58 1.48 1996 2.5 2.05 net exp.

563.4 2.45 6.10 1995 1.8 0.69 net exp.

604.9 2.52 6.28 1994 1.3 1.11 net imp.

202.6 0.85 2.12 1993 1.2 1.73 net imp.

- 154.3 - 0.67 - 1.66 1992 1.1 1.31 net imp.

568.2 2.44 5.99 1991 1.0 3.04 net imp.

443.8 2.05 5.03 1990 0.7 4.28 net imp.

- 120.3 - 0.58 - 1.41 1989 0.5 3.98 net imp.

638.6 2.99 7.20 1988 0.3 6.03 net imp.

483.0 2.27 5.50 1987 0.1 7.59 net imp.

-66.9 -0.34 -0.83 1986 7.40 net imp.

-216.5 -1.14 -2.72 Total 104.2 9,056.0 avg. 1.18 avg. 3.03 1 Benefit is the increase in prices attributable to the changes in domestic supply resulting from trade.

2 Net import or export as percent of U.S. production.

3 Used -0.3 demand elasticity This study was originally done by Glenn Grimes and funded by the University of Missouri and the National Pork Board.Â

Meet Charles “Doc” Anderson: Serving the Texas agricultural community

A graduate of the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine, Charles “Doc” Anderson has served as a small animal veterinarian in Waco since 1981. After over 20 years of advocacy for small business through statewide committees, Doc was elected to represent District 56 (Waco & McLennan County) in 2004; he has been re-elected five times. In addition to currently serving on the Economic & Small Business Development committee and the committee for State & Federal Powers & Responsibility, Rep. Anderson is the Vice Chairman of the Agriculture & Livestock committee and the Chairman of the Rural Caucus.

TPPA recently asked Rep. Anderson a few questions so our membership could get to know this key legislator and hear some of the main issues of the 84th Legislature.

What motivated you to be involved in public service and run for the Texas Legislature?

I started out working with small business advocacy groups, such as the National Federation of Small Business (NFIB), to help foster an environment conducive to small businesses like my own. These folks are the ones who fight the battles, produce the jobs, and enhance our economy. That, I feel, is the most effective way to improve our community and standard of living for the average Texan.

What are some goals that you wish to conquer while serving your time in the Texas House of Representatives?

In addition to enhancing small business, aerospace industry, and agricultural expansion, my goal is to keep Texas on the grow and to protect the sovereignty and culture of this great state and its people. If we stay focused on this big picture, we can do what is best for the state as a whole.

As Chairman of the Texas Legislative Rural Caucus and Vice-Chairman of the Texas Legislative Aerospace Caucus, I am able to stay engaged with my fellow legislative colleagues about the issues effecting Texas.

In addition, I stay active in a variety of national (ALEC, NFIB), international (State Agricultural & Rural Leaders, Energy Council), and state organizations to work to identify and solve issues important to Texas.

What do you feel are the biggest obstacles for the Texas agriculture industry?

The largest obstacle to the Texas agriculture industry, that I see, is the overall declining number of producers, as well as the lack of understanding from the general public on the critical role that agriculture has on their lives. In recent years, the Texas Department of Agriculture and the Texas Animal Health Commission have encountered large funding shortages which have made it increasingly difficult to maintain and implement agricultural programs. We need to work with state and local officials to educate the public and members of the legislature of the vital nature of these issues and the programs and challenges producers endure from weather and market volatility.

What have been the biggest issues this Legislature?

Lowering taxes to allow Texans to keep more of the money they earn has been the largest issue we have heard this session. Other issues that we have been tackling include the right to openly carry a handgun by a CHL holder, quality Pre-K programs, franchise tax cuts, and providing a balanced and reasonable state budget. The main issue regarding Agriculture in the Texas Legislature is to ensure the Texas Department of Agriculture and Texas Animal Health Commission are properly funded so they can carry out their duties and support our Texas farmers and ranchers.

What are some of your proudest moments, in and outside of your career?

My most cherished moments are the loving marriage to my wife Sandy and the day we opened my own veterinary practice, Anderson Veterinary Hospital. Most recently, I was very proud to be honored as the 2014 Outstanding Alumnus by the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at Texas A&M University. I am always truly honored to represent and work for the great people of McLennan County in the Texas legislature.

CAPITOL REPORT On April 1, TPPA Directors spent the day at the Texas Capital, strengthening the relationship between the pork industry and key legislators, visiting with them and their staff on issues of importance to our membership. Pictured L-R are a few members of the TPPA Public Policy committee : Corby Barrett, Chairman; Stanley Young; Robert Peffley, also member of the National Pork Board’s Pork Leadership Institute; Brandon Gunn, Executive Vice President.

Following the TPPA Board of Directors meeting on March 31 in Austin, TPPA hosted a dinner, inviting key legislators to visit and enjoy a great meal. Pictured is strong agriculture advocate Senator Lois Kolkhorst, D-18, speaking to our Directors on the importance of getting to know your district’s legislators and working with them throughout the year.

TPPA, as part of the Texas Agriculture Council, hosted a ‘Taste of Texas’ luncheon at the capital on May 12 for all of the members of the Texas Legislature.

Highlighted by an excellent meal prepared by the Angelo State University Meat Science program, including pork, beef and lamb, the event provided an opportunity for the Texas Ag Council members to thank our Legislators for their hard work during this session. That morning, representatives from the ag associations went around to all of the legislators’ offices bringing them the invite and a goodie bag. Inside the goodie bag, TPPA gave each member a pork cup filled with a recipe book and pork snack sticks in addition to the Producer Connection magazine.

TPPA Directors Corby Barrett and Robert Peffley represented the pork industry’s important interest in international trade at a roundtable event with Congressman Mac Thornberry, D-13, in Amarillo on May 4. Through this meeting and others like it, legislation on Trade Promotion Authority, TPA, is moving favorably through Congress. Said Corby, TPPA Public Policy Chairman, “The US pork industry is dependent on exports, which are facilitated through free trade agreements. And those agreements are made possible by TPA.”

On April 30 in San Antonio, TPPA participated with other Texas ag organizations in a roundtable discussion on trade with Alexis Taylor, USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services. This is just another of the many efforts TPPA has engaged in promoting Trade Promotion Authority legislation and the TransPacific Partnership, a free trade agreement that USDA is confident will provide billions of dollars of additional ag export opportunities once completed.

On May 12, students from Tarleton State University’s Ag Business class came to Austin to visit with members of the Legislature and the Texas Department of Agriculture.

TPPA was asked to speak with the students, where Brandon Gunn gave an overview of the state and national pork industry and current efforts. Pictured is Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller speaking with the group on the thriving Texas agriculture.

A huge Thanks goes out to to the Texas Congressional Delegation for their time and to the TPPA Public Policy committee members of Corby Barrett, Perryton; Robert Peffley, Pampa; and Dr. Brandon Dominguez, College Station; who worked round the clock in Washington D.C. during the National Pork Producers Council Legislative Action Conference. Here are a few photos from visits with our Congressional members.

Rep. Mike McCaul, D-10; Rep. Mike Conaway, D-11, Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee; Rep. John Carter, D-31.

US Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, addresses pork producers from around the country during the NPPC Legislative Action Conference, LAC, held in Washington, D.C. April 15-16. The LAC is critical in advocating to advance the pork industry. Some of the key issues discussed over the two days included Dietary Guidelines, Waters of the US, TPA, Trade Agreements, MCOOL, and Price Reporting. During the LAC, TPPA visited with all 38 Congressional offices.

Asian Pork and

Pin

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Even the Texas Rangers are Inspired!

Involved in the Community

Around the State Seguin Swine Breeders Serving It Up at Agri-Feast The entire community of Guadalupe County came out May 7th for the annual Ag Festival, known by many as the AgriFeast, sponsored by the Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce. The one-evening gathering incorporates educational booths, agriculturally-related commercial booths and food booths. This is a great time that gives people the opportunity to taste the food and see the sights that the local agricultural community generates. Pictured are members of the Seguin Swine Breeders Association, Warren Lampmann, Marshall Strey, and Tim Doege serving up piggy wings and boiled sausage.

Buddy Fishing Day with Needville FFA Needville FFA hosted the 2nd Annual Buddy Fish Day on April 24th.

Approximately 40 special needs students from Needville ISD, ranging from 3 to 21 years of age, were bussed to the Needville FFA Stockpond for fishing and fun. FFA students assisted each indivdual in baiting the hook, casting, reeling in the fish and taking their catch to the weigh station to compete in a tournament. Catching bass and catfish put smiles on so many faces throughout the day along with other activities such as facepainting for everyone to enjoy. This was a fun filled day with each participant receiving a goody bag, shirt, cap and a prize in the tournament. TPPA gladly sponsored some caps and pork informational materials for this great event.

Just some kids and their pigs!

Fun for the kids!

The Cooking Crossword Caper… part 1 There’s a terrific recipe at the end of this puzzle, but some of the most important words have been left out. To solve this mouth-watering mystery, you need to complete two tasks.

First, fill in the food-related solutions to the crossword puzzle.

ACROSS

DOWN

1. Ham, sausage and chops are cuts of this meat

1. Examples are green, red, bell and jalapeno

4. A tropical fruit 6. Mixed with oil to make salad dressing 8. Salty brown sauce used in many Asian dishes 9. This cane is found in candy 10. Spare ______ are terrific when cooked on the grill 11. Little plastic tube you can drink through 14. Plate or bowl 16. Citrus fruit full of vitamin C 17. Dried grapes 19. Potato ______ can be tasty, salty snacks 20. An appliance you use to mix up milkshakes 22. H2 O 24. Cookout 11

2. Mix with a spoon 3. Grilled foods with vegetables and meat on skewers 4. Not a pot, but a ______ 5. Citrus fruits that make you pucker 7. The different items you mix to make a recipe 12. This fruit pastry can be found in the saying, “As American as ______” 13. You put this in a grill and light it up when you want to cook out 15. 60 minutes 16. A veggie that’ll make you cry 18. Candy tastes ______ 20. These yellow fruits have “a peel” 21. Cashews, almonds, pistachios, etc.

23. Tart, as in taste

The Cooking Crossword Caperâ&#x20AC;Ś part 1 A two-part crossword puzzle that leaves kids with a great pork recipe to take home and try. First, fill in the food-related solutions to the crossword puzzle below.

1

2

P O R K

3 4

6

5

7

8 9

10 11

13

14

12

15 16

17

18

19 20

21

22

23

24

12

Make it a Vacation!

Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a family retreat or a couples getaway, come to conference and enjoy all that the beautiful Texas Hill Country has to oďŹ&#x20AC;er.

Contact the Kerrville Visitors Bureau for area attractions to enjoy during your extended stay!

Join US For the tpic & Youth Symposium!!

Texas Pork Industry Conference

Y . O. R a n ch

July 2015

10-11

C reat i n g

A

Vi s io n fo r t h e

Hot Con e l & C e ntfeerre n ce

Fut u re

* Friday Family Cookout

* Key industry speakers

* Youth Symposium

* PQA Plus training

* Trade show exhibits

* Door Prizes

* Fun Auction

* Awards banquet

Stay on the lookout for more details to come soon! texaspork.org

Schedule of Events

Friday, July 10th

9:00 am

TPPA Board of Directors Meeting

1:00 pm

Registration Opens

2:00 pm

PQA Plus Training Stanley Young PQA Plus is a producer-driven program to help ensure pork products are of the highest quality and safe, and animals are cared for in a way to ensure their well-being. For both adults and youth, please attend to become PQA Plus certified or to renew your certification.

LEADR Training Jeremy Davis The LEADR program was created as a grassroots program to effectively train, maintain and coordinate volunteers; to advance the U.S. pork industry agenda and defend against unfavorable policy at both the state and national levels. In becoming a LEADR you will be linked with your state and national elected officials and be kept updated when your public officials support public policy efforts, legislation, or groups that will be harmful to your business.

6:00 pm

young & old.

9:00 pm

Cookout and Social Enjoy an evening at the park with everyone for great food and fellowship! Come and see the Texas Tech Meat Science program showcase Raider Red Meats and their line of products, fresh off the grill.

TPPA Board members will add to the great eats by continuing with the traditional shrimp boil as an appetizer. It’s not BYOB here, so come out to have a good time and interact with fellow producers, Farmland Movie Showing A “Must Watch” film for everyone! Farmland offers viewers an intimate and firsthand glimpse into the lives of six young farmers and ranchers across the U.S., showing their high-risk/high-reward jobs and their passion for a way of life that has been passed down from generation to generation, yet continues to evolve. *Approximately 1 hr. 20 mins.

Youth Symposiu m - Saturday 7:00 am Registration Opens 8:30 am Program Activities Dr. Billy Zanolini, Dr. Chris Boleman, Danny Nusser & Others 4-H and FFA members of all ages should attend and join a great group of presenters as they provide inspiration and motivation on not only ag advocacy, explaining where we fit & what do we need to do, but also leadership and ethics, in and outside of the show ring. During the day, they too will work with students on teaching and demonstrating essential swine skills and further everyone’s knowledge so that you may go out and be successful in swine production and be very competitive in the state’s swine skillathon events. A modified version of a skillathon competition will be included with many prizes to be awarded and given out.

The day’s total program is expected to be 5-6 hours.

“TPPA will have hired life guards on duty at the pool in the afternoon to watch over your children so that you may enjoy the producer sessions of conference or so that the wives may enjoy a day at the spa and shopping with your husband’s full support!”

Saturday, July 11th 7:00 am 8:00 am 8:30 am

Registration Opens Welcome Kyle Stephens, TPPA President Creating a Vision for the Future Brandon Gunn Breakout Sessions (Pick one to attend) A) Livestock Marketing - Print vs. Web Ashley Grant Learn the latest marketing strategies for promoting your business through both print and web outlets.

This course will cover the best practices for developing an effective print marketing campaign, and the recipe for building a strong website that will drive sales.

B) Leverage Genetic Merit by Increasing Efficiency Dr. Clint Schwab Discussion on semen concentration reduction, post cervical artificial insemination (PCAI), single fixed time AI, and semen quality assessment and prediction of sub-fertile boars. Learn how these available technologies can create added value by better leveraging high-value genetics more efficiently.

9:30 am

Break / Trade Show

10:00 am

Barn Talk with the Vet Dr. Jeff Logue Dr. Logue explains his perspective on the ins and outs of vaccination; the importance of and the results from proper protocols; and what heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seen in many trials. Always a crowd favorite, the discussion will continue into a Question and Answer format; come and get the answers and advice you seek for all of your problems.

11:30 am

Lunch Partners in Progress: Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your role?

1:30 pm

Annual Membership Meeting & Elections Kyle Stephens A meeting for membership to be involved with association matters of business. During the Annual Meeting, elections for new Directors & Pork Act Delegates will take place, in addition to news and updates from our state agencies & national associations.

NPB, NPPC, TAHC, TVMDL

2:45 pm

Break / Trade Show

3:15 pm

Breakout Sessions (Pick one to attend) A) A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words Ashley Grant Learn the livestock photography skills you need to successfully take your own photos to increase marketability of your farm. Whether you have a fancy camera or are just using your smart phone, this breakout will help you take quality photos, using the equipment you already have.

Dr. Clint Schwab

B) Wet Lab / Necropsy - Finding Out What Happened Dr. Jeff Logue Always wondering what happened when you have a pig that dies unexpectedly? Watch Dr. Logue perform a live necropsy and break it down in simple terminology as he walks you through what he looks for in determining the cause of the death.

4:30 pm

Wine & Bourbon Tasting

5:00 pm

FUN Auction

7:00 pm

Awards Banquet & Dinner

Messina Hof Vineyards and Garrison Bros. Distillery

Meet the

Speakers Stanley Young

A familiar face in the swine barns across the state, Stanley Young not only serves as the Texas PQA Plus Advisor and Trainer, having taught hundreds of producers and youth the pork industry’s main education and certification program, but Young also serves in the swine superintendent role for multiple Texas major stock shows. Mr. Young has been on the Board of Directors of the Texas Pork Producers Association for 20 years and the Board of Directors of the Bayer Museum of Agriculture for 15 years, where he is currently on the Executive Committee for both. In addition to being the Chairman of the TPPA Awards Committee, Young plays an active role as the Program Leader for the TPPA Youth Pork Leadership Camp.

A selfless leader, Young has also served as President of the TPPA, the Texas County Agricultural Agents Association and the Texas Hampshire Breeders Association. This Texas Tech University graduate and former Texas Agricultural Extension Agent of 28 years has been recognized with various awards including the Superior Service Award and Vice Chancellor’s Award of Excellence. One of his most prestigious awards was his induction in the Texas Pork Hall of Honor.

Jeremy Davis As Director of Grassroots, Jeremy Davis is responsible for strengthening NPPC’s network of pork producers willing to weigh in on important federal legislative and regulatory issues and for directing the organization’s grassroots leadership programs: the Legislative Education Action Development Resource (LEADR) and the Pork Leadership Institute (PLI).

Prior to joining NPPC, Jeremy spent two years as a district representative for Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, where he worked with constituent and outreach services. Before that, he served as the federal legislative liaison for the Iowa College Student Aid Commission. In addition to his professional experience, Jeremy served as a member of the Ames, Iowa, City Council.

He grew up on a family farm in eastern Iowa, where he was involved in many 4-H and FFA activities. Jeremy earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Agricultural Education from Iowa State University.

Ashley Grant Ashley Grant joined the Ranch House Designs team in the summer of 2013 were she serves as accounts manager and digital marketing director, coordinating all new website projects. She provides marketing and social media consultations and manages social media projects.

Ashley holds a B.S. in agricultural communications from Auburn University, where she graduated in August 2013 with cum laude honors, was president of the College of Agriculture, earned the College of Agriculture Deans Award, and was a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority. She also served as an Ag Ambassador and Camp War Eagle counselor.

Originally a Houston native, she lived overseas for 5 years in The Netherlands and graduated from high school there. She and her husband, Baker, are actively involved in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Ranching and Wildlife Committee.

Dr. Clint Schwab Dr. Clint Schwab is currently the Director of Genetics for The Maschoffs, LLC, a pork production company headquartered in Carlyle, IL, where he oversees the genetic program for their 200,000 sow system. Dr. Schwab grew up on a purebred swine operation in Colorado. He attended both Northeastern Junior College and Colorado State University, where he competed on the successful livestock judging teams. After completing his B.S. in Animal Science in 2001, Schwab pursued his graduate studies at Iowa State University, earning his M.S. and then Ph.D. in Animal Breeding and Genetics from ISU in 2007. While at Iowa State, Schwab served in a Lecturer position with responsibilities of advising students and teaching animal science courses, in addition to coaching the ISU Livestock Judging Team for five years.

Schwab started his career as the Director of Technical Service for the National Swine Registry, NSR; then in 2011, began the role of Chief Executive Officer for the NSR. During this progressive and diversified career path, Schwab has had the opportunity to judge many of the major stock shows across the U.S. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not only the current Chair of the National Pork Board Animal Science Committee and past President of the National Swine Improvement Federation, but was honored as the 2012 Recipient of the Early Career Achievement Award from the American Association of Animal Science.

Meet the

Speakers Dr. Jeff Logue

Growing up in Liberty IN, on his family’s commercial hog farm, Dr. Jeff Logue learned about management and the daily demand it took to raise pigs. He attended Purdue University, and was accepted into the School of Veterinary Medicine in 1993. In 1997, he graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Purdue, and started his first job at a mixed animal practice in his hometown. After several years, he took a job near Richmond, IN at a small animal clinic where he continued to develop his surgical and medical skills. In 2005, he and his wife Rebecca, also a veterinarian, opened their own Logue’s TLC Pet Hospital in Richmond, IN. However, involvement with pigs was never far away, as Jeff remained active with the commercial side of raising hogs both as an owner and a veterinarian. As his two sons, Sam & Alex, became old enough to start showing pigs, a new interest in show pig veterinary medicine started to develop. Jeff knew that he could utilize his small animal surgical skills in many of the show pig surgical procedures to have a more successful and cosmetic outcome. Logue’s Champion Veterinary Services was started in 2015, providing medical and surgical services to the show pig community.

In his spare time, Jeff enjoys helping his brother farm, spending time with his family, and taking care of too many personal animals at home.

Danny Nusser Danny Nusser is an individual you’ll always see at the hog shows. In addition to raising competitive showpigs, Nusser’s knowledge and experience makes him a key figure in the Texas youth livestock programs where he serves in various superintendent roles with stockshows, skillathons and numerous other youth developement activities.

As the Regional Program Leader - North Region for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, he provides leadership for Extension educational programs, provides overall vision and regional leadership for the development, implementation, evaluation and interpretation of Extension programs, targeting traditional and nontraditional audiences. Through many partnerships and collaborators, he determines program direction, acquires resources for program enhancement and establishes priorities for resource allocation to most effectively impact Extension’s state/regional goals related to Agriculture Community Resource and Economic Development.

Dr. Chris Boleman Dr. Chris Boleman is responsible for leading the Texas 4-H Youth Development Program with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. This includes leading program efforts for over 600,000 youth, 60,000 youth Club members, and over 30,000 volunteers annually.

He has authored over 100 research and educational manuscripts on leadership, positive youth development, volunteer management, agricultural education, and motivation and has provided over 700 presentations on these same topics across the nation. In his spare time, he loves to write and is also the founder and owner of Boleman Publishing where he has published three books on leadership and motivation. All proceeds from his publishing firm benefit the Texas 4-H Foundation.

He is a product of the youth livestock program showing cattle and swine.

He and his wife, Dr. Randi Boleman reside in College Station, TX.

Dr. Billy Z anolini Dr. Billy Zanolini serves as the Texas 4-H Youth Livestock and Agriculture Specialist with the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service. Billy is charged with facilitating youth livestock project resource development for County Extension Agents and youth engaged in the livestock project. Zanolini also works closely with Texas FFA, livestock associations, colleges of agriculture and Texas major livestock shows in valuable collaborations to best serve the agricultural youth of Texas. Texas 4-H Youth Livestock and Agriculture coordinates the statewide steer and heifer validation programs, Texas 4-H Livestock and Equine Ambassador Programs and the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Quality Countsâ&#x20AC;? Character Education Program in partnership with Texas FFA. He enjoys the challenges and opportunities in his work as he keenly understands the life skill development for youth at the core of 4-H and FFA programs.

Billy lives in Madisonville, Texas with his wife, Beth, and 3 children: Jackson - 7, Jacob - 5 and Emily Jo - 5 Months. The Zanolini family loves church, fishing, hunting, athletics and agriculture.

Sponsorship Opportunities p i h s r o s n o p Levels of S Platinum Sponsor: $1,500 • • • • • •

Company logo on all conference materials, both hard copy and electronic One (1) Complimentary Trade Show Exhibit Booth Two (2) Complimentary Conference Registrations to all events Company listing in the June / July & August / September Producer Connection Full page advertisement in Conference Brochure Full page advertisement in the August / September Producer Connection

(Distributed to all TPPA members, Texas County Agents & Texas Ag Teachers)

• Website banner advertisement for 6 months on new TPPA website homepage

Gold Sponsor: $1,000 • • • • • •

Company logo on all conference materials, both hard copy and electronic One (1) Complimentary Trade Show Exhibit Booth Two (2) Complimentary Conference Registrations to all events Company listing in the June / July & August / September Producer Connection Half page advertisement in the Conference Brochure Website banner advertisement for 3 months on new TPPA Website homepage

Silver Sponsor: $500 • • • •

Company logo on all conference materials, both hard copy and electronic One (1) Complimentary Trade Show Exhibit Booth Two (2) Complimentary Conference Registrations to all events Company listing in the June / July & August / September Producer Connection

Trade Show Exhibit Booth: $200

h t o o B t i b i h Ex w o h S e d a Tr

• 10’ x 10’ Trade Show Exhibit space (Open Friday from 1pm-6 pm & Saturday from 7 am - 7:30pm) • Two (2) Complimentary Conference Registrations to all events • Company listing in the June / July Producer Connection & Conference Brochure

Sponsorship Form Please complete and return this form to the TPPA office ASAP to make sure your company is advertised in all publications and promoted to the full extent of your sponsorship.

Name: Company: Address: City:

State:

Zip:

E-mail: Phone:

Fax:

Contact Person at Event:

Phone:

Sponsorship Level: Platinum Sponsor - $1,500 Gold Sponsor - $1,000 Silver Sponsor - $500 Trade Show Exhibitor - $200

r Thank you fo Texas e h t g in t r o supp y! pork industr

Payment Options: Check Enclosed / Forthcoming (Payable to TPPA)

Please Invoice Me

Please return form to TPPA ASAP! P.O. Box 10168, Austin, Texas 78766 * 512.453.0615 * csmith@texaspork.org

Creati ng A

July10-11 2015

Vision for th e

Futu re

Registration Form

Registration for the Conference and Youth Symposium will include: • Awards Banquet - Saturday night • Participation in all program activities & trade show • Silent and Fun Auction Activities • Friday Night Family Cook-Out • Entered in door prize drawings • Saturday Lunch

How To Register MAIL or ONLINE: TPPA P.O. Box 10168 Austin, TX 78766 texaspork.org

ration Pre-Regist 1 Closes July

On-Site Registration Available

Event & Hotel Location YO Ranch Hotel & Conference Center 2033 Sidney Baker Kerrville, TX 78028 ck 1-830-257-4440 Room Blo

Deadline:

June 20

Ask for TPPA Special Room Rate Name(s) of Attendees:

Adult

Total Adult Attendees Total Youth Attendees Name: Address: City: E-mail:

Youth

X $40 = X $20 = TOTAL DUE = Company: State:

Zip: Phone:

Payment Options: Online

Check Enclosed / Forthcoming (Payable to TPPA) Please return form to TPPA by JULY 1, 2015 P.O. Box 10168, Austin, Texas 78766 * 512.453.0615 * csmith@texaspork.org

Pay On-Site

antnts t r o Impuceme Anno

New Change with Advertising in the Producer Connection Due to the increased demand amongst membership to place advertisements in premium positions in the magazine, TPPA will have a bid-off on those pages.

The bid-off will take place on Saturday, July 11 during the FUN Auction at the Texas Pork Industry Conference.

TPPA will sell “choice” on the following five magazine pages for the 2016 year of Producer Connection issues: * Inside front cover * Page opposite of inside front cover * Back cover (3/4 page ad only) * Inside back cover * Page opposite of inside back cover

Buyer gets first choice until all of the specialty pages are sold. With this purchase, Buyer is committed to a full year of advertisements, with 20% down in addition to the winning bid. *The auction is only for the selected position in the magazine; your bid does not include the regular cost of the ad. *The contract is good for only one year. TPPA will auction off the specialty pages every year at the annual conference, for the following calendar year of the Producer Connection.

Attention: TPPA Membership Notice on Changes to Bylaws TPPA Board of Directors proposes the following amendments to Article XI, Section 1 and 2 of the Texas Pork Producers Association Bylaws: Article XI – Place of Business Section 1. Principal Office: The principal office shall be located in Travis County, Texas.

Section 2. Registered Office: The registered office shall be maintained in Austin, Texas.

-That in Section 1, “Travis County” be removed. That in Section 2, “Austin” be removed.

These changes will provide the ability for the official offices of the Texas Pork Producers Association to be located anywhere in Texas deemed appropriate for business activities.

Notice of Annual Meeting The Texas Pork Producers Association Annual Meeting will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, July 11, 2015 at the YO Ranch Hotel & Conference Center 2033 Sidney Baker, Kerrville, TX 78028. The meeting is open to all pork producers and held in conjunction with the Annual Texas Pork Industry Conference and Youth Symposium.

Public Notice

by the TPPA & the National Pork Board

The election of pork producer delegate candidates for the 2016 National Pork Producers (Pork Act) Delegate Body will take place at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 11 in conjunction with the Texas Pork Producers Association’s Annual Membership meeting at the YO Ranch Hotel & Conference Center 2033 Sidney Baker, Kerrville, TX 78028. All Texas pork producers are invited to attend.

Any producer who is 18 years or older, a resident of the state and has paid all assessments due, may be considered as a delegate candidate and/or participate in the election.

All eligible producers are encouraged to bring with them a sales receipt proving that hogs were sold in their name and Checkoff deducted.

For more information contact: Texas Pork Producers Association, P.O. Box 10168, Austin, TX 78766 ~ (512) 453-0615

Swine Identification 101: Understanding Swine Ear Tag Requirements Due to a continued emphasis on livestock traceability within state and federal agencies and the livestock industry, the National Swine Registry (NSR) now requires all animals being exhibited at NSR or National Junior Swine Association (NJSA) events be identified with an official, permanently-numbered ear tag. The following information is designed to help answer questions about what is considered an official ear tag and how to obtain these tags.

1. What is a federally approved ear tag?

• An official ear tag is a source of animal identification that, with accurate movement records, provides the ability to trace animals to their origin.

• This capability is critical in the event of an animal disease emergency to help locate what points the animal has been in contact with.

• Anyone who purchases federally approved ear tags will be required to submit their premises identification number when ordering.

• The premises ID number will then be recorded in a database and associated with the ear tag numbers from this purchase.

2. Why are the NSR and NJSA requiring all animals to be tagged with federal ear tags?

• The NSR and NJSA work diligently to comply with swine health regulations for shows and sales hosted across the United States.

• Each state in which the NSR or NJSA hosts events has regulations for animal health and the identification of swine that move across state lines to come to shows • Some states may also have additional regulations for swine being transported for shows and sales.

These regulations vary from state to state.

• Federally-approved ear tags allow swine exhibitors at NSR and NJSA shows as well as purchasers of hogs at NSR sales to best meet the needs of these diverse requirements for each state.

3. What is Premises Identification?

• Premises identification (premises ID) is part of the Animal Disease Traceability Framework (ADT) that is designed to help identify animals to the locations they have be raised on or passed through during their lives • This number along with accurate movement records can serve as a critical piece of information in quickly tracing back an animal to a location in the event of an animal health emergency.

• When registering a premises ID, the producer’s contact information (name, address, phone for primary and secondary contacts) will be recorded.

4. How do I obtain a premises ID number?

• Obtaining a premises ID number is typically a very simple process that involves contacting your state animal health agency.

• The contact information for Texas Animal Health Commission, Premises / Animal ID: 512-719-0733 5. What should be on my official swine ear tags to be able to show at an NSR or NJSA show?

• Although there are a few different options for federally approved swine ear tags, the key components required are listed below and tags should be USDA approved: A. A unique number for each animal: This would mean that each tag you purchase ends in a different number so that each animal has a tag that is unique to them. Think of this as the animal’s first name.

B. Tamper proof and permanently numbered: Tamper-proof, permanently-numbered tags will be produced with the numbers permanently printed on the tag during production, as opposed to receiving a blank tag and writing an identification number on the tag. They can only be used once and should not be removed.

C. US shield emblem: Federally-approved swine ear tags will possess a small US logo.

6. What kind of federally approved tag should I purchase for swine that will attend NSR or NJSA events?

• There is a variety of ear tag options that meet all criteria required to be considered acceptable forms of ID for NSR or NJSA shows.

• The most common type of official ear tag used in animals shown at NSR or NJSA shows is an 840 ear tag.

• 840 Tags are also called AIN Tags which stands for Animal Identification Number 7. What is an 840 ear tag?

• 840 ear tags are a great option for swine being shown at NSR or NJSA events.

• 840 tags comply with the requirements of the Animal Disease Traceability (ADT) framework for both visual and electronic identification.

• These tags are recognized in a standardized information system between federal, state and industry officials.

• Each tag contains 15 digits and will begin with the numbers 840 (the USA country code). The remaining 12 digits on the tag are unique to the individual animal.

• 840 tags come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors (rectangular shape, round-button shape, etc) but each are accepted forms of official ID. • Depending on the size and shape of the tag, additional information may be printed on the bottom of the tag, such as an additional management number for the animal or the producer’s premises ID number.

8. How do I purchase 840 ear tags?

• 840 ear tags can be purchased through authorized ear tag distributors. Many of these distributors have the ability for you to purchase tags through their online stores.

• When purchasing 840 tags, the purchaser will be required to submit their premises ID number.

• The tag distributor will then confirm that the premises ID number given is accurate. If there is an issue with the premises ID number, the producer will be contacted to correct the issue.

• Once the premises ID number of the tag purchaser is validated, the premises ID will be recorded in a database with the tag numbers that are being purchased. This is how the traceability component of the federal tags becomes effective.

• Keep in mind, it may take several days for your tag order to be received, processed, shipped and delivered.

9. Can I purchase 840 ear tags from my veterinarian?

• Your veterinarian may be an option to obtain 840 ear tags. However they are not a stockable tag, meaning that each time you order 840 ear tags, you must provide your premises ID so that it is specific to the ear tags you are purchasing. This can only be done through an authorized ear tag dealer.

• Therefore, if you are purchasing ear tags through your veterinarian, your vet will follow the same process that you would, when purchasing tags through an authorized tag manager and dealer. Your veterinarian would require you to provide your premises ID number to make a purchase from the ear tag seller.

10. Does my premises ID have to be printed on my 840 ear tag?

• Although some 840 ear tags do provide enough room to print the producers premises ID on the bottom portion of the tag, this is not a requirement for animal’s being shown at NSR or NJSA shows.

• AN 840 Tag with a PIN is not equivalent to the Official PIN Tag that is being required a condition of sale by the majority of packers that harvest sow and boars • The 840 ear tag will provide the capability of retrieving the premises ID associated with the animal in a national database, since this information is recorded when the tags are purchased.

11. What is the difference between a visual 840 ear tag and a RFID 840 ear tag?

• Visual 840 ear tags do not have any electronic capability and are only used as a source of visual identification. Visual tags may often be less expensive compared to electronic tags.

• Electronic Identification tags, also known as Radio Frequency Identification ear tags (RFID ear tags) can be utilized to store and track information through a database using a readable scanner (wand). This provides more options for record keeping on performance records for producers.

• 840 tags DO NOT have to be RFID capable to be accepted at NSR or NJSA shows. Both visual 840 tags and RFID 840 tags are acceptable forms of identification. The key is that the tag is an 840 tag.

Example 1:

840 rectangular ear tag without any management number or premises ID printed on bottom. This is the standard 840 ear tag layout. This would be an acceptable form of ID since each tag still possesses a unique 12 digit number for each animal.

Example 2:

840 ear tag with management number printed on bottom. In this case, the tag purchaser chose to add additional numbers to the blank section of the tag at the bottom for management purposes.

Example 3:

840 ear tag with premises ID number printed on bottom. Another option is to have your premises ID printed on the blank section of the tag.

Example 4:

840 round button ear tag

12. Will 840 ear tags also meet the new ear tag requirement put in place as of January 1, 2015 for cull sows and boars being shipped for harvest?

• The answer is NO. As of Jan. 1, 2015, official Premises Identification Tags (PIN Tags) are the only tags that meet packer requirement for identification of the sows and boars they purchase from market channels.

13. What is the correct tag that should be used when culling breeding stock and shipping for harvest?

• The official PIN Tag is the only official ear tag that meets packer requirements for the identification of the breeding stock they purchase in market channels.

• Not to be confused with 840 ear tags, PIN tags are SPECIFICALLY designed for culled breeding animals that are going to be shipped for harvest only. Many producers use them as their management tag as well.

• PIN tags can be obtained by contacting an authorized ear tag dealer.

• When ordering PIN Tags, the producer will be required to provide their premises identification number.

This will be validated and printed on each tag. A management number can also be printed on the tag if a producer wants to use the tag for management purposes.

14. Can I use my PIN tags for my showpigs as a form of official identification?

Official PIN tags are not intended for use in showpigs that are going to be exhibited at NSR or NJSA events because they are specifically designed for use in breeding stock prior to them entering harvest channels. Official PIN Tags cannot be removed by law and are used to assist Animal Health Authorities in getting back to the farm the animal came from when an investigation is needed because of a residue or animal health issue. If this occurs, the person to whom the PIN Tag was registered will be contacted to assist in the investigation and production and sales records must be made readily available to Animal Health Authorities upon request1 and must conform to applicable regulations.

1

Animal Health Protection Act, Section 10408

Example 5:

Premises Identification Tags (PIN Tag) are designed for use in breeding swine being shipped to enter harvest channels.

15. Can I continue to use the metal band ear tags (NUES ear tags) as official identification for hogs going to NSR or NJSA shows?

• The NSR and NJSA will still allow exhibitors to use NUES tags if they choose to.

• These ear tags often called “silver” or “brite” tags and are a part of the National Uniform Eartagging System (NUES).

• There are metal and plastic versions of these tags. Often times, exhibitors may obtain the metal “band” shaped tags for swine.

16. Where can I purchase NUES tags?

• NUES tags have historically been used for disease testing and interstate movement. State and Tribes administer the distribution of NUES ear tags. They may elect to restrict their use to Accredited Veterinarians or make them available direct to producers as well as through veterinarians.

• Producers must contact their State or Tribe animal health official to find out if NUES ear tags are available in their area.

Example 6:

Plastic NUES tag from Allflex.

Example 7:

Metal NUES tag.

Information obtained from National Swine Registry

Congratulating our Swineof the Enthusiasts

Future

GARRETT WILDMAN

DAKOTA MOYERS

YOUTH SPOTLIGHT ON TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY PORK SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS Texas A&M Senior Dakota Moyers was awarded the Dr. T.D. Tanksley, Jr. Scholarship through the Animal Science Department sponsored by the Texas Pork Producers Association. Dakota has a strong family history in the swine industry. Growing up in Newcastle, Oklahoma, Dakota’s family owned and operated Lifeline Genetics, a premier boar stud known for world record setting sires in their barn, along with a 75 sow showpig operation. Dakota was a highly successful member of TAMU Livestock Judging Team, finishing in the top five individually of several national contests, and now assists with the coaching duties as he finishes up his education. This passion for the livestock industry has lead Moyers down the path of wanting to become an Agriculture Instructor and raise competitive hogs following graduation.

Garrett Wildman, a Sophomore and Animal Science major at Texas A&M, received one of the Texas Pork Producers Association scholarships at the Texas A&M Animal Science Department scholarship banquet.

Garrett grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas showing pigs for 10 years at county and major show levels. “I had the opportunity to go on the 2012 TPPA Pork Leadership Camp; it was really a neat experience! I learned a lot about the commercial side of the industry from this trip and it really opened my eyes as to what goes on behind the scenes to process the nation’s pork products,” said Garrett. He is a member of the Saddle & Sirloin Club and the 2014-2015 Texas A&M Wool Judging Team.

After studying Garrett enjoys attending livestock shows, sports, fishing and traveling.

TAYLOR OWENS KATE JIMERSON

Kathryn “Kate” Jimerson, a Junior majoring in Animal Science, received the Dr. Hesby Scholarship at the Texas A&M Animal Science Department scholarship banquet, sponsored by the Texas Pork Producers Association. Kate grew up in George West, showing pigs in open shows starting when she was just two years old and continuing throughout her grade school career. She also participated in livestock judging, winning the State FFA contest her senior year and representing Texas at Nationals, placing 17th overall and 3rd high in swine. Currently she is involved in Saddle & Sirloin Club and has been the Co-Chair of the TJLA Swine Futurity Show for the past two years. Kate not only loves to fish, read and hang out with her family and friends but enjoys spending time participating in church activities with her family. She too had the opportunity to travel with a study aboard program last summer.

Kate also added, “I would not be where I am today without the love and support from my parents, Jay & Ellie Jimerson. They have always encouraged me to do the best I can and God will put all the pieces together.”

SARAH WEISS

Taylor Owens of Boerne, Texas, received the 2015 Pork Industry Scholarship form the National Pork Board. Taylor is a Senior at Texas A&M University, majoring in Animal Science and will be starting the DVM Program in the Fall of 2015. Owens credits her 4-H experiences in the state’s youth livestock programs to be the foundation for her future aspirations. “My involvement in showing pigs was the main reason I got interested in large animal veterinary medicine,” Owens shares with us.

Taylor is involved in the Texas A&M Pre-Vet Society as the Secretary, an Aggie Southern Darling and Ags of OAK (Open Acts of Kindness).

Taylor enjoys painting, photography, crafting, yoga, cooking and baking.

She also likes to travel and see new places and trying out new restaurants or movies.

A senior at Texas A&M majoring in Animal Science with a Business minor, Sarah Weiss received one of the Texas Pork Producers Association Scholarships through the Texas A&M Animal Science Department. Sarah grew up in Brenham, Texas where she started showing pigs at the county and major show level when she was eight years old. After graduation Sarah hopes to get her Master’s degree, then continue to a career in the swine industry. “As I was growing up, showing pigs was a family affair that we still enjoy today through my younger brother, Pierce,” Sarah said. “Getting to grow up surrounded by people who love the swine industry was a blessing, and I would love the opportunity to work within the industry someday.”

Sarah is a member of the Saddle & Sirloin Club, Texas Aggie Cattlewomen, Central Baptist Church and Camp Lone Star. She also likes spending time with family and friends, traveling to see new things, cooking and Pinterest.

Road To Success

Enthusiasm. Evolvement. Eagerness.

These words can be used to describe the personality and attitude of young and energetic individuals who are always ready and willing to wake up in the morning and hit the ground running in order to succeed in whatever they pursue. Those three words can also accurately describe two amazing people within the Texas Pork Producers Association. Whether it’s in their barns, at stock shows, a TPPA event, or on the phone, as always it was a pleasure to sit down with Wayne and Leslie Harman to talk about their passions, pigs and the future plans for Harman Farms.

The Harman family lives in Perryton, Texas, where they have raised competitive show pigs for the past 10 years in addition to farming wheat and milo. Their ties to the stock show industry run deeper than just raising and selling hogs.

The Harman’s own and operate LH Enterprises LLC, which focuses on formulating and manufacturing innovative feed supplements for show animals.

Wayne’s family has strong stakes in the hog industry, allowing Wayne to grow up in the business and cultivate a drive for it. In the 1950’s Wayne’s father, Wyatte Harman, Ph.D., purchased his first gilt through the Sears program and later worked as the swine herdsman while he attended Texas Tech University; and his uncle, Levon Harman, still raises Poland pigs today. Wayne and Leslie established Harman Farms in 2005, when they purchased four gilts with the goal of raising show projects for their two sons, Robb, now a 22-year-old at West Texas A&M and Reed, 19, who is currently a student at Texas Tech University.

Over the years, Wayne and Leslie’s love for the show pig industry has grown by leaps and bounds, and in return so has their operation. Today, Harman Farms encompasses approximately 100 sows and 18 boars, with breeds including: Berkshires, Chesters, Polands, Crossbreds, plus the family’s favorite breeds, Spots and Durocs. They farrow the majority of their sows from July to the first of September, but also have litters in March and April, with a few December litters targeting World Pork Expo. When it comes to the running of Harman Farms, there is no doubt that these two are a perfect combination. Wayne and Leslie work endlessly, evaluating hogs, studying pedigrees and learning new techniques, ensuring they stay on top of their game and are as progressive breeders as they can be. This hardworking duo has learned how to work together to make Harman Farms a success. When asked how they make it all work, Wayne was quick to answer, “As you know, we are a team and that’s why we admire each other. Each of us plays to our strengths to make it work.” Leslie explained, “We work together and discuss all major decisions including marketing plans, breeding, farrowing plans, feed ration decisions as well as capital improvements. Lots of brain storming goes on here before a decision is made.”

It is safe to say that they have their routine down pat. Wayne takes the lead in not only caring for all of the weaned babies in the nursery and chip barns, but he works with their client base assisting them in purchasing, feeding and breeding decisions, along with collecting and selling semen on their boars and everyday maintenance. Leslie is in charge of farrowing and tending to the babies while they are in the crate, while maintaining the farm’s paperwork, finances, registering litters, and creating breeding and farrowing schedules. Furthermore, the ads, boar catalogs and website for Harman Farms is created solely

by Leslie. It goes without saying that running this many sows and raising the quantity of show pigs that Harman Farms does, is a round-the-clock time commitment. While the constant to-do list may seem draining to some, to Wayne and Leslie it is just another day for them to wake up and spend the day doing what they love with each other. “The show pig operation had grown to a level that it was a full time job for both Wayne and myself,” explained Leslie. “We have really enjoyed seeing the benefits of our work, and that we can enjoy this together.” Prior to being an employee of the show pig industry, Leslie was a school teacher for 22 years, where she instructed junior high to college-age students in various science courses. Once she retired from teaching in a classroom, Leslie still continued teaching online college classes, but retired from that last year. A major reason why their system works so well is because both Wayne and Leslie genuinely love their roles within the operation. One of Leslie’s favorite parts of raising hogs is working with the sows and their litters. Wayne always looks forward to meeting other show pig enthusiasts, to discuss finding the pig that best fits their needs, and guiding them through the management and feeding process. Exploring new and different breeding combinations and seeing how the offspring turn out is another exciting part for this operation.

S

AN FAR M M AR H

HF

Focused on Success

Barrow Champions

Based off their track record, the Harman’s are doing quite well at their jobs. Staying true to building structurally correct, well designed hogs that are square hipped and stay within themselves, has certainly resulted in a long list of accomplishments.

A few of their career highlights include raising the Grand Champion Barrow at San Antonio in 2013 and watching Reed drive the Supreme Champion Gilt at the 2007 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Within the Certified Texas Bred Registry program, the quality and consistency of their hogs has allowed Harman Farms to finish in the ‘Top 10 Breeders’ for the past five years. In the most recent years, they ended the stock show season ranking fifth in 2012 and third in 2013 and 2014. Even though they admit that hanging banners is a great feeling, the most satisfying part of their job is helping and seeing youth succeed. “The best part for us is working with a kid all season long to help them realize their goal, whether it’s having a breed champion or winning showmanship at their county, making the sale at a major or driving a class winner,” said Wayne. “It’s all about helping the kids realize their goals and seeing it finally “click”. We all get caught up in chasing the banners, but sometimes making the sale at a major is just as big of an accomplishment for a kid that has shown at majors his whole career and never made the sale.”

Like any operation or business, success comes with challenges. The hurdles for this specific swine farm include implementing a stronger biosecurity plan, getting the right pig in the right feeder’s hands, and building an effective marketing platform. Currently Harman Farms host three on-the-farm sales each fall, which focuses on marketing their top end barrows for the spring majors. Existing and potential clients can stop by the farm any day to purchase gilts by private treaty. Wayne and Leslie are planning to sell their spring litters by private treaty as well. Additionally, last fall the farm participated in several online sales and were cosigners in the Ring of Success, Circle of Gold, Major League, Perfect Timing and Fall Classic sales. Obstacles they work to conquer is getting their name out to prospective buyers and expanding their clientele base. To build name recognition, Harman Farms is always looking for creative advertising trends and additional marketing channels.

Wayne and Leslie are quick to acknowledge that they did not get to where they are today on their own. “There have been several people who have been a big influence and helped us become successful breeders,” said Leslie. The two people who helped the Harman’s get started, and who were always there when problems occurred were Levon Harman and Randy and Scott Huseman. Another helping hand comes from JoBonney LeCompte. JoBonney is the agriculture education teacher in Perryton and has built one of the most successful swine programs in the state, with his kids always finishing in the top end at the majors. “His strong hog program sets a benchmark that our hogs have to meet,” explained Wayne. “This really forces us to continually evaluate and improve our show pigs and especially the sow herd, which is another difficulty Wayne points to. “Predicting future trends and having our sow herd in a position to be competitive as trends change can be tough. One of the hardest things for us is shipping productive females that lay down, farrow and do a great job of raising their pig, that don’t fit the trend anymore.”

Stephens Farms has also played a role into the evolvement and success of Harman Farms. “We first saw the Stephens kids show in 2006 and we quickly realized that we needed to change our showing and training techniques here,” explained Wayne. “That allowed our kids to have success in the early years. We continued to watch and study their cutting edge marketing techniques, some of which we use today.” Mike Clay gave another piece of vital advice that the Harman’s still keep in mind. “One day we were talking with Mike about boars, selling semen and matching boars with sows,” said Wayne.

“Mike said people have got to make a decision on whether they’re going to be a breeder or just a reproducer. That saying has always stuck with us; making us think about pedigrees, good traits and faults in the boar and sow, to think things through and work hard to build better pigs.”

Gilt Champions

Rain, shine, or blizzard; Wayne, Leslie and Barkley love working and playing with their hogs!

A long and successful future is on the horizon for this family. Harman Farms plans to continue living and running their operation by the family’s motto: “Focused on Success” by raising highly competitive show pigs that are offered at a competitive price while maintaining honesty and integrity. Wayne and Leslie look forward to farrowing out countless more great litters and working with more amazing kids who share their passion. What Harman Farms strives for is more than banners, buckles and trophies; it’s to have a lasting and positive impact on young people they work with. They’ll tell you “there’s no better field than agriculture for that,” and I think everyone reading this would agree. “Youth involvement with show pigs can instill values, dedication and social skills. Ag is the basis of work ethics and people can also gain a better understanding of where their food comes from,” Leslie describes. She too points out that last point exactly is a problem our industry is facing right now. “A big challenge is representing the industry so that the 98 percent of people not involved in production agriculture know and understand our food production methods. Our job as agriculturalists is more than just raising livestock and growing crops; we also have to educate the general public and keep them in the loop on our way of life.

We can’t let the activists be the major influence and prevent us from producing the food that the world needs.”

In the short time I have been apart of TPPA, Wayne and Leslie have been a valuable part to the development of the association, and myself as its leader. Since becoming members in 2005, both of them instantly became advocates for the swine industry and have now jumped head first into our association’s activities. Wayne currently serves on the Certified Texas Bred Registry committee, while Leslie works on the Conference Planning and Youth Development & Education committees. Aside from their leadership responsibilities to TPPA, the Harman’s can always be counted on to listen, consider and brainstorm new ideas to keep our association growing, as well as pitch in whenever and wherever help is needed.

Harman Farms sponsors the Reserve Supreme Champion trophy for the Stars of Texas gilt show at the San Angelo Stock Show. This summer their dedication to the Texas swine industry will be recognized at our annual conference, where they will be honored with this year’s “Producer of the Year” award. Wayne and Leslie are also active in the hog industry on a national level. Wayne serves on the board of the National Spot Swine Association, in addition to their memberships in the National Poland China Association, National Chester White Association and the National Duroc Association. Needless to say, TPPA is very grateful for the dedication, drive and determination Wayne and Leslie Harman have for the show pig industry and its youth.

Advice Taken, Now Offered...

The power is in the sow so start with good females.

“Don’t raise more than you can sell.” from Rory Duelm Have a plan – where are you going to farrow, what age do they need to be, how will you sell them, do you have the money to do this (research costs) and can you lose that money if things don’t work out.

Have a goal!

Be realistic about working with livestock – sometimes it’s a success and sometimes it’s a failure. Don’t give up if it is something you really love – learn from your successes and failures and try it again next year.

It’s going to take lots of hard work and dedication.

Find a mentor who can help you!!!

Wayne and Leslie love spending time ouside gardening, hunting and enjoying beautiful West Texas sunsets!

S

Wayne & Leslie Harman 12498 CR 16 Perryton, TX 79070 harman-farms.com

MAN FARM AR H

HF Focused on Success

Wayne: 806.202. 2175 harman.farms1@gmail.com Leslie: 806.202.2176 Laharman1@gmail.com

Don’t Forget to Renew Your st Membership By Sept. 1 !

What We Do...

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At TPPA we strive to: Provide a structure for cooperation of pork producers in Texas Encourage efficient production and marketing methods Promote the consumption of quality pork products Provide educational and networking opportunities Represent producers in legislative and regulatory matters

Est. 1889

Participate in Texas Pork Industry Conference and other TPPA sponsored events Networking opportunities to learn the most efficient practices and new concepts Our goal is to improve & increase the quality & production of the Texas swine industry.

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PRODUCER CONNECTION

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TEXAS PORK PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION

2015 Advertising Rate & Specifications

The Producer Connection is a bi-monthly publication sent to active members of the Texas Pork Producers Association.

This publication includes information on current pork related events and youth programs and news & updates on issues in our industry, not only in Texas but nationwide. Scheduled publication months include February, April, June, August, October and December.

Advertisement Rates All ads will be in full color. Prices are for completed Camera Ready advertisements; layout and designing of ads is available at an additional cost. Premium pages available as First Come, First Serve, please call for availability and pricing.

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FULL PAGE Bleed Size: 8.75”w x 11.25”h Trim Size: 8.5”w x 11”h

BACK PAGE/ 2/3 PAGE HALF-PAGE HORIZONTAL THIRD-PAGE VERTICAL FOURTH-PAGE VERTICAL Bleed Size: 8.75”w x 7”h Bleed Size: 8.75”w x 5.5”h Trim Size: 2.75”w x 11”h Trim Size: 4.2”w x 5.4”h Trim Size: 8.5”w x 7”h Trim Size: 8.5”w x 5.5”h Changes in Certified Texas Bred Registry For 2013 Shows

Changes in Certified Texas Bred Registry For 2013 Shows

Changes in Certified Texas Bred Registry For 2013 Shows

The TPPA Board of Directors have adopted rule changes submitted by the Committee that oversees the Certified Texas Bred Registry. These new rules will impact producers participating in the CTBR program shows next year, including Fort Worth, San Angelo Barrow Show, Stars of Texas Gilt Show & Sale in San Angelo, San Antonio, Houston and the 2013 State Fair.

The TPPA Board of Directors have adopted rule changes submitted by the Committee that oversees the Certified Texas Bred Registry. These new rules will impact producers participating in the CTBR program shows next year, including Fort Worth, San Angelo Barrow Show, Stars of Texas Gilt Show & Sale in San Angelo, San Antonio, Houston and the 2013 State Fair.

The TPPA Board of Directors have adopted rule changes submitted by the Committee that oversees the Certified Texas Bred Registry. These new rules will impact producers participating in the CTBR program shows next year, including Fort Worth, San Angelo Barrow Show, Stars of Texas Gilt Show & Sale in San Angelo, San Antonio, Houston and the 2013 State Fair.

During the Texas Pork Industry Conference in San Angelo, CTBR Committee Chairman, David Kempen, explained the rule changes and the purpose for the changes. Kempen said that over the years, the CTBR program has provided thousands of 4-H & FFA students with additional premium money, prizes, awards and scholarships, provided by the hundreds of Texas breeders participating in CTBR. He said that these Texas breeders have been rewarded with significant recognition and increased market demand for their pigs. Kempen explained that all of this has been accomplished based on the last statement in the CTBR rules: “The validity of the Certified Texas Bred Registry is wholly dependent on the honesty and integrity of the breeders participating in the Registry and the reliability of pig registration.”

During the Texas Pork Industry Conference in San Angelo, CTBR Committee Chairman, David Kempen, explained the rule changes and the purpose for the changes. Kempen said that over the years, the CTBR program has provided thousands of 4-H & FFA students with additional premium money, prizes, awards and scholarships, provided by the hundreds of Texas breeders participating in CTBR. He said that these Texas breeders have been rewarded with significant recognition and increased market demand for their pigs. Kempen explained that all of this has been accomplished based on the last statement in the CTBR rules: “The validity of the Certified Texas Bred Registry is wholly dependent on the honesty and integrity of the breeders participating in the Registry and the reliability of pig registration.”

Kempen said that the integrity and honesty of a small number of breeders have come into question by the CTBR Committee and that they felt it important to provide some increased requirements for the CTBR program. They proposed the new rule changes that were adopted by the Board members on July 6, 2012. The most significant rule change is that producers will now have to provide TPPA with the number of litters farrowed at their farm and the ear notching system that they use for identifying their litters. (See CTBR rules in this issue and on the texaspork.org web site.)

Prior to October 1, 2012, producers that will want to purchase CTBR certificates for pigs showing in 2013 must

During the Texas Pork Industry Conference in San Angelo, CTBR Committee Chairman, David Kempen, explained the rule changes and the purpose for the changes. Kempen said that over the years, the CTBR program has provided thousands of 4-H & FFA students with additional premium money, prizes, awards and scholarships, provided by the hundreds of Texas breeders participating in CTBR. He said that these Texas breeders have been rewarded with significant recognition and increased market demand for their pigs.

Kempen explained that all of this has been accomplished based on the last statement in the CTBR rules: “The validity of the Certified Texas Bred Registry is wholly dependent on the honesty and integrity of the breeders participating in the Registry and the reliability of pig registration.”

Kempen said that the integrity and honesty of a small number of breeders have come into question by the CTBR Committee and that they felt it important to provide some increased requirements for the CTBR program. They proposed the new rule changes that were adopted by the Board members on July 6, 2012. The most significant rule change is that producers will now have to provide TPPA with the number of litters farrowed at their farm and the ear notching system that they use for identifying their litters. (See CTBR rules in this issue and on the texaspork.org web site.)

Prior to October 1, 2012, producers that will want to purchase CTBR certificates for pigs showing in 2013 must have submitted to TPPA a “CTB Litter Record”. A CTB Litter Record will be an official document to tell TPPA how many litters are farrowed at the farm and litter ear notches assigned to those litters. This will include an explanation of the litter notching system used by the producer. TPPA will strongly encourage breeders to notch litters in sequence starting with the litter “1” notch. However, if producers use a different sequence and numbering system they must provide an explanation of that system.

Kempen explained that most producers will be able to comply with this new requirement easily because they identify their litters in sequence each year starting with the litter “1” notch. He said that when looking through all of the CTBR pig registrations at the shows most producer’s litters can be followed with little effort. However, Kempen said that the Committee becomes very concerned when you know that a farm only farrowed 25 litters and most of their pigs have litter notches of 1 through 25, then a few have litter notches with 50’s or 80’s. He said that seems difficult to understand and puts into question the integrity of that breeders pig registrations. He and the CTBR Committee believe that the new “CTB Litter Record” will give them a better understanding of a breeders notching system and allow them to ef-

BUSINESS CARD Trim Size: 3.5”w x 2”h

Changes in Certified Texas Bred Registry For 2013 Shows

Changes in Certified Texas Bred Registry For 2013 Shows

The TPPA Board of Directors have adopted rule changes submitted by the Committee that oversees the Certified Texas Bred Registry. These new rules will impact producers participating in the CTBR program shows next year, including Fort Worth, San Angelo Barrow Show, Stars of Texas Gilt Show & Sale in San Angelo, San Antonio, Houston and the 2013 State Fair.

The TPPA Board of Directors have adopted rule changes submitted by the Committee that oversees the Certified Texas Bred Registry. These new rules will impact producers participating in the CTBR program shows next year, including Fort Worth, San Angelo Barrow Show, Stars of Texas Gilt Show & Sale in San Angelo, San Antonio, Houston and the 2013 State Fair.

During the Texas Pork Industry Conference in San Angelo, CTBR Committee Chairman, David Kempen, explained the rule changes and the purpose for the changes. Kempen said that over the years, the CTBR program has provided thousands of 4-H & FFA students with additional premium money, prizes, awards and scholarships, provided by the hundreds of Texas breeders participating in CTBR. He said that these Texas breeders have been rewarded with significant recognition and increased market demand for their pigs. Kempen explained that all of this has been accomplished based on the last statement in the CTBR rules: “The validity of the Certified Texas Bred Registry is wholly dependent on the honesty and integrity of the breeders participating in the Registry and the reliability of pig registration.”

During the Texas Pork Industry Conference in San Angelo, CTBR Committee Chairman, David Kempen, explained the rule changes and the purpose for the changes. Kempen said that over the years, the CTBR program has provided thousands of 4-H & FFA students with additional premium money, prizes, awards and scholarships, provided by the hundreds of Texas breeders participating in CTBR. He said that these Texas breeders have been rewarded with significant recognition and increased market demand for their pigs. Kempen explained that all of this has been accomplished based on the last statement in the CTBR rules: “The validity of the Certified Texas Bred Registry is wholly dependent on the honesty and integrity of the breeders participating in the Registry and the reliability of pig registration.”

Kempen said that the integrity and honesty of a small number of breeders have come into question by the CTBR Committee and that they felt it important to provide some increased requirements for the CTBR program. They proposed the new rule changes that were adopted by the Board members on July 6, 2012. The most significant rule change is that producers will now have to provide TPPA with the number of litters farrowed at their farm and the ear notching system that they use for identifying their litters. (See CTBR rules in this issue and on the texaspork.org web site.)

Kempen said that the integrity and honesty of a small number of breeders have come into question by the CTBR Committee and that they felt it important to provide some increased requirements for the CTBR program. They proposed the new rule changes that were adopted by the Board members on July 6, 2012. The most significant rule change is that producers will now have to provide TPPA with the number of litters farrowed at their farm and the ear notching system that they use for identifying their litters. (See CTBR rules in this issue and on the texaspork.org web site.)

Prior to October 1, 2012, producers that will want to purchase CTBR certificates for pigs showing in 2013 must have submitted to TPPA a “CTB Litter Record”. A CTB Litter Record will be an official document to tell TPPA how many litters are farrowed at the farm and litter ear notches assigned to those litters. This will include an explanation of the litter notching system used by the producer.

TPPA will strongly encourage breeders to notch litters in sequence starting with the litter “1” notch. However, if producers use a different sequence and numbering system they must provide an explanation of that system.

Prior to October 1, 2012, producers that will want to purchase CTBR certificates for pigs showing in 2013 must have submitted to TPPA a “CTB Litter Record”. A CTB Litter Record will be an official document to tell TPPA how many litters are farrowed at the farm and litter ear notches assigned to those litters. This will include an explanation of the litter notching system used by the producer. TPPA will strongly encourage breeders to notch litters in sequence starting with the litter “1” notch. However, if producers use a different sequence and numbering system they must provide an explanation of that system.

Kempen explained that most producers will be able to comply with this new requirement easily because they identify their litters in sequence each year starting with the litter “1” notch. He said that when looking through all of the CTBR pig registrations at the shows most producer’s litters can be followed with little effort. However, Kempen said that the Committee becomes very concerned when you know that a farm only farrowed 25 litters and most of their pigs have litter notches of 1 through 25, then a few have litter notches with 50’s or 80’s. He said that seems difficult to understand and puts into question the integrity of that breeders pig registrations. He and the CTBR Committee believe that the new “CTB Litter Record” will give them a better understanding of a breeders notching system and allow them to effectively visit with breeders about their pig registrations when necessary.

Kempen explained that most producers will be able to comply with this new requirement easily because they identify their litters in sequence each year starting with the litter “1” notch. He said that when looking through all of the CTBR pig registrations at the shows most producer’s litters can be followed with little effort. However, Kempen said that the Committee becomes very concerned when you know that a farm only farrowed 25 litters and most of their pigs have litter notches of 1 through 25, then a few have litter notches with 50’s or 80’s. He said that seems difficult to understand and puts into question the integrity of that breeders pig registrations. He and the CTBR Committee believe that the new “CTB Litter Record” will give them a better understanding of a breeders notching system and allow them to effectively visit with breeders about their pig registrations when necessary.

The CTBR Committee wants breeders to know that this year the October 1, 2012 deadline for submitting a CTB Litter Record in order to be allowed to purchased CTBR certificates is very firm with one small exception: if a breeder does not meet the deadline this first year of the new rule, they can still submit the CTB Litter Record but they will be charged a monetary fee to be eligible to participate in the CTBR program. (See CTBR Rules in this magazine and on the texaspork.org web site.)

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Publishing Schedule / Ad Deadlines February / March 2015 Stock Show In Full Swing

Advertising Due: January 15, 2015 Mail Date: February 1, 2015

April / May 2015

Spring Buyers Guide & Stock Show Results Advertising Due: March 15, 2015 Mail Date: April 10, 2015

Distribution: TPPA Members, All Texas Major Stock Shows, and various events throughout Texas.

Distribution: TPPA Members, Texas Ag Teacher, County Extension Agents, and various events throughout Texas.

June / July 2015

August / September 2015

Conference Information

Show Pig Sales & TPPA Event Wrap-ups

Advertising Due: May 15, 2015 Mail Date: June 1, 2015

Advertising Due: July 15, 2015 Mail Date: August 1, 2015

Distribution: TPPA Members, Texas Pork Industry Conference, summer shows, clinics, and various events throughout Texas.

Distribution: TPPA Members, Texas Ag Teachers, County Extension Agents, some pig sales and various events throughout Texas.

October / November 2015

December / January 2016

National Pork Month

Advertising Due: September 15, 2015 Mail Date: October 1, 2015

Distribution: TPPA Members, State Fair of Texas Livestock Show, some pig sales and various events throughout Texas.

Holiday Season

Advertising Due: November 15, 2015 Mail Date: December 1, 2015

Distribution: TPPA Members, some jackpot shows, clinics, and various events throughout Texas.

Layout and Design Charges If a camera-ready ad is not provided, advertiser will be responsible for layout fees. The ad design rate is determined by the size and scope of the advertisement. Please call for pricing on ad design rates.

Want more information or book your advertisement?

Cassidy Smith â&#x20AC;˘ 512-453-0615 â&#x20AC;˘ csmith@texaspork.org.

Texas Pork Producers Association P.O. Box 10168 Austin, Texas 78766 512-453-0615 www.texaspork.org

TEXAS PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION

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ALL BREEDS DD DALHART,

CHAMPION SPOT BARROW 2015 San Antonio Stock Show Shown by Mitch Montgomery

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140 LITTERS ALL BREEDS AND CROSSES

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Show Feed Specialists Al Schminke – 217-257-3513 Tadd Knight – 217-653-0528

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Prevailing Genetics

“Pigs for Sale All Day Everyday” 100 Litters of March thru April Pigs available starting early May. New groups moved out every week.

Call or go to the website for more info:

showpig.com

WWW.DUELMSPREVAILINGGENETICS.COM RORY DUELM 830.608.5058 * MATT LEE 830.708.4274

Texas Pork Producers Association P.O. Box 10168 Austin, Texas 78766

West Texas Genetics .com “Before you make the barrow, you have to make the sow.”

WWII 9-5

Mother of APPLESEED Farrowed April 2 to Rundown WWII 9-4 – Farrowed March 26 to Bandit

MOONSHINE 2-10

Mother to class winning and High selling Yorkshire Gilt 2015 CTBR, and every Yorkshire in production

TRIPLE CHERRY 28-9

Farrowed March 16 to No Rules

HILLBILLY CADILLAC 11-6

1st litter included Grand at Eastland Co., Reserve Overall Fall Spectacular both days, Champion Hampshire at Burnet Co., and CTBR sale gilt.

Farrowed March 18 to Appleseed

BORN READY 86-3

Mother to Sonnyboy, Born to Kill, Grand at Dallas ’13, and half the crossbred herd

20 March-April Litters Currently Available Annual Elite Gilts and Barrows Sale JUNE 2 at Showpig.com Bred Gilts or Sows available for purchase privately off farm Visit website or follow up on facebook for more details!

Clint Halfmann ~ 402.429.4946 Julie Halfmann ~ 325.340.0232

cmhalf@yahoo.com San Angelo, Texas

BIG MUG 10-12

Mother to Champion and Reserve BOPBs San Angelo ’14, class winning and high selling spot gilt 2015 CTBR show, and every spot in production.

Farrowed March 22 to High Life.