Producer Connection March 2019

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What’s in this issue On the cover Jill Bailey Reep went to be with her Lord Jesus on January 16, 2019.

She was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend of the swine showing industry in Texas and across the United States. While her family and friends are heartbroken, we are confident that she has eternal life. We will see her again in heaven. Until then, she will forever be in our hearts.

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2019 Elite Showcase Sponsors

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TPPA Internship Opportunity

ER EXHIBITO MI E R R

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IER EXHIBITO M R RE

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New TPPA Team Member

pork leadership Camp Info

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Youth Spotlight: Steglich Sisters

XAS BRED R D TE EG E I F IS TI

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Spring Buyers Guide Information

Industry News

Capitol Report

Swine Disease Response Team This Barn is my Classroom

2019 Major Show Dates

CTBR Information

AZ National & NWSS Results

African Swine Fever

Premier Exhibitors

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Major Show Weight Breaks

Texas Elite Showcase Feral Hog Update

Biosecurity Guide

Boar Protocols

Collected Advantage Benefit Auction Gestation Table

Weaning Pig To Do List Advertisers Index

Producer Spotlight: Cornerstone Ventures, LLC. 6

MARCH 2019

TPPA’S MISSION

UPCOMING EVENTS

“Education. Advocacy. Promotion.

The Texas Pork Producers Association is dedicated to the advancement of a sustainable and profitable pork industry.”

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President - Corby Barrett, Perryton President Elect - Doug Schaefer, Garden City Vice President - Jay Winter, Lubbock Executive Member - Stanley Young, Lubbock Executive Member - Wayne Harman, Perryton Executive Member - Charles Hodde, Burton Immediate Past President - Jimmy Hayes, Port Lavaca

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Cody McCleery, Poolville Chuck Real, Marion Denny Belew, Tahoka Scot Sullivan, Robstown Josh Krohn, Lamesa

Peter Baumert, Dalhart Shannon Barbee, Hamlin Cory Rains, Roscoe Todd Beyers, Abernathy Robbie Harkey, Hale Center

MARCH 2019 1

TPPA Summer Internship Applications Due

1-2

NSR Southwest Type Conference, Belton

6-8

National Pork Forum, Orlando, FL

9-11

Houston Barrow Show Wave 1

12-14

Houston Barrow Show Wave 2

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Spring Buyers Guide Forms Due

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Producer Connection Advertisement Deadline

22-24

Rodeo Austin Barrow Show

PRODUCER CONNECTION 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.

STAFF Executive Vice President Brandon Gunn bgunn@texaspork.org Magazine Contributors Kayla Jennings Sierra Stephens

ADVERTISEMENT INFORMATION To place an ad or for advertising rates and guidelines, please contact Texas Pork Producers Association at (512) 262-0595 or communications@texaspork.org.

FIND US Facebook

Texas Pork Producers Association 151-A Kirkham Circle Kyle, TX 78640 512.262.0595 :: Phone 512.262.0582 :: Fax tppa@texaspork.org texaspork.org Programs are made available to pork producers without regard to race, color, sex, religion or national origin. TPPA is an equal opportunity employer.

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texaspork.org

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TPPA Welcomes New Team Member The Texas Pork Producers Association is proud to announce and welcome Brooke Blum as the Director of Communications and Member Outreach.

Brooke is a recent graduate of Texas Tech University, where she received a bachelor’s degree is animal science. Brooke grew up as the daughter of two agricultural science teachers in Howe, becoming active in FFA and the livestock industry at a very young age. She competitively exhibited barrows, heifers and steers across the state and nation.

At Texas Tech, Brooke was a member of the 2016 Co-National Champion Wool Judging Team and was selected to the All-American team. She too was a member of the successful 2018 Livestock Judging Team. Brooke served as the President for the Block and Bridle Club and worked as a student assistant in the Department of Animal and Food Sciences.

She has also been named to the Texas Tech President’s and Dean’s lists, along with being a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society.

“I’m thankful for the opportunity to work with and represent pork producers and youth across the state of Texas. It is an awesome feeling knowing that I am able to give back to industry leaders and ag enthusiasts through my employment with the Texas Pork Producers Association. TPPA is a great organization and I look forward to being a part of it’s future.”

As the director of communications and member outreach, Brooke will support strategic initiatives and work closely with membership and allied industry to implement a range of activities to expand the TPPA community and increase the association’s visibility. Brooke will be responsible for the coordination of communications and marketing, as well as TPPA events and various outreach and volunteer activities.

“The board of directors and myself are thrilled to have hired Brooke, as she brings positive enthusiasm, tremendous interpersonal skills and proven initiative,” said Brandon Gunn, TPPA Executive Vice President. “The valuable knowledge and experience she gained through her previous internships with TPPA and the Texas major stock shows will allow her to jump right in with TPPA’s efforts seamlessly. I’m excited about what the future holds for us as an organization with Brooke a part of the team.”

Brooke joins TPPA officially on March 11. Come by and welcome her at the Houston barrow show, where she will be coordinating the Certified Texas Bred Registry. ### Texas Pork Producers Association (TPPA) is proud to represent the state’s very dynamic and unique pork industry. Texas is not only home to elite seedstock and showpig breeders and the country’s strongest youth swine program, but some of the most progressive commercial pork production farms in America are found here. Originally established in 1889 as the Texas Swine Breeders Association, now TPPA is recognized as the second oldest livestock organization in Texas. As the respected and unified voice of the Texas pork industry, we strive to fulfill our mission of…

Education. Advocacy. Promotion.

The Texas Pork Producers Association is dedicated to the advancement of a sustainable and profitable pork industry.

Texas Pork Producers Association 151A Kirkham Circle Kyle, Texas 78640 8

TexasPork.org 512.262.0595 tppa@texaspork.org

Application Deadline

March 15

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2019 Spring Buyers Guide to be Featured in the April/May Producer Connection

Advertise your pigs for the late summer and early fall shows. The 2019 Spring Buyers Guide will be included within the April/May issue of the Producer Connection, and we will showcase your sale similar to our Fall Sales Trail. We will not include any pigs available after July 31, 2019.

If you want to be listed on the map & in the featured sales listing...

This magazine will be distributed to all Ag Chapters and Extension offices in the state of Texas and available to be viewed online.

Option 1 Place an advertisement in the April / May issue Fourth Page or larger and be listed for FREE.(Must still complete the form below) Option 2 Complete & submit the form below and submit $50 to TPPA by March 15th.

Make your farm and sale more visible with an advertisement.

Promote yourself instantly with an E-Blast!

Sent to all TPPA members & County Agents. Can be scheduled for any day or time. Only $50 per E-Blast!

Please make checks payable to TPPA. If payment is not received by March 15th you will not be included in this publication.

I would like to purchase: (circle one)

Option 1

Option 2 ~ $50

Name: Farm Name: Offering: How Should Buyers Contact You: Additional Information you want to share: Send form and payment to Texas Pork Producers Association * 151-A Kirkham Circle * Kyle, TX 78640

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News from the

National Pork Board FOOD LION EFFORT SHOWS FIVEMONTH GROWTH Back in August, the Pork Board started a five-month campaign with Food Lion to promote chop and ham sales through the end of 2018. The campaign featured video content and printed information focused solely on cooking directions – for chops, the 145°F end-point cooking temperature messaging was highlighted, and for holiday hams, we provided customers directions on how to properly prepare their whole-muscle hams.

The key – and innovative – approach to this campaign was focused on cooking information, not providing a “cents off” discount on the product.

The final numbers for the effort are in, and Food Lion saw lift in several key metrics. In an otherwise flat pork category in a highly competitive market, the chain saw a total pork volume increase of one million pounds – a three percent lift over the same period in 2017.

YOUTUBE ENGAGEMENT CONTINUES IN 2019 Building upon successful efforts in 2018, the Pork Board will continue work with FameBit in 2019 to partner with influential YouTube creators.

Research from Think with Google tells us that 40% of YouTube subscribers say the creators they follow understand them better than their friends do, and 60% of Millennials would make a buying decision based on the recommendation of their favorite creators. Leveraging the credibility and authority these influencers have with their followers allows the Pork Board and channel partners to position pork in a powerful way with consumers.

Across the seven planned campaigns this year, the Pork Board will commission YouTube creators to talk about pork nutrition, flavor, convenience, and cooking temperature. Follow along with these efforts on our YouTube page. at: www. youtube.com/NationalPorkBoard FALL CAMPAIGNS DELIVER RESULTS AND VALUE TO PRODUCERS Two recent retail and foodservice 12

outreach efforts increased nationwide pork consumption: Price Chopper – Pork promotions to shoppers at more than 130 Price Chopper stores in New York and the northeast increased pork sales by more than 900,000 pounds. Beginning in September, customers could view a 15-second cooking temperature video and receive a Pork Chop Recipe Bonus Sheet with cooking guidelines.

In October, the message shifted to roasting a fresh leg and in November, customers learned how to cook a ham. Price Chopper reports fresh pork category sales increased 25 percent to a total volume up 900,000 pounds.

Performance Food Group (PFG) – Texas-based PFG distributed a pork resource guide to its chefs and foodservice operators through the company’s daily reference guide. In October, the foodservice operator guide included pork information and a “pork-on-a-fork” image to reinforce end-point cooking temperature. PFG reports a 25% increase in revenue increase and a 15% increase (65,000 pounds) in volume sales.

2018 U.S. PORK EXPORT PERFORMANCE In the first 11 months of 2018, Korea, South America, the Philippines, and Vietnam had strong demand for U.S. pork exports. For the January – November 2018 period, pork and pork variety meat exports were up 41 percent by volume and 44 percent by value for Korea. Also, South America showed strong growth led

by Colombia and Peru. Exports to the region were up 24 percent by volume and 17 percent higher by value so far this year. Exports to the ASEAN region were 46 percent higher by volume and up 33 percent by value in the report, with Vietnam leading the increase of U.S. pork exports to the region.

Exports to China/Hong Kong remain slow with a 29 percent decrease by volume and 19 percent decrease by value for 2018.

CHECKOFF STAFF MOVING FORWARD ON SECURE PORK SUPPLY A cross-functional group of Checkoff staff is focused on ensuring producer

enrollment in the Secure Pork Supply (SPS) plan. The team will execute a communications, marketing and outreach plan that will raise producer awareness with a clear call to action to enroll in the SPS plan. The main online portal of the plan is the AgView dashboard, launching midyear 2019. As producer enrollment in the SPS plan is an industry-wide initiative, staff will work closely with Iowa State University in managing www.securepork.org. The SPS plan is coordinated with the National Pork Producers Council and the American Association of Swine Veterinarians.

State pork associations will play a critical role by sharing information and outreach plans with producers.

SWINE UNIVERSITY DEBUTS AT SOUTH BEACH FOOD FESTIVAL The National Pork Board introduced Swine University at the annual South Beach Wine & Food Festival in Miami, Feb. 20-24. The initiative included a virtual tour of a pig farm and shared with consumers the story of today’s sustainable pig farming. Consumers and foodie influencers also learned about the health and nutritional value of pork through collaborating with high-profile Latin chefs. A preview event for chefs and media included a carcass fabrication. Learn more about the activities at PorkEsSabor.com.

ENGAGEMENT WITH CHANNEL PARTNERS UNDERWAY The inaugural Dinner At Home In America research report focusing on nine different dinner occasions launched in mid-January, and now phase two work begins. Months of data analysis, content development and planning went into putting together the 30+ page report to help packers and retailers determine product development and innovation strategies that will help make their pork business more successful. The launch activities include: • A news release getting picked up in nearly 200 outlets • More than 90 news stories in general, trade and ag media, including Bloomberg and an exclusive report by Progressive Grocer 12

• More than 60 organic social media mentions, and a paid social campaign that garnered 310,000 impressions, and nearly 2,500 clicks to pork.org • More than 9,700 unique pork.org page views for DAHIA-related content • More than 300 report downloads The real value of the research is measured in phone calls and emails. Within the first hour of the report going live on pork.org, several organizations contacted the channel marketing team, looking to set meetings for more information.

Among those requests: • Three major retail chains have requested meetings • Five packer processors have asked for more information or requested inperson presentations • Two conferences have asked us to share these findings with their attendees NEW POINT-OF-PURCHASE KITS FOCUS ON HEART HEALTH, PROTEIN National Pork Board research conducted in 2018 continues to pay dividends in ways beyond large, comprehensive published reports.

Some early key findings of the research showed that consumers have misconceptions around the health and nutrition qualities of lean, fresh pork.

In some instances, consumers think there is more protein in peanut butter than a pork chop.

To help set the record straight, and to tout the American Heart Association’s Heart Healthy certification for both the tenderloin and sirloin, Domestic Marketing is using 2019 to focus on helping consumers understand how lean pork fits into healthy diets. Part of that effort included the development of two retail pointof-purchase kits – one on protein, the second on heart health. The kits contain ironman signs, danglers, rail strips and clings for the full-service counter.

CHECKOFF SWINE HEALTH COMMITTEE COMMITS TO ASF RESEARCH The Pork Checkoff’s Swine Health Committee recently met during the National Pork Board’s Unified Research Meeting to discuss the industry’s swine health concerns, to review research proposals and 13

to develop a plan of action for activities in 2019. As expected, the committee spent the majority of its time on African swine fever (ASF) and discussed what it can do to aid in the prevention of the disease in the United States.

“The committee reaffirms its commitment to funding key research for foreign animal diseases such as ASF,” says Lisa Becton, DVM, National Pork Board’s director of swine health information and research. “The plan is to focus on research that can help identify and provide answers to key questions about these costly diseases.

We want to know more about timely and accurate diagnosis of ASF and how to identify mechanisms of its spread.”

The Swine Health Committee’s plan of action for ASF includes: 1. Development of a task force to specifically look at ASF risks and action items that will focus on: o Prioritizing tactics, developing strategies and identifying resources to aid in the reduction of risk to ASF introduction o Focusing communications, education and research activities across the pork chain to elevate the importance of keeping ASF and all foreign animal diseases out of the United States o Monitoring progress and addressing new issues as they arise 2. Continuation of aggressive support and promotion of the Secure Pork Supply plan and the accompanying data management platform, AgView.

3. Ongoing work with allied associations to ensure collaboration and cooperation among all industry partners.

WELFARE MANAGEMENT BECOMING INSTITUTIONALIZED The 2018 Business Benchmark on Farm Animal Welfare (BBFAW) Report concluded that farm animal welfare leadership and improved management practices are starting to become institutionalized, with more than half of the world’s largest food companies focusing efforts to ensure that farm animal welfare is effectively managed. The BBFAW measures farm animal welfare management, policy commitment, performance and disclosure in food

companies. Since its inception in 2012, investors, companies, NGOs and other stakeholders have used it to understand corporate practice and performance on farm animal welfare.

In the 2018 survey of the companies covered by the Benchmark, 73 percent of the food companies that responded stated they were paying more attention to farm animal welfare than in previous years.

ANNUAL PASS THE PORK BLOGGER TOUR A GREAT SUCCESS Fifteen food bloggers from across the country toured Reicks View Farms (Michigan) to see firsthand how pigs are raised and how pork is cooked.

Video from the tour – hosted by the Pork Checkoff, the National Pork Producers Council and Michigan Pork Producers Association – offers a highlevel view. This effort supports the industry’s sustainability efforts and educates key influencers on our We Care principles. After all of the tweets, photos, blogs and story posts are counted, the tour generated nearly 15 million consumer impressions through 25,000 social media engagements. Following the tour, each of the attendees surveyed said they now have a favorable impression of how farmers care for pigs and the environment, and that pig farmers responsibly use antibiotics on the farm.

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. The Pork Checkoff funds national and state programs in advertising, consumer information, retail and food service, marketing, production improvement, technology, swine health, pork safety and environmental management.

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

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News from the

National Pork Producers Council NPPC RENEWS CALL FOR USDA OVERSIGHT OF GENE EDITING NPPC renewed its call for the U.S. Department of Agriculture to have regulatory oversight of gene editing in livestock as development of this promising technology is currently stalled at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Despite no statutory requirement, the FDA currently holds regulatory authority over gene editing in food-producing animals.

FDA has proposed treating any gene edited animal as a living animal drug – and every farm raising them a drug manufacturing facility – undermining U.S. agricultural competitiveness relative to other countries with more progressive gene editing regulatory policies. NPPC’s Dr. Dan Kovich, director of science and technology, advocated NPPC’S position on the technology at an Innovations in Agriculture panel moderated by USDA Under Secretary Greg Ibach, during the agency’s 95th Annual Agricultural Outlook Forum.

2020 DIETARY GUIDELINES ADVSIORY COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS ANNOUNCED U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar recently announced the appointment of 20 nationally recognized scientists to serve on the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee. The committee, informed by public and agency comments, will assist USDA and HHS with the development of the five-year Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Among the appointees were Heather Leidy and Richard Mattes, two of NPPC’s nominees.

US URGES CHINA TO MAKE $3.5 BILLION PORK PURCHASE The National Pork Producers Council urged the United States and China to quickly resolve their trade differences and asked the Asian nation to make a minimum $3.5 billion purchase of U.S. pork over the next five years.

China is the largest consumer of pork in the world, making it a top market for U.S. pork exports over the past several years. (The U.S. pork industry in 2017 shipped $1.1 billion of product there, making it the No. 3 export destination for U.S. pork.) Pork 14

is said to represent about 15 percent of the Consumer Price Index in China and could single-handedly make a huge dent in the U.S.-China trade imbalance.

“China has been a tremendous market for U.S. pork and, absent numerous trade barriers, probably would be our No. 1 export market,” said NPPC President Jim Heimerl, a pork producer from Ohio. “But, never mind China’s preexisting barriers on U.S. pork, the 50 percent punitive tariffs on U.S. pork have slowed our exports to a trickle. We call on the Chinese to begin immediate purchases of U.S. pork of at least 350,000 tons each year from the United States for the next five years.”

U.S. pork producers now face tariffs of 62 percent on exports to China, which in early April 2018 imposed a 25 percent tariff in response to U.S. tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminum and in June added another 25 percent duty in retaliation for the U.S. tariffs levied on a host of Chinese goods because of China’s treatment of U.S. intellectual property and forced transfers of American technology.

China already had a 12 percent tariff on U.S. pork, and the country has a 13 percent value-added tax on most agricultural imports. In addition, a collection of other non-tariff barriers has chronically suppressed U.S. pork exports to China over the years.

NPPC STRESSES IMPORTANCE OF TRICHINAE SURVEILLANCE PROGRAM NPPC released a new Meat of the Matter paper focused on the importance of participation in the USDA’s Trichinae Surveillance Program. NPPC worked to secure funding for this Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) program designed to comply with new standards within the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and the Codex Alimentarius. The new chapters and standards on Trichinae are science based and fair. They apply to all OIE and Codex members and will provide a key to unlock access to foreign markets that have previously used the guise of Trichinae risk to protect their domestic industry.

The U.S. pork industry, however, must prove that its herd meets the standards for negligible risk.

Otherwise, any other nation could restrict U.S. chilled exports simply by showing we are out of compliance with the new standards.

USDA AND FDA NEAR FINAL AGREEMENT ON REGULATION OF LABPRODUCED CULTURED PROTEIN According to public comments by Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, the USDA and FDA are close to signing a memorandum of understanding regarding regulatory authority of laboratory-produced cultured protein. The agencies have agreed to joint regulatory oversight with the USDA maintaining authority for inspection and labelling of cultured protein products. NPPC supports the regulatory structure and advocated aggressively through senior-level outreach to Trump administration officials and Congress for USDA inspection and labelling authority.

USTR HOLDS HEARING ON PROPOSED U.S.-UK TRADE AGREEMENT The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) recently hosted a hearing to inform U.S. interests and negotiating positions for the pending trade talks between the United States and the United Kingdom.

Testifying on behalf of NPPC was Craig Thorn, formerly with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agriculture Service. The hearing is a part of the public notice and comment process following USTR’s notification to Congress of the Trump administration’s intent to enter trade negotiations with the U.K. NPPC supports U.S. negotiation of a free trade agreement with the U.K. but only if it eliminates tariff and nontariff barriers on U.S. pork exports.

CPTPP TO ADMIT NEW NATIONS; NPPC URGES TRADE TALKS WITH JAPAN Members of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) agreed to guidelines for admitting new members, prompting calls for the United States to rejoin the pact. The CPTPP makes a U.S. trade agreement with Japan even more 14

critical because U.S. pork is at risk of losing market share in one of its largest markets. The CPTPP has been ratified by Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore and Vietnam, with Brunei, Chile, Malaysia and Peru expected to finalize their participation soon. Additionally, the European Union’s position in Japan has been strengthened through its new trade agreement with the island nation. NPPC continues to urge the Trump administration to expeditiously negotiate a trade agreement with Japan to avoid market share loss.

USDA AWARDS AGRICULTURAL TRADE PROMOTION PROGRAM FUNDING U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) awarded $200 million to 57 organizations under the Agricultural Trade Promotion Program (ATP). The ATP is the third element of the USDA’s trade mitigation program to assist farmers negatively affected by trade retaliation against the United States.

Applications for this program were accepted from Sept. 4 to Nov. 2. The applications were evaluated according to his criteria: potential growth in the export’s target market, direct injury from retaliatory tariffs and the likelihood that the project will have a short-term impact on agricultural exports. Other segments of the trade mitigation package included the Market Facilitation Program, providing payments to farmers, including pork producers, and the food purchase and distribution program. U.S. pork was the largest beneficiary of the purchase program.

NPPC LEADS COALITION URGING ADMINISTRATION TO LIFT METALS TARIFFS A diverse, ad hoc coalition of more than 45 groups representing many sectors of the U.S. economy and led

by NPPC recently called for an end to U.S. tariffs on Canadian and Mexican aluminum and steel imports so that America can take advantage of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The Trump administration on June 1, 2018, imposed a 25 percent tariff on steel and a 10 percent duty on aluminum imports from Canada and Mexico. Both countries subsequently retaliated against a host of U.S. products. In a letter sent to Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, business and agricultural organizations urged the administration to lift the metals

tariffs so that Canada and Mexico will rescind their duties on U.S. goods.

Resolution of the metals tariff dispute will allow the groups to turn their undivided attention to generating congressional support for the USMCA, negotiations on which were concluded last fall. Farmers and food companies have been particularly hard hit by the Canadian and Mexican retaliation.

Mexico’s 20 percent punitive tariff on U.S. pork, for example, has inflicted severe financial harm on America’s pork producers. According to Iowa State University economist Dermot Hayes, the Mexican tariff is costing producers $12 per animal, meaning industrywide losses of $1.5 billion annually.

NPPC URGES ADMINISTRATION TO ELIMINATE RESTRICTIONS ON PORK IN DEAL WITH UK In comments submitted to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, NPPC told the Trump administration that it’s critically important that the United States use trade negotiations with the United Kingdom to ensure that U.S. pork products enter the U.K. duty free and not subject to the many European Union sanitary phytosanitary (SPS) measures that currently restrict U.S. exports to the UK. NPPC pointed out that it is among many U.S. agricultural producer and trade groups that would be unable to support a free trade agreement with the United Kingdom that fails to remove regulatory barriers to agricultural imports. In addition to eliminating SPS barriers, the organization said the U.K. should recognize the equivalence of U.K. and U.S. production practices for pork and accept pork from all USDA-approved facilities.

REPORT CALLS FOR DRASTIC REDUCTIONS IN MEAT CONSUMPTION NPPC voiced its criticism of a recent report calling for drastic cuts in meat, dairy and egg consumption to promote a healthier diet and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

While two of the report’s noted concerns were sustainability and undernutrition, its recommendations would be counterproductive to both, said NPPC. In a press release, the organization pointed out that there is scientific evidence supporting the nutritive value of meat, including pork. It also noted the efforts of the U.S. pork industry over the past nearly six decades to be more sustainable.

The report was released by the EATLancet Commission on Food, Planet,

Health. “To address sustainability and undernourishment,” said NPPC President Jim Heimerl, “maybe the report’s authors should call on the European Union to drop its Draconian ‘precautionary principle’ that all-but prevents the use of new technologies and modern production practices.

It’s those kinds of restrictions that are forcing farmers around the world to forego using scientifically proved technologies that produce more food and in a more environmentally friendly way.”

HOGS ON THE HILL ADDRESSES GOVERNMENT PORK BUY FROM JBS The latest Hogs on the Hill (HOTH) blog post, which can be viewed here, addresses a misinformed Washington Post article titled “Trump farm bailout money will go to Brazilian-owned meatpacking firm, USDA says.”

HOTH takes issue with the paper’s characterization of USDA’s purchases of pork as bailouts and with its criticism of meatpacker JBS. Each year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture purchases various food commodities for food assistance programs. These purchases benefit U.S. meatpackers, producers and individuals using federal food assistance programs. The ongoing purchase is part of the Trump administration’s effort to provide financial relief to pork producers suffering from ongoing trade disputes.

HOTH is concerned that the Post’s criticism of JBS, which employs thousands of American workers in its U.S. packing plants, will dissuade other companies from participating in the purchase program, thereby decreasing suppliers and raising the government’s costs, all to the detriment of farmers and people who rely on USDA’s food programs.

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.

WWW.NPPC.ORG

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Capitol Report

FROM DC

With the New Year comes a new calendar and a new Congress. The 116th Congress begins its term with a Democrat-controlled House and strengthened Republican hold on the Senate following the highest midterm voter turnout in 48 years. Looking at the top 50 pork-producing House districts across the country, three (IA-1, IA-3, MN-2) flipped from Republican to Democrat while one (MN-1) flipped the other way. Although stalemates are possible with a split Congress, the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) will continue its aggressive advocacy in Washington on behalf of pig farmers nationwide. Our top two issues in 2019? Trade and labor.

Maintaining and expanding export opportunities is NPPC’s number one priority. U.S. pork has been at the tip of the spear in ongoing trade disputes, resulting in retaliatory tariffs from two of our top five largest markets (China and Mexico). With the signing of the revised trade agreement in Korea that preserved zero-tariff access for U.S. pork products and the new agreement with Mexico and Canada (USMCA), momentum appears to be heading in the right direction. Even in a Democratic House, with more members likely to scrutinize its labor and environmental provisions, NPPC is optimistic Congress will ratify USMCA in the first half of 2019.

The Trump administration also announced its intention to initiate trade discussions with Japan, the No. 1 value market for U.S. pork exports. NPPC is pleased to see the administration going on the offensive to form new trade agreements, particularly since there is no end in sight for in the trade war with China, the world’s largest pork-consuming nation.

In addition to fighting for expanded export markets, NPPC is striving for meaningful agricultural visa reform. In my conversations with NPPC members, access to a capable and reliable work force to take care of animals and keep plants running is of paramount concern. NPPC commissioned a study by Iowa State University in 2018 that validated what pork producers have said for years: An aging rural workforce and the trend of young people moving to urban areas is squeezing producers’ ability to find workers. This is occurring despite wage growth in the pork industry that is higher than the national average.

The retirement of Chairman Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., means the NPPC has lost an ally on the House Judiciary Committee to advocate for agricultural visa reform. On the Senate side, Lindsay Graham, R-S.C., and Diane Feinstein, D-Calif. are likely to take over as chair and ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, respectively. Senator Graham has a close relationship with the president and was a key member of the Gang of Eight in 2013. Senator Feinstein has authored agricultural guest worker reform pieces in the past because of California’s reliance on foreign labor in both the produce and dairy industries.

Despite the changing of the committee leadership guard in the House to Congressman Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., of Brooklyn, we are hopeful we can find a middle ground to address the labor shortage for year-round animal agriculture needs.

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FROM Texas

Every two years during the spring, attention turns to the Texas Legislature, which meets for 140 days. Session is more than one-third over and is moving at an increasingly rapid pace. Visiting with legislators and staff, and providing education on agriculture issues is vital. So far for the 86th Texas Legislature, things are quiet on ag, especially the pork industry. A few highlights and some changes of interest are as follows.

On Jan. 9, Gov.Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Speaker Dennis Bonnen held a joint press conference to discuss their priorities for the 86th legislative session and reaffirm their commitment to work together to advance solutions to the challenges facing the state. Abbott said, “We are here today to send a very strong, profound and unequivocal message – that the governor, lieutenant governor and speaker are working in collaboration together on a very bold agenda that will be transformative for the state of Texas. The task ahead of us is clear – we must reform our school finance system, limit the growth of skyrocketing property taxes, and provide greater opportunities for every Texan.

In the Senate: The Committee on Agriculture, Water and Rural Affairs was changed to the Committee on Agriculture and reduced from seven to five members; the Committee on Criminal Justice was reduced from nine to seven members; a new Committee on Property Tax with five members was established; and a new Committee on Water and Rural Affairs with seven members was created.

The House increased the membership of 16 committees and decreased the membership of four committees. Some committees saw shifts in the list of issues within their jurisdictions, which will impact bills they will consider. Of interest to TAD and the dairy industry, the Economic and Small Business Development Committee was eliminated and most of its duties were transferred to the International Relations and Economic Development Committee. Jurisdiction of the Land and Resource Management Committee was expanded to include the creation, modification and regulation of municipal utility districts.

Calling eminent domain reform “the property rights issue of our time,” Texas Farm Bureau President Russell Boening joined State Rep. DeWayne Burns (R-Cleburne) today in Austin to roll out the reform bill, HB 991.

Burns is the House sponsor of eminent domain reform. Sen. Lois Kolkhorst (R-Brenham) introduced SB 421.

“We understand the rapid growth of our state will call for sacrifice, careful planning and yes, eminent domain,” Boening said in a statement. “However, Texas farmers, ranchers and rural property holders have a constitutional right to fair treatment and just compensation.”

Farmers, ranchers and rural landowners continue to complain of property takings for pipelines, utilities and other uses that do not treat property owners fairly. Complaints of “lowball” offers and land not restored in a satisfactory way are common.

Often, landowners subject to takings report they are unsure of their rights.

“It’s time for transparency in all property takings, with landowners clearly understanding their rights,” Boening said. “There must be true good faith offers and consequences if that does not occur.”

Boening is a farmer, rancher and dairy producer in Poth, Texas, near Floresville. He said the need for eminent domain for public projects and infrastructure is not in question. Fairness, he said, is the issue.

“When the law allows private entities to take private property, it should also protect the rights of those property owners,” Boening said. “They cannot walk away from the table. They only have two options—accept an offer or get taken to court.”

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New council to direct swine-disease response The first warning came from an emerging disease, porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED), in 2013. The second alarm sounded in 2018 when China reported African swine fever (ASF) within the country’s swine population.

For years, the US pork industry has had plans in place to address a foreign animal disease, but the PED and ASF developments raised the priority status to a new level.

There are many pieces that must come together for an effective disease response, involving industry groups, state and federal government officials, producers and veterinarians, just to name a few. Each have specific responsibilities, some of which overlap. Although industry and governmental groups have long worked together, further coordination to elicit a quick and effective response to an emerging disease was the impetus behind creating the National Swine Disease Council (NSDC).

NSDC is comprised of pork producers and state animal-health officials, as well as the National Pork Board (NPB), National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), North American Meat Institute, Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) and the American Association of Swine Veterinarians. The entities represent distinct areas of swine expertise vital to ensure a rapid response to diseases that threaten the US pork industry. USDA participates ad hoc in meetings to provide input and gather information to communicate back to leadership.

Developed to harmonize response The official mission of the NSDC is to provide collaboration with animal-health officials and recommendations to industry stakeholders to mitigate threats and negative impacts on the US pork industry from diseases of concern.

An example could include an emerging production disease such as PED, when it first entered the country, and where producers’ and veterinarians’ efforts might benefit from state or federal assistance, noted Paul Sundberg, SHIC executive director.

Sundberg agreed, “Having a system like that in place to quickly and cooperatively respond to the next emerging disease — foreign or domestic — will help mitigate the risk of it spreading and may contain it altogether.”

Two outbreak scenarios Webb provided two scenarios to illustrate how the roles would break out to facilitate a rapid response to a swine-disease threat.

1.

Outbreaks of FAD and regulatory diseases: In the event of an outbreak of a World Organization for Animal Health or OIE-listed FAD or a current (PRV, swine brucellosis) or future regulatory disease, state and federal animal-health officials will have regulatory authority to lead the response. The NSDC will play a supportive role by developing producer recommendations before or during an outbreak to help regulators achieve their response goals.

2.

Outbreaks of non-regulatory emerging diseases: In this case, the NSDC will use a standardized process to coordinate state-federal-industry cooperative efforts to identify, characterize, prioritize and respond to the outbreak. The council will coordinate the development of response actions and identify the responsible parties. NSDC also will facilitate the funding mechanisms necessary to implement the recommended actions to better protect the US swine herd.

The council will rely on subject matter experts to advise and inform on every aspect of disease management. That may include forming short- and long-term project teams to identify, review and implement appropriate recommendations.

As for oversight, a chairperson and vice-chairperson will be selected, as well as a staff member from a member organization assigned to provide administrative support to the NSDC. “Each of the organizations has deep experience working together,” said Liz Wagstrom, DVM, NPPC. “The end game for each of us is to improve disease detection, assessment, containment and eradication. Only then can we rest knowing that the nation’s 18 pork supply is secure, the animal agriculture and food production industry is stable, and public health is protected.”

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TOP 10 JUNIOR EXHIBITORS OF THE

CERTIFIED TEXAS BRED REGISTRY

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A Promising Future Lies Ahead Texas Tech University 2018 Pork Producers Scholarship Recipients Dean Chapman is a senior animal science major at Texas Tech

University. He attended Sweetwater High School where he graduated fifth in his class. Dean showed pigs in high school through FFA and worked part time as a herdsman for Rains Livestock. As a freshman at Texas Tech, he made the Dean’s List both semesters. During his freshman year, he was member of Texas Tech’s Block and Bridle Club as well as the 2016 Texas Wool Judging Team. In addition, he also obtained a job in the Gordon W. Davis Meat Science laboratory where he assists in the production of Raider Red Meats products. He was a member of the 2016 National Champion Meat Science Academic Quiz Bowl Team and a member of the 2017 National Champion Meat Judging Team. He has completed two internships with Cargill. He will graduate in December and will immediately begin work in the meat science industry.

Trace McBride is a senior animal science major at Texas Tech University. He attended Abernathy High School where he was very active through the FFA before moving on to South Plains College. Trace grew up exhibiting pigs and what began as a hobby, later stemmed into a passion for an industry which will guide his steps for years to come. During his time at SPC he was named to the Deans List or Presidents List all four semesters and was a member of the 2017 champion livestock judging team at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. He was also named to the Junior College Livestock Judging All American list that year. Trace was a member of the meat animal evaluation team and is currently a member of the livestock judging team at Texas Tech which will be competing for the national championship in November 2018. He plans to pursue a doctorate in swine nutrition in the coming future, but while doing so, he is an employee of Chad Hill Durocs/Hill Stud and is working on assembling his own herd with the hopes of raising elite show pigs for future generations.

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“Knowledge is power.

Knowledge shared is power multiplied.”

Robert, N. Noyce Alyssa Soles is a senior agricultural communications major from

Sweetwater, Texas. She is also pursuing a teacher certification option in agricultural education while completing her studies at Texas Tech University.

She has been recognized on the President’s List every semester while being involved in Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow, Ambassadors for Agriculture, Block & Bridle, Collegiate FFA, President’s Select and Chancellor’s Ambassadors. She also holds officer positions as the Ag Council President and her sorority, Pi Beta Phi, as the Vice President of Communications. Alyssa works in the Department of Animal and Food Sciences and helped coordinate activities for the Texas Pork Leadership Camp when they visited Tech. By exhibiting swine, her love for pigs was sparked at a young age. She had lots of success through her years of showing at jackpots, county and major stock shows. Although, she is most thankful for the memories and life lessons gained outside the show ring. Alyssa is looking forward to making more memories in the show barn and classroom as her career plans are to become an ag teacher.

Travis Tilton is a junior Animal Science major at Texas Tech University.

He attended high school in Cleburne, Texas, where he was very involved in 4-H and FFA as well as showing livestock. He has had the opportunity to travel to Argentina and Uruguay through the Texas 4-H Livestock Ambassador program where he gained a greater understanding of how the agricultural industry works globally and the United States role in the market. Travis has been on the Dean’s list. He also stays involved with school clubs where he is an officer in Meat Science Association. This fall he will serve as Treasurer of the University Ag Council and is an involved member with Block and Bridle and the Livestock Ambassadors Club. He competed on the Texas Tech Wool Judging Team and is currently a member of the 2018 Meat Judging Team.

Travis was named Agricultural Council’s Aggie of the Month in March 2018.

This summer he participated in a meat research project during seven weeks in Australia. His career goals are to find a meat science industry job where he can better educate the public on how livestock are raised and processed as he thinks it is important to be a resource to the public and give back to the industry.

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DUO

The Steglich sisters, Erin and Clara, are passionate about showpigs, but they are equally as passionate about the agricultural industry and the people in it. by: Kayla Jennings 26

W

ith tunes of George Strait filling the air, two sisters spent hours on end in their barn to raise the perfect pig for the big day. Many laughs, a few sister “debates,” countless learning experiences, and a mountain of memories had culminated to show day. Their outfits were picked out, and before they knew it they stood ringside as their home-raised Spot gilt drove across the iconic green shavings at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) to later claim champion Spot breeding gilt in 2016.

This is among one of the many honors the Steglich family has received over the years in the show ring. Erin and Clara are the daughters of Robert and Evelyn and big sisters to James. The Holland, Texas, natives have been highly active in Bell County 4-H as well as Holland FFA. Today, Erin is a freshman at Texas A&M University and Clara is wrapping up her senior before joining her sister in College Station.

Eleven years into the show scene, and the mantra of the Steglich family upholds as hard work, dedication, and passion for the showpig industry and the people in it. These girls have worked hard to achieve success inside and outside of the showring. In fact, they are four-time state qualifiers for the Texas FFA livestock judging contest, among other honors.

For them, one of the best parts has been taking the road less traveled together. As Erin would say, Clara is her “partner in crime” when it comes to raising and preparing showpigs. “We’ve always said that I am the ice cream and Clara is the cherry on top,” Erin explained.

“We compliment each other,” Clara added.

“Over time, we have figured out what works best for the both of us, and we just work together and get the job done efficiently. We laugh together in the barn, cry together in the barn and, most importantly, work together in the barn.”

It starts here

This journey began with one Spot gilt who started it all. Clara said Steglich Show Pigs came to life after they bought the smallest pig from a sale in 2013.

In comparison to the others in the pen that year, Clara said she was not sure this was a wise purchase.

“Looking back, I am really happy that I chose her,” Clara reflected. “She is what made us decide to start our breeding operation.”

In addition to the Spot, they had a Duroc and two crossbreds when they officially started raising hogs on their own. Today, they maintain a small sow herd with a focus on Spots, Durocs, and Berkshires who mostly farrow for spring shows. Pursuing this role in showpig production has instilled a whole new type of enthusiasm for the Steglich girls.

“The most exciting part about raising hogs has always been seeing how certain pigs mature over time,” Erin reflected.

“Whether we keep the pig for our show string or sell it to someone else, I always love seeing how certain body types and styles at a young age mature over time. Along with that, it’s fun to see how two pigs from the same litter mature differently based on feeds and management practices.” Clara added, “As a breeder, I also like getting to look at boars and choose the one that I think is best fit for our sows.”

Those newfound areas of interest have extended outside the hog barn. With both sisters earning a calf scramble certificate at HLSR through the livestock judging contest, they have actually began building their own herd of Simbrah cattle – a passion Erin has plans of growing more aggressively after college.

Beyond showing and raising their own stock, the Steglich sisters have propelled themselves forward in other arenas by attending the Texas Pork Producers Association (TPPA) leadership camp, participating in the Texas 4-H livestock ambassador program, and experiencing success in the agriscience fair. Those experiences have afforded them the

“We laugh together in the barn, cry together in the barn and, most importantly, work together in the barn.”

-Clara

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opportunity to see first-hand what production agriculture looks like on a large-scale and develop leadership skills that are sure to serve them well in their future endeavors.

“The swine industry is far broader than what you experience in the showring,” Erin noted. “There are so many factors that are involved in getting from the pig to the plate that can often be forgotten. The pork leadership camp really helped to open my eyes to many of these factors.”

In tandem with their camp experience, they are both highly active in the livestock ambassador program through Texas 4-H. That involvement has taken them across the country and even to Argentina to learn about agriculture, as well as sharpen their skills in telling the story of the industry to others. These many experiences have ignited a passion for advocacy in both of them.

“In fact, my interest in agricultural policy stems directly from the opportunity I had my sophomore year 28

to visit the state capitol and meet with legislators, staff members, and lobbyists during a livestock ambassador trip.” Erin said.

More than a banner

While winning banners and exhibiting livestock is special all on its own, for Erin and Clara, it is so much more. For them, it is all about the memories made waiting in line for the show, the impromptu 42 games with friends at the pens, and lending a helping hand. “For years, I thought it was about the fun and excitement that comes with being in the zone in the show ring, but now I realize that the best part is being able to help younger showman find the same fun and excitement when they are in their zone in the show ring,” Erin noted.

The same rings true for Clara, as she has not only gained valuable skills in time management and responsibility, but also numerous friends along the way. “Most importantly, I love when I get to help younger individuals,” she reflected.

“Being at the county show and

“For years, I thought it was about the fun and excitement that comes with being in the zone in the show ring, but now I realize that the best part is being able to help younger showman find the same fun and excitement when they are in their zone in the show ring.”

-Erin

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up to Clara abou chan abou while us go what leavi most

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seeing the first-time showman, that I helped mentor, get second place is what I enjoy most. Seeing the smile on their face is what gets me eager to help the next showman.”

Helping the next showman is only half the equation, though. The other half is putting their skills to use advocating for the industry at shows hey attend. In fact, Clara has a fond memory of an encounter that turned into more than an agriculture esson for one spectator.

“At the HLSR gilt show an older man walked up to me and began asking millions of questions,” Clara recalled. “We talked for a good 20 minutes about how what I do through FFA and 4-H has changed my life. This man was so happy to hear about everything that I had to tell him, and after a while he prayed over myself and my pig and wished us good luck in the show. Moments like these are what make me love what I do. Teaching others and eaving a positive impact on individuals is what I love most.”

With the influence of people like this, each other and their parents, the Steglich girls have achieved much success in their youth. They will no doubt continue this in their respective career paths. Erin is even following her dad’s footsteps by attending the same university in the same college and department.

Erin Snapshot Texas 4-H Livestock Ambassador Bell County 4-H Ambassador and Council Texas FFA Ford Leadership Scholar Texas FFA Foundation Ambassador Texas FFA Courtesy Corps Centex District FFA Officer UIL Science and Mathematics teams Student Council National Honors Society Texas pork producers association Team Purebred National Swine Registry Certified Pedigreed Swine American Berkshire Association American Simbrah Association Bronze, Silver, and Gold Star Award recipients The Truth About Agriculture website, owner

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Clara at-a-glance Texas 4-H Livestock Ambassador Bell County 4-H Ambassador and Council Texas 4-H Washington Leadership Conference Centex District FFA officer Area XII FFA officer Texas FFA Foundation Ambassador Texas FFA Courtesy Corps National FFA Band UIL Film and Animation, and Calculator Applications Student Council National Honor Society Texas pork producers association Team Purebred National Swine Registry Certified Pedigreed Swine American Berkshire Association American Simbrah Association Bronze, Silver, and Gold Star Award 2017 State Swine record book champion 2018 Champion SALE Agriscience Fair

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“I have always been daddy’s girl,” Erin explained. “Daddy has been my role model from the beginning of time. He is the reason why I have the passion for agriculture and, more specifically, agriculture education.”

Erin hit the ground running at college as a member of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences council and the Memorial Student Center Aggie Leaders of Tomorrow.

Looking forward, Erin is pursuing a double major in agricultural leadership and development and agricultural science with a minor in agricultural economics. She hopes to continue her education by obtaining masters and doctoral degrees in a field to be determined. Her long-term goal is to land a job in either the Texas Capitol or Washington, D.C. in agricultural law or policy.

All the while, Erin has been more influential than she realized on her younger siblings. Clara said, “She is the person that I want to be when I grow up. Erin is the hardest working, most dedicated person that I know. She will set you straight when you are wrong and cheer you on when you are right.

She is the person who has helped be to be who I am today.”

Clara will, too, follow the family tradition to College Station for a degree in agricultural

Texas 4-h Livestock Ambassador program

science in hopes of finding her profession in elementary education. Her love for youth and desire to make a difference in their lives fueled her decision to pursue this career. Her father’s longstanding career in education does not hurt either.

From involvement in a variety of organizations, being selected for prestigious organizations and honors, to receiving many scholarships to attend school, these girls are on the path for achievement. In all their endeavors and times in the spotlight to come, they are sure to remember their roots in agriculture and specifically showpigs.

Erin spoke for them both when she said, “There’s no doubt that being involved in production agriculture is the reason I have become who I am today. Growing up in production agriculture has taught me responsibility through having an animal’s life relying on me, collaboration and cooperation by having to rely on others to help me accomplish a task, and patience because of the time spent waiting for pigs to gain weight and crops to mature. Along with that, however, it has taught me how to deal with hardships and success gracefully.

Since 2007 The Texas 4-H Livestock Ambassador program strives to provide high school aged 4-H members the opportunity to develop and practice advanced leadership skills related to mentoring other youth, and to become advocates for animal agriculture. “the most influential and beneficial experience to me has been the California and Argentina experiences.

Being able to see agriculture from a different perspective than what we consider the norm in Texas was eye opening.

In California, it was crazy to see how much agriculture is impacted by restrictive legislation. Many of the practices that I tend to take for granted within our operations are either non-existent or heavily restricted within California. In Argentina, it was interesting to see how much the societal culture in a different country can change the way operations are managed,” said Erin steglich, past ambassador.

Clara steglich, past ambassador, adds, “The Texas 4-H Livestock Ambassador program is perhaps one of the best programs that I have ever been a part of. One of the things that I really enjoyed doing was the full day of Media Training at the Advocacy Academy Camp (year 2). Having this training has really helped while talking to the media as well as the public.” through the work and dedication of these young people. Through every step of the young Ambassador’s experience, they grow, learn, and appreciate their role in being a strong voice for the livestock industry in Texas and the United States.

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For more information on how to support WTAMU’s Agriculture Program, call 806-651-2070 or visit wtamu.edu/ag 32

Thanks to a unique partnership with the Texas Pork Producers Association (TPPA), the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences at West Texas A&M University is working hand-in-hand with industry leaders to create a positive impact on the Texas swine industry. With TPPA’s support, WTAMU is at the helm of cutting-edge research while educating and training future leaders in agricultural production.

• New TPPA scholarship for WTAMU students pursuing a career in the pork industry • Faculty and staff that engage in developing youth leaders in the pork industry through hosting Texas Pork Leadership Camp events • Providing learning and service opportunities to students through participating in the San Antonio Stock Show Gilt Show

• Facilitating educational opportunities for youth participants through hosting the San Antonio Stock Show Swine Skillathon • Developing future leaders and educators in the swine industry through service opportunities with the Rodeo Austin Swine Show

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This Barn is My Classroom Texas is unmatched in youth livestock project ownership and participation. Students engaging in this project gain invaluable life skills such as work ethic, responsibility and accountability. Supporters of these exceptional youth invest nearly $100 million annually in the futures of these young agriculturalists. What can become lost in a barn full of livestock, exhibitors, trophies, banners, buckles, premiums and scholarships, is that the barn is actually a classroom. The County Extension Agents and Agricultural Science Teachers leading youth through this experience are professional educators affiliated with a public or private school. The exhibitors qualify for excused absences as an extracurricular activity. Livestock show barns are the classrooms for livestock exhibitors. Because the barn is a classroom, the livestock community must take notice that we are constantly projecting an image to the public regarding the value of our classroom. We must proclaim the values we stand for and also condemn certain behaviors that are unwelcome and unhelpful in preserving the sanctity of our unique classroom settings.

This barn is My classroom. #NotInMyClassroom

1. Disrespecting show officials, volunteers, County Extension Agents, Agricultural Science Teachers, the general public, and other exhibitors. Not in my classroom.

The selfless commitment of the thousands of stakeholders in each livestock project is what elevates the youth livestock program.

2. Drinking of alcohol excessively by exhibitors’ family, friends, leaders, and others associated with livestock projects. Not in my classroom.

The development of life skills depends on both observing positive mentors, as well as setting positive examples for generations to come.

3. Using any prohibited substances or techniques for a competitive advantage. Not in my classroom.

Livestock projects serve as an example of industry standards regarding food safety and animal welfare.

The integrity of youth livestock exhibition relies on fair competition.

4. Compromising the welfare of livestock projects. Not in my classroom.

Junior livestock exhibitors are an example of the commitment that all livestock producers have to treat animals safely and with respect.

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www.TexasYouthLivestock.com

5. Acting in a way as to negatively impact the image of FFA, 4-H & animal agriculture.

Not in my classroom.

The FFA and 4-H programs are time-honored examples of youth leadership programs.

As educators, we use livestock projects as a tool for teaching.

6. Giving up the daily care of livestock projects to others with a financial interest in youth success.

Not in my classroom.

The commitment to daily care and responsibility of livestock projects is a fundamental building block to the development of life skills.

7. Ignoring or breaking established stock show rules. Not in my classroom.

The rules established by livestock show leadership are intended for the safety of all livestock, exhibitors, and visitors.

8. Cursing, verbal abuse, and belligerent behavior toward anyone. Not in my classroom.

Inappropriate actions can inhibit wholesome learning experiences and diminish the opportunity for setting a positive example.

9. Being more concerned with livestock showing success, rather than positive youth development.

Not in my classroom.

Success can be measured in many different ways. The youth livestock program is committed to developing life skills, portraying a positive example of the industry, and increasing animal science knowledge, family involvement, and fair competition.

10. Using social media in a negative manner regarding livestock projects. Not in my classroom.

Social media is best used as a tool to positively promote livestock programs and uplift fellow exhibitors, show officials, judges, and industry partners.

#NotInMyClassroom

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Results

Champion Chester Brindle Harper, Littlefield

Grand Champion Market Hog Champion Crossbred Mikala Grady, Grandview

Reserve Champion Chester Mikaela Loerwald, Florence

Reserve Grand Champion Market Hog Reserve Champion Crossbred

Champion landrace

Sterling Boyles, Canyon

Kaden Mason, Montgomery

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Congratulations to these Texas exhibitors for making their mark in Arizona and Colorado!

Reserve Champion Spot

Champion Light Weight Crossbred

Lathe Benavidez, Lubbock

Lauren Ferguson, Kerrville

Champion yorkshire

Reserve champion Light Weight crossbred

Kamryn Van Ausdall, New Braunfels

Kaden Mason, Montgomery

reserve Champion yorkshire

Reserve Champion Heavy Weight Crossbred

Flora Appleton, Richland Springs

Wyatt Carmicheal, Haskell

Results Our kind of New Years Eve Bash!

3rd Overall Heavy weight Division Crossbred Gilt

Tristanne Rasco, Valley

Reserve Champion Spot Gilt Faith Geistweidt, Fredericksburg

Champion division 3 crossbred Barrow Tristanne Rasco, Valley

Reserve Middle Weight Division Crossbred Gilt

Tristanne Rasco, Valley 40

2019

Major Show Calendar

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Market Barrows

Breeding Swine

Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo Jan 30

8:00 am

Arrival Begins

Jan 31

6:00 pm

Arrival Ends

Feb 1

1:00 pm

Weight CArds Due

feb 2

10:00 am

Show

feb 3

10:00 am

Show

Feb 4

Noon - 7:00 pm

Arrival Begins

feb 6

8:00 am

Show

FEB 7

8:00 am

Junior & Open Breeding Gilts Junior Breeding Gilts Open Gilts 42

FEB 7

FEB 8

FEB 9

Travis Platt Roanoke, IN

Chester White, Hampshire, Yorkshire, Berkshire, Landrace & Duroc - Gilts

Poland China & Spotted Gilts, Boar Classes, Supreme Champion Gilt & Boar Selection, Commercial Crossbred Female Swine, Showmanship Classes

Duroc, Dark OPB, Hampshire, White OPB

Show

Market Barrow Judge: Ben Moyer Wauseon, OH

Yorkshire & Crossbreds

San Antonio Livestock Show FEb 6

Breeding Swine Judge:

4:00 am

Stalling Begins

5:00 am

Barn unloading Begins

8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Exhibitor Kiosk Check-In

Noon

Arrival Deadline

1:00 pm

Youth Swine Skillathon - Registration

2:00 pm

Youth Swine Skillathon - Contest Begins Purebred Show

7:00 pm

Duroc, Landrace, Hampshire, Berkshire

8:00 am

Crossbred Show

7:00 am

Purebred Show

9:00 am

Crossbred Sale preview

1:00 pm

Crossbred Sale

7:00 am

Purebred Show

Junior Breeding Gilt Judges: Carey Mittelstaedt Chickasha, OK & Jeremy Cantrell Perkins, OK

Crossbred Judge: Al Schminke Van Horne, IA

Spot, Chester White, Poland China, Yorkshire

Yorkshire, Duroc, Berkshire, Chester White, Spot, Hampshire, Landrace, Poland China

Open Breeding Gilt Judge: Russell Pedrett Colusa, CA

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Market Barrows - Group 2

Market Barrows - Group 1

San Antonio Livestock Show cont' FEB 15

10:00 pm

FEB 16

1:00 am

Barn Unloading Begins

7:00 am - 2:00 pm

Exhibitor Kiosk Check-In

7:00 am

Arrival Deadline Show

Arrival Begins

Berkshire, Dark Crossbred, Duroc, Hampshire, Poland China, Spot

FEB 17

7:00 am

FEB 18

7:00 am

FEB 19

2:00 am

Berkshire, Spot, Hampshire

Show Duroc, Poland China, Dark Crossbred

CTBR Texas Elite Showcase Junior Breeding Gilts

Mark Hoge Macomb, IL & Miles Toenyes Highland, IL

Arrival Begins

Chester White, Yorkshire, Landrace, Crossbred

6:00 am

Barn Unloading Begins

8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Exhibitor Kiosk Check-In

3:00 pm

Arrival Deadline Show

FEB 20

7:00 am

FEB 21

7:00 am

FEB 22

4:00 pm

Chester White, Yorkshire, Landrace, Crossbred classes 85-90

Show Crossbred classes 91-110

Auction

Texas Elite Showcase

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Market Barrow Judges:

CTBR Texas Elite Showcase Junior Breeding Gilt Judges:

FEb 7

5:00 pm-10:00 pm

Arrival

FEB 8

8:00 am-Midnight

Arrival

8:00 am

Check-in begins

FEB 9

5:00-7:00 am

Arrival

7:00 am

Check-in begins

10:00 am

Check-in Deadline

2:00 pm

CTBR Gilts - Pedigree Show followed by light weight crosses

7:00 am

CTBR Gilts - Middle & Heavy weight crosses followed by purebred drive, crossbred drive, then supreme drive

1:00 pm

gilts of distinction sale preview

3:00 pm

gilts of distinction sale

FEB 10

Will Winter Idalou, TX & Austin Thompson Roanoke, IN

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San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo 6:00 am

Stalling Begins

3:00 pm

In place

4:00 pm

Weight Cards Due

FEB 13

8:00 am

Show

FEB 14

8:00 am

FEB 16

2:00 pm

Market Barrows

FEB 12

Market Barrow Judge:

Hampshire, Light Crossbred & Dark Crossbred

AJ Genter Archbold, OH

Show Duroc, Light OPB, Dark OPB, Yorkshire

Auction

Gilts & Boars

Southwest Type Conference - Belton Feb 27

12:00 pm

Earliest Hogs may Arrive

feb 28

9:00 am

Check-in begins & Scanning

10:00 am 7:30 am

Hogs must be in barn Show

March 1

Yorkshire, Hampshire, Duroc & Cross Boars

8:00 am

Show

Berkshire, Chester White, Poland China, Spots & Cross Gilts

March 2

9:00 am

Sale

Yorkshire, Hampshire, Duroc & Cross Boars

9:30 am

SAle

Berkshire, Chester White Boars, Poland China Boars, Spot Boars, Chester White Gilts, Poland China Gilts, Spot Gilts & Cross Gilts

Houston Stock Show and Rodeo Junior Breeding Gilts

feb 28

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March 1

7:00 am

Check In Begins

Noon

Must be in Place

3:00 pm

Check In Deadline

8:00 am

Show

Junior Breeding Gilts Judge: Maverick Squires Norman, OK

Berkshire, Chester White, Duroc, Hampshire, Landrace, Poland China, Spotted, Yorkshire

Noon

Release Begins

8:00 pm

Must be out

Junior Market Barrows - Wave 2

Junior Market Barrows - Wave 1

Houston Stock Show and Rodeo CONT' March 3:00 am 9

Stalling Begins Duroc, Hampshire, Poland China, Berkshire, Spotted, Dark Cross

8:00 am

Exhibitor Kiosk Check in begins

11:00 am

Must be in place at airport Blvd.

3:00 pm

Exhibitor Kiosk Check in Ends

March 8:00 am 10

Show

March 8:00 am 11

Show

March 3:00 am 12

Stalling Begins

Kade Hummel Olsburg, KS & James Backman Denair, CA

Duroc, Hampshire, Poland China

Berkshire, Spotted, Dark Cross

Yorkshire, Chester White & OPB, Other Crossbred

8:00 am

Exhibitor Kiosk Check in begins

11:00 am

Must be in place at airport Blvd.

3:00 pm

Exhibitor Kiosk Check in Ends Show

March 8:00 am 13

Market Barrows Judge:

Yorkshire, Chester White & OPB and Other Light Crossbred

March 8:00 am 14

Show

March Noon 15

Junior Market Barrows - Auction

Other Crossbred

Rodeo Austin

1:00 pm

Stalling Begins Stalling Ends

Market Barrows Judge:

Check in deadline

March 9:00 am 23

Show

March 9:00 am 24

Show

March 3:30 pm 23

Auction

Ben Bobell Lincoln, IL

Duroc, Dark OPB, White OPB, Hampshire

Yorkshire, Light Crossbred & Dark Crossbred

TEXAS BRED RE ED GI I F S TI

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Junior Market Barrows

March 7:00 am 22 12:00 pm

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PREPARATION IS KEY MARKET BARROW SHOW February 4 - 7

MARKET BARROW SHOW February 12 - 14

BLACK OPB Class 1 - 230-236 Class 2 - 237-253 Class 3 - 254-270

HAMPSHIRE Class 1 - 240-242 Class 2 - 240-242 Class 3 - 243-253 Class 4 - 254-268 Class 5 - 269-280

SPOT Class 6 - 240 Class 7 - 241-252 Class 8 - 253-267 Class 9 - 268-280

DUROC Class 1 - 240 Class 2 - 242-250 Class 3 - 251-256 Class 4 - 257-261 Class 7 - 262-267 Class 8 - 268-279 Class 9 - 280

HAMPSHIRE Class 14 - 240-243 Class 15 - 240-243 Class 16 - 240-243 Class 17 - 240-243 Class 18 - 240-243 Class 21 - 244-247 Class 22 - 248-250

DUROC Class 1 - 240-247 Class 2 - 248-262 Class 3 - 263-275 Class 4 - 276-280

MARKET BARROW SHOW March 22 - 24 46

HAMPSHIRE Class 1 - 230 Class 2 - 232-247 Class 3 - 248-259 Class 4 - 260-268 Class 5 - 270

OTHER CROSSBRED Class 8 - 240 Class 9 - 240 Class 10 - 240 Class 13 - 241-247 Class 14 - 248-254

BERKSHIRE Class 1 - 240-244 Class 2 - 245-260 Class 3 - 261-280

MARKET BARROW SHOW February 16 - 21

MARKET BARROW SHOW March 9 - 14

DUROC Class 1 - 230-240 Class 2 - 242-257 Class 3 - 258-268 Class 4 - 269-270

DARK OPB Class 5 - 240-248 Class 6 - 240-249 Class 7 - 250-265 Class 8 - 266-280

WHITE OPB Class 1 - 230-245 Class 2 - 247-263 Class 3 - 264-270

Class 15 - 255-259 Class 18 - 260-265 Class 19 - 266-275 Class 20 - 276-280

HAMPSHIRE Class 12 - 240 Class 13 - 240 Class 14 - 240 Class 15 - 241-247 Class 16 - 248-253 Class 17 - 254-260 Class 18 - 262-269 Class 19 - 270-278 Class 20 - 279-280

DUROC Class 29 - 240-244 Class 30 - 240-244 Class 31 - 245-254 Class 32 - 255-261 Class 33 - 262-268 Class 34 - 269-275 Class 35 - 276-280 Class 36 - 276-280 POLAND CHINA Class 43 - 240-251 Class 44 - 252-280

POLAND CHINA Class 35 - 240-250 Class 23 - 251-256 Class 36 - 251-280 Class 24 - 257-259 Class 27 - 260-263 Class 28 - 264-269 BERKSHIRE Class 29 - 270-279 Class 39 - 240-243 Class 40 - 244-260 Class 30 - 280 Class 41 - 261-280

WHITE OPB Class 9 - 240-256 Class 9 - 257-280

HAMPSHIRE Class 11 - 240-243 Class 12 - 240-243 Class 13 - 240-243 Class 14 - 244-254 Class 15 - 255-264 Class 16 - 265-273 Class 17 - 274-280

YORKSHIRE Class 1 - 230-237 Class 2 - 240-261 Class 3 - 263-270

OTHER CROSSBRED Class 1 - 230 Class 2 - 230 Class 3 - 232-238 Class 4 - 239-246

DUROC Class 25 - 240-245 Class 26 - 245-258 Class 27 - 259-272 Class 28 - 273-280

SPOT Class 44 - 240-244 Class 45 - 240-244 Class 46 - 245-259 Class 47 - 260-280

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CHESTER WHITE Class 64 - 240-247 Class 65 - 248-267 Class 66 - 268-280 YORKSHIRE Class 69 - 240 Class 70 - 241-250 Class 71 - 252-259 Class 72 - 260-266 Class 73 - 267-278 Class 74 - 280

DARK CROSS Class 50 - 240-243 Class 51 - 240-243 Class 52 - 240-243 Class 53 - 244-250 Class 56 - 251-258 Class 57 - 259-265 Class 58 - 266-275 Class 59 - 276-280

YORKSHIRE Class 18 - 240 Class 19 - 242-257 Class 20 - 258-268 Class 21 - 269-280

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Class 5 - 247-252 Class 6 - 253-257 Class 7 - 258-264 Class 8 - 265-269 Class 9 - 270

WHITE OPB Class 31 - 240-244 Class 32 - 245-260 Class 33 - 262-280

DARK CROSSBRED Class 47 - 240-241 Class 48 - 240-241 Class 49 - 240-241 Class 50 - 242-248 Class 51 - 249-253 Class 52 - 254-259 Class 53 - 260-266 Class 54 - 267-275 Class 55 - 276-280

Y TR

2018 WEIGHT BREAKS

TEXAS BRED RE D E GI FI S TI

BLACK OPB Class 36 - 240-249 Class 37 - 240-249 Class 38 - 250-263 Class 99 - 264-280

LANDRACE Class 81 - 240-259 Class 82 - 260-280 OTHER CROSSBRED Class 85 - 240 Class 86 - 240 Class 87 - 240 Class 88 - 240

YORKSHIRE Class 64 - 240 Class 65 - 242-250 Class 66 - 251-258 Class 69 - 259-267 Class 70 - 268-279 Class 71 - 280

OTHER CROSSBRED Class 22 - 240 Class 23 - 240 Class 24 - 240 Class 25 - 240 Class 26 - 240 Class 27 - 240 Class 28 - 241-244 Class 29 - 245-248

CHESTER & OPB Class 76 - 240 Class 77 - 241-253 Class 78 - 255-267 Class 79 - 268-280

YORKSHIRE Class 41 - 240 Class 42 - 243-264 Class 43 - 265-280

Class 91 - 241-244 Class 92 - 245-247 Class 93 - 248-250 Class 94 - 251-253 Class 95 - 254-257 Class 96 - 258-260 Class 97 - 261-264 Class 98 - 265-268 Class 99 - 269-273 Class 100 - 274-277 Class 101 - 278-280 Class 102 - 278-280

OTHER CROSSBRED Class 82 - 240-241 Class 83 - 240-241 Class 84 - 240-241 Class 85 - 240-241 Class 86 - 240-241 Class 87 - 240-241 Class 90 - 242-245 Class 91 - 242-245 Class 92 - 246-250

Class 93 - 251-254 Class 94 - 255-257 Class 95 - 258-261 Class 98 - 262-264 Class 99 - 265-267 Class 100 - 268-272 Class 101 - 273-276 Class 102 - 277-280 Class 103 - 277-280

Class 30 - 249-252 Class 31 - 253-255 Class 32 - 256-257 Class 33 - 258-262 Class 34 - 263-267 Class 35 - 258-270 Class 36 - 271-276 Class 37 - 277-280 Class 38 - 280 47

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Texas’ Elite Showcase was legit! Thank you to all the exhibitors and their families that believed in us...to the breeders that had our backs...and to our sponsors that showed tremendous support. All of these groups played a huge part in the tremendous success of the inaugural Elite Showcase!

If you thought the hype was real, just wait til next year!

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2019 AWARD SPONSORS Supreme Champion - $5,000 & Cimarron Aluminum Stock Box Reserve Supreme Champion - $3,000 & Cimarron Aluminum Stock Box

Champion Overall Purebred Rock Award

Reserve Champion Overall Purebred Rock Award 50

Champion Overall Crossbred Rock Award

Reserve Champion Overall Crossbred Rock Award

BUCKLE SPONSORS BERKSHIRE

CHESTER

CHAMPION

DUROC

CHAMPION

CHAMPION

Belew & Young

Biggs Livestock

Harkey Farms

RESERVE CHAMPION

RESERVE CHAMPION

Fortner Showpigs

RESERVE CHAMPION

Michou Chesters

C-4 Show Pigs

HAMPSHIRE

LANDRACE

POLAND

CHAMPION

CHAMPION

3rd Day Genetics

CHAMPION

C-C Show Pigs

Harkey Farms

RESERVE CHAMPION

RESERVE CHAMPION

RESERVE CHAMPION

Ralston Hog Farm

Stephens ‘Shires Show Pigs

Foote Farms

YORKSHIRE

SPOT

LIGHT CROSSBRED

CHAMPION

CHAMPION

Cornerstone Ventures, LLC.

CHAMPION

Cornerstone Ventures, LLC. RESERVE CHAMPION

RESERVE CHAMPION

RESERVE CHAMPION

Blazin’ 7 Farms & Edwards Family Genetics

Meyers Show Pigs

Rival Genetics Stephen F. Austin State University

MIDDLE CROSSBRED

HEAVY CROSSBRED

Shannon Barbee Showpigs

Franckowiak Show Pigs & St.Hedwid Feed

CHAMPION

RESERVE CHAMPION

Schaefer Livestock

CHAMPION

RESERVE CHAMPION

KMAX Livestock

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PARTNERS OF TEXAS’ ELITE SHOWCASE

Innovator Level Wintex Farms Idalou

HF Genetics Port Lavaca

Jay & Will Winter

Jimmy & Cassidy Hayes

Titan Sticks Alisha Alaniz 52

Logue’s Champion Veterinary Services Dr. Jeff Logue

Cultivator Level Stanley Young

Real Hog Farms

Lackey Livestock

Stacy Pearce Creative

Creative Awards

Collaborator Level Ken Horton

DL Showpigs Kane Manufacturing, Inc.

Footprints Custom Embroidery

Supporter Level Trenton Watson

Justin Reed

Judge 2 Win

Texas Tech University

Texas A&M University

Blinn College

Thank you Sponsors!

Putting on a first-class event like the Elite Showcase would absolutely not be possible without the support of our sponsors!

If not for these gracious individuals, we wouldn’t have been able to do as much for the youth as we did. We encourage you to thank these great people and show appreciation to them for stepping up and making Texas’ Elite Showcase a tremendous event for everyone.

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One of the most anticipated and exciting highlights from Texas’ Elite Showcase was this year’s Foundation Gilt offered by Jay and Will Winter, Wintex Farms. Out of Teen Spirit on Hold My Beer’s dam, the 2019 CTBR Foundation Gilt is an absolutely phenomenal female to build around!

Backed by elite, proven genetics and superior phenotype, we are grateful to Jay and Will for donating her to the CTBR scholarship program. On behalf of TPPA membership and Texas youth, we sincerely appreciate Wintex Farms for their immense support!

‘We are giving her to the youth of Texas!”

-Jay & Will Winter

2019 foundation Female $19,000 Record-setting foundation gilt!

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XAS BRED R D TE EG E I F IS I T

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Thank you Mike Clay, Clay Farms, for purchasing this outstanding female and supporting the CTBR youth scholarship program. We wish you the best of luck with “Hot Flash�!!

The purpose of the TPPA Foundation Gilt Scholarship / Production Grant Program is to provide financial assistance to the most capable and deserving Texas FFA & 4-H members that have exhibited Certified Texas Bred Registry barrows and gilts as a youth project program.

This scholarship and production grant program is funded with proceeds from the annual sale of the CTBR Foundation Gilt. The TPPA membership shares a strong commitment in recognizing youth that have been involved in raising and exhibiting CTBR barrows and gilts and have developed this awards program to reward those exhibitors that have chosen to pursue a college degree or continue their involvement in swine production.

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For all results and updates

go to texaseliteshowcase.com

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dream trailer

IT’S TIME TO MAKE YOUR A REALITY

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO FIND A DEALER NEAR YOU, VISIT WWW.DDFARRMRANCHTRAILER.COM 830.379.7340

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Medium-Rare* 145-150°F Medium 150-155°F Medium-Well 155-160°F Well 160°F Chops, steaks and roasts are best enjoyed at an internal cooking temperature of 145°F with a 3 min. rest.*

pork.org/temperature *Guidelines of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety Inspection Service.

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texaspork.org

© 2019 National Pork Board, Des Moines, Iowa USA. This message funded by America’s Pork Checkoff Program.

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Deadly Terrorist Threatens the Lone Star State’s By: Jennifer Shike Domestic Pig Herd One of the deadliest enemies in Texas – the wild pig – is sparking fear as threats of African swine fever (ASF) hitting U.S. soil dance across the headlines.

The numbers have grown since then for a lot of reasons. Most recently, it’s because people brought them here for hunting purposes, Tomecek says.

“Wild pigs are agricultural and environmental terrorists number one,” says John Tomecek, assistant professor and wildlife specialist with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. “They destroy the environment and carry diseases that can spread to humans and domestic pig herds.”

The wild pig population in Texas ranges between 3 to 5 million pigs. Tomecek says that’s a conservative estimate based on a very large and widely distributed wild pig herd that is increasing rapidly throughout the state’s diverse regions.

There’s no doubt that an outbreak of African swine fever in Texas would be devastating, he says.

“With the densities of wild pigs we have, I expect the virus to travel quickly,” Tomecek says, based on conversations with his colleagues overseas who are dealing with ASF on a daily basis.

“Our problems have different origins,” he says. “Their wild boars are native. In the U.S., most of our wild pigs today were originally brought in by the Spanish and early settlers in the 1500s who free ranged them. When these wild boars mated with domestic pigs, they created the wild pigs we have today.

Some people may refer to them as feral, but feral actually means wild pigs that were once domesticated and the wild pigs 64Texas haven’t been domesticated for several generations.” in

“If a foreign animal disease, such as ASF, were to enter the U.S. (the U.S. does not have ASF at this time), wild or feral pigs could play a big part in its spread to domestic swine,” says Brandon Gunn, executive vice president of the Texas Pork Producers Association. Their organization is working with the Texas Animal Health Commission, National Pork Board, National Pork Producers Council and U.S. Department of Animal Health to monitor and prepare for the potential of a disease outbreak.

“Everyone is being very proactive in working together to gather intelligence, engage subject matter experts, assess risk and determine appropriate actions moving forward to address the issue,” Gunn says. “Texas, like other states, is coordinating exercises with appropriate groups to help prepare in case of a foreign animal disease outbreak.”

In Texas alone, wild pigs can be found in approximately 90% of the counties in the state. If ASF were to become prevalent in the wild pig population, the disease would be extremely difficult to eradicate. Outside of several large pork production farms in the panhandle, there are hundreds of small farms and show pig operations located across the state. That is where substantial risk lies, Gunn says.

A Threat to Agriculture

The impact of the wild pig herd on Texas agriculture is widespread. From a livestock standpoint, wild pigs are a major predator of sheep and goats. But when it comes to the state’s livestock herd, Tomecek worries most about wild pigs spreading disease.

“We know pigs can vector 21 some odd diseases we are aware of – communicable to all livestock animals,” he says. “If I’m a livestock producer, I have to worry about biosecurity all the time. Producers have to vaccinate for diseases they would not normally have to vaccinate for because of this wild pig problem.”

Gunn says there is great potential for introduction of these diseases into herds considering the number of small farms all over the state that don’t have the resources to house their animals inside well-protected, completely enclosed modern barns.

“Research has shown that up to 70% of the feral hog population would have to be removed each year just to prevent population growth,” Gunn says. “As the population continues to grow exponentially, the concerns only increase as well.”

Some farmers have quit producing grains and now produce cotton because wild pigs won’t eat it, Tomecek says. Wild pigs eat seed corn at night, destroying fields. The damages to small grain operations in Texas is so high that many are having a hard time staying in farming because of it.

An Enemy to the Environment

“We work hard in Texas to manage wildlife – it’s big business for landowners,” Tomecek says. “Wild pigs are the fly in the ointment and get in the way of the good conservation work we do.”

When it comes to the environment, wild pigs take a toll on wildlife, soil, water and plants. The native tree population is declining because of wild pigs damaging trees and destroying saplings.

“They actively predate and kill most of our game and many non-game animals. Many species are becoming endangered because of wild pigs,” he says. “We have a lot of moving water in Texas and the pigs cause problems by turning up creek bottoms, taking up vegetation, causing erosion and sedimentation – basically the pigs are going against everything our producers work hard not to let happen to the land.”

As well, the damage to water is a major problem. Wild pigs harbor E.coli and can infect watersheds. “We’ve had areas in our state where the water has been so contaminated with E.coli from pigs that the EPA came in and designated them as impaired watersheds,” Tomecek says. “This means that you can’t use the water at all – you can’t recreate in it, touch it, drink it, because it’s unsafe for humans to be exposed.”

A Detriment to Communities

This challenge to provide safe, clean water because of contaminated watersheds is one more reason why wild pig control is so critical in Texas.

In addition to human health risks, wild pigs can have direct impacts on communities and small towns as more wild pigs enter into urban spaces, impacting turf, homeowner’s lawns, and even golf courses and sports fields.

“From a food security standpoint, that reduces the total number of food America is producing when that land starts being used for non-food production,” he says.

In addition, hay producers fight wild pig damage, too. Tomecek says farmers must think long and hard about what a hay field is truly worth when they have to fightt off wild pigs.

“Imagine you are a hay farmer and you cut hay close to the ground, rake it and bale it. If pigs root around, you may not be able to see it, but I can assure you when you drive an implement straight into the ground because you can’t see the divets, it can cause thousands of dollars of damage to implements,” he says.

Being from Texas, Tomecek always considers what could happen if Texas has a dry year. “Hay may not be there to feed my livestock if we lose acres of hay production to wild pigs,” he says.

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“It’s very expensive and frustrating to lose money out of our communities because of wild pigs causing damage to property,” he says.

Challenges Remain

Wild Pig Eradication and Disposal

“Absolutely not,” Gunn says. “We need help. We need more resources, access to more effective baits, and we need the government to provide more funding and support in the fight against feral hogs.”

The most common method of wild pig control in Texas is shooting on the ground with a rifle or shooting from a helicopter, Tomecek says. They also use snares or box-style traps to keep wild pigs out of fields or away from livestock.

Another form of wild pig management is running trained dogs.

“We use dog packs to run the pigs,” he says. “That action is a negative stimulus to a pig – it’s not a safe area for pigs when dogs are around. This helps get them out of that area for a while.”

New chemical control techniques are in the works and being proposed for EPA registration. Tomecek says he is hopeful they will approve a poison or toxicin to assist in wild pig control.

When dealing with wild pig carcasses, he says the best management practice is to bury or burn the pig carcasses. However, most people don’t and leave them on the landscape for scavengers to consume.

“If ASF hit, we’d have to educate people on how and why we need to incinerate carcasses safely,” he says. “In Texas, we have a lot of good outreach materials about how to incinerate pigs safely. We are part of the endemic zone of anthrax. It occurs natively in part of our state and the proper method of disposal of anthrax carcasses is incineration. We are used to that, we know how to do that. This is just another disease we have to educate folks about.”

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Can Texas control the wild pig population with the resources they have now?

With a number of constituent groups that are passionate about pig hunting in Texas, Tomecek says wild pigs are a challenge that he doesn’t think will go away. One of the biggest misconceptions he deals with is people believing wild pigs are native wildlife in Texas.

“That took me aback at first,” he says. “But consider who you are talking to. Many of these people grew up in urban environments and are passionate about being on the land. And that’s wonderful, but they don’t know what is native or not. Unless we tell them these wild pigs aren’t from here, they won’t know otherwise.”

Texas has one of the unfortunate distinctions of having the worst and oldest wild pig problem in the U.S. In Tomecek’s travels throughout the country and around the world, he urges people to find where their wild pig problem fits into Texas’ timeline.

“Think about what we did and whether it worked or not and try to avoid the problems we have created for ourselves,” he says. “Wild pig outbreaks start small and are pretty limited.

This is when you are in the best spot to eradicate the population and get rid of the problem.”

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AFRICAN SWINE

FEVER

AND WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW African swine fever is a serious, highly contagious, viral disease of pigs. African swine fever virus (ASFV) can spread very rapidly in pig populations by direct or indirect contact. It can persist for long periods in uncooked pig products, facilitating its introduction into new areas. This virus can also become endemic in feral or wild suids, and transmission cycles between these animals and Ornithodoros ticks can complicate or even prevent eradication. According to an international expert on African swine fever, it might pay to start paying more attention to people rather than pigs if we truly want to halt the global spread of the costly disease. The reason? ASF is making huge geographic jumps from one area to another that is not related to the short distances associated with vectors such as infected feral swine. ASFV isolates vary in virulence from highly pathogenic strains that cause near 100% mortality to low–virulence isolates that can be difficult to diagnose.

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African swine fever is a serious problem in many African countries. Changes in production practices and increasing globalization have also increased the risk of its introduction into other regions. Past outbreaks occurred in Europe, South America and the Caribbean, and the cost of eradication was significant.

The swine herds of Malta and the Dominican Republic were completely depopulated during outbreaks in these countries. In Spain and Portugal, ASFV became endemic in the 1960s and complete eradication took more than 30 years. It still remains present on the island of Sardinia. In 2007, Africa swine fever was introduced into the Caucasus region of Eurasia, where it has spread widely among wild boar and

domesticated pigs. As of 2015, infections had been reported as far west as Lithuania, Latvia and Poland.

This virus has caused outbreaks in pigs as far west as the easternmost countries of the E.U., and it has also been detected in wild boar in Iran. In 2018, African swine fever was detected in multiple locations in China.

TRANSMISSION There are three modes of transmission for ASF: direct contact, indirect contact (fomites), and vector-borne.

Direct transmission occurs when infected animals come into contact with healthy animals through contact with infected saliva, respiratory secretions, urine and feces.

Indirect transmission can occur through contaminated fomites, an example of which is the practice of “garbagefeeding” in which domestic swine become infected when fed food waste contaminated with uncooked pork products. Argasid ticks (Ornithodoros spp.) serve as a vector for transmission, passing the virus to swine hosts when taking their blood meal. Infected ticks are also able to transmit ASFV to other ticks (sexual), to their offspring (transovarial), and from one life cycle to another (transstadial).

In his research, Depner and his colleagues found two main patterns of ASF spread: slow, nose-to-nose spread occurring locally in wild boar populations; and outbreak jumps, often more than hundreds of kilometers. For the local nose-to-nose spread in wild boar populations a transmission speed of 2 to 5 km per month has been calculated.

Depner explained several key differences between ASF, foot-and-mouth disease and classical swine fever, as well. Unlike FMD, he says ASF is actually low in terms of its “contagiousness” from one live pig to another, especially in feral pigs. However, this is made up for by the virus’ tenacity to survive better than all of the others and that when it does infect a pig, it’s more than 90 percent fatal. He says this tends to make ASF a slowspreading disease that does not fade out quickly. Depner also pointed out that ASF is a relatively stable virus in that it can stay viable in frozen meat indefinitely; for almost a year in dry meat and fat; for more than three

months in blood, salted meat and offal; and for one week in feces.

INCUBATION PERIOD The incubation period is 5 to 21 days after direct contact with infected pigs, but it can be less than 5 days after exposure to ticks. Acute disease typically appears in 3 to 7 days.

CLINICAL SIGNS Clinical signs and symptoms vary by virus strain and disease form caused by the virus (peracute, acute, subacute, and chronic). For animals affected with theperacute form of ASF, death is often the first indication of disease. Cases affected with the acute form may develop fever (105–107.6F/40.5–42C), anorexia, listlessness, cyanosis, incoordination, increased pulse and respiratory rate, leukopenia and thrombocytopenia (at 48–72 hours), vomiting, diarrhea, and abortion in pregnant sows. Any survivors become lifelong ASFV carriers.

Swine affected with subacute forms of ASF present with less intense symptoms including slight fever, reduced appetite, and depression. Abortion in pregnant sows is also possible.Cases affected with the chronic form of the virus exhibit weight loss, irregular temperature spikes, respiratory symptoms, necrosis of the skin, chronic skin ulcers, arthritis, pericarditis, and swelling of the joints.

Pigs with chronic ASF will experience recurring episodes of acute disease, which could eventually lead to death.

MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY For all forms of the disease, morbidity rates are very high. Mortality rates vary by form. For the peracute form, mortality can reach 100 percent and occur in the absence of any clinical signs within 7–10 days after exposure to the virus. The acute form is also associated

with mortality rates that approach 100 percent, often with death occurring within 6–13 days post inoculation. The mortality rate for the subacute form is dependent on the age of the affected populations; younger pigs have higher rates (70–8069 percent) while older pigs experience significantly

lower rates (less than 20 percent). For those affected by the chronic form of ASF, mortality is typically low. ASF does not pose a risk to public health.

TREATMENT There is no treatment for African swine fever, other than supportive care.

CONTROL Disease reporting A quick response is vital for containing outbreaks in ASFV-free regions. Veterinarians who encounter or suspect African swine fever should follow their national and/or local guidelines for disease reporting. In the U.S., state or federal veterinary authorities should be informed immediately.

Prevention In the past, heat treatment was used to inactivate viruses in pig swill (scraps fed to pigs) and prevent the entry of ASFV into areas free of this disease. Due to the risk that this and other viruses may not be completely inactivated (for example, if parts of the swill do not reach the target temperature), feeding swill to pigs has now been completely forbidden in some countries.

Some areas that experienced ASFV outbreaks successfully eradicated the virus by the slaughter of infected and in–contact animals, safe carcass disposal, sanitation, disinfection, movement controls and quarantines, and the prevention of contact with wild suids and infected ticks. However, the length and complexity of eradication campaigns differed with the local conditions. On the Iberian Peninsula, for example, ASFV had become established in wild boars and Ornithodoros erraticus ticks, and complete eradication took decades. Pigpens with infected ticks were destroyed or isolated as part of this campaign. Current regulations in the EU allow pig farms to be restocked as soon as 40 days after cleaning and disinfection, if an African swine fever outbreak occurs in the absence of vectors; however, the minimum quarantine is 6 years if vectors are thought to be involved in transmission. Ornithodoros ticks apparently did not become chronically infected during outbreaks in South America, and this (together with the absence of virus in wildlife or feral pigs) simplified eradication.

Eradication of ASFV from some wild reservoirs in Africa, such as warthogs, appears unlikely. However, compartments where African swine fever is controlled and barriers prevent contact with wild reservoirs have been established in some regions. No vaccine is currently available.

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African swine fever virus is a highly contagious viral disease impacting only pigs, not people so it is not a public health threat or food-safety concern.

•ASF cannot be transmitted to humans through contact with pigs or pork.

•Members of the pig family, including domestic pigs wild pigs, are the only animals susceptible to the ASF virus.

•ASF can be transmitted to pigs through feeding of uncooked garbage containing contaminated pork products. The Swine Health Protection Act regulates the feeding of food waste containing any meat products to swine, ensuring that all food waste fed to swine is properly treated to kill any disease organisms.

•ASF is easily transmitted to other pigs through direct contact with infected pigs or their waste, contaminated clothing, feed, equipment and vehicles, and in some cases, by blood-sucking insects, including some tick species.

Why is ASF not a human health concern?

•According to Dan Rock, Professor of Pathobiology, University of Illinois, most viruses demonstrate some degree of host restriction; they replicate in one cell type or host and not in another. While there are exceptions, this is the general rule, not the exception.

In the case of ASF virus, there is no evidence supporting either subclinical or clinical infection of humans.

•The host restriction in ASF virus is likely due to the absence of susceptible and permissive cells needed for viral replication. It could also be related to the inability of the virus to overcome intrinsic and innate host responses generated following ASF virus exposure.

Go to TexasPork.org for Guidelines and Protocols

•ASF does not affect humans and therefore is not a public health threat.

•Pork products from animals with ASF are safe to consume.

•The USDA has measures in place to prevent sick animals from entering the food supply.

IS A MUST!

US pork is not affected by the ASF outbreaks in other countries and is safe to eat.

BIOSECURITY

KEY ASF FACTS

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Practical BIOSECURITY Guidelines that we can ALL FOLLOW In the context of livestock production, biosecurity refers to those measures taken to keep disease pathogens out of herds or groups of animals where they do not already exist. Biosecurity measures can be implemented on a national, state, or herd level. Currently, there is heightened awareness of national biosecurity as the United States attempts to keep Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) and African Swine Fever (ASF) out of its animal population.

In addition to national concerns, individual states take measures to prevent the entry/reintroduction of livestock diseases they have been able to prevent/eliminate from their herds by setting requirements for arriving animals.

Examples of diseases that are of a particluar concern to states include brucellosis and pseudorabies.

The responsibility for herd-level biosecurity rests with the owner; they try exclude any disease which is not already present in the herd or limit the spread of disease within the herd. To be successful, biosecurity plans must address how the group of animals will be isolated away from other groups, how traffic (movement of people, animals, and equipment) will be regulated, and how cleaning and disinfection procedures will be used to reduce pathogen levels. Establishing and following sound biosecurity practices is the cornerstone for reducing the risk of spreading these diseases. We are all responsible for protecting livestock health and must be held accountable.

Recommended Supplies for Use at Swine Farms: BE PREPARED by having the proper supplies. Here is a checklist of supplies that should be used by farms and/or those visiting swine farms: 3 Disposable Boots – have enough for everyone to double boot at each location in case it is necessary; purchase boots with a min. of 4 ml thickness 3 Disinfectants - Tek-Trol (comes in both a liquid and an aerosol), 1Stroke, Environ, Virkon S, Synergize, or Chlorox; it is recommended to have both wipes and sprays 3 Clean Tote Box – this box should house all of the “clean” supplies (plastic boots, coveralls, trash bags, sanitizer, etc.) so that they are kept separate and are sealed away from a potentially contaminated environment 3 Trash Bags – for use in throwing away disposable items after completion of the visit

For Individuals Visiting Swine Farms: 1. COMMUNICATE with the breeder/owner prior to arriving at their farm as to their expectations. Establish what direction to enter the farm, where to park, and what to wear. Follow the wishes of what each farm owner wants. Some will have specific instructions and different requirements that may be more detailed. Just because something is suitable for one, doesn’t mean that will work for everyone. Ask the owner to detail any farm-specific biosecurity protocols that you will need to follow during the visit. Ask about the current herd health status. If the farm is undergoing a disease outbreak, it is recommended to NOT visit this farm due to the increased risk of spread to other farms that will be potentially visited.

2. PARK in the designated parking area for the farm. Obey all signage regarding access to specific areas. If no parking area exists, park as far away from the livestock barn as possible on the gravel or hard surface, or park on the edge of the public road close to the location. Avoid parking/driving in muddy areas on the farm.

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3. LEAVE ALL PERSONAL ITEMS in the vehicle and do not bring them onto the farm; this should include, but not be limited to pig whips/bats, ball caps, jewelry, etc. (anything that manure or infected dust particles can be transported on should be avoided). If it is necessary to wear a ball cap at multiple farms then you should apply an aerosol disinfectant on it between farms.

4. Respect the LINE OF SEPERATION at each farm. The Line of Separation is defined as the line between the area that is to be used by the visitor and the area to be used by farm personnel.

5. DO NOT TOUCH any pigs while on the farm if you do not have to.

People that touch hogs need to sanitize hands upon departure before getting back into the vehicle.

6. When leaving REMOVE DIRTY BOOTS next to your vehicle but before you enter the vehicle. Put trash into a garbage bag and place in a location designated by the farm or away from clean supplies. Everyone should clean hands with sanitizer or wipes before entering the vehicle. Note that you should try to keep the inside of the vehicle as sanitary as possible.

7. WASH/DISINFECT VEHICLES AND TRAILERS in between each road trip. Pay special attention to the wheel wells and undercarriage.

A high temperature wash is critical. Be sure to thoroughly disinfect the inside of the vehicle between road trips. Each night during a road trip spray the inside of the vehicle with an aerosol disinfectant and wipe down the steering wheel.

8. Shoes should be sanitized daily when traveling to farms and sales with one of the recommended disinfectants. If you are stopping at multiple farms in the same day then you should use an aerosol disinfectant (ie. Tek-trol) to spray down everyone’s shoes, clothes, and ball caps in between farms.

For Swine Farm Operators: 1. Maintain a log of visitors.

2. Establish a clear line of separation at the farm. This is a line dividing the area that is to be used by the farm for live animals (often referred to as the clean area) and the area that is outside of the live animal area (the dirty area). Only the owner goes into the pens and has contact with the pigs. Enforce no reaching into pens and zero contact with pigs by visitors. It is recommended that a separate area be used to show/view pigs.

3. Designate a parking area for visitors.

4. Traffic flow – utilize a single direction traffic flow by designating a single entrance / exit point for vehicles.

5. Foot baths – If managed correctly, provide and encourage the use of foot bath stations as people enter the farm. Refresh the solution periodically depending on level of use. However, bear in mind that a contaminated foot bath could be more detrimental than helpful. Do not rely solely on the use of a foot bath.

6. Establish a designated area away from all swine for disposable items, such as boot covers and other trash, to be collected for removal.

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Regional roots.

Global impact.

As the third largest agricultural program in the nation among non-land grant institutions, Tarleton’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences provides a comprehensive, quality education where students actively engage in discovery through hands-on applications, research and service.

Tarleton State University is home to one of the largest Animal Science programs in the country, with nearly 800 undergraduate students enrolled in one of six concentrations: Science, Pre-veterinary Medicine, Production, Industry, Range and Ranch Management, and Meat and Food Science. Students have access to swine, beef, dairy, sheep, goat, and horse production facilities along with a meat science laboratory.

Tarleton is also the national leader in certification of agricultural science teachers, and has graduate opportunities in all areas of Animal Science.

Students have the opportunity to participate in regional and national programs through internships, as well as international programs in nine countries.

The possibilities are unlimited.

Today’s Students. Tomorrow’s Problem Solvers.

(800) 687-4878 | www.tarleton.edu/learnmore 76

Stephenville | Fort Worth | Midlothian | Waco | eCampus

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Champion & high selling gilt ‘18 Fall Classic blue light X warsaw

ions t a l u t a Congr mason! ho Cole T Many time jackpot champion & High selling gilt ‘18 Fall Classic Maximus X Boone Jack

Ray Michou • 817.304.2335 Ryan Michou • 817.565.9956 michouchesterwhites.com Like us on Facebook Michou Chester Whites!

Leslie Vann Auctioneer Lic. #18000 806.470.1160 leslievann62@gmail.com www.VannAuctions.com parkerpropertiestexas.com 77

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PRODUCER SPOTLIGHT

Passion Beyond the Show Ring

Chance Waldrip, Cornerstone Ventures, LLC., shares his past experiences and how they culminated to spark his continued passion today for the swine industry.

Through mutual acquaintances and a small town in the Texas Panhandle, Bob Bailey and Chance Waldrip embarked on a journey and partnership to raise show pigs in 2012. While Bob serves as the owner, and Chance as the herdsman they share a passion and a common goal to support and provide opportunities for youth, and work daily to continue to make show pigs how they like them and better for the industry. They’ve been on a quite a run lately, and it’s just getting started.

Bob, Madelyn, Mitchell, Annie & Lacynda 78

Chance, Megan, Banner &Burke

From the ripe age of eight to present day, it is commonplace to find Chance Waldrip within close proximity of the hog barn, on the road to a stock show, or standing ringside as some of the most elite show pig drives.

From the very beginning, Chance knew he would spend the rest of his life involved in agriculture — but more specifically the swine industry. While showing pigs and steers competitively across the state alongside his family, he learned the true meaning of hard work and dedication, which would set him on the path for success in the future.

After graduating high school in 2003 he worked for Kyle Stephens full time. Working for Kyle undoubtedly helped paved the way to Chance’s future. In fact, when asked who his greatest help has been he immediately credits Kyle Stephens as his biggest influence. “From the very beginning even, when I was showing, he taught me to be passionate and work hard; to show and breed ones that I like,” Chance explains. “He taught me everything that I needed to know to raise pigs and show them competitively. I, without a doubt, wouldn’t have been able to accomplish what I have without him.” Once Chance left Stephens Farms in 2008, he knew he wanted to get back into raising pigs, but with his own stuff.

A dream becomes reality After some convincing, a little barn construction and a couple gilts Bob Bailey’s daughter showed, they had a place to start. Chance now lives in Dalhart, Texas, with his wife Megan and their two children Burke, 5, and Banner, 2. As the herdsman of Cornerstone Ventures, LLC., he is at the forefront of a showpig operation housing 180 females and 20 boars of all breeds.

With raising hogs comes great responsibility, and at times this can be very challenging. For Chance, the biggest obstacle was simply starting out.

When he was first getting started with Cornerstone Ventures, he sourced females across the country. As Chance would say, trying to find females you want to build an operation around is no easy task. Now, he is a couple generations in on everything being his own —which makes the success much more rewarding. He credits the Oklahoma Breakdown and Tippin’ Point lines for making the biggest impact and providing the cornerstone of his sow base.

Following in mom’s footsteps! Chance’s mother drove the Grand Champion Barrow at the Houston Livestock Show.

Chance has always been an advocate of the Certified Texas Bred Registry, dating back to his show days.

All operations can be considered unique in some form or fashion, but there are a couple things that set Cornerstone Ventures apart. They are able to offer customers their choice of any purebred breed and crossbreds.

Their diversification fits just about anyone’s wants or needs easily in one location. Chance and Bob also pride themselves on their customer care.

During pig sale season, you won’t find many pigs of theirs at consignments sale or online. They sell almost everything off the farm to be as hands-on and available for their customers as possible. “It is important to us to have a good relationship with our customers; when you put everything in an online sale you miss that component,” Chance says.

A closer look While philosophies may be different, every breeder has one on raidsing hogs. Chance says his philosophy is simple; “Continually try and make hogs better,” he notes with a grin. “Trends will change, but if I constantly work to make them better and how I like them, then no matter the outcome I will be proud of my stuff.”

In order to continue to make hogs better, Chance spends hours thinking about breeding decisions—his favorite thing about raising pigs. By compiling what he learned working with Kyle and what he likes in hogs, Chance has come up with a foundation that continues to be the backbone 79

of his operation. “You must constantly put emphasis on structure,” he explains “Pigs are all bred to have muscle, but if their feet and legs aren’t right you won’t get very far. That needs to be the focus in all selection criteria. Once you start from the ground up, you can then focus on the other things that are important to your operation. We want them to have good feet and legs, that balance up and have some style to them.” In order to make something like this happen, an operation must first have goals in mind that they work to achieve every day. Some goals that Chance has set for Cornerstone Ventures are: Continually work to make pigs better. Never become stagnant and left behind. Always outwork your competitor. Continually be there for our customers.

One of the best ways to measure progress in achieving these goals is through success. For Chance and Bob, 2018 was the epitome of success and one that definitely put Cornerstone Ventures on the map. To name a few, Cornerstone had a champion in every drive at the Texas majors, Reserve Supreme Champion Gilt at Angelo and four champions in the grand drive at Houston, in addition to the Grand Champion Barrow at the the New Mexico State Fair and Reserve Grand Barrow at the State Fair of Texas.

“Sitting and watching each of these champions hit the ring made each hard day seem worth it,” Chance describes. “Seeing those kids and their families’ hard work pay off with something you raised is extremely rewarding. We have such loyal customers; being able to help them make something they worked so hard for come to fruition makes it all worth it.”

Regarding the success, Kyle was quick to say, “It makes me extremely proud and happy for him. I feel like I did something right along the way and was able to give him a good foundation to build off of. We still visit sometimes on different issues, so it is nice to be able to continually help him succeed.”

Chance’s commitment to success does not end at the show ring. He serves as a member of the Texas’ Elite Showcase gilt show committee and is very involved with the Certified Texas Bred Registry. One common theme seen within the Cornerstone Ventures farm is the customers and their kids always come first. Day in and day out Chance and Bob are continuing to work to make this project and its opportunities better for kids.

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Anytime they get the opportunity to give back, they do so without hesitation to better the future for Texas youth.

“Getting kids involved in the youth livestock program with any species, not just specifically pigs, gets them off the couch and doing something productive,” Chance says. “They are able to better themselves in a positive way, and sets them on the right path for their future. The social skills and life lessons learned in the youth livestock programs is unmatched to any. We quite literally have the best pastime because we can make it a safe and fun environment for our children, while teaching them strong values. I am so thankful that my kids will get to grow up and be apart of such a program like I did.”

Always generous contributors to youth programs, Bob explains, “You can’t go out and give these kids with a paycheck for walking pigs, so you go out and support those programs that give scholarships and help them financially down the road. We believe in giving back to scholarship programs and programs in general that financially reward the kids that earn the money to expand their future. We’re in the pig business, but we’re also in the business of supporting the youth of America. They are our future; we have to constantly instill them with the tools to succeed.” Building a program that is focused on making the youth better through the show pig industry is what Cornerstone Ventures is all about.

For those just starting out and seeking help, Chance enjoys sharing what has helped him along the way and shaped him into the successful hog breeder he is today. He says to, “Find a respectable breeder that is willing to help and give you advice. One that can be a mentor, and can point you in the right direction and help you be successful. You will likely fail a lot when you’re first starting out, but if you find someone that will constantly be there to provide constructive criticism and good advice then you’re heading in the right direction. If you have a big year and you win, the worst thing you can do is not change anything. Just because it worked once, doesn’t mean it’s going to necessarily work again. The day that you stop pushing, is the day that you get stagnant.”

The way this industry and Kyle Stephens has shaped Chance into who he is today, is the same way he would like to influence each family he encounters through being the herdsman at Cornerstone Ventures. The lessons he has learned and the relationships he has made along the way has helped build the foundation of this operation. By producing quality hogs, he feels as if he can better influence the experience that the kids will have. Although the journey has not always been easy, seeing each of his customer’s success in the end makes every day worth it.

Chance and Bob’s families on hand at the pork industry conference as Cornerstone Ventures is awarded the Producer of the Year honor in 2017 (above). Chance and Bob donated the 2016 CTBR Foundation Gilt, selling for $9,000 (below). A consistent breeder of champions, Cornerstone Ventures has been recognized annually as a CTBR Top Breeder.

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The fall capped off an impressive 2018, with big barrow wins at the New Mexico State Fair and the State Fair of Texas.

It’d be hard to find stronger gilt success than CV, with breeding the Overall Champion Purebred at the CTBR show in two out last four years.

CV-bred gilts had a strong showing at Texas’ Elite Showcase, with four breed champions in the purebred drive, along with two reserve champions.

For the past several years, it doesn’t matter what major show it is, or if it’s gilts or barrows, Cornerstone Ventures is making it to the final drive.

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MAY 11, 2019 • CALDWELL, TX • 6:30PM BURLESON COUNTY FAIR GROUNDS • PREVIEW 4:30PM • DINNER & HOSPITALITY 5:30PM

Res. champion gilt ‘18 STATE FAIR OF TEXAS BRED BY LINDNER SHOWPIGS

CHAMPION MARKET HOG ‘18 TULSA STATE FAIR BRED BY C&C SHOWPIGS

RES. CHAMPION GILT ‘18 LOUISIANA STATE FAIR

BRED BY HF GENETICS • SOLD AT MM ‘18

RES. CHAMPION BARROW ‘18 NJSA EASTERN REGIONAL BRED BY THOMAS SHOWPIGS

$250 sale credit to any pig purchased from the sale that is grand or reserve at a county

MULTI TIME WINNER

BRED BY H SQUARED GENETICS SOLD AT MM ‘18

Res. champion hampshire ‘19 SAN ANTONIO BRED BY BLOUNT FARMS

RES. CROSSBRED GILT ‘19 TEXAS ELITE SHOWCASE BRED BY H SQUARED GENETICS

$1000 sale credit to any pig that is grand or reserve at tulsa, dallas. shreveport, kansas city, or louisville

cassidy hayes 361.920.1015 • jimmy hayes 362.920.0964 84

So you wanna have your own boar eh...

There are multiple reasons for having your own boar(s) on the farm...the stimulation of females, the ability to breed one whenever you need to, perhaps the expense of purchased semen exceeds the cost of a boar purchase and management for you.

But raising and managing boars is a major investment. It is critical to keep the boars healthy to maximize the return on your investment.

Daniel Hendrickson is the lead veterinarian and owner at Four-Star Veterinary Service, Farmland, Indiana. He says the proper protocols can help a breeder be successful with the health and profitability of a boar stud. There are multiple details that can make or break this kind of operation, and Hendrickson shares his top tips on making a boar stud work.

1. Keep boars in proper body condition. Getting a boar too fat can affect his libido and cause a decrease in semen production.

2. When a new a boar is purchased, it is imperative to put him in isolation for two weeks. Upon arrival, immediately have him tested for PRRS- ELISA and PCR. Test again for PRRS two weeks later because it can take up to two weeks for the virus to show up in the bloodstream.

3. Also during the boar’s time in isolation, vaccinate it with a Parvo/Lepto/Erysipelas product. It’s also advisable to vaccinate for Circovirus and Mycoplasma right away and be sure to deworm a new boar after it arrives to the stud location. Giving the boar Ivomec will eliminate intestinal worms, parasites and mange. “Once these tests have been conducted and passed the boar can be moved into the main facility and collection can begin,” Hendrickson says.

4. Gather proper supplies for collection including nitral gloves, cheesecloth, a thermometer, a microscope, thermos and plastic bags. Do not use latex gloves for sperm collection because latex is known to kill sperm cells. The cheesecloth can serve as a filter and will clean out any junk or dirt that the boar might pass during collection.

5. Prepare for collection by placing the cheesecloth over the top of an open thermos and securing it with a rubber band. Be careful to hold the penis in a direction that allows for any urine to not go into the thermos with the semen. A small amount of blood in with the semen is not a concern majority of the time.

6. Be sure the ratio of the semen extender is right. During collection the extender has to be mixed with the semen to keep it alive. The extender is an important tool as it contains nutrition to help sperm live. If the semen is too concentrated the extender will not last very long and the semen will have a very short shelf life.

7. Temperature is an important part of keeping semen viable. The semen and the extender should be within two to three degrees of each other. Temperatures that are too hot or cold will shock the semen. Pour the extender very, very slowly into the same bag as the semen.

8. Once the semen has been collected, place a drop of semen on a slide and look under a microscope to check for motility and viability. Hendrickson says there are plenty of videos available online to help identify good semen but basically, he says, a breeder should see lots of sperm cells moving on the slide. “A person can tell if they’re looking into the microscope to see if the semen is diluted or if there are plenty of sperm cells,” Hendrickson says. “If it’s diluted to far that is a red flag. Conception rate goes down dramatically with decreased concentration.”

9. Semen bottles should be allowed to cool. After it leaves the boar’s body it is roughly 100-degrees so he says to carefully put bottles on a tray with a towel over the top and allow the semen to cool down to room temperature. Once cool, semen should be stored long term at 17-degrees Celsius. Hendrickson says to have a semen refrigerator or a wine fridge in the breeding facility that can be adjusted.

10. Be sure to label each bottle and keep track of the boar it’s from.

11. Clean the equipment using a mild soap. No strong detergents or harsh soaps like Joy should be used because they don’t rinse off easily. Rinsing all equipment with water is best.

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Sale | 3.21.19 | showpig.com e h t ly n o g Collectin for you!

Best

All proceeds from this annual auction support the Texas Pork Producer’s scholarship fund and non-checkoff programs. By supporting this auction you aren’t just buying semen, you are helping the youth of the pork industry achieve their goals and ultimately contributing to the lasting success of our industry.

Check out showpig.com for details regarding the sale and all sale lots.

{Elite Genetics. 35 Boar Studs. Hottest Sires.} Contact Texas Pork Producers Association | 512.262.0595 Showpig.com | 614.407.0627

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April August

March July

February June

January May

December April

November March

October February

September January

August December

July November

June October

May September

SWINE GESTATION TABLE • 114 DAYS

Whether you’re on a commercial farm or raising showpigs, much of the same husbandry practices remain true. Attention to individual pigs is important to the health of the overall herd.

By Elise Toohill, DVM, Carthage Veterinary Service LTD The first few weeks after the weaning period are critical in the pig’s life to determine its ability to grow, gain weight and ultimately become profitable for your operation. Pigs with a higher average daily gain in the first week of life tend to be bigger at the end of nursery and reach market weights faster. Focus on these 5 commandments of starting wean pigs to get your next group off to a good start.

The piglet’s body composition is made up of 70% water and water not only drives feed intake, it is also important for biological functions like immune function and temperature regulations. It is vital that piglets can easily find and access water as they enter their new environment. Be sure your water delivery system is along the gate line so pigs bump into it as they explore their pens. Set it up at a height that pigs can easily find it and fill cups and bowls with water until pigs learn how to hit the nipple themselves. Target 15 to 25 pigs per water space and consider removable water delivery systems designed for the first few weeks like nipple bars or troughs. Watch your water pressure and flow rate to be sure it is high enough that water flows easily (19 ounces per minute) but not too high to scare pigs away from the drinker. Several studies have documented that about half of piglets do not even take a drink of water in the first 24 hours. Electrolytes and plasma products can boost the hydration power of the water and/or fill their guts faster in those pigs that may be disadvantaged.

The key to getting pigs eating right away is to remember what their first few weeks of life were like. The sow lets her milk down about once an hour and rolls over and grunts “or calls” the litter to eat. As we start pigs on solid feed in a new environment it is important to mimic what we can from their life on the sow. Easy access to feed is critical and setting up feeders to be slightly loose (typically 50% to 70% pan coverage depending on feeder design and feed composition) helps the pigs get a bite even if they get close to the feeder. Adjust the feeders daily as the setting often changes with the various nursery diets and as pigs learn to eat. Providing small amounts of feed (about 0.5 to 1 pound) on mats multiple times a day “calls the pigs” to eat just like the sow did and trains them to eat on their own.

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Highly palatable and digestible starter feeds ease the transition from milk to solid feed and appease the pig’s senses (taste and smell) to attract them to the new diet. Pigs have an extremely strong sense of taste and smell, so keep the feeders clean and free of spoiled or moldy feed.

Appropriate ventilation for wean pigs is a delicate balance of keeping them warm enough while keeping the environment dry. A critical component of getting the right temperature for each pig is providing zone heating through brooders or heat lamps over mats. Have enough mats (about 0.5 square feet per pig) to allow all pigs to lay on the mat comfortably to minimize drafts and cool air that comes up from the pits and position the tube heat, brooders or heat lamps to reach 85 to 90 degrees F in the center of the mat. This allows smaller pigs to lay toward the center to get the heat they need and large pigs to lay on the outside of the mats. Targeting 50% to 60% humidity ensures proper air exchange and removes build-up of gases, bacteria and viruses from the environment. Observe the laying pattern of pigs right away when you walk in the barn to determine if they are too cold (huddling) or too warm (laying away from the heat lamps/brooders) and where they are laying to identify potential drafts or problem areas.

Just as you observe the environment every day, it is important to evaluate each pig individually every day to determine if it is getting all the nutrients it needs or is showing signs of disease. Most pigs I see in the first two weeks after weaning do not need a treatment to get them going, they simply need to be placed in an environment with less competition and appropriate access to feed. Nutritional fallouts are pigs that do not have gut fill and may be in poor body condition (visible spine, hip bones and ribs) and don’t have any other obvious signs of disease. Pull these pigs to intensive care pens and provide gruel multiple times per day. Start with a gruel that is mostly water (70% water, 30% feed) to encourage water intake and transition to mostly feed over seven days. The goal is to get the pigs back on dry feed so be sure to focus on the transition. Just like mat feeding, do not feed too much at one time to ensure the feed does not spoil and to encourage pigs to find the feeder. These are to be supplements to stimulate intake but can’t be their sole source of nutrition for successful recovery.

Look for clinical signs of disease such as coughing, thumping, snotty noses, depression, diarrhea, inflamed rectum, lameness, swollen joints, head tilt and/or walking in circles. All of these indicate a virus or bacteria is causing disease and work with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate course of action. Keep track of how many pigs are showing these signs each day to determine if mass medication is warranted or if the disease can be managed individually.

Early identification and treatment of disease is vital for success rate and minimizing chronic issues later in the nursery.

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