Producer Connection

PRODUCER CONNECTION

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TEXAS PORK PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION • VOLUME 3, NUMBER 1

THE FINAL FEED WITH A BURST OF MoorMan’s® ShowTec®

Final Burst

(No. 24440AAAE4)

POWER

This complete, mini-pelleted, non-medicated feed provides 21.5% protein, 6.5% fat and 1.5% lysine. It is the perfect feed to give pigs in the latter stage of finishing (150 lb to show) the last final burst of power combined with the winning look needed to go home with a banner.

r for e w o p e l c s u M e the final driv Not enough muscle and too much cover?

Get rapid, efficient muscle deposition with MoorMan’s ShowTec Finisher TY/Paylean®* (No. 11256AB). Complete, pelleted feed containing Paylean in combination with Tylan®* (no withdrawal). Provides 18% protein, 2.5% fat, and 1% lysine. *Not trademarks of ADM.

www.admani.com/MoorMansShowTec • 866-666-7626 • AN_ShowFeedHelp@adm.com

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What’s in this issue 12

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Best job in the World ADM’s Bruce McClain, has spent his life in the swine industry and the last 25 years developing MoorMan’s ShowTec products for showpigs. Read along as this innovative leader shares why he truly believes he has the best job in the world.

Certified Texas Bred Registry The CTBR program is growing stronger every year and providing a great impact for Texas breeders and 4-H / FFA youth. We break down the TPPA’s number one program and feature the supportive individuals that made it a great success.

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Spotlight in Extension The Texas Pork Producers Association is thankful to work with individuals such as Justin Hansard, Montague County Extension Agent. Mr. Hansard has been a leader for years, and is always willing to lend a helping hand with events such as skillathons and the TPPA Youth Symposium.

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“See What You Feel” Farrowing Guide Be sure to keep this handy guide in your farrowing barn this year.

Easy to understand diagrams show reproductive anatomy, normal and abnormal delivery positions and common difficulties. Plus, this guide features manual delivery techniques that can aid in the process.

Check It Out 6 9 10 16 20 22 40 52 63 64 72

Texas Animal Health Commission Market Report Advertising Rates Industry News Capitol Report Crockpot Recipes Major Show Weight Breaks Youth Pork Camp Information TVMDL Update Ask The Expert Advertisers Index

On The Cover:

Winning performance is a priority and a tradition with ADM Animal Nutrition.

That’s why exhibitors and breeders choose MoorMan’s ShowTec show feed products. Proven performance from Innovative Nutrition is evident in the many champions fed MoorMan’s ShowTec products.

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A few words from your TPPA Intern... u go. Sometimes you yo as n ar le u yo e nc da a ’s “Life sometimes you follow.”

lead,

because he must be a pretty smart man, and rds wo se the g san ce on journeys, goals, A popular country singer Each New Year brings new ys. wa ny ma so in e tru gs all at this statement rin nerve racking, and liberating g, itin exc are ese Th es. ng often life pops accomplishments and challe als, dreams and plans, but so go e hav us of h eac y, all ion this the same time. Addit ing the detailed planner I am Be rs. ou ust adj n the st mu we me these up with it’s own agenda and come to appreciate and welco e hav I rs yea few t pas the in ng experiences used to frustrate me, but ause many of the most amazi bec is son rea e Th ns. tur and ered. unexpected twists ulted from “my plan” being alt res e hav th, wi me d sse ble m. I could go and opportunities that God has the Texas Pork Producers tea of t par a ng bei is es enc eri One of these great exp rtunity but there really isn’t a po op s thi to me ht ug bro t tha h of Texas into detail about the curvy pat y to work the pork producers nit rtu po op the ing hav t tha is ng with this reason. The bottom line and benefitting from. By worki ing oy enj ly gh rou tho am I t kid tha is an experience ll set, but this Arkansas cattle ski my ved pro im and ned ho it. For this and association I have not only ustry and those individuals in ind g ho the for e lov nd fou has developed new ul. much more, I am truly gratef ividual journey, the each of us are on our own ind ile Wh . int po d on sec my to er and This brings me allow our paths to wind togeth er, off PA TP e lik s up gro t plishing goals comradery and support tha ociation goals as one. Accom ass and al son per r ou ch u rea ultimately help us knowing that through TPPA yo g lin fee at gre a it ’t isn t bu , and more on our own is certainly possible ke reaching your goals easier ma t tha s rce ou res and s nd ited access to the have a network of frie s of TPPA, you have unlim cer du pro and ers mb me t that the rewarding? As your operation become that bes and u yo p hel can t tha ple leadership, education and peo antage. it can be, so use it to your adv always be t step in your dance, you can nex the ow kn t no t gh mi u and friendship of So remember, while yo ch of you have the support Ea ne. alo g cin dan t no are th our u assured that yo y, as we enter the New Year wi all Fin d.

Go y ntl rta po im st and always TPPA, its members and mo to lead, know when to follow en wh ow kn , nd mi r ou on sh goals and dreams fre enjoy the dance.

Good Luck and God Bless,

Cassie Godwin

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Follow TPPA: facebook twitter February / March 2016 TPPA Mission Statement “Education. Advocacy. Promotion. The Texas Pork Producers Association is dedicated to the advancement of a sustainable and profitable pork industry.”

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

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

THE OFFICE LOCATION HAS MOVED TO KYLE, TX. PLEASE UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION. We no longer have the 800 Number Texas Pork Producers Association 151-A Kirkham Circle Kyle, TX 78640 512-262-0595 - Phone 512-262-0582 - Fax tppa@texaspork.org www.texaspork.org

UPCOMING EVENTS FEBRUARY 1st ~ TPPA Summer Intern Applications Due 3rd - 5th ~ Fort Worth Barrow Show 10th ~ San Antonio Swine Skillathon Contest 11th - 12th ~ San Antonio Junior Breeding Gilt Show 12th - 13th ~ San Angelo CTBR Texas Stars & Open Gilt Show 16th ~ San Angelo CTBR Texas Stars Gilt Sale 20th ~ NJSA Bootcamp, Ames, IA 20th - 25th ~ San Antonio Barrow Show 20th - 27th ~ National FFA Week

MARCH 2nd - 5th ~ NSR Southwest Type Conference, Belton, TX 3rd - 5th ~ Houston Gilt Show 10th - 13th ~ NJSA Western Regional, Turlock, CA 12th - 17th ~ Houston Barrow Show 19th - 20th ~ Star of Texas Barrow Show, Austin, TX 25th ~ Producer Connection Advertisement Deadline

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

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

BOARD OF DIRECTORS STAFF

President - Kyle Stephens, Amarillo

Kurt Kelso, Seguin David Kempen, San Angelo Barret Klein, Boerne Cody McCleery, Weatherford Robert Peffley, Miami Chuck Real, Marion Ewrin Schwartz, Jr., San Angelo Josh Krohn, Lamesa Wayne Harman, Perryton Doug Schaefer, Garden City

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

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

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NEWS RELEASE

Texas Animal Health Commission

“Serving Texas Animal Agriculture Since 1893” Andy Schwartz, DVM ● Interim Executive Director P.O. Box l2966 ● Austin, Texas 78711 ● (800) 550-8242 http://www.tahc.texas.gov

For more information contact the Communications Dept. at 512-719-0728 or at thomas.swafford@tahc.texas.gov

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 5, 2016

TAHC Coordinates Response Efforts to Winter Storm Goliath

AUSTIN, TX – In the aftermath of Winter Storm Goliath, the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) continues to work with industry and state agency partners in response and recovery efforts in the northwest part of the Texas Panhandle.

TAHC has been engaged in coordination efforts since the storm hit Texas on December 26, 2015. Livestock producers in this region were severely impacted by blizzard conditions with wind gusts reaching up to 80 MPH and snow accumulating over 20 inches in a 48-hour period.

TAHC Horseback Emergency Response Team has been conducting searches and identifying lost cattle while coordinating their efforts with local county officials and the Texas Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) Special Rangers.

“The biggest challenge is yet to come; animal production losses will put a strain on all facets of the industry, but we are doing everything we can to make sure the Texas livestock industry will overcome this,” said Dr. David Finch, TAHC Region 1 Director.

A Joint Information Center (JIC) was activated on Wednesday December 30, 2015, by the TAHC to coordinate all Texas Panhandle incident-related public information activities regarding Winter Storm Goliath.

The TAHC is the state’s lead agency for all animal issues during disasters. The agency assists local jurisdictions with damage assessments, animal identification, and with the care, evacuation and sheltering of animals during and after disasters.

Animal needs assessment operations can be facilitated at the request of the local community. The TAHC also supports carcass disposal activities and works in partnership with veterinary stakeholders, fellow state agencies and industry groups.

Industry groups such as Texas Dairy Association, Texas Cattle Feeders Association, Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA), Independent Cattlemen Association (ICA), Texas Pork Producers Association (TPPA), Texas Poultry Federation and Texas Farm Bureau have all been involved with coordinating response plans. State and federal partners also responding include Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM), Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency Team, Office of the Governor, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Texas Veterinarian Medical Association(TVMA).

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WINTER STORMS AND YOUR LIVESTOCK Natural Disasters Winter storms can be stressful to livestock, especially those kept outdoors. Wind chills and prolonged cold increases their need for shelter, food and water. Dehydration can be a great hazard during winter storms. Prepare now to protect your livestock during winter storms.

• Provide water. □ Remove ice buildup around waterers. □ Use heaters in water tanks. □ If pipes freeze or power is out you may need to haul water to animals.

Before a Winter Storm

• Provide shelter. □ If possible, move animals to an indoor shelter or building, especially the young. □ Provide additional bedding to keep animals insulated from the ground and keep them dry. □ Place sand or other non-toxic gritty material on icy feedlots to provide good footing. □ Ensure heaters are working properly and are located in an area with adequate ventilation.

• Develop an emergency plan of action. □ How will you get feed supplies in the case of road closures? □ How will you supply water with freezing temperatures? □ Plan ahead for emergency or alternative heat sources (e.g., for poultry facilities). □ How will a power outage or fuel shortage impact the care and well-being of my livestock? What back up plan would you use? □ Have well maintained backup generators for livestock production operations. □ How will needed services (e.g., milk pickup) be provided?

Or what will you do if needed services are not provided due to road closures?

• Maintain an inventory. □ Keep a current list of all animals on your farm. □ Include their location and any records of vaccinations, testing and ownership. □ Make sure animals have some form of permanent identification (e.g., ear tags, tattoos). □ Establish a list of suppliers, truckers, and people that can help with the animals, if needed.

• Set up shelter or windbreak areas for animals kept outdoors. □ Shallow open front sheds □ Windbreaks or timber-covered lowlands □ Solid sided feed wagons can serve as temporary wind protection; place plywood or bales of straw under wagon to block the wind.

• Winterize any building that may provide shelter for your livestock. □ Check roof structure and stability to hold the heavy weight of accumulated snow and ice. □ Repair any roof leaks. □ Install storm shutters, doors, and windows.

During a Winter Storm • Provide food. □ Haul extra feed to feeding areas. □ Check mechanized feeders in case of power outages; provide for emergency feeding procedures. □ Provide enough space for all animals to get to the feed.

For more information and resources, see www.Prep4AgThreats.org

• Ensure adequate ventilation in the building. □ If mechanically ventilated facilities are not functioning properly, animals could suffocate from lack of oxygen. □ Open vents to facilitate natural air flow. □ Clear ice and snow from vents.

After a Winter Storm • Animal disposal. □ Record any animal deaths. □ Check with your state or local authorities for proper disposal methods for animal carcasses.

• Check fences and buildings for damage from downed tree branches, contact with downed power lines, or inoperable electric fencing.

• Monitor animals daily for signs of illness dehydration, frostbite or hypothermia. □ If any of these conditions are suspected, SEEK VETERINARY CARE IMMEDIATELY!

Cold-Related Illnesses • Frostbite □ Extremities (ears, tail) are particularly subject to frostbite.

Male reproductive organs may be affected and impair animal fertility. Frozen or chapped teats will impact milk production. □ Signs may not be immediately obvious or show for several days and may include white, waxy or pale appearance to affected area, sioughing of freeze-damaged tissue.

• Hypothermia □ Signs: extreme shivering • increased respiration • confused, erratic or clumsy behavior; especially young animals.

Development of this educational material was by the Center for Food Security and Public Health with funding from the Multi-State Partnership for Security in Agriculture MOU-2010-HSEMD-004. June 2010

June 2010

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2016 Spring Buyers Guide

to be Featured in the April/May Producer Connection This magazine will be distributed to all Ag Chapters and Extension offices in the state of Texas and available to be viewed online.

Advertise your pigs for the late summer and early fall shows. The 2016 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, 2016.

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Amarillo

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

Option 1 Place an advertisement in the April / May issue Fourth Page or larger and be listed for FREE.

24 11 Lubbock

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Fort Worth

2 Midland

1

Dallas

22

16

18

15 20

12

3 Waco

14 7

9 17

(Must still complete the form below)

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Option 2 Complete & submit the form below and submit $50 to TPPA by March 25th.

10 25

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Austin Houston

San Antonio

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4

Corpus Christi

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Please make checks payable to TPPA. If payment is not received by March 25th 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 8

Announcing an Upcoming

ONLINE SEMEN AUCTION benefitting TPPA noncheckoff programs.

Rather than the annual semen auction to take place during the summer conference, this year TPPA will have an online semen auction.

The auction will feature semen from the top boar studs in Texas & across the country. It will take place on showpig.com in March.

DETAILS TO COME SOON!

Market News Wiechman Pig Company

January 28, 2016 (Daily Buying Station) Top Butchers (200-300 lbs.) - $37.87/cwt.

Sows (<450 lbs.) - $0.23 /lb.

Sows (450-500 lbs.) - $0.23 /lb.

Sows (500-550 lbs.) - $0.31 /lb.

Sows (550-600 lbs.) - $0.31 /lb.

Sows (600+ lbs.) - $0.31 /lb.

Big Boars - $6.00 /cwt.

Gainesville Livestock Auction January 19, 2016

#1 Butchers (230-270 lbs.) - $0.45 - $0.60/lb. #2 Butchers (220-280 lbs.) - $0.40 - $0.45/lb.

Sows (<400 lbs.) - $0.15 - $0.22/lb.

Sows (400-500 lbs.) - $0.15 - $0.20/lb.

Sows (500-700 lbs.) - $0.15 - $0.20/lb.

Feeder Pigs (25-90 lbs.) - $0.35 - $0.60/lb.

Feeder Pigs (100-175 lbs.) - $0.45 - $0.80/lb.

Boars (<200 lbs.) - $0.20 - $0.40/lb.

Boars (200-300 lbs.) - $0.05 - $0.12/lb.

Boars (300+ lbs.) - $0.05 - $0.12/lb.

Brenham Livestock Auction January 22, 2016

Butchers 1-2 Grade (230-260 lbs.) - $0.45 - $0.50/lb.

Butchers 2-3 Grade (225-275 lbs.) - $0.40 - $0.45/lb.

Butchers 3-4 Grade (225-275 lbs.) - $0.35 - $0.40/lb.

Packer Sows 1-2 Grade (550-700 lbs.) - $0.30 - $0.32/lb.

Packer Sows 2-3 Grade (350-500 lbs.) - $0.25 - $0.28/lb.

Packer Sows 3-4 Grade (250-500 lbs.) - $0.22 - $0.25/lb.

Lightweight Boars - $25.00 - $30.00/hd.

Feeder Pigs 1-2 Grade (40-80 lbs.) - $0.80 - $0.85/lb.

Feeder Pigs 2-3 Grade (40-80 lbs.) - $0.76 - $0.80/lb.

Seguin Cattle Company January 26, 2016

Be sure to get

Elite Genetics and support TPPA!

#1 Butchers - $0.42 - $0.45/lb. #2 Butchers - $0.40 - $0.42/lb.

Feeder Pigs - $0.50 - $0.75 / lb.

Sows - $0.20 - $0.30/lb.

Feeder Shoats - $0.45 - $0.50/lb.

Watch your e-mail for the weekly Market Report 9

Don’t get lost in the sea... advertise with

Reasons to advertise...

TPPA

◆ Total Distribution: 5,000 ◆ Total Reach: Immeasurable ◆ Features Spring Buyers Guide ◆ Goes to ALL Texas FFA chapters and County Extension Agents! ◆ More personalized exposure for your livestock!

April / May Advertisements Due: March 25, 2016 Mail Date: April 10, 2016

Advertisement Rates Full Page Half Page Third Page Fourth Page Business Card

TEXAS PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION 10

$400 $275 $200 $150 $75

Cassidy Smith

csmith@texaspork.org 512.262.0595

LET US HELP WITH YOUR MARKETING TPPA can help you design a marketing plan to fit your needs.

The Producer Connection is a bi-monthly publication sent to active members of the Texas Pork Producers Association. This publication includes information on current pork related events and youth programs and news & updates on issues in our industry, not only in Texas but nationwide. Scheduled publication months include February, April, June, August, October and December.

UPCOMING ISSUES ISSUE

MAIL DATE

AD DEADLINE

DISTRIBUTION

February / March

February 1, 2016

January 15, 2016

TPPA Members, All Texas Major Shows, various events throughout Texas.

April / May

April 10, 2016

March 25, 2016

TPPA Members, Texas Ag Teachers, County Extension Agents, and various events throughout Texas.

June / July

June 1, 2016

May 15, 2016

TPPA Members, Texas Pork Industry Conference, Summer shows, clinics, and various events throughout Texas.

August / September

August 10, 2016

July 25, 2016

TPPA Members, Texas Ag Teachers, County Extension Agents, and various events throughout Texas.

October / November

October 1, 2016

September 15, 2016

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

December / January

December 1, 2016

November 15, 2016

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

Stock Show Edition

Spring Buyers Guide & Show Results Conference Information Show Pig Sales & TPPA Event Wrap-up National Pork Month Holiday Season

FIND US

ADVERTISING RATES & REQUIREMENTS Full Page $400

Half Page $275

Third Page $200

Fourth Page $150

Business Card $75

Facebook

Twitter

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3.68” x 4.93”

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3.5” x 2”

Full and Half Page ads require a bleed. With the exception of the background, content (type, photos, or logos) should not extend into 0.5” margin surrounding the edges. This area is trimmed during printing / binding. TPPA is not responsible for content in this area that is trimmed. Please contact us for special sized ads and other printing options.

SUBSCRIBE LENGTH

PRICE

SPECIALTY PAGES

Single Issue

$10

Front Inside Cover, Facing Front Inside Cover, Back Cover, Inside Back Cover, Facing Inside Back Cover and other specialty pages for 2017 will be reserved based on a bid-off process held in conjunction with the FUN Auction during the Annual Conference on July 9, 2016.

One Year

$40

Two Year

$70 11

The Best Job in the World

I

’m Bruce McClain. I head up MoorMan’s® ShowTec® at ADM Animal Nutrition™. I believe I have the best job in the world and here’s why.

We all know how fulfilling it is to be involved in the show world, where we see the best and brightest young people striving to do their best and be their best. I could not have the same outlook on the future if I only watched the nightly news and didn’t witness the dedication and confidence exhibited by the next generation of our rural youth. What a great situation where these young people can work under the watchful eye of their parents, grandparents and other great role models! As they work together on projects and care for the needs of their animals, the past and present generations are able to pass on valuable lessons to the next generation. To this day, the lessons I learned in my youth on the farm— from my parents, grandparents and other relatives and neighbors in our farm community, along with training and encouragement from my FFA advisor and 4-H leader—continue to serve me daily in my professional and personal life.

Responsibility, nurturing of animals, making sacrifices, the satisfaction of doing your best regardless of the outcome and, yes, learning to compete to win, all impart life lessons regardless of the chosen career path. We get it. We know that not everyone walks away with a champion banner.

We also know that there is so much to gain from working hard, doing your best and learning from the experience, and coming back even better “next time” is a fantastic win in and of itself. That is one of the reasons I believe I have the best job in the world.

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Another reason I believe I have the best job in the world is because I get to partner with the best people in the world on our MoorMan’s ShowTec team. Our extended team includes all ADM Animal Nutrition sales people and dealers that work to serve our customers. You probably know some or all of our base team members that have worked in Texas in the last few months ̶—Tony Ballinger, Dr. Rick Balsbaugh, Linn Bledsoe, Krisha Custis, Mark Daniel, Josh Elkins, Kaylee Keppy, Mona Klein, Tadd Knight, Kent Lewis, Mark McMillan, Laura Meyer, James Scifres, Al Schminke, Dr. Jen Schutz, Wes Stribling, Rex Swearingen and Todd Young. Their knowledge, dedication and passion to serve our customers along with their dedication and positive contributions to the industry are beyond words, and I am humbled to be able to work alongside them.

Bruce McClain ShowTec & Wildlife Business Manager

I also believe I have the best job in the world because ADM offers the best products. Quality is a keystone in our foundation that we hold dear.

And high-quality show products lead to consistent results. Using the best and unique ingredients combined with experienced formulation expertise leads to better results. Brian Schenck, who has been our primary show product formulator for almost 30 years, and Alex Drescher are instrumental to ensuring we maintain high-quality, resultsgenerating products and develop even better new products. Actually, our key “formulator” is the pig and its physiology. It is critical that we not only understand how specific ingredients and formulas will affect a pig’s appearance but also the “quality” of the pig. Formulation expertise is simply not just standard swine nutrition based on best feed conversion and rate of gain and least cost that rule in the commercial swine world. I work every day to ensure we live up to the tradition and strength of our MoorMan’s ShowTec brand.

Finally, I believe I have the best job in the world because I get to work with the best customers in the world. They, too, are part of our MoorMan’s ShowTec team. Our customers help us grow and become better, and it is an honor to serve them.

We are proud to be the new title sponsor of the Certified Texas Bred Registry, which is just one more way for ADM to serve a great industry and outstanding people. That’s why I believe I have the best job in the world.

Dr. Bruce McClain has worked in the swine industry for over 50 years, starting with his first “pig project” . . . a runt that he raised and sold in order to purchase two purebred Duroc gilts.

He obtained a doctor of veterinary medicine from Purdue University and a master’s in business administration from Washington University.

For nearly 25 years, he has worked to develop MoorMan’s ShowTec products for show pigs.

MoorMan’s®, ShowTec® and ADM Animal I believe I have the best job in the world because Nutrition™ are trademarks of Archer Daniels as part of ADM we are supported by its massive Midland Company. strength. ADM’s breadth and depth of knowledge of ingredients and ability to understand and source ingredients have been critical to our advancements in the use of unique, functional ingredients in show products, giving a distinctive advantage to our customers. This factor, combined with our one-of-a-kind feed technology group, allows us to offer innovative products to our customers— products that I don’t see how anyone else could deliver without ADM’s resources.

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texaspork.org

! d e z i ecogn

R e b ve to

er s e D You

Jim McManigal / Chuck Real Outstanding Swine Volunteer Award

The Jim McManigal / Chuck Real Outstanding Swine Volunteer Award is to recognize outstanding adult volunteers who have shown excellent involvement and contributions to the FFA and 4-H swine programs on the local level. Producers are encouraged to nominate individuals for this award. All applications are reviewed and selection is determined by the TPPA Awards Committee.

Nomination Process: â&#x20AC;˘ Nominations will be accepted from current members of the TPPA. â&#x20AC;˘ Nominations consist of a letter of recommendation describing the level of involvement and contribution to the FFA and 4-H Swine Programs, in addition to the form found online.

Additional letters of support or verification will be accepted and considered.

Texas Heritage Pig Production Award

Has your family been in pig production for 50 years or more?

Apply now for the Texas Heritage Pig Production Award

OWNERSHIP / PRODUCTION REQUIREMENTS 1. Pigs must have been continuously owned and produced by family members for two or more generations for at least 50 years.

2. The line of ownership from the first family member producing pigs to the current owner(s) may be through wives, husbands, children, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles and cousins. Adopted children will be recognized equally with biological children. The line of ownership and approximate dates of ownership need to be included in the application.

3. Any pig production that has been sold or is in the process of being sold or leased to a non-relative is ineligible.

4. Owner or co-owner must actively manage and direct the everyday pig operation of the farm. Absentee ownership of production does not qualify.

Applications are available at

TEXASPORK.ORG Deadline:

MAY 1, 2016

Texas Heritage Pig Production and the Jim McManigal / Chuck Real Outstanding Swine Volunteer Awards will be presented at the Awards Banquet held in conjunction with the Texas Pork Industry Conference on July 16th in Kerrville, Texas.

TEXAS PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION 15

News from the

National Pork Board ISSUES UPDATED SWINE ENTERIC CORONAVIRUS DISEASE FEDERAL ORDER

TheU.S.DepartmentofAgriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Monday announced a change to the federal order on Swine Enteric Coronavirus Diseases (SECD), which include Porcine Endemic Diarrhea Virus, focusing on reassuring that funds will be available to provide diagnostic testing throughout the rest of the winter. Veterinarians, diagnostic laboratories and producers will continue to be responsible for reporting positive findings of SECD, and Disease Reporting Officers will still follow up on the reports of positive laboratory results to determine if herds have clinical disease. Reimbursements to producers for biosecurity, such as disinfectants and truck washes, will be discontinued. Producers will no longer need to develop a herd management plan with their veterinarian to be submitted to the state or federal veterinary authorities.

Since a herd plan is no longer required, reimbursements for such plans will cease. USDA’s improvements have enabled more accurate and timely information collection of SECD cases, leading to a better understanding of the disease and development of effective containment measures to prevent further cases from appearing.

NEW DIETARY GUIDELINES KEEP MEAT ON THE PLATE, FOCUS ON DIET, NUTRITION

The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services Thursday released the final 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and NPPC voiced support for them. A review of the guidelines shows they are narrowly focused on nutrition – much more so than previous iterations. The recommendation on consuming protein calls for “a variety of protein foods, including seafood, lean meats and poultry, eggs, legumes (beans and peas), and nuts, seeds, and soy products.” The Recommended Daily Allowances (RDAs) of various food groups are largely unchanged from the 2010 guidelines. The guidelines do recommend that less than 10 percent of daily calories 16

come from saturated fat and call out meat, processed meat and meat dishes as major sources of saturated fat. But the guidelines indicate that sticking to the RDAs should meet the recommendation on saturated fat. The guidelines also note that people aren’t getting enough potassium, calcium, vitamin D, iron and dietary fiber and single out meat as the best source of iron and pork as a source of vitamin D. The bottom line: Meat remains an important part of the American diet. The 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans do not contain any provisions that should drive federal, institutional or consumer shifts away from meat as the major protein source in diets, and they do not include extraneous matters, such as requiring food producers to meet sustainability standards or taxing certain foods as a way to reduce their consumption.

THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF A MEATLESS DIET

Women’s Health recently published an article on the side effects of vegetarianism and, while many followers of this diet sing its praises, the reality is that panic attacks, OCD, depression, and other symptoms can occur when traveling down the sad road of going meatless. “I hear from vegetarians every day; they have this terrible depression and anxiety, and they don’t understand why,” says Lierre Keith, author of The Vegetarian Myth. “People think they’re eating a beautiful, righteous diet, but they don’t realize there’s a potential dark side.” The pork industry has provided recommendations on healthy eating in collaboration with the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for America. NPB states that eating meat promotes satiety and preserves lean muscle mass and including lean meat in diets can help adults prevent or manage chronic illnesses such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and hypertension. On the issue of sustainability, according to North Carolina research firm Camco, compared with 50 years ago, U.S. pork producers today are using 78 percent less land and 45 percent less water to produce a pound of pork and have a 35 percent smaller carbon footprint.

SPREAD OF SWINE DISEASES IN U.S. SLOWING

The director of the Swine Health Information Center says there are fewer cases of three significant diseases in the U.S. hog herd. Dr. Paul Sundberg tells Brownfield the spread of PEDv has slowed significantly in the past 18 months partly because of increased biosecurity efforts, and the number of pigs affected by Seneca Valley is down too.

“It’s not zero. We always get notification of these cases, but the epidemiological curve if-you-will peaked in July and August and then started on its way back down.”

He says Seneca Valley traditionally shows up in the summer and goes away in the winter, whereas PEDv seems to be more contagious in cold weather.

There are also sporadic cases of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome, or PRRS. “Different variance of PRRS are causing different problems in different parts of the country. Historically, when you look year-to-year, with the outbreaks over the fall and winter that you would expect…we’re going down.”

He says the variance in diseases make them difficult to control, but the hog industry is getting better at protecting animal health.

STRONG LITTER RATE INCREASE, BREEDING ANIMAL INVENTORY EXPANSION COMING

The December 1 swine inventories published by USDA on December 23, 2015, in the Quarterly Hogs and Pigs showed the same increases in each animal category: All hogs and pigs (+1 percent), breeding herd (+1 percent) and market hogs (+1 percent). The breeding herd, at 6.002 million head, was the largest since December 2008.

Based on average breeding herd, an industry expansion began during 2011. Comparing the December 1, 2015, breeding inventory with the breeding inventory on December 1, 2010, the number of animals kept for breeding has increased by almost 225,000 head.

The larger breeding inventory on December 1, 2015, is not likely to

buck the strong downward secular trend in breeding animal numbers established in the mid-1990s. The figure below shows how breeding animal inventories have declined at the same time that pig crops have increased. This is due primarily to significant increases in breeding animal productivity, i.e., increases in litter rates.

Litter rates will likely continue to be a key factor driving U.S. pork production in 2016. Commercial pork production is forecast at almost 25 billion pounds, a 2- percent increase from last year, despite slightly lower first-half 2016 farrowing intentions stated in the December report. Lower farrowings—1 percent below firsthalf 2015—are expected to be more than offset by continuing-strong litter rates and slightly higher hog weights.

For 2016, the average price of live equivalent 51-52 percent lean hogs is expected to be $46-$49 per cwt, more than 5 percent below prices in 2015.

PORK CRISIS ALERT TEXT SERVICE ANNOUNCED

The National Pork Board introduced a pork industry crisis text news service, Pork Crisis Alert, which will immediately deliver essential information to U.S. pork producers in the event of a major industry-wide emergency.

When a pork industry-wide emergency is declared, Pork Crisis Alert will text instructions to farmers alerting them on how to access information and other critical resources online or by calling the Pork Checkoff Service Center at 800-456-7675. Pork Crisis Alert is just one element of the Pork Checkoff’s overall risk management program, defined in the strategic plan introduced early in 2015.

Pork Crisis Alert texts will be used strictly in the event of a true industrywide emergency and will never be used for activities unrelated to emergency communications. This database of subscribers will never be used for marketing or shared with any third parties. The system will also be tested twice each year to ensure operational accuracy for the pig farmers who enroll in the program.

To sign up to receive the alerts, producers need to text “PorkCrisis” to 97296. “I encourage all pork producers and farm employees to optin to receive these important alerts.

The program is like insurance in the sense that, while we hope we never

need it, it is reassuring to have state-ofthe-art communications resources at our fingertips,” NPB President Derrick Sleezer says.

The service is free of charge to all participants, however, message and data rates may apply, depending on the individual’s personal or business cellular phone plan. For more information about Pork Crisis Alerts, call the Pork Checkoff Service Center, 800-456-7675. Those who opt in may cancel at any time.

BIOTECHNOLOGY FIRM DEVELOPS FIRST PIGS RESISTANT TO PRRS VIRUS

Genus, in collaboration with the University of Missouri, this week announced it has developed the first pigs resistant to Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSv). Specifically, they were able to breed pigs that do not produce a protein necessary for the virus to spread. Damages from PRRSv, which is incurable, costs American farmers upwards of $600 million each year.

PRRSv can cause animal reproductive failure, reduced growth and premature death. The University of Missouri has signed a global licensing deal for future commercialization with Genus.

If development continues, Genus will seek approvals and registration from governments before a wider market release. Genus expects that it will be at least five years until PRRS resistant animals will be available to farmers.

LIVESTOCK SLAUGHTER: RECORD HIGH PORK PRODUCTION IN DECEMBER

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.27 billion pounds in December, up 3 percent from the 4.14 billion pounds produced in December 2014.

Pork production totaled 2.21 billion pounds, up 4 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 10.36 million head, up 5 percent from December 2014. The average live weight was down 1 pound from the previous year, at 285 pounds.

Beef production, at 2.05 billion pounds, was 2 percent above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.45 million head, up slightly from December 2014. The average live weight was up 25 pounds from the previous year, at 1,388 pounds.

Veal production totaled 7.8 million pounds, 2 percent above December a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 45,200

head, up 5 percent from December 2014. The average live weight was down 8 pounds from last year, at 295 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 13.2 million pounds, was down 1 percent from December 2014. Sheep slaughter totaled 199,600 head, slightly above last year. The average live weight was 132 pounds, down 2 pounds from December a year ago.

January to December 2015 commercial red meat production was 48.4 billion pounds, up 2 percent from 2014. Accumulated beef production was down 2 percent from last year, veal was down 12 percent, pork was up 7 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down 3 percent.

CHIPOTLE’S OWN STAKEHOLDERS FILE LAWSUIT

Chipotle, the fast-food firm that has been highly critical of modern agricultural production and that touts its “locally sourced” meat and produce, is subject to a lawsuit filed by its own shareholders. The shareholders allege in the suit, filed in Manhattan federal court, that Chipotle executives made false or misleading statements about the company’s quality control operations and ability to protect the public from food-borne illnesses. The suit seeks class action status. Chipotle’s stock continues to plunge, with shares recently falling to a one-year low of $413.29. The lawsuit comes on the heels of a federal criminal investigation filed Jan. 5 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and a U.S. attorney in California over an August norovirus outbreak at a restaurant in Simi Valley, Calif. The restaurant chain also has been dealing since October with two multi-state E.coli outbreaks.

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 adverising, consumer information, retial and food service, marketing, production improvement, technology, swine health, pork safety and environmental management.

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

17

News from the

National Pork Producers Council OBAMA’S VETO OF BILL INTRODUCED TO IMPROVE SIZE STANDARDS FOR SMALL FARMS

Reps. Steve Chabot, R-Ohio, and Nydia M. Velazquez, D-N.Y., introduced last week the “Defending America’s Small Contractors Act of 2016.” The bill would amend the Small Business Act to ensure that the language used is clear and consistent across federal procurement programs, to strengthen the small business advocates within the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and other federal agencies so they can promote competition and compliance and to improve opportunities for small businesses to compete for subcontracts. It would allow SBA to determine a standard for classifying agricultural operations as small businesses. Currently, the size standard for agricultural operations is not equivalent to those of other industries and does not provide clear outlines to determine what defines a small business.

CONGRESS REPEALS ‘COOL’ MEAT LABELING PROVISION

With the mid-December passage of a fiscal 2016 catch-all federal spending bill that includes repeal of the meat labeling provision of the U.S. Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) law, the United States avoided harmful retaliation from its two biggest trading partners. The National Pork Producers Council, which last week drafted and sent to congressional lawmakers a letter signed by 248 other organizations urging labeling repeal, welcomed the move.

The COOL statute requires meat to be labeled with the country where the animal from which it was derived was born, raised and harvested. (It also applies to fish, shellfish, fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables and certain nuts.)

Canada and Mexico brought cases against COOL to the World Trade Organization, which ruled that it violated U.S. international trade obligations, discriminating against Canadian and Mexican livestock sent to the United States to be fed out and 18

processed. The decision authorized Canada and Mexico to put retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods going to those countries – the No. 1 and No. 2 U.S. export markets. The WTO set the retaliation level at $1 billion annually.

Congress approved the so-called omnibus bill with language repealing the labeling provision for beef and pork, thus avoiding retaliation.

The Senate and House Agriculture Committee chairmen, Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan., and Rep. Michael Conaway, R-Texas, were instrumental in getting the repeal language added to the spending measure.

“America’s pork producers are grateful that lawmakers, particularly Chairman Roberts and Chairman Conaway, recognized the economic harm we faced from retaliation because of the WTO-illegal COOL law,” said NPPC President Dr. Ron Prestage, a veterinarian and pork producer from Camden, S.C. “I know tariffs on U.S. pork would have been devastating to me and other pork producers.”

According to Iowa State University economist Dermot Hayes, the average U.S. pork producer currently is losing money on each hog marketed, and those losses would have been exacerbated significantly under retaliation from Canada and Mexico.

SENATE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE APPROVES CHILD NUTRITION ACT REAUTHORIZATION

The Senate Agriculture Committee on Wednesday, January 20, approved the “Improving Child Nutrition Integrity and Access Act of 2016,” a bill to reauthorize the Child Nutrition Act. That law authorizes all federal child nutrition programs, including School Breakfast, National School Lunch, the Women, Infants and Children nutrition program and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm-to-School grant program. The most current authorization, the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, expired Sept. 30. The House Committee on Education and the Workforce, which has jurisdiction over the Child Nutrition Act, has yet to schedule a markup on the reauthorization bill.

RESOLUTION TO BLOCK ‘WOTUS’ RULE

The Senate on January 21 failed to open debate on an override of President Obama’s veto of a resolution to block the controversial Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule by a vote of 53-40. Under the Congressional Review Act, the resolution requires 60 votes to advance. The WOTUS regulation was proposed in April 2014 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to clarify the agencies’ authority under the Clean Water Act (CWA) over various waters. That jurisdiction – based on several U.S. Supreme Court decisions – included “navigable” waters and waters with a significant hydrologic connection to navigable waters. The rule broadened that to include, among other water bodies, upstream waters and intermittent and ephemeral streams such as the kind farmers use for drainage and irrigation. It also encompassed lands adjacent to such waters. Last week, the House approved on a 253-168 vote the resolution sponsored by Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, that overrules the CWA regulation. The resolution passed the Senate in November by a vote of 53-44. Opponents of the WOTUS rule are pursuing a legal remedy to stop the regulation. A federal appeals court in October temporarily halted implementation of the rule, which took effect Aug. 28, 2015. NPPC and other agricultural organizations, as well as the attorneys general of nearly 30 states brought lawsuits against the WOTUS rule. In their suit, NPPC and the other farm groups alleged, among other things, that EPA engaged in an advocacy campaign during the comment period, a violation of the federal Administrative Procedures Act. A U.S. Government Accountability Office investigation determined that the EPA illegally spent taxpayer dollars on “propaganda” and “grassroots lobbying efforts” in an effort to build support for the rule.

SOUTH AFRICA PARTIALLY LIFTS BAN ON U.S. PORK

The Obama administration Thursday announced that South Africa will open its market to U.S. pork, a move praised by NPPC, which has been working for a number of years with the governments in the United States and in Pretoria to lift a de facto ban on U.S. pork. NPPC has not yet seen the fine print of the agreement but understands that some restrictions may remain.

“While dropping the ban on U.S. pork is great progress,” said NPPC President Dr. Ron Prestage, a veterinarian and pork producer from Camden, S.C., “there is no scientific reason to restrict any of our pork, so we’ll continue to work with both governments to get complete access to the South African market.”

South Africa’s de facto ban on U.S. pork ostensibly was to prevent the spread of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) to South African livestock even though the risk of disease transmission from U.S. pork products was negligible.

There is no documented scientific case of PRRS being transmitted to domestic livestock through imported pork. Prestage noted that New Zealand, a PRRS-free nation, imported pork for 10 years from PRRS-positive countries without getting the disease.

LAWMAKERS URGE DELAY ON POSSIBLE NEW SLAUGHTER INSPECTION RULES

Sixty House lawmakers recently asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) to “delay a proposed modernization of hog slaughter inspection rule until the USDA addresses public health concerns related to the hog Hazard Analysis Critical Control Pointbased Inspection Model’s Project (HIMP).” The pilot project, started in 1998, shifted certain inspection responsibilities from federal to company employees in five market hog plants. Under HIMP, packers take greater responsibility for inspection processes with FSIS personnel validating their actions. HIMP is designed to provide a more efficient, focused, and effective food safety system. The lawmakers argued that the HIMP program should not be expanded to additional hog slaughter facilities until FSIS provides

assurance that removing federal inspectors would not lead to “process control shortcuts, increased fecal and other adulteration of meat products, higher incidences of microbial contamination, and ultimately, a rise in foodborne illness.” They also noted that results of the poultry HIMP program have yet to be analyzed, and raised concerns about worker safety and animal welfare. In 2013, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the USDA Office of Inspector General (OIG) issued reports questioning the HIMP program and concluded that FSIS “did not adequately oversee” the hog HIMP program. Although no specific timeline or rule has been issued, FSIS is currently analyzing data and performing a risk assessment to determine the benefit of proposed changes.

SENATE FAILS TO OVERRIDE AG GROUPS SUPPORT PORT PERFORMANCE PROVISION

NPPC, along with more than 50 agricultural and business groups, Thursday sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) concerning the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act. The FAST Act established a Port Performance Statistics Program that requires BTS to establish a working group of privateand public-sector participants to develop a set of metrics on port marine terminal productivity, using the results as an early warning system for determining when ports stop operating normally and for when the federal government needs to step in to protect the economy.

Outlined in the letter were suggested key performance indicators (KPI) to be developed, including metrics for activities at shipping berths, activities within marine terminal yards, truck gate operations and ondock rail operations. NPPC supports the statistics program of the FAST Act and urges the inclusion of baseline metrics and the development of KPIs.

NEW TAIWANESE PRESIDENT WANTS TO JOIN TPP, MAY LIFT RACTOPAMINE BAN

Taiwan’s new president, Tsai Ingwen indicated he wants the island nation to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Initiated in late 2008 and concluded in early November 2015, TPP includes twelve countries

accounting for nearly 40 percent of global GDP. A number of countries, in addition to Taiwan, including the Philippines and South Korea, have expressed interest in joining the regional trade deal if and when the agreement is expanded. Tsai said Taiwan must resolve issues related to imports of U.S. pork products, specifically the country’s ban on pork from hogs given the feed additive ractopamine.

USDA’S VILSACK SAYS U.S. WILL CONTINUE TO PRESS EU ON RACTOPAMINE

At the EU Agricultural Outlook Conference this week in Brussels, Belgium, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack told delegates the United States will continue to press the European Union (EU) to open its market to U.S. pork raised with the feed additive ractopamine, which is used in beef and pork production.

In the ongoing Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) talks between the United States and the European Union, the EU has indicated it is unwilling to reconsider its stance against beef hormones and ractopamine. (It also said it won’t eliminate tariffs on beef, pork and poultry.) Vilsack told the conference that food safety and animal and plant health issues should be settled in a “science-based and objective” manner, noting that the international community established the safety of ractopamine. “The concern we have is that when we don’t look at the science, or add politics to the debate, we get into a situation where there can’t be a free flow of goods, as trade deals dictate,” said Vilsack.

The TTIP negotiations, which NPPC is following closely, are set to resume in late January.

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

19

CAPITOL REPORT Governor Abbott and Commissioner Miller Request USDA Disaster Designation For West Texas Counties AUSTIN - Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller today urged U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack to grant a disaster designation for 11 West Texas counties impacted by Winter Storm Goliath. A USDA disaster designation would make federal assistance, such as emergency loans, available to agricultural producers who have suffered losses in the designated counties, as well as in counties that are contiguous to a designated county. The designation has been requested for Bailey, Castro, Cochran, Deaf Smith, Hale, Hockley, Lamb, Lubbock, Parmer, Terry and Yoakum counties.

“The agriculture industry in Texas is as important as ever to our state and local economy, and when disasters like this devastate that industry, it is imperative that we provide farmers and ranchers with the necessary assistance,” Gov. Abbott said. “I urge the U.S. Department of Agriculture to grant a disaster designation so that Texas agricultural communities can begin to rebuild their livelihoods.”

“Texas farmers and ranchers are used to facing Mother Nature’s fury, but the large-scale loss of livestock and stop in operations caused by Winter Storm Goliath has dealt a devastating blow to many,” Commissioner Miller said. “These men and women are passionate about providing the beef and dairy products that sustain our state and nation, and deserve every available resource as they clean-up, rebuild and return their operations to full working order.”

Producers who have sustained livestock losses as a result of severe weather may be eligible for assistance through the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Livestock Indemnity Program, and should immediately contact their local FSA offices to apply.

For more information about this program, please visit http://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/disaster-assistanceprogram/livestock-indemnity/index. Agricultural operations may also be eligible to apply for funds through the State of Texas Agriculture Relief (STAR) fund, administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture.

Floor Statement by Chairman Conaway in Support of Resolution to Disapprove the Waters of the United States Rule “I rise today in strong support of S.J. Res. 22, a resolution to disapprove the Waters of the United States rule – a rule that amounts to a massive overreach by the Obama Administration’s EPA. This rule and the process in which EPA developed it ignored stakeholders, ignored states, and as reports have shown, even ignored concerns from the Army Corps of Engineers, the Federal agency that was supposed to be co-developing the rule.

Through hearings, letters, and public forums, we repeatedly asked the Administration to start over with a process that works with stakeholders to achieve the goals of the Clean Water Act rather than act like a schoolyard bully. We all want clean water, and we can and should work together to achieve it.

Unfortunately, all of these requests fell on deaf ears, and the Administration, in what has become an all too common pattern, moved forward to ram this rule through with little regard to the comments or concerns of Americans. The final rule ignores the spirit and intent of the law in that EPA has claimed Federal jurisdiction over essentially any body of water such as a farm pond, or even a ditch that is dry for most of the year.

America’s farmers and ranchers deserve a government that will review and consider their thoughts, not a government that refuses to engage stakeholders and hands down orders from on high. The process of developing this rule was flawed from the get go, and the final product was right on par with an Administration that wants to impose its authoritarian will on every inch of this great land.

That is why the House voted overwhelmingly in favor of H.R. 1732, the Regulatory Integrity Protection Act of 2015. That is why I stand before you today to ask your support of S.J. Res. 22. Americans deserve better.

I yield back the balance of my time.”

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SEE HOW we CARE. People love pork. But when biting into a juicy, tender and flavorful bite, many consumers are unclear where and how pork is produced. That’s about to change. #RealPigFarming takes you inside real pig farms across the country to meet real pig farmers and hear their story. Learn about the practices and facilities they use to ensure the well-being of their animals and produce quality pork in a responsible manner.

texaspork.org

We’re showing the world how #RealPigFarming works. Follow the conversation on Facebook and Twitter, or visit www.porkcares.org to learn more.

©2015. Funded by America’s Pork Producers and the Pork Checkoff.

21

CROCKPOT

your best friend this busy season!

Pork, Sweet Potato & Black Bean Stew with Fresh Greens Ingredients * * * * * * * * *

3 pounds boneless pork shoulder, fat trimmed, cut into 3-inch pieces 3 cups sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces 1 1/2 cups onions, chopped 2 14 1/2-oz cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes with green Chiles chip, undrained 1 15-oz can black beans, rinsed and drained 2 tablespoons chile powder 2 1/4 teaspoons cumin 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter 3 cups Swiss chard, coarsely chopped and packed (from 1 small bunch)

Directions Season pork with salt and pepper.

Place pork, sweet potatoes, onions, tomatoes, black beans, chili powder, and cumin in electric slow cooker. Cover with lid, and cook on low-heat setting for 7-1/2 hours.

Remove pork from slow cooker, and coarsely chop.

Add peanut butter to liquid in slow cooker, stirring to combine well. Stir in pork and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Add the Swiss chard to slow cooker. Cook 5 to 6 minutes longer until chard is tender but still bright green.

Candace's Carnitas Tacos Ingredients * * * * * * * * * * *

2 pound boneless blade pork roast, trimmed 1 carrot, diced 1/2 onion, diced 1/4 cup dry red wine, OR chicken broth 2 tablespoons chili powder 4 cups red cabbage, thinly shredded 3 tablespoons mayonnaise salt pepper 12 8-inch corn tortillas, warmed 1 avocado, pitted, peeled, and thinly sliced

Directions Combine carrot, onion, and wine in slow cooker.

Sprinkle roast on all sides with chili powder, rubbing it into meat. Season on all sides with salt and add to slow cooker.

Cover and cook on low until roast is falling-apart tender, about 6 hours.

Use tongs or a slotted spoon to transfer meat to a large bowl. Use two forks to shred meat into bite-sized pieces.

Moisten/season with cooking juices to taste. Cover to keep warm and set aside.

In a medium bowl, combine cabbage and mayonnaise. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Arrange 2 tortillas on each serving plate. Fill tortillas with pork, cabbage mixture, and avocado and serve. (Alternately, arrange pork, cabbage mixture, and avocado on a platter and let guests make their own tacos.)

Cooking tip: For even more flavorful carnitas, brown roast on all sides in a lightly oiled skillet before sprinkling with chili powder.

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Southwestern Pork Pot Roast Ingredients * * * * * * * * *

3 pound boneless pork shoulder, tied with kitchen twine if necessary 1 tablespoon canola oil, or other neutral-flavored oil Salt and pepper 1 19-oz can enchilada sauce, mild or medium red, OR 2 1/4 cups red enchilada sauce* 1 small white onion, cut into 12 wedges (slice through the root end so that each wedge has a bit of the root holding it together) 2 ounces small red potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch wedges 1 15-oz can hominy, drained* 1/4 cup queso fresco, or other soft cheese**, crumbled (optional) Cilantro sprigs , for garnish (optional)

Directions Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Meanwhile, season the pork with salt and pepper. In an oven-ready skillet, braising pan, or Dutch oven large enough to comfortably hold the pork with the lid on, warm the oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork and cook until well-browned on all sides, 10 to 12 minutes.

Transfer the meat to a plate or platter and set aside.

Add the enchilada sauce to the skillet and bring to a boil, scraping up any browned bits (carefulâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;it may splatter).

Return the pork to the skillet, along with any accumulated juices, and return to a boil. Cover the skillet, place it in the oven, and cook for 1 hour.

Turn the meat over and add the onion and potatoes to the skillet, submerging them in the liquid. Cover and cook until the vegetables start to soften, about 30 minutes.

Add the hominy, cover, and cook until the pork is tender but not falling apart, the onion and potatoes are tender, and the hominy is heated through, about 15 minutes. Remove the skillet from the oven, set aside, letting the meat rest in the liquid for 15 minutes.

Remove the meat from the skillet, remove the kitchen twine, if necessary, and slice the meat across the grain. Arrange on plates or a platter with the vegetables alongside. Drizzle with a little sauce. Sprinkle with the queso fresco and garnish with the cilantro, if using. Serve the remaining sauce at the table.

Cajun Sausage Jambalaya Ingredients * * * * * * * * * * *

1 pound boneless pork loin roast, cut into 1/2-inch cubes, lean 12 ounces andouille sausage, cut into 1/4-inch slices 2 1/2 cups water 1 1/2 cups rice, medium-grain white 2 yellow onions, chopped 1 bell pepper, (green, red, or both), chopped 2 stalks celery, chopped 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/2 cup green onions, chopped

Directions Mix all ingredients except green onions in slow 4- to 6-quart slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours, or high for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Watch carefully during the last 1 hour (low) or 1/2 hour (high) of cooking to prevent rice from overcooking.

Just before serving, check seasoning and add green onions.

23

You too can make sausage!

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Download Now! www.meatmadesimple.com/sausageapp

24

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BestLuck of

At the majors to all our exhibitors!

On Farm Sale

February 27, 2016 at 2 pm

Congratulations Alex Hampton 2016 Champion Duroc Palo Pinto County

December Duroc & Cross litters Approx. 30 head Cody McCleery - 817-613-6666 www.mccleeryfamilydurocs.com Find us on facebook

When:

July 15 - 16, 2016

What:

Texas Pork Industry Conference and Youth Symposium

Where:

Inn of the Hills Hotel and Conference Center, Kerrville

More information will be available at texaspork.org shortly!

25

A WEALTH OF RESOURCES

CHECK IT OUT! TEXASPORK.ORG

26

New Year, New Boars Find semen on these great boars plus 20 more at realhogfarms.com!

Untouchable York

6 Speed Duroc

HAC0T2 TCG Untouchable 1-4 x RIY3 Ricochet

Automatic x Asia x Questionable Love x Honky Tonk Amnesia

Purchased at 2015 STC. Here’s finally the one that’s got the power, squareness and ultra-cool look, with athleticism on a strong set of pasterns. With this kind of build and the dominant genetics backing him, he will undeniably take barrows and seedstock to the next level.

Six Speed has a powerful look that includes true muscle, great shape and rib. He also has true, natural body, bone and is sound.

Cody McCleery sold us part interest in this outstanding herdsire.

He just sired the Champion Duroc at Brown and Guadalupe County as well as the Reserve Champion at Wilson County.

Mudslide Hampshire

Shotgun Berkshire

Mudslide x McRib bred by Iverson Farms, Iowa

Shotgun Rider x Superman

2015 Hog College Hampshire Boar. He blends a great design and correct skeleton with extra mass and stoutness of feature. He’s the kind that excites both purebred and crossbred breeders.

Outstanding pedigree in an outstanding package. Easily our pick of the deep set of Berk boars at Duncan 2015. He was the youngest boar at the show, but without a doubt, the biggest-footed, stoutest-boned and best designed.

Thanks to Corner Stone Ventures for breeding a great one.

Contact us for your next Purebred Gilt or Show Pig.

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Certified Texas Bred Registry...

The Texas Pork Producers Association works hard to continually improve our number one program benefiting producers and youth alike. The CTBR program was established to promote Texas bred & raised pigs and support both the breeders and the 4-H/FFA youth of Texas who raise & exhibit Certified Texas Bred pigs. Through this program, stock show premiums in excess of $600,000 have been awarded to Texas youth over the 20 year existence of the Certified Texas Bred Registry. The Certified Texas Bred Registry is continually growing and providing a great impact for all those who participate.

How does participation benefit you?

Additional Premiums

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

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

• Over $46,000 will be awarded during this show season to Texas 4-H and FFA students. Will you be participating?

Participate in the San Angelo Stock Show

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

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

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Growing

STRONGER

y r e v E Year!

Scholarship Opportunities

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

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

Make sure to submit your application this year!

Production Grant Program

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

How to participate?

• Buy your showpigs from a CTBR breeder!

• Exhibit your CTBR pig at a Texas Major Show or the State Fair of Texas!

• Become a TPPA member for additional benefits!

A Sincere Appreciation to our Title Sponsor MoorMan’s ShowTec, and our individual sponsors of trophies and buckles at the San Angelo Stock Show.

151-A Kirkham circle

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Kyle, Texas 78640

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512-262-0595

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512-262-0582 - Fax 29

Thank You! 2016 Certified Texas Bred Registry Sponsors

On behalf of the Texas Pork Producers Association membership and Texas 4-H and FFA exhibitors, we want to say THANK YOU to our Certified Texas Bred Registry Sponsors for the 2016 show year. This group of dedicated individuals, businesses and organizations make it possible for us to continue recognizing the achievements that Texas swine breeders and exhibitors earn in the show ring. Without our sponsors, the Certified Texas Bred Registry program would not be possible. We greatly appreciate your constant commitment to this association and our youth, and good luck this show season!

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Overall Title Sponsor ADM Moorman’s ShowTec, Quincy, IL TPPA is very appreciative for ADM MoorMan’s ShowTec for their continued sponsorship of the Grand Champion Barrow trophy, in addition to becoming our new Overall Title Sponsor. ADM MoorMan’s ShowTec- Winning performance is a priority and a tradition for ADM Alliance Nutrition®. That’s why exhibitors and breeders choose MoorMan’s® ShowTec® show feed products. Proven performance from Innovative Nutrition® is evident in the many local and national Grand and Reserve Grand Champion animals that were fed MoorMan’s ShowTec products. We are looking forward to building this partnership with ADM Moorman’s ShowTec.

Breeder Cap Sponsor National Pork Board, Des Moines, Iowa The National Pork Board, headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, is one of our association’s most valuable partners. TPPA is an affiliation of the National Pork Board, providing us with a strong backing, as both organizations work to protect and promote the swine industry. The National Pork Board strives to elevate U.S. pork as the global protein of choice by continuously and collaboratively working to do what’s right for people, pigs and the planet. The National Pork Board and Pork Checkoff are the links that unite America’s pork producers with key stakeholders focused on building a bright future for the pork industry through research, promotion and education.

Foundation Gilt cornerstone ventures LLC., dalhart It has been less than five years since the start of Cornerstone Ventures, but this show pig operation has quickly established itself as a force to be reckoned with. Located in Dalhart, Texas, Chance Waldrip manages one of the largest show pig operations in the state, which also includes top end boar stud. With all breeds represented, including Crossbreds, customers of Cornerstone Ventures are guaranteed to find the hog they are looking for. Cornerstone Ventures has built, and continues to build its reputation with one goal in mind: helping their clients hang banners wherever they go. Since the founding of Cornerstone Ventures, Chance has been an avid supporter of TPPA, especially the CTBR program. When Chance was asked if he would donate this year’s CTBR Foundation Gilt he was quick to answer yes. We are honored to have the steadfast support of Cornerstone Ventures and their donation this year’s CTBR Foundation Gilt.

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Texas Star Gilt Show DL Show PIgs, Lamesa DL Show Pigs takes pride in providing today’s youth with quality and winning show pigs and looks forward to helping existing and new customers with their future show ring successes. Josh, Bridgette and their daughter Kenley raise competitive Hampshire, Yorkshire, Duroc and Crossbred show hogs. In 2015 alone, the Krohn Family produced gilts and barrows that took home top honors at various county, Texas majors and national shows. A sponsor of two awards, we greatly appreciate DL Show Pigs for sponsoring both the Supreme Champion Gilt trophy and the Champion Yorkshire Barrow buckle.

Harman Farms, Perryton Customer success and satisfaction, that is the foundation that Harman Farms has built their operation on. They focus on raising highly competitive show pigs and breeding stock that continue to win in the show ring year after year. In addition to raising show pigs, Harman farms operates a small boar stud, featuring proven boars that are utilized in their own genetic program, as well as other successful breeding programs, across the nation. When you purchase an animal from Wayne and Leslie, you are not only buying the animal, but you also gain access to their training, feeding, fitting, and showmanship resources. We thank them for sponsoring the Reserve Supreme Champion Gilt trophy.

Duelm’s Prevailing Genetics, New Braunfels For over 40 years Duelm’s Prevailing Genetics has been a leading source for consistent, predictable genetics that yield champion results through out the United States; producing 30 grand or reserve grand champion barrows at Texas majors. Duelm’s Prevailing Genetics have pigs available all year round for most county shows, and majors in the country, so existing and potential customers are welcome to come to the farm, visit with Rory and pick out their next champion at anytime. Duelm’s Prevailing Genetics also offers semen on 20 show barrow sires. As a sponsor of two awards, TPPA greatly appreciates Duelm’s Prevailing Genetics for sponsoring both the Champion Crossbred Barrow and Gilt buckles.

McCleery Family Durocs, Poolville The McCleery Family has a passion for the Duroc breed and that passion is visible by the number and quality of Duroc show pigs they produce, which is seen on all levels. In addition to serving on the TPPA Board of Directors, Cody is on the National Swine Registry Executive committee and the Duroc Board of Directors.

Although Durocs are the family’s specialty, they also offer a few crossbred litters as well as offering semen on their select set of boars. We thank the McCleery Family for sponsoring the Reserve Champion Crossbred Gilt buckle.

REal hog Farms, Marion Making champion kids through champion hogs is what Real Hog Farms is all about.

For 50 years, The Real Family has made the purebred hog business their full-time passion, and have established a strong and successful reputation in the process. Real Hog Farms farrow approximately 110 sows year round, offering quality Duroc, Yorkshire, Berkshire, Hampshire and Crossbred seedstock and show pigs to their customers. Chuck and Debbie deeply appreciate their customers and the hog industry, and love watching its young people grow and develop in such a positive environment. TPPA is very grateful for Real Hog Farms sponsorship of the Champion Purebred Gilt buckle.

peugh show pigs, stanton Peugh Show Pigs has worked hard to combine a strong sow herd with the top boar genetics available to produce nothing but STINKINâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; GOOD PIGS! Cody, Shanna and their three girls farrow Yorkshire, Hampshire, Duroc and Crossbred sows, raising quality show projects for their exhibitors. Always in the barns, you can always count on Cody to lend a helping hand and offer support throughout the year. TPPA greatly appreciates Peugh Show Pigs and their sponsorship of the Reserve Champion Purebred Gilt buckle.

San Angelo Barrow Show mund livestock, wall Making quality count is the motto for this family business. Mund Livestock focuses on producing high quality pigs that are raised to be competitive at the major stock shows across the nation. Brad, Casey and Brice take pride in the genetics that they have gathered to help their litters have the ability to hang banners. Mund Livestock is a family ran operation that enjoys helping other families and kids accomplish their show ring goals. Mund Livestockâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sponsorship of the Reserve Grand Champion Barrow trophy is greatly appreciated.

w. rode & sons, Fredericksburg W. Rode & Sons have been raising show pigs, in the Hill Country, since 1970. The operation continuously raises high quality show pigs, and are especially recognized for their Duroc herd. The family are longtime supporters and friends of the TPPA, serving on several committees and are a staple at numerous TPPA and livestock functions. We are thankful that W. Rode & Sons is sponsoring the Champion Duroc buckle.

creative awards & trophies, Fredericksburg Owned by the Rode Family, Creative Awards & Trophies is no stranger to the junior livestock program. Since taking over the company in 1992, the Rode Family has grown Creative Awards & Trophies into a nationally renowned business whose clientele includes every Texas major, the San Antonio Spurs, World Pork Expo and numerous other events. TPPA is appreciative of Creative Awards & Trophies for sponsoring the Reserve Champion Duroc Barrow buckle.

belew & young, Tahoka & LUbbock There’s no denying the amount of effort and time spent working with youth that Denny Belew and Stanley Young have devoted over the years. With their portfolios including extensive work in extension, agriculture education, TPPA Board of Directors, volunteerism and breeders in a swine partnership that formed before the CTBR program even started, Belew & Young are committed to the pork industry and its youth, both serving on numerous statewide committees and contributing extensively with the Texas Pork Leadership Camp. We are very thankful for Belew & Young, and their sponsorship of the Champion Hampshire buckle.

K&C Farms, fredericksburg Kenneth and Caroline have spent many years dedicated to youth and the junior livestock program in Texas. An agriculture teacher for 31 years, Kenneth went up and down the road all over the state hauling students and pigs, among other livestock. Now retired, Kenneth and Caroline continue their involvement through their work on the TPPA Board as well as the countless hours volunteering on several San Antonio Stock Show committees. Kenneth has raised hogs from the time he was a youngster, and with Caroline, these two don’t seem to be slowing down. Our association is very thankful for K&C Farms sponsoring the Reserve Champion Hampshire buckle.

wall swine breeders, wall Wall swine breeders

Graciously serving as a sponsor since the inception of the CTBR shows at San Angelo, the Wall Swine Breeders is a group composed of show pig producers in the Wall and San Angelo area. What started out as a few breeders getting together to put on a pig sale, has developed into a structured local association that also supports the youth participating in junior swine programs. We thank Wall Swine Breeders for sponsoring the Reserve Champion Yorkshire Barrow buckle.

schwartz livestock, wall Schwartz Livestock is greatly appreciated for their sponsorship of the Champion Dark OPB buckle. Schwartz Livestock was founded on the values of family and agriculture. Erwin Sr. started the operation with hard work and now keeps everyone in line. Erwin Jr., known as Frankie, along with Dale and Randall operate the farm, which now runs around 100 sows and farms a tremendous amount of land. The Schwartz Family are leaders of the Wall community and lead the swine committee at the San Angelo Stock Show.

samm’s hog farm, loraine Stan and Mary McMullen, long-time CTBR award sponsors, are always a familiar face at the San Angelo Stock Show. You can find Stan welcoming exhibitors and serving on the swine committees and Mary encouraging the youth. The McMullen’s are originally from Louisiana, where Stan ran a commercial hog farm. Since transitioning to Texas, the McMullen’s have been dedicated supporters of the Texas youth livestock programs. Samm’s Hog Farm specialized in the production of Black OPB show pigs, and Mary previously worked in Extension, but now they are enjoying the freedoms of retirement. TPPA thanks Samm’s Hog Farm for sponsoring the Reserve Champion Dark OPB buckle.

west texas genetics, san angelo Starting with eight sows as early as 2009, West Texas Genetics was founded on functional genetics and livestock that produce honest results! Today, West Texas Genetics is composed of 50 Chester, Duroc, Spot, and Crossbred sows. The primary focus is on seedstock and show pig production, in conjunction with supplying top quality semen from their show pig sires. In the short time since the establishment of West Texas Genetics, their passion for show pigs has proved prosperous, having won top honors at shows across Texas and national type conferences. TPPA is grateful for West Texas Genetics sponsoring the Champion White OPB Barrow buckle.

dale wilde, wall Dale Wilde is greatly valued for his sponsorship of the Reserve Champion White OPB buckle. Dale and his family have been a fixture in the Wall agriculture community for years where they have farmed and raised high quality show hogs. Dale has been heavily involved in the Texas show pig industry for years. He is a previous Director of TPPA, and currently serves as the Superintendent for the Junior Gilt Show for the San Angelo Stock Show.

knight show pigs, shallowater Knight Show Pigs is a fourth generation family operation that focuses on the production of champion show pigs and high quality breeding stock. Their herd consists of a limited number of high quality and powerful females. While maintaining about 30 sows, Tadd and Scotta have managed to be recognized as a Top 10 Breeder in the Certified Texas Bred Program for seven years! Their show winning experience and track record over the years translates into show ring consistency that is second to none for their customers. We are thankful for Knight Show Pigs sponsorship of the Reserve Champion Crossbred Barrow buckle.

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More Than Just a Cap T

o some, it is just a hat. To others, it represents their favorite brand or sports team. But to pork producers across the state of Texas, it symbolizes something much more.

Lexie Schaefer, current CTBR Foundation scholarship recipient, points with pride to the rows of Class Champion ball caps that hang on the wall of the Schaefer Livestock office. “We work hard throughout the year to earn those champion ball caps,” says Schaefer. “Being able to say we are Texas breeders who have seen a lot of success is something we are extremely proud of.”

Established 20 years ago, the Texas Pork Producers Association’s (TPPA) Certified Texas Bred Registry (CTBR) program has evolved into a highly regarded program within the Texas show industry. Prior to the CTBR, pork producers were becoming more and more aware of the fact agricultural science teachers, extension agents and families were traveling out of state to purchase their show pigs.

In an effort to address this issue, several producers came together and approached TPPA about the need to start a program, like the CTBR.

“In the past there was some sort of connotation that hogs bred elsewhere were superior to the ones raised in Texas,” said Brandon Gunn, TPPA executive vice-president.

“This was false. In fact, Texas has been known to produce some of the most competitive show pigs in the country.”

The purpose of this program is to promote show pigs that are bred and raised in Texas while showcasing both the youth who exhibit the hogs, and the producers who participate in the program.

“Promoting your state is not only good, but its necessary,” says Gunn.

“As more exhibitors and producers are recognized for their success, we see more interest in families to make the decision to purchase hogs from Texas breeders.”

Today, more than 450 pork producers across the state of Texas participate in the Certified Texas Bred Registry program and more than 12,000 registry certificates are sold annually. In order for a producer to participate, he or she must be a Texas Pork Producers Association member.

They submit registration forms and purchase certificates from the association that are to be given to the youth who purchase and show their hogs.

“This is the largest and most successful program

“These relationships and networking opportunities carry on even after the banners are hung on the wall.”

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the TPPA has in place. In fact, the program has been so successful other states have reached out to TPPA in an effort to learn more about the CTBR,” Gunn said.

Certified Texas Bred Registry hogs are recognized at male market hog shows including State Fair of Texas, San Antonio Stock Show, Fort Worth Stock Show, Houston Livestock Show, Rodeo Austin, and the San Angelo Stock Show. The highest placing CTBR hog in each class is considered the CTBR champion. The youth exhibiting them will receive a one hundred dollar premium check. Since the start of the program, TPPA has given out more than $600,000 in premium checks. Both the exhibitors and the breeders of a class champion also receive a “Champion” baseball cap.

“Our producers are extremely proud to be a part of this program,” Gunn said. “Exhibitors and breeders both proudly wear those ball caps and they will sport them year round at shows.”

Throughout the year, TPPA keeps accurate records of all CTBR producers’ class champions. The top ten ranked producers at the end of the year are recognized at the annual TPPA conference and awards banquet. They also recognize any Texas breeder who has raised a grand or reserve champion at any of the major Texas stock shows. Texas pork producers take the CTBR program very seriously and promote it extensively each year.

“Not only do breeders receive some very nice awards from the association for their success,” Gunn said. “But the recognition they receive helps generate sales for their showpig operations.”

According to a research study released by Texas A&M University, the benefits of competitive livestock exhibition are extremely beneficial to youth development. More specifically, these youth develop strong social skills early on and are shaping their character as they learn work ethic, decision-making skills, sportsmanship, and the importance of working together as a family.

“Showing livestock not only brings families together, but they are able to make memories that will last a lifetime,” said Kyle Stephens, president of the Texas Pork Producers Board. “They come together while working towards one common goal and are able to take away many important life lessons.”

Photo courtesy of Show Photos by Katina.

Photo courtesy of Show Photos by Katina.

“My family is extremely competitive,” Schaefer said.

“When my siblings and I would walk into the ring, we were there to win. But at the same time, it is all about spending time together as a family and building relationships. These relationships and networking opportunities carry on even after the banners are hung on the wall.”

The CTBR program goes beyond recognition in the show ring. It has been investing in the future of Texas youth since 2011 when the CTBR Foundation scholarship was established. Each year during the San Angelo sale, there is a Foundation gilt that is donated by one of the top 10 most successful hog breeders in Texas. The recipients of this scholarship are selected based on their academic performance in the classroom, extra-curricular activities, industry leadership, and participation in the CTBR program throughout their showing career. Over the last five years, the Foundation has awarded more than $35,000 in scholarships.

For students who do not wish to attend college, but instead want to start their own show pig operation, the CTBR Foundation also has production grants available.

These youth must fill out applications and present their business plans in order to qualify and are given a minimum of a $2,500 grant. Scholarships and grants are presented at the awards banquet during the summer Texas Pork Producers annual industry conference.

“I don’t know of another way that an organization could be any more beneficial to both producers and youth,” Stephens said.

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PREPARATION IS KEY BLACK OPB Class 1 - 230-250 Class 2 - 251-267 Class 3 - 268-270

MARKET BARROW SHOW February 3 - 5, 2016

DUROC Class 1 - 230-256 Class 2 - 258-269 Class 3 - 270 Class 4 - 270

TEXAS STARS GILT SHOW February 12 - 14, 2016 NON-PEDIGREED Class 1 - 230-235 Class 2 - 230-235 Class 3 - 236-241 Class 4 - 242-252 Class 5 - 253-259 Class 6 - 260-266

BERKSHIRE Class 1 - 240-255 Class 2 - 256-274 Class 3 - 275-280

MARKET BARROW SHOW February 20 - 25, 2016

MARKET BARROW SHOW March 12 - 17, 2016

MARKET BARROW SHOW March 19 - 20, 2016 40

SPOT Class 6 - 240-249 Class 7 - 250-265 Class 8 - 266-278 Class 9 - 280

Class 7 - 268-275 Class 8 - 276-282 Class 9 - 283-290 Class 10 - 291-304 Class 11 - 305-321 Class 12 - 322-375

HAMPSHIRE Class 12 - 240 Class 13 - 240 Class 14 - 241-246 Class 15 - 247-252 Class 16 - 253-256 Class 17 - 256-261

HAMPSHIRE Class 1 - 230-237 Class 2 - 238-254 Class 3 - 255-264 Class 4 - 265-269 Class 5 - 270

WHITE OPB Class 1 - 230-251 Class 2 - 252-269 Class 3 - 270

MARKET BARROW SHOW February 16 - 18, 2016 HAMPSHIRE Class 1 - 240 Class 2 - 242-252 Class 3 - 253-263 Class 4 - 264-275 Class 5 - 276-280

Class 18 - 262-265 Class 19 - 266-269 Class 20 -270-274 Class 21 - 275-279 Class 22 - 280 Class 23 - 280

DUROC Class 1 - 240 Class 2 - 241-255 Class 3 - 256-263 Class 4 - 264-270 Class 7 - 271-276 Class 8 - 277-280 Class 9 - 277-280

HAMPSHIRE Class 14 - 240-242 Class 15 - 240-242 Class 16 - 240-242 Class 17 - 243-246 Class 18 - 247-249 Class 21 - 250-253 Class 22 - 254-257

Class 23 - 258-261 Class 24 - 262-264 Class 27 - 265-266 Class 28 - 267-274 Class 29 - 275-279 Class 30 - 280

DUROC Class 1 - 240-254 Class 2 - 255-264 Class 3 - 269-279 Class 4 - 280

DARK OPB Class 5 - 240-255 Class 6 - 256-267 Class 7 - 268-280

WHITE OPB Class 8 - 240-269 Class 9 - 270-280

DUROC Class 32 - 240-245 Class 33 - 246-257 Class 34 - 258-266 Class 35 - 267-272 Class 36 - 273-276 Class 37 - 277-280 Class 38 - 277-280 Class 39 - 277-280

POLAND CHINA Class 35 - 240-257 Class 36 - 258-280 BERKSHIRE Class 39 - 240-248 Class 40 - 249-269 Class 41 - 270-280

HAMPSHIRE Class 10 - 240-243 Class 11 - 240-243 Class 12 - 240-243 Class 13 - 244-254 Class 14 - 255-264 Class 15 - 265-272 Class 16 - 274-277 Class 17 - 280

YORKSHIRE Class 1 - 230-257 Class 2 - 252-269 Class 3 - 270

OTHER CROSSBRED Class 1 - 230-234 Class 5 - 261-264 Class 2 - 235-245 Class 6 - 265-269 Class 3 - 246-254 Class 7 - 270 Class 4 - 255-260 Class 8 - 270

OTHER CROSSBRED Class 8 - 240 Class 15 - 264-270 Class 9 - 240 Class 18 - 271-275 Class 10 - 241-249 Class 19 - 276-280 Class 13 - 250-256 Class 20 - 276-280 Class 14 - 257-263

DUROC Class 25 - 240-253 Class 26 - 254-268 Class 27 - 269-280 Class 28 - 269-280

WHITE OPB Class 31 - 240-255 Class 32 - 259-275 Class 33 - 276-280

BLACK OPB Class 36 - 240-243 Class 37 - 244-258 Class 38 - 259-273 Class 99 - 274-280

POLAND CHINA DARK CROSSBRED CHESTER WHITE Class 46 - 240-272 Class 50 - 240-243 Class 64 - 240-253 Class 47 - 273-280 Class 51 - 240-243 Class 65 - 254-270 Class 52 - 244-253 Class 60 - 271-280 Class 53 - 254-261 Class 54 - 262-267 Class 55 - 268-276 Class 56 - 277-280 Class 57 - 277-280

YORKSHIRE Class 69 - 240-244 Class 70 - 245-257 Class 71 - 258-270 Class 72 - 271-276 Class 73 - 277-280 Class 74 - 277-280

OTHER CROSSBRED Class 85 - 240-243 Class 97 - 264-266 Class 86 - 240-243 Class 98 - 267-269 Class 87 - 240-243 Class 99 - 270-272 Class 88 - 244-249 Class 100 - 273-275 Class 89 - 250-253 Class 101 - 276-277 Class 90 - 254-256 Class 102 - 278-280 Class 91 - 257-259 Class 103 - 278-280 Class 92 - 260-263 Class 104 - 278-280

SPOT Class 44 - 240-250 Class 45 - 251-262 Class 46 - 263-275 Class 47 - 276-280

DARK CROSS Class 50 - 240 Class 51 - 240 Class 52 - 241-250 Class 53 - 251-256 Class 56 - 257-264 Class 57 - 265-269 Class 58 - 270-277 Class 59 - 278-280

CHESTER & OPB Class 76 - 240-250 Class 77 - 251-265 Class 78 - 266-279 Class 79 - 280

YORKSHIRE Class 18 - 240-253 Class 19 - 254-273 Class 20 - 275-280

OTHER CROSSBRED Class 21 - 240-242 Class 27 - 263-266 Class 22 - 240-242 Class 28 - 267-271 Class 23 - 240-242 Class 29 - 272-276 Class 24 - 243-249 Class 30 - 277-280 Class 25 - 250-256 Class 31 - 280 Class 26 - 257-262

YORKSHIRE Class 64 - 240-243 Class 65 - 244-258 Class 66 - 259-267 Class 69 - 268-276 Class 70 - 277-280 Class 71 - 277-280

LANDRACE Class 81 - 240-278 Class 82 - 279-280

YORKSHIRE Class 41 - 240-250 Class 42 - 253-277 Class 43 - 280

OTHER CROSSBRED Class 82 - 240 Class 93 - 261-263 Class 83 - 240 Class 94 - 264-266 Class 84 - 240 Class 95 - 267-269 Class 85 - 241-243 Class 98 - 270-272 Class 86 - 244-246 Class 99 - 273-275 Class 87 - 247-251 Class 100 - 276-279 Class 90 - 252-254 Class 101 - 280 Class 91 - 255-257 Class 102 - 280 Class 92 - 258-260 Class 103 - 280

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U.S. FARMING AND RANCHING FOUNDATION LAUNCHED INITIAL FOCUS IS CENTERED ON INFORMING AND ENGAGING STUDENTS ON AGRICULTURE

Agriculture and food industry leaders are forming a Board for a new philanthropic nonprofit organization with an initial focus on educating young people on how food is grown & raised in America.

The U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance (USFRA), a consumer-facing organization dedicated to leading the national conversation about how food is grown and raised, announced today the launch of the U.S. Farming and Ranching Foundation (USFRF). The USFRF will be a philanthropic nonprofit organization with a mission of furthering agricultural education and understanding of agriculture among America’s consumers including young people and millennials.

“USFRF is a result of a collaborative effort led by the agriculture and food industry to expand the dialogue with consumers regarding food production in America,” said USFRF inaugural Chairman Jim Blome who is also President & CEO of Bayer CropScience LP. “This new foundation will further ag education and consumer understanding about food, by developing educational-based tools and interactive consumer programs, that serve as a unified effort to reach Americans in ways in which they want to learn about modern agriculture.”

One of the foundation’s initial projects is developing a curriculum guide that will be made available to high school students nationwide. The documentary film, FARMLAND, which gives viewers the opportunity to step inside the world of agriculture for a first-hand glimpse into the lives of young farmers and ranchers, will serve as the guide’s core. The curriculum will supplement efforts to bring to life many of the themes covered in the film, and serve as an educational resource for high school teachers interested in content focused on food choices, agriculture, sustainability, entrepreneurship, food issues, antibiotics, GMOs and crop inputs in agriculture, and marketing.

“A growing number of students today are graduating from high school with little to no agricultural education and heading to college with a lack of understanding about the great need for their generation to engage in important agricultural and food-based careers,” added USFRF CEO Randy Krotz. “That is why a main tenant of USFRF’s mission is to educate and interact with children and young adults, and be a part of their lives as they grow and learn.”

USFRF’s inaugural Board of Directors and CEO are: • Jim Blome, inaugural USFRF Chairman and President & CEO, Bayer CropScience LP • Don Borgman, inaugural USFRF Secretary-Treasurer and Director, Agricultural Industry Relations, John Deere (retired) • Nancy Kavazanjian, USFRA Chairwoman, and United Soybean Board Director • Forrest Roberts, former CEO, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association • John Becherer, CEO, United Soybean Board • Randy Krotz, inaugural USFR Foundation CEO, and CEO, U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance “We know that consumers overwhelmingly trust farmers and ranchers, but many question our methods of production,” said Wisconsin farmer Nancy Kavazanjian, the current USFRA Chairwoman. “This new Foundation’s mission compliments USFRA’s vision which is enhancing consumer understanding of agriculture by engaging with consumers on issues in open and honest dialogue.”

In addition to the curriculum guide, USFRF plans to identify, and seek funding sources that will establish and support potential scholarship opportunities as well as innovative programs designed to provide consumers with timely, honest and accurate answers about their food.

If interested in learning more information regarding USFR Foundation, including partnership opportunities, please contact Todd Wurschmidt, PhD, USFRA Executive Director at twurschmidt@usfraonline.org or 636-449-5081.

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CTBR F Prod oundat ion G uctio n Gr i ant O lt Schola rship ppor tunit & y Scholarship - Over $27,000 has been awarded in scholarships since 2011 - In 2015, three scholarships were awarded at $2,500 each

Production Grant - Provide financial assistance to deserving 4-H and FFA students who are continuing their involvement in swine production through establishing their own breeding program.

- Minimum amount of $2,500

APPLICATION DEADLINE 46

APRIL 15TH

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Demand for Ag Graduates on the Rise Across the Nation, USDA Reports Many parents and children today worry about both what college costs and whether after spending all that money they will be able to get a good job. In general, college graduates do get jobs after graduation â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the unemployment rate for college grads is under 3 percent â&#x20AC;&#x201D; but still families of current and approaching college students are concerned. One easy way to reduce the risk of post-graduate un- or underemployment is to gain skills in a field with a shortage of skilled workers. A great example of what students might study is food and agricultural systems.

Some such job skills do not require a college degree; welders are in short supply and certified welders can earn $75,000 per year. Thus, learning to weld would be a smart career move for some and financial aid for technical schools teaching these skills is generally abundant. However, for those not interested in welding as a career and committed to pursuing a college education, studying for jobs in the food and fiber sector would be a great plan.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture forecasts that over the next five years the annual demand for college graduates in agriculture and food industries will be 57,900 jobs per year. Unfortunately, American agricultural colleges (such as my own College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at the University of Georgia) will only be producing about 35,400 graduates per year.

Right now, this shortfall in college graduates with majors in agriculture are being filled by graduates with other, related majors. But the employers would prefer graduates with more background in agriculture.

Further, these jobs are not all in direct production agriculture (that is, farming), which accounts for only 15 percent of these jobs. The other 85 percent are in the broader food and fiber industry. In fact, 50 percent of these jobs are in business and management.

For example, food processors such as Campbellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Soup or Tyson Food need people to manage their production facilities, marketing campaigns, and finances. Twelve percent of the jobs are in agricultural education, communication or government agencies that regulate and support the food and fiber industries. As agriculture becomes more global, there are good jobs available for students with an interest in international finance and policy and also for those who can speak a foreign language.

The remaining 27 percent of these agricultural jobs are in the STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). These jobs require strong scientific, quantitative, and technical training, and employers are also looking for familiarity with agricultural and food systems.

For example, a large meat or poultry processing company will likely prefer a geneticist who is an animal or poultry science major with genetics training. A food processing company looking for a food safety specialist will choose a food science major over a microbiologist with no specific training in food safety.

You get the idea; many of these jobs are ones that non-agriculture majors can fill, but agriculture majors already know the background setting and the technical jargon for the industries that are hiring. Plus, these jobs pay well.

According to Payscale.com, operations managers within the field of agriculture earn an average of $60,600 per year, agronomists average $45,500, and IT managers in food and agricultural businesses earn an average of $78,500 per year. Across all jobs in what Payscale defines as agriculture, the starting salary averages $47,300 per year with a $5,000 annual bonus.

As an added incentive, agriculture colleges are located in state land-grant universities. That means much lower tuition than at private colleges, particularly if you attend one of the state colleges in your own state and pay in-state tuition. Thus, students can earn their degree in an agricultural field and graduate with little to no student loan debt (certainly less than if they attend a private college which typically cost $20,000 to $40,000).

So for college students, soon-to-be college students and parents hoping for a good return on their investment in tuition, think agriculture. People will always eat, so jobs in producing, processing, transporting and selling food will never go away. For good-paying, rewarding and secure employment, college students would be well-served to find a major in food and agriculture.

By Jeffrey Dorfman, University of Georgia, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences 47

48

What We Do...

Membership Driven!

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

Est. 1889

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

TEXAS PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION

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On

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Scholarship opportunities Develop & enhance leadership skills through activities: ◆Texas Pork Leadership Camp ◆TPPA Internships ◆Texas Pork Youth Symposium Connect with influential industry leaders

Stay current by receiving timely updates on: ◆Stock Shows ◆Important Issues ◆Market Reports ◆Activities & Events ◆Certified Texas Bred Registry Information Subscription to Producer Connection Receive Spring Buyers Guide and Fall Sales Trail

Representing the Voice of Texas Swine Breeders & Agriculturalists Join Texas Pork Producers Association TODAY Annual Membership Sept. 1st - Aug. 31st

Name: Name of Business: Address: Phone: Youth $10

Email: Producer $35

Professional $35

Associate $125

TPPA Office ◆ 151-A Kirkham Circle, Kyle, TX 78640 ◆ 512-262-0595 ◆ www.texaspork.org

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Applications now available for

Texas Pork Leadership Camp

June 20 - 25, 2016

Texas Pork Leadership Camp is an intense, progressive and thought provoking week, full of activities, tours and presentations featuring all aspects of the pork production industry from Farm to Fork! You’ll have the opportunity to visit with world leading commercial hog operations, top Universities & industry professionals and tour large scale harvesting and pork processing plants.

Application deadline is April 1st.

“TPPA Camp was definitely an educational highlight for me. It exposed me to the huge scale of the pork industry as well as the connection between show pig and market hog production. This is a great opportunity, it’s lots of fun, and I’d recommend it to any young person pursuing a career in production agriculture” Kevin Mock, ‘01 ShowRite Feeds National Accounts Manager and Mock Livestock

52

“It was a very well organized camp that showed every aspect of the industry. It was amazing to see and experience every step from breeding the animal to receiving the meat on your plate. I met a lot of great people that loved the industry just as much as I do and grew tremendously as an individual and an exhibitor.”

Reagan Langemeier, ‘14 Student Marion High School

Topics Covered:

- Key Industry Issues - Live Animal Evaluation - Taste & Sensory Panels - Promotion & Marketing - Leadership & Team Building - College Prep, Careers & Internships - Harvesting & Processing - Breeding, Reproduction & Genetics on a Commercial Level - Retail Marketing - Media Training

“You get a realization of the real world as opposed to the small surface you receive from the show ring. You will make friends and contacts from similar backgrounds which remain much longer than the week you spend on the tour. Part of my everyday keep/cull selection specifically leaving the farrowing house is based off of knowledge gathered from the managers of the large operations throughout this tour.”

Clint Halfmann, ‘03 West Texas Genetics 53

“Looking back when I went through the camp years ago and now having been a host for it, I know that it is a phenomenal experience and opportunity for our youth. Especially now when the focus of many is in the show ring, this camp provides so much value and education on the realization of pork production and the food industry.”

Daryl Real, ‘94 Livestock Director, State Fair of Texas

Who can attend?

- Ages 16-18, not in college yet - Have an interest in the swine industry - Willing to learn, grow and be an advocate for the swine industry

“The camaraderie and interaction with fellow campers was one of the greatest attributes of the pork tour in my opinion. When you’re a passionate hog kid and you live and breathe it, getting to spend a week with others your age that share that same fire is an incredible opportunity. Looking back, I know that experience was a huge reason I wanted to stay closely connected with the swine industry.”

Cassidy Hayes, ‘05 HF Genetics “I really enjoyed my time at camp. Coming from a show pig background I had no idea what the “real world” swine industry was all about. I was able to learn from industry leaders as well as visit some of the top universities in Texas. The camp helped set my future as it had a major role in helping me pick where I went to college and more specifically select a major. The camp definitely helped lay the foundation I needed to succeed not only while at college but also now into my professional career.“ Josh Powell, ‘00 Wiley Lease Co. Operations Manager and Powell Livestock

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“I was lucky enough to attend camp twice, first as a camper and then a leader with my TPPA internship.

TPLC was the most eyeopening, challenging, and entertaining camp I ever attended... all at the same time! My favorite part was learning how to inform the public about hog farming practices.”

Ian Schaefer, ‘11 Student Texas Tech University

Application Deadline:

April 1st available at

texaspork.org 55

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This means that when you enlist Southern Regal Designs for your print advertisement needs, you also get routine social media exposure, reaching a larger audience than with print design alone.

Thank you to my current clients and I look forward to working with my future customers!

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59

Spotlight in Extension Justin Hansard Hometown: Montague, TX Family Justin is married to his wife of 20 years Melanie, children Kinley a Junior, Kooper is in sixth grade and Kambell who is two years old.

Involvement with Youth and Texas Pork The Hansard family have been members of TPPA and attend as many Annual Meetings as possible. Justin and his daughter have also presented educational programs for the Youth Symposium on medications, labeling and their uses.

Where it all started Justin Hansard was introduced to the swine industry through his uncle, where he had to slop 30 sows from a 5 gallon bucket. After moving to Era, TX his freshman year he was introduced to show pig projects in FFA and 4-H. Jack Clark was an integral part of Hansard’s future, by purchasing him a pig to show and mentoring him throughout the journey. After graduation Hansard attended Cooke County College and later transferred to Tarleton State University where he graduated with a BS in Ag Education in 1994 and his Masters in 1995. In 1996 Justin became an assistant county agent for Brown County, then moved to Fisher County in 1997, finally settling down in Montague County since 2001.

Hobbies: Watching my kids compete in rodeo, sports and showing. Fishing,

coaching basketball and baseball, spending time with his family and volunteering within the community.

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What is the most fulfilling aspect of your job?

I am not sure there is just one fulfilling aspect of my job, but I would say working with the youth to fulfill their dreams of becoming a successful citizen through the 4-H program is extremely rewarding. We use animals as a tool to get them there, but in reality it is commitment of themselves and their families that make the circle complete. I love being a teacher and mentor to youth and producers to assist them in becoming successful.

What do you find most challenging in your line of work; why?

The most challenging may be the fact of spending time away from the family during the stock show season. Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t change it, but it seems like when I am gone for a week or more, that is when the animals get out, plumbing quits working, the heater won’t work or the kids need to be in two different places; while my wife has to work those out on her own. Thank goodness for the friends we have in Montague County to help get us through those times. Neighbors and friends help each other, and that is what it is supposed to be about.

What areas are you most passionate about?

What gets me going is the total 4-H experience; you see it is more than just a lamb, steer, and swine project. It is about the experience that comes with each project; leadership, community service, mentoring.

If you could give just one piece of advice to a kid or teach them just one thing, what would it be?

Patience; without it you become a person who is expecting a great return on the least amount of work. We all want to win this show or that one, but in reality most of us can’t quite afford the trip. Take time to evaluate the animal before purchase, pay the price you think is reasonable, and then manage it to the genetic potential it has. It takes time and sometimes years to get the end result, but when you achieve it, it will feel that much more satisfying.

What has been a big accomplishment for you as a County Agent?

Through the Montague County 4-H my co-worker and I have been fortunate enough that in the last 14 years we have had close to $300,000 come back to the 4-H youth to further their education. I believe this is a huge accomplishment considering we have a population of fewer than 20,000 people.

What advice do you have for new and beginning county agents?

As a new agent coming into Extension, I believe it is important to remember that you need to work with the families, producers, homeowners, etc. Don’t be afraid to say you don’t know the answer, but you will help find the answers they need. We all go to college to get an education, but the education comes once you graduate.

As the phrase goes “Learn by Doing”.

“

Working with youth and producers to fulfill their dreams to become successful is extremely rewarding.

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Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) provides services for every component, from reproduction to stock show testing. Between routine diagnostic testing and stock show testing, each year TVMDL performs more than 19,000 swine tests. Tests evolve based on industry needs, and the laboratory prides itself on serving the industry through quality diagnostics.

PEDV and Diarrhea in Pigs, Did you know?

In late December and early January, TVMDL received pooled fecal samples and intestinal tissue homogenates from 7-day-old pigs with severe watery diarrhea. The samples were submitted with a request to check for the presence of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV). Samples from clinically normal baby pigs were also submitted. With little surprise, all of the samples tested, including those from clinically normal pigs, were positive for PEDV. Porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) has captured the attention of the swine industry and animal health officials across the USA. It has had and continues to have a serious and sometimes devastating impact on the swine production especially in the nursery where up to 100% of baby pigs are afflicted with severe diarrhea with death rates averaging 50% but approaching 100% in 1-3 day old pigs.

The unit nursery may have the most dramatic losses, but older pigs can still have diarrheal disease associated with this family of viruses and experience production losses. This is true not only for the large swine operations, but we also see it in group housed show pigs.

PEDV is technically a corona virus, which is a family of viruses that cause diarrhea in a variety of animals including man. Interestingly, it is related to the virus of transmissible gastro enteritis (TGE), a disease of long history in the USA and has a similar clinical picture with severe and often fatal diarrhea in baby pigs. In general, control measures for both TGE and PED are similar with the exception that there are good commercial vaccines available for TGE, but not PED. Interestingly, there is a mutant of the TGE virus that causes mild respiratory disease in pigs. This virus, porcine respiratory corona virus, (PRCV) because of its close relationship to the TGE virus will cross-protect pigs from more severe forms of TGE. Unfortunately, it does not offer any cross-protection for PED. There are also two viruses closely related to the TGE virus from pigs that cause significant disease in dogs and cats.

Recently, a third porcine corona virus, porcine delta corona virus (PDCoV), has been associated with diarrheal disease in swine operations.

Because of the diversity of this virus in swine and the need to rule out other agents causing diarrhea in swine, it is necessary to be able to accurately identify the causative agent in any outbreak of diarrhea at a swine facility. For example, besides TGEV, PEDV and PDCoV, porcine rotaviruses can also cause similar disease in baby pigs. In older pigs, bacterial agents, coccidia, and cryptosporidium must also be considered.

At TVMDL, testing for PEDV is accomplished with a “real time, multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR)” assay.

That’s a mouthful to be sure, but it simply defines a test that is highly sensitive/ specific (“PCR”) with a relatively rapid turnaround time (“real time”). It is a popular type of test in diagnostic laboratories. “Multiplex” refers to the fact that in this single test, we can identify and distinguish between the three related corona viruses causing diarrheal disease in pigs – TGEV, PEDV, PDCoV. TVMDL can also screen and test fecal material for other viruses, bacteria, and parasitic organisms like coccidian and cryptosporidium.

If you have problems with production losses related to intestinal disease, consultation with a veterinarian is necessary, for as a trained professional in the animal health field, he/she is most qualified to evaluate the disease problem and then recommend and select appropriate samples for testing to determine the underlying cause. Only then can the best treatment and management courses be identified.

For information on TVMDL’s porcine test offerings, visit tvmdl.tamu.edu.

If needed, our diagnosticians are available for consultation to assist with test selection. Additionally, submission information and our full fee schedule are available online.

63

ask Expert ?

THE

Jeffrey D. Logue, D.V.M.

“What exactly is mange and how do I treat for it?”

Submitted by: Garrett Reid

Mange: The Tiny Threat in the Big Show Pig World One of the most important factors to being successful in the show pig industry is to present your pig looking their best with healthy skin and a slick coat. You can have the best pig in the ring, but if he does not have “the look” of a winning show pig, he will never catch the judge’s eye. So how do we get to that perfect look? One of the easiest things to do is to control mange in the pig from the time of birth until he hits the show ring. We have all dealt with staph infections on the skin of our pigs, whether in the nursery, chip barn or right before a show. In some cases, the staph can be a primary infection, but often, it is secondary to mange.

Mange is a disease of the skin caused by a parasitic mite. The mite lives in the skin follicle and their life cycle takes about 10-15 days to complete. This becomes important when we discuss treatment options. Mites will cause the pig to be uncomfortable and scratch and rub the skin on gates and posts. This causes damage to the skin and sets the pig up for secondary bacterial infections and in severe cases, even growth rate and feed consumption can be affected. The mites are spread directly from pig to pig, so all it takes is one infected animal to be introduced to a farm or show barn, and eventually, all the pigs will be infected. One important point to note is that the mite will only live for 5 days away from the pig. This is very important when considering how to treat and clean up an infected barn and environment.

The most common signs of an early infection may only be head shaking and scratching on the gates. There may not be any obvious skin lesions at this time. As the disease progresses, you will start to see black discharge from the ears, thickening of the skin, and black exudate especially around the ears, neck, elbows ,and fronts of the hocks. Lesions are often seen seen in the flank and chest area as well. In some cases, the pig will actually become sensitized to the proteins from the mite and will develop an allergic reaction. This is what we commonly see in the show pigs that have a “rash” all over. Unfortunately, no amount of steroids, antibiotics, or topical medications will fix this until the mites are killed. Other conditions such as greasy pig, swine pox and sunburn often get confused with mange. In my opinion, if you are having skin issues with your pigs, begin first by treating for mange.

The one positive about a mange infection is that it is easily treated and does not develop resistance to the medications. My preference is to use an injectable product. This ensures that each pig is receiving the correct amount of medication. Topical and feed grade medications are available but are not as effective as the injectable products when used correctly. Mange control starts in the sow herd. We often see the sow passing mange to the baby pigs 64

in the farrowing crate. The best way to control this is to treat the sow with an injectable product 5 days prior to farrowing, and in addition, this serves as a general dewormer as well. The next step is to treat all pigs at weaning, which will prevent a possible mange carrier from infecting the whole group. If you are a show pig producer, I would recommend treating each pig when it is sold. Mange is too treatable to allow infected pigs off your farm, earning you a reputation of selling â&#x20AC;&#x153;un-healthyâ&#x20AC;? pigs. If you are purchasing show pigs, I also would suggest that each pig be treated for mange when you get it home, and repeat the treatment in 10-15 days to ensure all life stages of the mite have been killed. From that point, a once a month treatment on all pigs is recommended to prevent mange in your barn.

Mange can be eradicated in infected sow herds, and there are several protocols for achieving this. There will be a labor and monetary cost to implementing this, but in the long run, removing mange from the herd will make it more productive and efficient. Specific eradication protocols should be discussed and implemented with your veterinarian.

Once you have eliminated mange, then you can develop a plan to keep it and other diseases out of your herd using effective biosecurity plans.

About Dr. Jeff Logue A crowd favorite at the Texas Pork Industry Conference this summer, Dr. Jeff Logue grew up on a commercial farm in Indiana.

He graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Purdue.

He now owns his own practice and also provides medical and surgical services to the show pig industry.

TLC Pet Hospital 4121 South A Street Richmond, IN 47374 (765) 973-8703

Mange has been estimated to be present in 60% of the swine herds in the country. I feel that percentage may be even higher in the show pig industry. The parasite can easily be treated and controlled, but you must be very diligent. It is highly contagious and it only takes one infected pig to cause a re-occurrence. Treating with the correct dose and using the proper treatment protocol will keep your pigs free of mange. Keeping mange under control will not only improve the productivity of your pigs, but also give them that clean, healthy skin we are all looking for.

Searching for the answer?

Have a question about reproduction?

Having issues with your showpigs?

Need some advice on your health program?

Submit questions to be selected and answered in upcoming issues.

csmith@texaspork.org

65

SEE WHAT YOU FEEL

AN ASSISTED FARROWING GUIDE

Anatomy of the Sow This cutaway diagram provides a quick anatomy lesson to show some of the obstacles pigs encounter as they move through the birth canal during the farrowing process. Numbers are keyed to body parts and internal organs as follows: 1. Vulva: The opening of the birth canal.

2. Vagina: The area from just inside the vulva to the cervix. In a sow that is dilated and ready to farrow, the vagina, cervix and uterus blend together.

3. Uterus: The diagram shows a shortened version of the uterus, which is normally 5-6 ft. long. The uterus is divided into two parts - each occupied by the pigs ready to be delivered.

4. Abdominal cavity: In addition to the reproductive organs, this area contains the small intestine and the colon. The colon runs above the birth canal and extends back to the rectum.

5. Sacrum: The end of the spinal column, which is connected to the lower part of the pelvis.

6. Pelvis: This and the surrounding pelvic bones form the bony area of the birth canal. The â&#x20AC;&#x153;pelvic brimâ&#x20AC;? is the front portion of the pelvis bone.

7. Pelvic Space (Pelvic Cavity): The area occupied by the rectum, vagina and a portion of the bladder, which extends forward to the brim of the pelvis. 8. Bladder: Extends over the brim of the pelvis, just below the vagina.

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SPRING FARROWING APPROACHING SOON NORMAL DELIVERY POSITIONS Anterior (forward) Presentation When the pig passes head-first through the birth canal, the front legs are folded back against the pig’s chest wall. The back legs trail behind. About 55% of pigs are born in this head-first position.

Posterior (backward) Presentation These pigs are born with their back legs coming first, their front legs are extended under their chin. This is also known as the “caudal” position. About 45% of pigs are born this way.

Information Retrieved from:

Sponsored by: Photos and diagrams provided by Purdue University Medical Illustration Department. Text provided by Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine staff; compiled and edited by Dale Miller, National Hog Farmer.

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ABNORMAL DELIVERY POSITIONS Two Pigs Presented at Once

This is a very difficult position to correct because the pig’s backbone becomes wedged in the birth canal. If the sow is small or the pig is fairly large, correcting this problem is even more difficult. This situation can best be corrected using the techniques used to solve a breech presentation. Try to nudge the pig forward so you can hook a finger around the pig’s rear legs. Pull the legs toward you to position him in the normal, posterior position. If uncorrected, a Caesarean section may be required.

In this situation, two pigs lying bellyto-belly are passing through the birth canal together. Often, one pig is coming backward, the other is presented headfirst. Both may come backward or headfirst. If you can reach the pigs, usually you can grip one pig and deliver it, then go back to pull the other. In most of these cases, assistance is required because the sow is unable to move the combined mass of the pigs up and into the pelvic area.

Doubled-Over Position

OTHER COMMON DIFFICULTIES Oversized Pigs: Pigs too big to pass through the sow’s pelvis is fairly common. If the sow is not assisted soon enough, one or more pigs may die. If pigs begin to decompose and swell up with gas, the situation is critical as the decomposing pigs are poisoning the sow.

As the sow becomes exhausted, it becomes impossible for her to push the bloated pigs out of the birth canal. Timely assistance by you or your veterinarian is critical.

Uterine Inertia: This failure of the uterus to contract is blamed for about one-third of problem farrowings. Usually, this problem results from a hormonal or nutritional disturbance. Energy deficiencies are often cited. Mineral imbalances are less common. Uterine inertia may occur in an extended farrowing when the sow becomes exhausted and the uterus loses its ability to contract and push all of the pigs out.

Full Colon (Constipation): The colon becomes very full and pushes down against the birth canal. This crowding may make it difficult for pigs to pass through.

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MAKE SURE TO KEEP THIS GUIDE IN YOUR BARN Heavy Uterus

A large litter of 14 or more pigs can drag the uterus down along the abdominal wall causing it to form an “S” curve, which pushes part of the uterus underneath the pelvis. Under the heavy load, the uterus cannot contract enough to push the pigs up and over the pelvic brim. Assisting the delivery of the first pig will usually allow the “S” curve to straighten out and the rest of the pigs can be delivered normally.

This complication occurs when the pigs moves through the birth canal backwards. The pig’s rump is caught over the brim of the sow’s pelvis, the hocks and legs are caught forward. This is one of the most common causes of difficult farrowings and can be rather difficult to correct. Rarely can a sow deliver a pig in a breech position without assistance.

Breech Position

Full Bladder: The bladder holds up to a gallon of urine. When very full, it pushes up against the floor of the birth canal, obstructing the pigs’ passage. A normal dose of oxytocin and getting the sow to stand will encourage her to urinate, thus alleviating the problem.

Vaginal, Soft Tissue Injuries: Too much intervention, manipulation, rough handling or a dry birth canal often causes excessive swelling in the vagina, thus limiting the space needed for pigs to pass. Occasionally, a hematoma (blood clot that forms in the uterine wall) obstructs the birth canal and prevents pig passage.

Under-Developed or Injured Sows: A small pelvis may not provide enough room for pigs to pass through the bony structure.

Traction may help pigs pass through. Occasionally, a sow with a fractured pelvis may heal with a lump that pushes against the birth canal and obstructs the pigs’ passage. A Cesarean section may be required in these cases.

Fat Sows: Excessively fat sows will have fat deposits that crowd the birth canal and, therefore, obstruct the pigs’ passage.

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MANUAL DELIVERY TECHNIQUES Nose or Jawbone

To get a good grip when a pig is coming headfirst, grasp the ridge of the nose with your thumb and insert your index finger into his mouth behind the canine (needle) teeth, pinch thumb and index finger together, and pull. Or, reverse the thumb and index finger configuration, placing your thumb in the pig’s mouth, wrap your index finger around its nose, pinch and pull. Another option is to insert your index finger in the pig’s mouth, place your thumb under his chin, grasping the mandible or V-shaped jawbones, pinch and pull as pictured. Or, reversing this configuration, place your thumb in the pig’s mouth, press your index finger under the lower jaw, pinch and pull.

Head Grip If the sow’s pelvis is big enough and her uterus well-dilated, you may be able to pass your hand over the pig’s head, placing your index finger behind one ear, your middle finger behind the other ear, then press your thumb against the lower jaw, squeeze and pull gently as pictured. Do not force your arm too far into the reproductive tract. Doing so can damage sensitive tissue or contaminate the reproductive tract.

Assisting with a Breech If the sow is large, gently slide your hand through the vulva and the vagina until you contact the pig. Gently hook your finger around the pig’s hocks and simultaneously push the pig’s rump and pelvis forward with your thumb or finger. This action will allow you to pull the back legs toward you and position the pig in a normal posterior presentation so you can pull him out.

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USE INSTRUMENTS WITH CARE Most sows deliver pigs without assistance, but occasionally they may need your help. If you have seen the signs of labor (bed-making, restlessness, abundant milk, straining), but no pigs have been born within 1-2 hours or if 1-2 hours have passed between births, the sow should be examined.

Begin by following these important rules: Rule No. 1 – Be very gentle.

Rule No. 2 – Be very sanitary. Wash your hands, arms, plastic sleeve and the sow’s vulval area thoroughly with warm water and antiseptic soap.

Rule No. 3 – Apply lubricants liberally; good lubricants are available from veterinarians or veterinary supply houses.

With particularly difficult births, you or your veterinarian may chose one of several instruments designed to help grasp the pig and provide a little extra traction. If the pig is alive, you may chose not to use instruments because they may tear or injure parts of the pig.

On the sow’s behalf, a great deal of patience is required when using instruments and traction. If you pull too hard, you will tear sensitive tissues in the sow’s reproductive tract. If you tear or bruise vaginal tissues badly, the sow’s chances of survival and ability to nurse a good litter are seriously compromised.

Be sure to wash and disinfect instruments before use. The three most common obstetrical instruments include: Pig Snare: (A & B) Probably the most useful and readily available instrument. The snare can be passed inside the birth canal without damaging sensitive tissue. The snare cable should be stiff enough so that it can be worked back over the pig’s head with the fingers, pulled tightly so the pig can be successfully pulled out. Be careful not to pull too hard, particularly if the pig is partially decomposed because the cable may cut through the delicate tissue, thus losing the good hold needed to extract the pig.

If you cannot get the snare over the head, slip it over the nose and tighten it behind the needle teeth, much as you would snare a full-grown pig for bloodtesting. Secure the cable snug with a finger and pull the pig out. See photos for examples.

Obstetrical Forceps: (C & D) Veterinarians commonly carry some type of forceps and are more skilled in their use. The Knowles forceps (shown) are used to grasp whatever you can get hold of — usually a pig’s snout, jaw or foot. Remember, the forceps can cause trauma and must be used with great care to avoid injury to the sow or the pig’s body part being grasped.

Half-Moon or Pig Obstetrical Forceps (not pictured): This style of forceps is popular with veterinarians when intervention is needed. About 22 inches long, the two stainless steel rods are hinged at the center. The forceps has flared handles on one end, two half-moon-shaped clamps on the other. The half-mooned end of the forceps is passed gently through the vulva and into the birth canal. Protect the birth canal from the hinged end by placing a finger over the hinge. When the forceps reaches the pig’s head or hips, spread the forceps and allow it to slip over and behind the pig’s head (neck) or hips (pelvis). When the forceps is well seated in this position, gently close the half-moon-shaped clamps and pull with firm, steady pressure. Be very careful. If the forceps slips off the pig, the sow could be injured. Ask your veterinarian for guidance to improve your skills with these forceps. Remember: Always wash and disinfect hands, arms and all equipment thoroughly before assisting sows. Be patient. Be gentle. Lubricate well. Consult your veterinarian for professional advice and assistance.

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