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MICHIGAN 2020, VOL. 45, NO. 3 Michigan’s Pork Producers source for information. Pg. 4 Pg. 7 Pg. 10 MPPA Celebrates MPPA Cancels 2021 MPPA and MSU National Pork Month Pork Expo Now Offer Virtual Farm Tours Nov20magazine2.indd 1 11/9/2020 3:14:32 PM
What’s On Your Plate? Help empower tomorrow’s farmers, scientists, communicators, and food processors. Purchase a Michigan Agricultural Heritage license plate! For just $35, you can help prepare the next generation of agriculture leaders by supporting FFA and K-12 agricultural education programs! Get your plate today. Visit your local Secretary of State office or go to www.michigan.gov/SOS and click on the “Owning a Vehicle” link for order forms. Questions? Call 517-432-2482. Now Offered for Commercial Vehicles Nov20magazine2.indd 2 11/9/2020 3:15:02 PM
MICHIGAN Michigan Pork Producers Association 3515 West Road, Suite B East Lansing, Michigan 48823 (517) 853-3782 www.mipork.org 2020, VOL. 45, NO. 3 Michigan Pork is published quarterly by Michigan Pork SPOTLIGHT Producers Association and has MPPA Celebrates National Pork Month .............................................. 4 a circulation of more than 2,500 copies. All editorial and advertising are DEPARTMENTS screened along rigid standards, but publisher assumes no President’s Page .......................................................................................6 responsibility for accuracy or validity of claims, all rights Across My Desk .........................................................................................8 reserved. MSU Pork Quarterly .........................................................................center For any questions regarding Capital Update .......................................................................................... 12 Michigan Pork’s mailing Pork Checkoff ........................................................................................... 14 list, advertising or content Calendar of Events .................................................................................. 19 please contact Emily Schmitt at schmitt@mipork.org or Index to Advertisers ............................................................................... 23 517-853-3782. MPPA Staff: FEATURES Mary Kelpinski Michigan Ag Heritage License Plate ....................................................2 Chief Executive Officer Managing Editor MPPA Cancels 2021 Pork Expo ..............................................................7 kelpinski@mipork.org Lois Britt Memorial Scholarship ............................................................7 Emily Schmitt MPPA Now Offers Virtual Swine Farm Tours ...................................10 Program Director Mediation: A Tool for Michigan Farmers ............................................ 11 Editor schmitt@mipork.org MI County Preserves Acres from Development .............................. 16 MPPA Membership Application ........................................................... 17 ***On the cover: Michigan Pork Producers Association board Swine Industry Loses Paul Matzet ...................................................... 18 member Ryan Hunter prepares Michigan Pork PAC .................................................................................20 to cut pork loins to grill and serve New Online Tool for Conservation Planning .................................... 21 at the City Rescue Mission of Lansing.*** We’re Listening........................................................................................ 22 2020, VOL. 45, NO. 3 Page 3 Nov20magazine2.indd 3 11/9/2020 3:15:06 PM
Spotlight Page MPPA Celebrates I n celebration of October being National Pork Month, Michigan Pork Producers Association partnered with several other Michigan National agricultural commodity organizations to provide dinner for those in need at the City Rescue Mission of Lansing Oct. 28. Pork Month The delicious aroma of grilling pork loin filled the streets of downtown Lansing as the pork association staff grilled dinner from the by Serving National Pork We CareSM trailer on Michigan Avenue. MPPA staff also had the opportunity to serve dinner at the men’s shelter, distributing nearly 100 meals there. More than 50 meals were also delivered to the women’s Dinner at shelter to be served by volunteers. City Rescue Men, women and children were served pork loin sandwiches, which were donated by MPPA. The meals also included buns, potato chips, apples, milk and salads which were donated by the Michigan Wheat Program, Michigan Mission in Potato Industry Commission, Michigan Apple Committee and United Dairy Industry of Michigan. Lansing October originally became known as National Pork Month because it marked the time of year when hogs were traditionally harvested. Today, it serves as a time to celebrate and thank pig farmers and share their stories with consumers. By: Emily Schmitt To find out more about pig farming, visit realpigfarming.com. For more information on the City Rescue Mission of Lansing, visit MPPA PROGRAM www.bearescuer.org. DIRECTOR Pictured at right, MPPA CEO Mary Kelpinski, MPPA Board Member Ryan Hunter of Vicksburg, MI, his daughter, Kyla and MPPA Program Director Emily Schmitt gather at the City Rescue Mission of Lansing to serve dinner. Page 4 Michigan Pork Producers Association Nov20magazine2.indd 4 11/9/2020 3:15:09 PM
Pictured above, the National Pork We CareSM trailer sits on Michigan Avenue in downtown Lansing. At left, Mary, Kyla, Ryan and Emily stand near the pork trailer before grilling pork loins for the City Rescue Mission of Lansing. At bottom left, National Pork Board staff member Glen Roest grills pork loins for dinner. , Wooden Purebred Swine Farms Production Tested F1 Hampshire Duroc, Yorkshire, F1 Service Age Boars Open, F1 & Purebred Gilts Fresh Semen Available Delivery Available Quality 4H & FFA Show Pigs Available Cassopolis, MI 49031 Dennis Wooden (269) 445-8066 (517) 937-5568 (mobile) dkswine@yahoo.com High Quality - High Health Aggressive 2020, VOL. 45, NO. 3 Page 5 Nov20magazine2.indd 5 11/9/2020 3:15:10 PM
President’s Page “Happy to see 2020 come to a close” H ello all. As always, I hope this issue finds all of you, your families, and farms safe and healthy. And again, I will time stamp this article. I am writing this on November 1st. Ten months of the year 2020 are behind us. In our area the harvest has been moving along at a good pace. Hog prices have been much higher than most of us expected they would be at this point in the year. While 2020 has brought its share of surprises and disappointments, the move higher in pork prices this fall has been a very welcome one. Much like hog prices, commodity prices in general have not followed the usual fall decline. While all of us may view this development differently, my opinion is that it has been an overall positive development for those in the agriculture business. By the time you read this, election day will be behind us. I hope, and pray, that by the time you read this, we know what the outcome is! While I am not very good at predictions, I do know one thing for sure... Regardless of the outcome, the men and women of American agriculture, particularly those of us involved in producing pork, will rise early November 4th and each day after, and continue our work, producing a safe and nutritious product. Just as we do everyday. And while you are doing that, know your organization is here for you. MPPA works with politicians, bureaucrats, and activist groups that affect your livelihood to educate and show them what you do everyday to feed By: Pat Albright the world. I want to take this opportunity to thank Mary and Emily for MPPA PRESIDENT “holding down the fort” during these past months. They are working everyday to promote our product, and to advocate on our behalf. Soon, the holiday season will be upon us. While we all have had plenty of disappointment to deal with this year, I hope all of you are able to in at least some way, spend some time with those that are important to you, and relish those relationships. Denny Thelen, Regional Sales Manager Call: (989) 640-1091 Email: dthelen@uproducers.com Fowler, Mich. Web: www.uproducers.com Page 6 Michigan Pork Producers Association Nov20magazine2.indd 6 11/9/2020 3:15:15 PM
MPPA Cancels 2021 Pork Expo M ichigan Pork Due to complications from the offers a tradeshow and education Producers COVID-19 pandemic, the MPPA seminars designed for pig farmers Association regrets board of directors has decided and pork industry stakeholders. We to announce that to cancel the 2021 show, which is apologize for the inconvenience and the 2021 Michigan usually held at the Lansing Center hope you can join us in February Pork Expo has been cancelled. in February. The expo usually 2022 for our next pork expo! Lois Britt Memorial Pork Industry Scholarship T he National Pork Lifetime Achievement Award as to ten $2,500 scholarships. Producers Council is some of her many achievements. Ten $2,500 scholarships are pleased to announce With the marking of the 50th awarded to students annually the 2021 Lois Britt anniversary of the Live Hog futures who intend to pursue a career in Memorial Pork Industry in 2015, the number of scholarships the pork industry with hopes that Scholarship is now accepting awarded annually was raised they may emerge as future pork applications. from four to five. In 2017, the industry leaders themselves. The scholarship program was National Pork Industry Foundation Details can be found online introduced in 1990 by CME Group, became another sponsor of the at http://nppc.org/programs/ Inc. and NPPC to celebrate the 25th Lois Britt Scholarship so we could scholarships/. Applications anniversary of the CME Live Hog double the scholarships from five are due Jan. 4, 2021. futures. Four $2,500 scholarships were created to rewarded students who intended to pursue a career in the pork industry with hopes they emerge as pork industry Customized Nutrition leaders themselves someday. that Works for you! The scholarship was renamed in 2006 to honor the passing of NPPC Board of Director Lois Britt. Britt, a lifetime supporter of agriculture, spent 34 years with • Net Energy Formulation the North Carolina Cooperative • Supplemental Enzymes Extension Service, finishing • Crystalline Amino Acids out her career for 15 years with Murphy-Brown LLC (Smithfield) • Best-Cost Formulation 10015 Pierce St, Zeeland, Michigan doing Public and Government Ben Kamp (616) 291-3697 Relations. She was inducted into the NPPC Pork Industry Hall of Certified Distributor for: Fame, the N.C. Pork Council Hall of Fame, and awarded the N.C. 4-H 2020, VOL. 45, NO. 3 Page 7 Nov20magazine2.indd 7 11/9/2020 3:15:15 PM
Across My Desk “Lessons Learned” I think everyone would agree, we have had enough of 2020. COVID-19 has made life difficult for everyone especially pork producers. Plant closures in the spring and reductions in the food service industry have made it hard to secure a profit for pigs going to market. As gut wrenching as COVID-19 has been, let me try to shine some light on positives that have come out of this troubling time. COVID-19 caused disruptions in pork processing due to workers being concerned about catching the virus and disruptions at home. When processing plants started to reduce capacity or close completely, some farmers found themselves with too many pigs and no place to market them. I was amazed at the ingenuity and creativity of producers in Michigan. The farmers I talked to were all able to slow their pigs down by switching diets or find additional barn space to accommodate hogs until the plants could take them. Fortunately, this supply chain interruption was a result of Plant closures in COVID-19 and not a foreign animal disease (FAD). If the U.S. broke with the spring and a FAD, we would likely be unable reductions in to export our product. With over 25 percent of the pork we raise the food service currently headed to other countries, that would be a lot of pork for us to industry have By: Mary Kelpinski consume. made it hard to MPPA CHIEF For the past several years, we secure a profit EXECUTIVE have been encouraging producers OFFICER to develop a Secure Pork Plan. for pigs going We have held several meetings and participated in drills trying to to market. prepare for the worst. COVID-19 has really helped us to make progress on SWINE VETERINARY SERVICES OF MICHIGAN *Partner of 4 Star Veterinary Services* 60 Veterans Dr. #7, Holland, MI 49423 616-355-PIGS (7447) FAX 616-355-7110 Joanna Kane, D.V.M. svsmi@4starvets.com Page 8 Michigan Pork Producers Association Nov20magazine2.indd 8 11/9/2020 3:15:17 PM
several areas of that plan. real-time disease status to help Department of Agriculture facilitate disease trace-back and pig and Rural Development; the We realized very quickly that movement among its users. Department of Environment, Great USDA Veterinary Services were not Lakes and Energy; and the Natural prepared with much equipment With enough voluntary Resources Conservation Service to help in case of an emergency. participants, it will help the to name a few. We spent many Not only were they short on pork industry rapidly contain or hours discussing different options supplies, they were also short on regionalize a FAD outbreak to for producers and some of the recommendations. There was not a restore safe pork exports and get challenges they might face. lot of research on the pork side to business back as close to normal as help with mass depopulation. possible more quickly. I think Michigan has survived better than some other states. The National Pork Board made AgView will be available to We were fortunate to have a that research a priority and has producers in November. To learn large processing plant in the state worked with state associations and more about this no-cost program that was able to stay open and universities to develop equipment visit pork.org/agview/. continue to process hogs. We are and guidelines that will be available Another positive that I quickly also fortunate for all the small if needed. realize during this whole event processors the worked extra hours We also realized we needed is our ability to work together to help with backed up hogs. more research on disposal sites. as a state. I was impressed how Normal is a distant memory but Since this was not a FAD, there quickly we were able to get the hopefully we have seen the worst were additional sites that could right people together to work on of COVID-19 and 2021 will be a be used, such as landfills and finding solutions. I worked with much calmer year. large central compositing sites. In MSU Extension; the Michigan the case of a FAD, animals would not be able to be transported off the farm for disposal. Research is currently being done on the environmental impact of different disposal types. We also do not have a good way to identify farms. If this had been a FAD, all farms would have to be identified and control zones established to contain and eliminate the disease. We are working with MSU Extension on developing a database to help locate farms and have a central site for contact information. The National Pork Board has worked to develop AgView, a software program that will not only identify farms but also provide near 2020, VOL. 45, NO. 3 Page 9 Nov20magazine2.indd 9 11/9/2020 3:15:19 PM
MPPA now offers Virtual Swine Farm Tours M ichigan Pork “I believe in transparency in our “This gives us the ability to Producers industry,” he said. “But as we have broaden our audience,” Kevin said. Association has brought animals into confinement “We have had legislators on the tour partnered with for their health and wellbeing, that from all over the state without them Michigan State reduces our ability for transparency. having to drive to a farm. People University to offer virtual swine The virtual farm tours are a great from anywhere can watch the tour farm tours to classrooms and other way to educate people about where and it is easier to work into different groups interested in learning about food comes and the process of schedules and with larger groups. pork production. raising pigs.” We look forward to hosting many more.” MSU Swine Farm Manager Kevin While the virtual tours negate Turner hosts the virtual farm tours the need for visitors to follow Virtual swine farm tours can be from the MSU Swine Teaching biosecurity measures, they also scheduled through Emily Schmitt and Research Farm on campus open up tours to guests that might at MPPA, schmitt@mipork.org or in East Lansing. He presents the not live anywhere near pig farms. 517-853-3782. tours through Zoom, which allows groups or individuals to watch and interact with him, asking questions throughout the tour. While the COVID-19 pandemic has caused organizations to think innovatively when it comes to social distancing and holding in-person events, preventing the spread of disease is nothing new for the pork industry. Pig farmers have been using biosecurity practices for many years to help prevent the introduction and transmission of potential diseases into a swine herd. It is often difficult for visitors to enter swine farms because of the biosecurity measures the Pictured above, MSU Swine Farm Manager Kevin Turner performs his industry has established. Biosecurity daily check on the pigs. The virtual swine farm tours he provides offer protocols could be as simple as viewers the chance to see the pigs at different stages of their lives. having staff and visitors wash hands, boots and equipment before entering a barn or as intense as showering before entering and prior to leaving the barn. Kevin said the virtual tours are a useful method to showcase the industry since it is often difficult to coordinate visitors just to enter the barns. Page 10 Michigan Pork Producers Association Nov20magazine2.indd 10 11/9/2020 3:15:19 PM
Mediation: A Tool for Michigan Farmers T he typical Michigan Coordinator in East Lansing. quickly and with less stress than farmer’s toolkit contains formal proceedings such as due Michigan farmers considering a jumble of production process hearings. It helps Michigan mediation or wishing to learn more and management tools. farmers get back to growing food can call (800) 616-7863 or visit One of those tools for and fiber for the residents of www.agmediation.org. Mediation is farmers is the Michigan Agricultural Michigan and beyond. designed to resolve disputes more Mediation Program (MAMP). With the MAMP, Michigan farmers have the option of t mediating eligible disputes with o ntac rk.org C o agricultural lenders, creditors or U.S. i@ mip raffle sk se Department of Agriculture (USDA) elpin rcha s. K u t agencies. Mediation enables the to p ticke participants to talk informally about the issues and suggest solutions that align with the law and work for all concerned. A trained neutral mediator helps the participants build trust, communicate constructively and focus on the issues. The participants, not the mediator, make the decisions. There is no cost to producers for using the service. “Mediation is a great way to give everyone their time to be heard. It is a less formal way of discussing and educating,” according to Dr. Betsy Dierberger, State Resources Conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service, a USDA agency, in East Lansing. The Farm Service Agency (FSA), another USDA agency, encourages farmers who have received an adverse determination to consider mediation through the MAMP. “While USDA program provisions are not subject to change through the mediation process per se, sometimes new information about the farm’s or farmer’s specific circumstances will emerge, which may result in a different outcome,” says Ken Schapman, FSA Mediation 2020, VOL. 45, NO. 3 Page 11 Nov20magazine2.indd 11 11/9/2020 3:15:20 PM
MSU Pork Quarterly Students complete summer swine experiences Dale Rozeboom, Michigan State University Professor, rozeboom@msu.edu, Kevin Turner, MSU Swine Farm Manager, Information for an Industry on the Move turner67@msu.edu, Christopher Rozeboom, MSU Operations November 2020 Vol. 25 No. 3 Supervisor, rozeboo4@msu.edu The purpose of this article is to highlight MSU In This Issue... students who worked on swine farms this past summer, to share that MSU is committed to helping students arrange summer internships and other work experience 1 Students Complete opportunities, and to help farms find future employees. Summer Swine Summer work experiences for MSU students continue Experiences to be valued by both students and the employers for whom they work. These experiences may be internship for credit at MSU or they can be summer employment without MSU connection. The two most significant 3 How did COVID-19 and benefits of these work experiences are the knowledge Industry Disruption gained by the student about modern pork production Accelerate Michigan’s and the opportunity of the employer to source a potential future employee. Secuure Pork Supply Preparedness? Arrangements for a summer internship or employment come about in several ways. A student may have worked previously on a farm when in FFA or 4-H. The employer and student may have met 8 6 The New Michigan Manure to 9 months in advance of the summer (prior fall) Hauler Certification at a Career Fair hosted by the student’s university. Postings by the employer on an online career service Program is now live online! are frequently viewed by students, especially those who begin their search for an internship or summer This newsle er is edited by: Ronald Bates, MSU Extension Swine Specialist job just one or two months before summer. A summer (517) 432-1387 batesr@msu.edu work experience could also be the result of a referral & Megan Sprague, Michigan Pork Producers by another student or former student. And lastly, the advice of a MSU instructor or academic advisor, in the Animal Science Department or another department, This newsletter is edited by: may be the way the student finds that summer internship or job. Casey Zangaro, MSU Extension Swine Pork Team, zangaroc@msu.edu In the summer of 2020, we were aware that eleven & Emily Schmitt MPPA, Program Director MSU students held summer positions on different farms in the U.S. Four MSU Animal Science students Page 1 MSU Pork Quarterly Nov20magazine2.indd 02 11/9/2020 3:15:21 PM
registered at MSU for credited swine internships: internship program on your farm, and about who at Hannah Cummings, Pipestone, MN; Tammy Kessel, MSU can help make connections between students and Kalmbach, OH; Cal Mitchell, Forest Ridge Farms, MI; farms. Regarding those connections, the authors of this and Veronica Polniak, H & H, MI. Internships meet the article remain very willing to help students and farms experiential learning requirement of the Animal Science arrange internships or summer employment. Feel free Department at MSU. Zac Hultnik also worked on a to contact us. Dr. Jackie Jacobs is currently the official swine farm for MSU credit. He completed a four-week instructor of the Animal Science Internships course, ANS independent study for credit with Carthage Veterinary 493. Contact Dr. Jacobs at jacob175@msu.edu. Lastly, Services, IL. Alli Walker and Claire Vincent followed the Jill Cords works in the MSU College of Agriculture & advice of instructors at MSU while being recruited by Natural Resources as a Career Consultant to assist recent MSU graduates and worked this past summer for students and employers. She organizes career fairs Swartz Farms Inc., MN. Their experience did not involve and instructs others in how to use an online internship credit towards their degrees at MSU. The same was true and job posting service called Handshake. At that site, for five other MSU students who were employed on students can learn of internship and job postings, and swine farms for the summer, four with Kalmbach in Ohio employers can view student resumes. Registration for and one with H & H near Vicksburg MI. Handshake is at msu.joinhandshake.com. Contact Jill at jcords@msu.edu. The list above reflects the variety of ways that summer work experiences can be arranged. This list Summer work experiences on swine farms help may be incomplete, as MSU instructors are not always students gain practical industry experience and informed by the student and (or) employer of their become better aware of future career opportunities in employment arrangement. The majority of work pork production. These summer experiences help the experiences by MSU students on swine farms this past swine farms get to know a potential future employee summer were not credited MSU internships. That is and provide the farm additional labor during summer acceptable and maybe better for employers, as they vacation time or a time focused on a project that has look for alternative ways to source potential employees. needed to get done. Summer work experiences can be internships, but do not need to be. MSU instructors, The June 2017 issue of the MSU Pork Quarterly was academic advisors, career consultants and swine farm entirely about labor on the swine farm. Included was employees are committed to helping students and an excellent article about internships. Much was written farms obtain the best outcomes from summer work about the benefits of internships for both the student experiences. and the employer, about how to develop a successful 2020, Vol. 25 No.3 Page 2 Nov20magazine2.indd 03 11/9/2020 3:15:21 PM
How did COVID-19 and Industry Disruption Accelerate Michigan’s Secure Pork Supply Preparedness? Written by the MSU Extension Pork Team The year 2020 will go down in the history books, outreach to veterinarians, development of additional with many farmers remembering this year as one of mortality management options, a review of mass turmoil, adaptiveness and uncertainty. During the disposal methods and increased communication spring months of 2020 (March through May) the pork between state government agencies, industry industry was in an unprecedented situation. Pork representatives, academia and educators. As a result processing plants were shut down and processing line of the monumental loss of food, and the financial and capacity dropped by 25 percent as a direct result of emotional cost to producers and consumers, Michigan’s employees infected with COVID-19. The limited space at Secure Pork Supply Planning has accelerated, not due the processing plants caused disruption for all animal to disease in pigs, but due to a disruption in the market protein industries but for the pork industry this was of them. an exceedingly difficult situation, as the pork industry The framework for Secure Pork Supply in Michigan is based on a fixed (barn) space, with a calculated is being developed by the Michigan Department of flow of animals entering and exiting barns. Changes in Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) with flow take months of planning. When processing plants support from MSU Extension, USDA and Michigan Pork were closed, and even though farmers in the Midwest Producers Association (MPPA). Farmers will also need slowed pig growth by lowering ration protein (holding to develop the framework for Secure Pork Supply plans diets), the pigs continued to grow in limited space, and for their individual operations. This includes taking subsequently, farmers where scrambling for options. preparedness steps to address specific requirements Some farmers had no other option but to euthanize and that will be in plan during a foreign animal disease dispose of barns full of healthy hogs. (FAD) event. Like industry disruption, addressing As the industry started to wince, Michigan’s pork disease outbreak includes focusing on preparing and industry farmers, MSU Extension, state government, training the industry for the steps needed to address industry organizations and associated agricultural situations, environmental impact from increased businesses, gathered current experiences and made mortality and economic stability of farming operations. strategic preparations for disastrous disruption. Outreach to Veterinarians Farmer preparation included feeding holding diets and collaboratively working with other Michigan It is understood that herd veterinarians are essential farmers, utilization of the local processors, and to the operations of swine industry. They provide reviewing coordinated pigs flow options. In the interim, needed oversight and direction when responding to stakeholders developed parallel partnerships of Secure health issues, build biosecurity plans and provide input Pork Planning (SPS) to review current situations such on daily operations. The role of the veterinarian was as depopulation, mortality management, and mental apparent in guiding their producers through difficult well-being of farmers. Gratefully, the slaughter capacity decisions in swine depopulation during the disruption in the United States returned to near normal levels by and will be as integral during a major disease outbreak. May 2020. To this point; in the devastating event of detection Through industry disruption, our state saw increased of a FAD such as African Swine Fever (ASF) or Classical Page 3 MSU Pork Quarterly Nov20magazine2.indd 04 11/9/2020 3:15:22 PM
Swine Fever (CSF) in Michigan, it is expected that MDARD would require an accredited veterinarian to inspect a farm biosecurity plan and to provide an affidavit of the farm’s enhanced biosecurity plan prior to animal movement from the farm site. For clarity, an accredited veterinarian is licensed to provide health certificates or affidavits. However, with the exception of swine and poultry veterinarians, there are only a few, among Michigan’s 1,700 accredited veterinarians, trained in “enhanced biosecurity”, especially when contrasted against the need of more than 2,000 pig farms in Michigan. Therefore, it is vital that all accredited veterinarians, assisting farms to establish their enhanced biosecurity plans, have a fundamental understanding of critical control points to mitigate risk of disease entry, and a method to share expectations with their clients, this when combined will enhance the preparedness and resiliency in the State of While the Clemens Food Group pork processing Michigan. For these reasons, funding was sought and plant in Coldwater, MI did not close down during has been appropriated from the Michigan Veterinary the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, Medical Association’s Michigan Animal Health Fund, many other plants like this did close, causing allowing the MSU Extension team with assistance supply chain disruptions across the country.. from USDA and MDARD to develop a comprehensive Michigan enhanced biosecurity training program. depopulation of animals, producers need to think This team, led by Dr. Madonna Benjamin is through what their disposal options are for specific working to provide interactive educational training situations. The accessibility of different approved such that veterinarians have the opportunity to disposal options in Michigan are dependent on the complete significant training in the areas of enhanced reason for mass depopulation, with certain disease biosecurity, FAD response plans and the process in outbreak situations requiring disposal on-site. With which affidavits will be signed to support movement a push from industry disruption, a review of the of animals in outbreak areas. This type of preparation disposal options in Michigan occurred, with specific will allow accredited veterinarians and farmers to have “need-to-know” information being summarized for an established biosecurity plan and checklist, prior to producers, along with the identification of potential a required veterinary on-site inspection. With early pitfalls or holes that the different disposal options implementation of enhanced biosecurity practices, could have. This also led to exploration of the there will be less room for error during an outbreak as availability of carbon sources for composting and the the farm operations will be refining practices instead of development of a network of suppliers that could be introducing new ones. utilized if this were to occur. This work continues with Mortality Management a combined partnership of MDARD, MPPA and MSU Extension continuing the exploration of the different Anytime an industry situation could result in mass disposal methods. 2020, Vol. 25 No.3 Page 4 Nov20magazine2.indd 05 11/9/2020 3:15:22 PM
Also, as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic and for this method of disposal. Currently, operations supply chain disruptions that were heavily experienced accumulating more than 20,000 pounds annually from March-May 2020 was the discussion regarding are required to compost in or on a liner meeting the alternative disposal options. With the potential for National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) 313 mass depopulations being high, options for mortality standards. Knowing that this would be a sufficient disposal were being examined closely by state method in the disruption situation or if a FAD outbreak regulators and educators. A newer mortality option that were to occur, a request was made by the Michigan has been researched in other states was brought to the Pork Producers Association (MPPA) to have this table. Mesophilic static pile composting (MSPC) is a requirement waived for this specific emergency. combination of burial and static pile composting that is Moving past the state of disruption, this request is an easily implemented method for producers, all while still gathering support and has been presented to looking to protect the environment. More research is governmental agencies for review, to help bolster the needed to see how this option would work in Michigan mass carcass disposal plan for the state. as not only a potential emergency mortality option, Summary but also a normal/routine mortality management for Michigan producers. COVID-19 and industry disruption has revealed the urgency for preparedness for the pork industry. Working together to provide more options for Whether the cause be disruption because of pandemic producers Erica Rogers (Lead), Dale Rozeboom, Steve situations or an outbreak of a FAD, the results and Safferman, Sarah Fronczak, and Sue Reamer (NRCS) goals are similarly aligned. Minimizing economic have submitted a research proposal and subsequent disruption and distress, as a consequence of the research study to examine the potential environmental pervasive negative effects resulting from an emerging and economic impacts of using MSPC as a viable pandemic situation and/or foreign animal disease mortality disposal option for Michigan farms. Outreach outbreak, requires strong synergies across a group of regarding this new mortality disposal option will first line personnel or ‘field partners’. These individuals, continue with stakeholders (like EGLE and MDARD) including farmers, veterinarians, veterinary students regarding research findings and efforts will be made to (through on-farm visits), transporters, and butchers include MSPC as a potential normal/routine mortality serve livestock throughout the food supply chain on disposal option in BODA. a daily basis. It is this group of individuals, along with As the taskforce group continued to review disposal those working in support of the industry such as, state options, they recognized that composting on farms government, industry representatives and academia, can be done if other, more convenient options are not which will need to develop the needed preparedness available or disposal on-site is required. However, in steps so that our state and its farmers can be best the case of mass disposal, limitations were identified prepared for these types of situations. Page 5 MSU Pork Quarterly Nov20magazine2.indd 06 11/9/2020 3:15:23 PM
The NEW Michigan Manure Hauler Certification Program is now live online! Michigan State University Extension and Michigan Farm Bureau work together to launch the Michigan Manure Hauler Certification Program Erica Rogers, Michigan State University Extension Educator, rogers392@msu.edu, Charles Gould, Michigan State University Extension Educator, gouldm@msu.edu Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) and Michigan Farm Bureau (MFB) are pleased to announce that the Michigan Manure Hauler Certification Program has been officially launched online. This program is for farm owners and employees as well as for-hire manure applicators (firms) in the state of Michigan. The goals of the program are to: • Prevent manure application problems before they occur. • Increase nutrient management plan implementation. • Improve professionalism among manure applicators. • Demonstrate responsible manure application and Manure injection into wheat stubble. (Photo credit: Charles Gould) • Increase the base level of manure management knowledge of all employees. Successful completion of Level 2 are found on the front page of the retains the 5% reduction plus other website as well as complete details The certification program is incentives. Successful completion about the certification program. comprised of three levels. Each of Level 3 increases the insurance level includes manure application It is important to note that premium reduction to 10%. equipment inspection and ongoing if you are currently Livestock education. Farms and firms who To get started, go to the Michigan Systems verified with the Michigan complete Level 1 and are insured by Manure Hauler Certification Program Agriculture Environmental Assurance Michigan Farm Bureau Insurance website, www.canr.msu.edu/ Program you have half of Level 2 qualify for a 5% reduction on the animal-agriculture/Manure-Hauler- completed (the other half is the liability and farm personal property Training/. Instructions on how to manure application equipment sections of their insurance policy. set up a MSU Desire2Learn account inspection) and approximately 90% 2020, Vol. 25 No.3 Page 6 Nov20magazine2.indd 07 11/9/2020 3:15:23 PM
of the Environmental Management Systems Plan for dropped 80% in the first three years in the program in Level 3 completed. Wisconsin. Over time, through a proven track record of reduced risk and safer operations, Wisconsin for-hire Manure Management Summit manure applicators have been able to increase the The Manure Management Summit will be held discounts received through their program. annually for all levels of certification to attend. The Benefits of the Program summit will cover regulatory updates, scientific and research updates, as well as other related manure The most obvious benefit is the insurance premium management information. Participants will be expected reduction. Perhaps more importantly however, the to pass the knowledge check test at the end of the certification program demonstrates how animal summit to maintain their certification. agriculture is working towards environmental sustainability. The certification program creates a more Economic Advantage positive perception of land application of manure as The insurance industry is willing to offer significant well as giving an element of credibility to manure premium discounts to firms and farms with a properly applicators. Finally, it fulfills a request from Michigan trained workforce and who follow through with livestock producers for a list of manure applicators program requirements. As an example, the manure who they can trust to apply manure responsibly and applicator association in Wisconsin and the University of appropriately. Wisconsin-Madison Department of Extension partnered Questions about the Certification Program? with the insurance industry to create a market-based incentive program to encourage for-hire manure MSU Extension: Charles Gould at gouldm@msu.edu applicators to participate in a training and certification or (616) 994-4547 or Erica Rogers at rogers392@msu. program. The insurance industry prefers clients who are edu or (989) 875-5233 Ext. 5296 or Sarah Fronczak at proactive and are willing to reward those who go above froncza3@msu.edu or (517) 439-9301 Ext. 315. and beyond the basics with significant savings on their Michigan Farm Bureau: Contact Tess Van Gorder (Ag insurance premiums. Insurance industry data showed Ecology Department) at tvangor@michfb.com or (517) that “claimable incidences” by participating applicators 323-6711. Page 7 MSU Pork Quarterly Nov20magazine2.indd 08 11/9/2020 3:15:24 PM
All comments and suggestions should be directed to the: MSUPork Team Dale Rozeboom: Extension Specialist (517) 355-8398, rozeboom@msu.edu Madonna Benjamin: Extension Swine Vet (517) 614-8875, gemus@cvm.msu.edu Melissa Millerick-May: MSU, Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (517) 432-0707, melissa.may@hc.msu.edu Erica Rogers: Environmental Extension Educator (989) 875-5296, roger392@msu.edu Casey Zangaro: Extension Swine Educator (989) 875-5292, zangaro@msu.edu . Roger Betz: Southwest District Farm Mgt. Finance, Cash Flow, Business Analysis . (269) 781-0784, betz@msu.edu Alma Dave Thompson: Extension Swine Educator (269) 832-8403, davethompson729@gmail.com Beth Ferry: Southwest Pork Educator ... Marshall Coldwater Lansing Berrien Springs Management, Quality Assurance Programs (269) 876-2745, franzeli@msu.edu Want to stay updated on various MSU Extension topics? Sign up for news digests online! Sign Up for Visit bit.ly/MSUENews, and follow the prompts to get customized email digests. Digests the Latest are electronic newsletters of recent articles published on the MSU Extension website. You News for can unsubscribe or change your areas of interest anytime. The digests contain information on categories including agriculture, business, community, family, food and health, lawn and Agriculture garden, 4-H and youth, and natural resources. Each category has multiple subcategories, so subscribers can narrow down their choices to fit their specific interests. Page 8 2020, Vol. 25 No.3 Nov20magazine2.indd 09 11/9/2020 3:15:24 PM
Capital Update All activities reported under this heading are financed by non-checkoff funds.e NPPC PETITION LEADS TO U.S. affordable pork to more than 100 countries annually, unjustified restrictions have kept U.S. pork locked out TRADE SANCTIONS AGAINST of Thailand’s large market. THAILAND NPPC OUTLINES U.S. PORK EXPORT The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) recently announced it is suspending $817 million in trade BARRIERS preferences for Thailand under the Generalized System NPPC recently provided comments to the Office of of Preferences (GSP) program because the country the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) on significant hasn’t made sufficient progress providing the United barriers that U.S. pork exports face in various countries. States with “equitable and reasonable market access” “The United States is the top global exporter of pork, for pork products. The decision follows a 2018 petition shipping nearly 2.6 million metric tons, valued at over by the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) asking $6.9 billion to more than 100 nations in 2019. Gaining the USTR to review Thailand’s eligibility for the GSP and expanding access to markets around the world is paramount to the continued success of the U.S. pork program, one that offers duty-free treatment to certain industry,” NPPC wrote in its comments. Among the goods entering the United States. trade barriers outlined in the comments, Brazil has “For years, Thailand has taken full advantage of special a de facto ban on U.S. pork that lacks any scientific justification and must be eliminated, U.S. pork exports U.S. trade benefits, while imposing a completely to China face a 33 percent tariff and India remove its unjustified de facto ban on U.S. pork. This is hardly a de facto ban on U.S. pork and pork products. USTR reciprocal trading relationship,” said NPPC President is compiling comments as it begins drafting its 2021 Howard “AV” Roth, a hog farmer from Wauzeka, National Trade Estimates Report on Foreign Trade Wisconsin. “We thank the administration for taking Barriers. this action and hope it results in fair access to the Thai market for U.S. hog farmers.” U.S., U.K. BEGIN FIFTH ROUND OF The United States is Thailand’s number one export TRADE TALKS market, with almost $4 billion of products annually sent The U.S. and the U.K. began recently their fifth round to America under the GSP. Yet Thailand maintains a of trade talks in the hopes of soon completing a deal. de facto ban on U.S. pork imports through high tariffs “We’re intensifying negotiations, so we’re in a good and several non-tariffs barriers. Thailand does not position to move forward after the U.S. election,” British accept uncooked pork and pork offal from the United Trade Minister Liz Truss wrote on Twitter. “These things States, and it rarely, if ever, grants import licenses for take time…but we are making great headway and we U.S. pork. Even if such permits are granted, Thailand have got 30-some groups negotiating and negotiating bitterly right now,” U.S. Trade Representative Robert imposes a fee for imported pork equal to about $220 Lighthizer told the Atlantic Future Forum this week. per metric ton compared with $7.50 per metric ton for In October 2018, the Trump administration first domestically produced pork. announced its intention to negotiate a trade agreement with the U.K. NPPC is supportive of negotiations, While the United States ships high-quality, safe and provided the agreement eliminates tariff and non-tariff Page 12 Michigan Pork Producers Association Nov20magazine2.indd 12 11/9/2020 3:15:25 PM
trade barriers on pork, the U.K. acknowledges meat disease prevention programs. U.S. Bureau of Customs industry standards as equivalent and they agree to and Border Protection agriculture inspections at U.S. import product from all federally inspected facilities. ports of entry are funded by Agricultural Quarantine Inspection (AQI) program user fees. Due to the NPPC HOSTS LEGISLATIVE ACTION COVID-related economic downturn and significant CONFERENCE; COVID RELIEF, reductions in travel, collection of these user fees has FOREIGN ANIMAL DISEASE dropped precipitously. PREVENTION AMONG TOP ISSUES “Without a prompt resolution, there will be an estimated $630 million shortfall in AQI funding through A COVID-relief package that includes much-needed assistance to hog farmers in crisis and foreign animal the end of fiscal year 2021. It is imperative that this disease prevention top the list of five critical issues funding shortfall be addressed to protect the U.S. swine at the National Pork Producers Council’s (NPPC) herd and all of agriculture from foreign animal and plant Legislative Action Conference (LAC). Pork producers diseases,” Roth added. from across the country gathered virtually to address these and other issues with lawmakers. Among LAC Additionally, NPPC is advocating for a COVID speakers were House Agriculture Committee Chairman assistance package that includes the following Collin Peterson (D-Minn.), Rep. Ron Kind (D-Wis.), Rep. provisions: 1) compensation for euthanized and David Rouzer (R-N.C.), and USDA’s Animal and Plant donated hogs; 2) additional funding for animal health Health Inspection Service Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. surveillance and laboratories, which have appropriately Burke Healey. assisted and shared resources with their public health partners; 3) modification of the Commodity Credit “The considerable economic contributions of a Corporation charter so a pandemic-driven national highly competitive, innovative U.S. pork production emergency qualifies for funding; 4) additional funds for system, as well as the livelihoods of thousands of direct payments to producers without restriction and; hog farmers, are at risk without effective solutions 5) extension of the Paycheck Protection Program with to multiple challenges facing our producers,” said modifications to make it accessible to more producers. NPPC President Howard “AV” Roth, a hog farmer from Wauzeka, Wis. “U.S. pork producers are already NPPC’s members also addressed these priorities with suffering considerable losses due to the impact of lawmakers during LAC: the COVID-19 pandemic, and cannot afford another • A U.S.-U.K. free trade agreement that eliminates catastrophic blow should African swine fever (ASF) or all tariff and non-tariff barriers; other foreign animal diseases enter our country.” • Moving regulatory oversight of gene editing Germany recently reported its first case of ASF in a in animals from the U.S. Food and Drug wild boar. The swine-only disease continues to spread Administration to the U.S. Department of in parts of Europe and Asia, and the United States Agriculture; and needs to remain vigilant to ensure ASF and other animal and plant diseases don’t enter the country. • Timely reauthorization of the Livestock Mandatory Reporting Act, set to expire on Sept. NPPC is urging Congress to fully fund foreign animal 30. 2020, VOL. 45, NO. 3 Page 13 Nov20magazine2.indd 13 11/9/2020 3:15:25 PM
Pork Checkoff Reports on checkoff-funded promotion, research and consumer information programs. NATIONAL PORK BOARD LAUNCHES can feel good about feeding their family – will be a REAL PORK critical part of how Real Pork comes to life. The first introduction of Real Pork to consumers In an environment where shoppers continually came this September, and focuses on “Pork as question what brands and products they can trust. a Passport,” which celebrates pork’s position as Where increasingly diverse consumers seek to connect a culturally relevant protein around the world. It with the familiar flavors of their heritage. And home encourages small adventures for weary quarantine cooks are weary – both from meal preparation and an cooks by showcasing delicious pork dishes from next inability to travel to other cities, states and countries to door and across the globe. experience authentic flavors. The National Pork Board is helping America wake up and get real. Pork as a Passport will help consumers travel through their taste buds via inspiration that will be found in Through its new master-brand strategy, the Pork digital, social media, video, and a new landing page Board invites consumers to experience the authenticity, at www.pork.org/realpork. A few examples of planned flavor and ability to bring people together that Real activities include: Pork provides. • Matching pig farmers with global chefs to “Real Pork not only celebrates the authentic flavors connect over pork product of pork, it encompasses the values and beliefs of the pork industry from farm to fork,” said Angie Krieger, • Highlighting globally-inspired pork recipes with vice president of domestic marketing at the Pork modern photography Board. “Our work began on this master-brand strategy • Engaging a family psychologist to provide insight before the coronavirus appeared the United States, but about the importance of family meals the shift in buying and cooking habits the pandemic created certainly accelerated our efforts. Six months in, • Sharing information on global recipes and flavors consumers are weary of meal preparation, they want using pork through social media influencers new experiences and to travel.” • Connecting U.S. chefs with international chefs to During the pandemic, retail sales of pork have cook and together, create rich sharable videos surged as consumers are cooking more at home, for online and social media purchasing different products than they normally do • Highlighting pork in the most authentic, real and and experimenting with new recipes. Supported by delicious way possible, through street food in a extensive consumer research, Real Pork aims to not multicultural effort called Menu Urbano only sustain the growth from pandemic purchasing but extend it long term by highlighting pork’s advantages. As activities come to life, they will be posted on the new landing page, www.pork.org/realpork and the Those advantages begin in the barn, so telling the National Pork Board Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and authentic stories of pig farmers and pig farms – and Pinterest accounts. how pork’s sustainability creates a protein consumers Page 14 Michigan Pork Producers Association Nov20magazine2.indd 14 11/9/2020 3:15:25 PM
NEW REPORT: PORK INDUSTRY farms daily.” MAKES GAINS IN SUSTAINABILITY When producers are looking at benchmarking and at ways to improve, Ketchem offers these rules of thumb: As America’s pig farmers continue to fight back from the negative impact of COVID-19 and the ups Farrowing rate: A 1% change in farrowing rate equals and downs of markets and bad weather, a new study a 0.34 pig increase or decrease in pigs weaned/mated released by the National Pork Board, Production female/year. Example: A change of 4% in farrowing rate Analysis Summary for U.S. Pork Industry: 2017-2019, equals an increase or decrease of 1.36 pigs weaned/ shows that America’s pig farmers continue to make mated female/year. strides in overall sustainability by being more efficient Piglet survival: Based on 15 total pigs born per litter, a every day. change of 1% in piglet survival equals a 0.36 increase or The 15-page report, prepared by Minnesota-based decrease in pigs weaned/mated female/year. Example: MetaFarms and its subsidiary SMS (Swine Management A change of 4% piglet survival equals an increase or Services), looked at sow, nursery, finish and decrease of 1.44 pigs weaned/mated female/year. wean-to-finish data over a three-year period. The results Female death loss: A 1% change in female death loss reconfirmed long-term trends of increasing efficiency, equals a 0.25 pig increase or decrease in pigs weaned/ which has the additional benefit of reducing production mated female/year. Example: A change of 4% in female costs – an especially welcome conclusion in 2020. death loss equals an increase or decrease of one pig “One of the greatest benefits of this Pork weaned/mated female/year. Checkoff-funded study is the benchmarking ability it Key productivity indexes (KPIs) are used throughout offers producers who always want to improve their the analysis of sow, nursery, finish and wean-to-finish efficiencies,” said Chris Hostetler, animal science data to draw attention to specific areas of focus within director for the Pork Board. “It’s also a great way to production stages. The retrospective study, the eighth show today’s consumers that America’s pig farms are of its kind funded by the Pork Checkoff since 2011, becoming more efficient all the time and that pork breaks the KPIs into a month-to-month format to show is a sustainable choice when it comes to choosing a the effects of seasonality on the data. The findings also protein.” identify possible improvements in genetics, nutrition, Brad Eckberg of MetaFarms and Ron Ketchem of health, management practices, among other areas. SMS, helped analyze much of the data in the study. According to Hostetler, the goal of the study’s “The ability to benchmark allows producers to production analysis is to aid the pork industry in compare their production numbers to other farms and improving profitability, which has to be part of the systems, regardless of what record program they are sustainability equation. “We hope that producers will using, what genetics they have or their farm size,” said dig into the specific parts of this study and use it to Ketchem, a longtime industry number cruncher. He help improve their own farm businesses,” he said. continues to be surprised by the increasing range of “If you’re happy with your numbers in one area of production numbers between farms year after year. production, look at another area and see where more progress can be made. It’s all about getting a little “Every year, more variation occurs with new highs better every day.” and lows being set,” he said. “This shows the impact in genetics and the ability of producers to manage their Visit pork.org/news/new-report-pork-industry- makes-gains-sustainability/ to view the study. 2020, VOL. 45, NO. 3 Page 15 Nov20magazine2.indd 15 11/9/2020 3:15:26 PM
Michigan county preserves acres from development The Kruithoff family permanently protected 148 acres of their land in Ottawa County. T he Kruithoff family has raised hogs, beef cattle and crops in Kent and Ottawa counties in Michigan for 50 years. Tim Kruithoff started farming with his father 29 years ago. He is joined by his wife, Christine, and two of their three children also farm full time with them. And now the Kruithoffs have made certain their grandchildren, great-grandchildren and beyond will have that same opportunity. Tim Kruithoff also serves as a board member for the Michigan Pork Producers Association. On July 27, they permanently protected 148 acres from development in Wright and Chester townships in Ottawa County. The Kruithoffs are the third multigenerational farming family to protect their land through Ottawa County’s Purchase of Development Rights program. This program uses a combination of state or federal grant funding, KRUITHOFF FAMILY: Three generations of the Kruithoff private donations and landowner contributions to family celebrate protecting 148 acres of their farmland. purchase the development rights to farmland, creating a permanent agricultural conservation easement. The Kruithoff easement brings the total number of acres strengthen the program by addressing beginner farmer protected by the PDR program to 238. needs, increasing succession planning efforts and employing numerous other programmatic efforts. “Preserving farmland with Ottawa County ensures land protection and local food security for generations,” These efforts have been noticed, landing Ottawa says Becky Huttenga, Ottawa County economic County on the National Agricultural Land Network’s development coordinator. “And the COVID-19 pandemic Advisory Committee. The National Agricultural Land has underscored the importance of local food supply Network is an initiative of American Farmland Trust chains. In the face of crises, we need our farms.” and strives to further strengthen the collective capacity of public agencies, planning entities and land trusts In August, with the help of a grant from the Michigan working to protect agricultural land. Agriculture Preservation Fund, the county added a 168-acre parcel to its list of protected farms. To “Ottawa County’s continued success in farmland better visualize the program’s expanding collection of preservation is a testament to the strength of its PDR protected agricultural land, the county has created a program and understanding the needs of farmers in the virtual tour at https://storymaps.arcgis.com. county,” says Cris Coffin, AFT’s National Agricultural Land Network director and senior policy adviser. Ottawa County’s farmland protection program is about more than just permanently protecting This article was originally published by Michigan acreage. The county’s farmland preservation specialists Farmer. Page 16 Michigan Pork Producers Association Nov20magazine2.indd 16 11/9/2020 3:15:26 PM
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