Pig Tales Issue 2 2009

P

IG TALES Issue 2 2009

The Official Publication of the Kansas Pork Industry

Join Us In Wichita for the 2009 Other White Meat Tour!

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CONTENTS 4 PRESIDENT’S COLUMN Responding to HBO 5 KPA JOINS AG DAY Agriculture Groups in Topeka

PIG TALES

6 THE OTHER WHITE MEAT TOUR Overview of Event

The Official Publication of the Kansas Pork Industry

7 THE OTHER WHITE MEAT TOUR Tour Dates

President-CEO Tim Stroda Director Of Industry Relations Jodi Termine

8 RECIPES Oven Roasted Ribs 9 ADVERTISING Industry Advertising 10 KSU CONNECTION Kansas Jr. Swine Producer Day 11 KSU CONNECTION SowBridge 12 NATIONAL PORK PRODUCERS COUNCIL 13 NATIONAL PORK BOARD 14 KANSAS CITY TASTE OF ELEGANCE Event Overview and Results 15 RECIPES

ON THE COVER Are you ready for grilling season? Try Sante Fe Chops next time you pull out the grill.

6 boneless pork center loin chops, 1 1/2-inch thick 1 tablespoon chili powder 1 tablespoon ground cumin 1 tablespoon ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon salt In small bowl mix together chili powder, cumin, pepper and salt. Rub evenly onto both sides of chops. Prepare a mediumhot fire in a kettle-style grill. Grill chops directly over fire for a total of 12-15 minutes, turning once.

2009 KPA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chairman: Ron Suther – Blaine Kent Condray – Clifton Thomas Frederick – Hugoton Jennifer Gerety-- Seneca Alan Haverkamp – Bern Jerry Morris-- Sedgwick Pete Sherlock – Washington Michael Springer – Sycamore Jim Nelssen – Kansas State University 2009 KPPC BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chairman: Michael Springer- Sycamore Kent Condray – Clifton Alan Haverkamp – Bern Pete Sherlock- Washington Ron Suther – Blaine Pig Tales is the official publication of the Kansas Pork Association and the Kansas Pork Producers Council. The publisher cannot guarantee the correctness of all information or absence of errors and omissions, nor be liable for content of advertisements.We reserve the right to edit or refuse all materials.

TheKPAdoesnotguaranteeorendorsetheperformanceof anyproductsorservicesadvertisedwithinthepublication.

All PigTales inquires should be directed to the editors at: Kansas Pork Association, 2601 Farm Bureau Road, Manhattan, KS 66502, Phone 785776-0442, Fax 785-776-9897, E-mail: kpa@ kspork.org, Web site: www.kspork.org

Pig Tales 3

President’s Comments

Responding to HBO Documentary National and state pork producer groups provided responses to HBO’s recent documentary “Death on a Factory Farm” which shows actions at a hog farm that are not condoned and, in fact, abhorred by responsible pork producers.

At the National Pork Producers Council’s March 5-7, 2009, annual meeting, pork producers reaffirmed the industry’s strong support for the well-being of its animals: “The U.S. pork industry recognizes its moral and ethical obligation to provide for the responsible treatment of animals. Any willful mistreatment or neglect of animals is unacceptable; pork producers do not and will not defend those who choose to participate in the mistreatment of animals. The U.S. pork industry takes animal well-being very seriously and has a history of developing programs that help train producers and their employees on proper animal care, handling and transporting procedures. The U.S. pork industry affirms its obligation to act swiftly to end any mistreatment and to take immediate corrective actions to fully restore proper and responsible animal care.”

For years, pork producers, through the Pork Checkoff, have been funding research in animal welfare, animal health, food safety and public health. These research findings are then used to develop educational materials for producer training programs.

Here’s a short timeline of Responsible Pork Production.

1989 – Developed Pork Quality Assurance (PQA) program to identify practices with the potential to result in a food safety hazard and to minimize that risk through producer education about relevant on-farm practices.

2002 – Developed Transport Quality Assurance (TQA) program to educate personnel

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who transport hogs on the proper care and handling of animals during the loading, transporting and unloading processes.

2003 – Developed Swine Welfare Assurance Program (SWAP) to assess the well-being of pigs during all phases of production.

2007 – Developed Pork Quality Assurance Plus (PQA Plus), a continuous improvement program that helps producers measure, track and continuously improve animal well-being. The program includes “10 Good Production Practices,” on-farm assessments of animal well-being and random third-party audits of production practices.

2008 – Launched “We Care,” a responsible pork initiative that includes Ethical Principles for U.S. Pork Producers. The principles include pork producers’ obligation to protect and promote animal wellbeing.

Tim Stroda President-CEO Kansas Pork Association

2009 – Urged that all pork producers become PQA Plus certified and participate in PQA Plus on-farm assessments and that all animal transporters become TQA certified.

As we develop and update our training programs, animal welfare will become a larger component. We must demonstrates to our customers and to the public that responsible pork producers are dedicated to the production of safe, wholesome food while following acceptable animal well-being practices.

KPA Joins Ag Groups for Ag Day in Topeka The Kansas Pork Association partnered with The Kansas Department of Agriculture, Kansas Department of Commerce, Kansas Wheat, Kansas Farm Bureau, Kansas Corn Commission, Kansas Sunflower Commission, Kansas Farmers Union, Kansas Cotton Association, Kansas Soybean Commission and the Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission to host a luncheon to honor Kansas Agriculture Day 2009 on Thursday, March 19, in Topeka.

Secrettary of Agriculture Adrian Polansky addresses the Ag Day crowd.

The lunch featured Kansas foods and promoted Kansas agriculture.

Each legislator recieved a folder containing fact sheets that described the different facets Legislators help themselves to of agribusiness delicious Kansas foods. throughout Kansas (wheat, corn, cotton, beef, pork, farmer, etc.). Sen. Mark Taddiken, Senate Agriculture Committee, and Secretary of Agriculture Adrian Polansky addressed the legislators and encouraged Kansas agriculture to continue producing safe and wholesome foods for the world to enjoy.

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The Other White Meat Tour is Ready to Roll Building on the success of the 2008 The Other White Meat® Tour, the Pork Checkoff is hitting the road again in 2009. The 28-week tour will include several new cities and events, as well as retail visits across the country. A new addition to the 2009 tour includes partnerships with local food banks.

“Our research shows that consumers want to have a positive experience with a product before buying it,” said Traci Rodemeyer, manager of pork information for the Pork Checkoff. “The Other White Meat Tour will facilitate the positive experience between consumers and pork through sampling opportunities and personal interactions with pork producers.”

The Other White Meat Tour will be traveling across the country through the traditional grilling season of May through September, stopping at high-traffic consumer events that reach a large percentage of the Checkoff’s target audience, females 25-49 years old with kids in the home and who want to be better cooks.

“Pork’s presence at these large events will defi-

nitely be noticed,” said Barb Determan, a pork producer from Early, Iowa and member of the Pork Checkoff Demand Enhancement Committee. “Along with sampling pork, our exhibit will be entertaining, engaging and educational.”

In addition to the face-to-face interaction with consumers, The Other White Meat Tour will be fully supported through an integrated campaign of public relations, advertising and retail promotions.

“The tour allows us to integrate all of our marketing efforts to directly impact domestic pork expenditures,” said Rodemeyer. “In addition to local radio advertising and customized retail promotions, we will also work with local chefs and media to educate consumers about pork and The Other White Meat Tour.”

We need your help! May 9-11 Kansas will host the Other White Meat Tour at the Wichita River Festival in Wichita, KS. We will need a total of 20 volunteers to work with us at the festival.

Contact the office for details.

Get Involved and Join Us May 8-10 in Wichita!

Volunteers will be offered travel and hotel expenses.

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Wichita River Festival

National Cherry Festival

Memphis In May BBQ

Three Rivers Festival Ft. Wayne, IN July 17-19

Denver, CO September 25-27

Taste of Cincinatti

Jazz & Rib Festival

Taste of St. Lois

Wichita, KS May 8-10

Memphis, TN May 14-16

Traverse City, MI July 9-11

Cincinatti, OH May 23-25

Columbus, OH July 24-26

Retail Visits

Bite of Oregon

Midwest May 28-31

Taste of Charlotte

Charlotte, NC June 5-7

Big Apple BBQ

St. Louis, MO October 2-4

Taste of Atlanta

Retail Visits

South Carolina State Fair

West Coast, August 12-16

California State Fair

City Stages Work Classic

Pier One

Columbia, SC October 14-18

Jack Daniels World BBQ Championships

Lynchburg, TN October 23-24

San Francisco, CA August 29-30

Taste of Colorado

Washington D.C. June 27-28

Denver, CO September 4-7

Taste of Minnesota

Puyallup Fair

Minneapolis, MN July 2-5

Oktoberfest

Atlanta, GA October 10-11

New York, NY June 13-14

D.C. BBQ Battle

Newport Beach, CA September 18-20

Portland, OR August 7-9

Sacramento, CA August 21-23

Birmingham, AL June 19-21

Taste of Newport

Puyallup, WA September 11-13

Pig Tales 7

Hoot-N-Holler Baby Back Pork Ribs Cooking Time: 60 Minutes

PORK & SAUCY

For flavorful rubs, marinades, and sauces, pork makes the perfect canvas. And nothing expresses this better than thick, juicy ribs on the grill. Whether it’s a big celebration or informal get-together, they’re always a crowd-pleaser. So make pork a part of your next gathering. Visit us online for hundreds of simple, great-tasting recipes. And get a little saucy with your cooking.

TheOtherWhiteMeat.com/PorkRecipes

©2009 National Pork Board, Des Moines, IA. This message funded by America’s Pork Checkoff Program.

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Reward In response to a member request, the Kansas Pork Association Executive Board has initiated a reward program. The Board hopes this program can serve as a deterrent to crimes being committed on member’s operations.

A maximum of a $2,500 reward will be offered to individuals who provide information that leads to the arrest and conviction of persons stealing, killing or seriously injuring swine. The Association also offers a reward to individuals who provide information that leads to the arrest and conviction of persons vandalizing pork production facilities.

The reward also may apply to informants who assist in the arrest and conviction of persons stealing livestock equipment or pharmaceuticals. If you would like to know more about the program, please give the KPA office a call at 785-776-0442.

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K-State Connection

Hosts Another Great Kansas Junior Swine Producer Day The 2009 Kansas Junior Swine Producer Day was held on March 21 in Weber Arena at the Kansas State University main campus. Over 300 youth registered and attended the event.

“The day is for more than youth of all ages. Parents, swine project leaders and other adults attend to increase their knowledge and abilities,” said Joel DeRouchey, livestock specialist with K-State Research and Extension.

“This educational event is hands-on and highly interactive.

We’re hoping to stimulate enthusiasm, as well as provide a foundation in the management and care of youth swine projects,” DeRouchey said.

All participants received a show-pig Jr Swine Producer information booklet, a Day participants study T-shirt, a pencil, a water work stations bottle and a show guide inside their Pork, The Other White Meat bag. In addition, the day featured giveaways that totaled more than $500 in prizes and included a lunch for all participants.

The day’s agenda included: * Selecting a youth project * Swine skillathon * Nutrition know-how * Showing like a pro * Three experience-related breakout sessions-swine identification and ear notching (beginner), daily care (intermediate and senior), and swine finance 101.

Getting students involved and thinking on their own is one of the major focus’ for the Swine Skill-a-thon which was designed by K-State Youth Livestock Intern, Kayla Clawson and Extension Youth Coordinator Sharon Breiner.

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Skill-a-thon winners include: Juniors-pictured below

1st- Austin McNorton, 49

2nd- Lane Mai, 46

3rd- Kately Bohnenblust, 45

4rth-Matthew Henry, 45

5th- Gatlin Clawson, 44

Seniors-pictured below

1st- Ethan Frantz, 78

2nd- Wade Davis, 74

3rd- Amanda Bekemeyer, 68

4rth- Tina Voelker, 67

4rth- Tyler Tebow, 67

“It was a great day, a lot of fun with great involvement from our kids and families,” said Breiner, “the kids also really enjoyed the visit from Willie the Wildcat.”

To the pork industry

Have you heard of SowBridge?

SowBridge is a series of programs that provide education and information to people who are involved in managing or caring for boars, sows, and/or their litters. This includes owners, employees, technicians, managers, and technical service providers. The series is designed to improve the understanding and application of various tools and techniques involved in daily care of the breeding herd and piglets. The program recognizes that the pork industry is continuously changing and current information is needed, but less time is available towards continual training programs for employees, managers an owners.

Intended to address this challenge, The Sowbridge

program, is a series of lectures designed in a distance learning format. The enrolled participant would receive a CD in the mail one week prior to a scheduled learning session. Instructions are included with each CD and participants are expected to review the information before the session. On the day of the session, participants call a toll-free teleconference number and follow along on the computer as the speaker reviews the visuals. Sessions begin at 11:35 central time and last approximately 30-45 minutes in length. The program was designed to be completed over the noon period minimizing interruption of the normal daily work schedule.

The schedule is as follows:

May 6, 2009

Reproductive Manipulation using PG600, Dr. Rob Knox, University of Illinois

June 10, 2009

Reproductive Manipulations using Matrix, Dr. Ron Bates, Michigan State University

July 1, 2009

On-Farm Semen Evaluation, Dr. Wayne Singleton, Purdue University

August 5, 2009

Induction of Farrowing, Dr. Tim Safranski, University of Missouri

September 2, 2009

Sow Watch and Piglet Care the First 24 Hours, Matt Davis, Hord Livestock

October 7, 2009

Effective Pest and Rodent Control, Dr. Ralph Williams, Perdue University Topics that have already been covered include:

- Composting Mortalities

Dr. Bob Thaler, South Dakota State University

- Proper Euthanasia of Sows and Piglets

Dr. John Deen, University of Minnesota

- Breeding Management in Pens and Stalls

Bob Ivey, Maxwell Foods

- Crossfostering Approaches and Bump Weaning

Dr. Barb Straw, Michigan State University

- Optimizing Sow Performance

Jon Hoek, Belstra Milling Company, Inc.

- Creep Feeding

Dr. Joel DeRouchey, Kansas State University The cost of the program is $250 and includes a set of 12 sessions and supporting materials. For more information on past topics or to join SowBridge contact the Sherry Hoyer at 515.294.4496.

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The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) conducts public policy outreach on behalf of its 44 affiliated state association members 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 market.

The NPPC is primarily funded through the Strategic Investment Program, a voluntary producer investment of $.10 per $100 of value that funds state and national public policy and regulatory programs on behalf of the U.S. pork producers.

NPPC APPROVES RESOLUTIONS ON IMPORTANT ISSUES

At its annual business meeting, the National Pork Industry Forum held March 5-7 in Dallas, the National Pork Producers Council adopted a number of resolutions, including ones that call for: · The federal government, once the ethanol blender’s credit and tariff on ethanol imports expire at the end of 2010, to “transition” to a counter-cyclical payment system that provides ethanol producers a safety net during severe economic times. · Opposition to giving incentives, including subsidies, for cellulosic ethanol production from corn-ethanol co-products and to any increase in existing federal or state mandates on corn-based ethanol usage. · Opposition to increasing the percentage of ethanol that must be blended with gasoline from its current 10 percent rate. · Opposition to efforts by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from farms. · Evaluating the economic, policy and regulatory impact on the U.S. pork industry of so-called global warming. · Improvements in unloading procedures for pigs at packing plants, including a protocol for dealing with pigs still on trucks when a plant is shut down by inspectors for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety Inspection Service. · USDA to publish weekly pork export data. · Increasing USDA’s Farm Service Agency loan guarantee levels to $5 million from just under $1 million. · NPPC to give input and provide direction to USDA to ensure that the rules for the Country-of-Origin Labeling law and its implementation do not cause harm to the pork industry. · All pork producers to participate in the U.S. pork industry’s Pork Quality Assurance-Plus program, which educates producers about best management practices and 12 Pig Tales

includes on-farm site assessments and potential third-party audits of production practices. · Pork processors to encourage animal transporters to become certified under the U.S. pork industry’s Transport Quality Assurance program “The resolutions approved by NPPC producer delegates reflect the issues of concern to the U.S. pork industry and its ability to produce safe, wholesome, nutritious product and to compete in the global marketplace,” said NPPC President Don Butler. “NPPC will work with Congress, the Obama administration and the entire pork chain to address these and other matters of importance to U.S. pork producers.”

KENNEDY ANTIBIOTICS BAN DETRIMENTAL TO PIGS

A bill introduced in the U.S. Senate would be detrimental to the health and well-being of pigs, would increase pork producers’ production costs and the price consumers pay for pork and could jeopardize public health, according to the Nation Pork Producers Council.

Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., introduced legislation that would ban the use in livestock of animal health products that prevent or control diseases.

“Pork producers are committed to maintaining the well-being of our animals, and we need access to a range of animal health products to keep our pigs healthy and, in turn, produce safe food products. These bills will prevent that, and we’ll see more pigs die and higher production costs, and that means consumers will pay more for pork,” said NPPC President Don Butler.

A 1999 ban in Denmark on some antibiotics used in pork production resulted in an increase in piglet deaths and in the amount of antibiotics used to treat diseases.

The Kennedy bill, which would prohibit the use of antibiotics that promote growth in livestock but which also would ban ones that prevent and control disease, was introduced to address the increase in antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

But a 2000 survey of human health experts found that 96 percent of antibiotic resistance in humans is due to human use of antibiotics. Additionally, according to the Animal Health Institute, less than 5 percent of animal antibiotics are used for nutritional efficiency – which promotes growth – and even the majority of those prevent diseases.

“Pork producers have a moral obligation to use antibiotics responsibly to protect human health and provide safe food,” said Jennifer Greiner, DVM, NPPC director of science and technology. “Producers also have an ethical obligation to maintain the health of their pigs, and antibiotics are an important tool to help us do that.”

The National Pork Board has responsibility for research, promotion and consumer information projects and for communicating with pork producers and the public. Through a legislative national Pork Checkoff, pork producers invest $0.40 for each $100 value of hogs sold.

The Pork Checkoff funds national and state programs in advertising, consumer information, retail and food service marketing, export market promotion, production improvement, education and technology, and swine health, pork quality and safety.

PORK CHECKOFF OFFERS PORK MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE, YOUR PORK INDUSTRY INVESTMENT

The Pork Checkoff is offering the 2009 Pork Management Conference, Your Pork Industry Investment, May 6-8, in Fort Myers, Fla. “The Pork Checkoff provides this conference for pork producers, including anyone involved in the management, accounting or finances of an operation, as well as consultants and lenders,” said Ron Schoo, chairman of the Pork Checkoff’s Producer Services Committee and a pork producer from New Um, Minn. “This Checkoff-funded conference offers the most up-to-date production and financial information that affects the pork industry today.”

During the conference, participants will learn about topics such as emerging food trends, credit analysis, U.S. agriculture outlooks, global trade and more from several pork industry professionals. Three concurrent sessions are planned for Thursday. Topics include managing employee benefit costs, real life production budgeting, hedge strategies, business interruption, GAAP update, production targets, tax update, A-Z nuts and bolts on pork production and worker safety/OSHA. A complete agenda is available online at pork.org or contact the KPA office for more information.

PORK SHINES AT AG DAY DINNER

A menu of Irish stout and maple-glazed rack of pork with smoky bacon crushed potatoes, accompanied by mixed greens with smoked ham, wowed more than 150 guests at the mid-March Ag Day Dinner at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) headquarters in Washington, D.C. “This meal has to be perfect, and Chef Mark Salter takes great pride in ensuring that the pork is exceptional,”

says Howard Greenblatt, national foodservice marketing manager for the Pork Checkoff, who helped prepare and plate the dinner.

For the past six years, the Pork Checkoff has worked with the National Pork Producers Council, which sponsors the Ag Day meal. This year’s dinner, which included guest speaker and USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, was served to ag industry leaders from various commodity groups and other industry organizations.

Salter, one of the Pork Checkoff’s Celebrated Chefs and executive chef at Maryland’s famed Inn at Perry Cabin, was extremely pleased with this year’s event. “My goal is to make sure that everyone appreciates the pork that is served, and this was probably the best dinner we’ve done with USDA. Not only did the Irish stout tie in with St. Patrick’s Day, but it pairs well with pork.”

The guests concurred. “The pork dinner was outstanding,” says Richard Degner, executive director of the Iowa Pork Producers Association. “In fact, one of the gentlemen at my table requested the recipe, stating that the pork reminded him of prime rib. The meal was a tremendous effort on behalf of America’s Pork Producers.”

SUPERMARKETS, COMMISSARIES SUPPORT PORK PROMOTIONS

Being in the right place at the right time has generated unique pork promotions across the country and around the world this year, from major supermarket chains to commissaries at U.S. military bases.

Earlier this year, an advertising agency approached the Pork Checkoff about buying a full-page ad in the official 2009 Super Bowl program guide. The package deal included pork advertising at the 2009 NBA All-Star Game and the NFL Pro Bowl. To increase exposure for pork, Mike Walser, Pork Checkoff’s retail marketing manager for the south east division, also contacted Delhaize America, the parent company of Food Lion, Hannaford Bros., Harvey’s and Sweetbay Supermarkets, which include 1,500 stores.

The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA), which services 276 military bases worldwide, has also enlisted special pork promotions in 2009. By partnering with Johnsonville sausages, the Pork Checkoff worked with DeCA to feature a full-page sausage ad and 50-cent coupon in January’s “Military Maxi Saver” flyer, a coupon magazine that is hand-delivered to each military family’s door.

In fact, the campaign was so successful that DeCA is already working with the Pork Checkoff on a “Meat Your Healthy Choices” promotion for the summer of 2009. In this meat managers’ contest, the commissary with the highest percent increase in pork sales will win prizes.

Pig Tales 13

A Big Win for Woo Chef Justin Woo, from the Oak Room at the Intercontinental Hotel on the Plaza in Kansas City, garnered top honors at the Taste of Elegance culinary competition held February 24 at the Overland Park Marriott. His winning entrée, Pork Cheek with Spicy Pork Ravioli Truffle Reduction, Bulls Blood Salad, Brussels Sprouts, earned him the $1,000 prize and an invitation to compete in the national Taste of Elegance competition.

The event was sponsored by the Kansas Pork Association, Missouri Pork Association, Sterling Silver Premium Meats, the ACF Greater Kansas City Chefs Association, the Overland Park Marriott, Wyldewood Cellars and Harvesters Community Food Network.

Twelve chefs competed in the competition, with Sterling Silver brand pork featured center plate.

Chef Matt Chatfield of the Culinary Center of

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Kansas City in Overland Park, Kansas received second place with his entrée, Fire Roasted Pork Rack Chop with Fresh Herb Salt Crust and Barley Risotto.

Chef Jason Thomas of the Brookridge Golf & Country Club in Overland Park prepared the third place entrée of Southwest Asian Pork.

The People’s Choice Award Woo’s winning dish. went to Chef Brian Hove with the KCI Marriott in Kansas City for his Calypso Pork.

Chef Woo will advance to the national Taste of Elegance in Baltimore, Maryland, which has been sponsored by the National Pork Board since 1987.

What Is We Care?

The We Care responsible pork initiative is a joint effort of the Pork Checkoff, through the National Pork Board, and the National Pork Producers Council, to help demonstrate that producers are accountable to established ethical principles and animal well-being practices.

The pork industry already offers numerous programs, including Pork Quality Assurance Plus® (PQA Plus®) and Transport Quality Assurance® (TQA), to support animal well-being and maintain a safe, high-quality supply of pork. The We Care initiative ties everything together to help the public view the pork industry as a self-regulated business that earns the trust of others.

Other programs that producers can take part in to support the We Care responsible pork initiative include Operation Main Street, Neighbor to Neighbor and NPPC’s LEADR program.

To find out more about the We Care responsible pork initiative contact the KPA office.

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Pig Tales 15

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PIG TALES

The Official Publication of the Kansas Pork Industry

Kansas Pork Association 2601 Farm Bureau Road Manhattan, KS 66502 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

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