Pig Tales Issue 2 2022

P IG TALES

Carolina Country-Style Ribs

See page 15

Chairman: David

Doug

Ryan Feely- Scott City

Kent Condray - Clifton

Curt Haverkamp- Bern

Kenton McKee- Goff

Megan Potter- Abilene

Emily

Michael Springer-

Jim

President’s Message

Tim Stroda, President/CEO

U.S. SHIP Enrollment

TheKansas Department of Agriculture’s Animal Health Division is planning to be the official contact for the US Swine Health Improvement Plan (SHIP). They are working to provide information to any farm that wishes to participate. States have started enrolling pork producers in US SHIP with 169 Kansas production sites enrolled. On a national level, as of May 3 over 3,000 production sites have enrolled in US SHIP

The next step for US SHIP is the second US SHIP House of Delegates meeting where pork industry representatives, state veterinarians, and USDA officials will meet this September in suburban Minneapolis. Among the scheduled events, the agenda includes sessions for state agencies to talk about logistics of the program, education on the results of recent studies and other developments that could influence industry practices, and a business meeting to consider adopting proposed standards and resolutions. More information on the House of Delegates meeting this September can be found at https:// usswinehealthimprovementplan.com/hod-meeting/.

What is the US Swine Health Improvement Plan (SHIP)?

The US SHIP is a collaborative effort involving industry, state, and federal partners providing standards for certifying the health status of swine across participating farm sites, supply chains, states, and regions. The US SHIP is a disease status certification program for pork producers and packers for African Swine Fever and Classical Swine Fever. The US SHIP ASF-CSF Monitored certification aims to mitigate risks of disease introduction and provide a practical means for demonstrating evidence of freedom of disease (outside of foreign animal disease control areas) in support of ongoing interstate commerce and a pathway towards the resumption of international trade over the course of a trade impacting disease response and recovery period.

US SHIP establishes a national playbook of technical standards and associated certification recognized across participating states that centers on disease prevention and demonstration of freedom of disease outside of control areas in support of animal health, commerce, and trade. More Information about US SHIP can be found at: https://usswinehealthimprovementplan.com/

Learn How to Enroll Here:

US SHIP is designed to be applicable across the full-spectrum of US pork industry participants from small/ show pig farmers to large commercial producers and slaughter facilities.

To participate, participants must enroll, be certified, and maintain certification.

For more information, please contact Sara McReynolds DVM MPH PhD, Assistant Animal Health Commissioner, Kansas Department of Agriculture, Division of Animal Health at (785) 564-6792.

Model Pig Barns

National Pork Board Sponsors Five Exercises

The National Pork Board (NPB) is sponsoring full-scale state emergency preparedness exercises, partnering with five states, including Kansas, in 2022. Over four days, each state will start with a foreign animal disease investigation and conclude with depopulation and disposal.

The goals of the exercise are to:

1. Practice a foreign animal disease investigation (FADI) on a hog farm.

2. Provide an environment where a state can practice its depopulation and disposal planning processes and implement depopulation and disposal activities in a realworld situation.

3. Increase stakeholder understanding and build producer confidence in a state‘s FADI and depopulation and disposal activities.

4. Explore how National Pork Board‘s AgView traceability platform can be used to augment a FADI or a subsequent epidemiological investigation.

The FAD exercise project is funded by the Pork Checkoff and is being implemented under its Local, Regional FAD Prevention and Preparedness initiative. Keeping African Swine Fever (ASF) out of the U.S. and preparing for any foreign animal disease (FAD) like ASF remains a top priority for NPB in 2022 as identified by its producer leadership.

During Day 1 and 2 of the exercise, participants including Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Animal Health Division, Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s Composting experts, and USDA personnel worked in teams to plan for a depopulation and disposal event. The farmer and the veterinarian doing the on-site foreign animal disease investigation were in periodic contact with the group via meeting technology.

The Kansas Pork Association has been working with the National Pork Board and KDA for almost two years to design and build equipment for a depopulation event.

Equipment made for other tasks has had to be repurposed to fit as many possible scenarios as possible.

Day 1 of the exercise will focus on the processes and procedures associated with a host producer and/or their herd veterinarian suspecting and reporting a FAD. In addition to the resultant FADI, representatives from NPB will work with state animal health officials to explore how using the AgView platform could inform the initial FADI or assist with movement tracing if required.

Day 2 of the exercise will focus on depopulation and disposal planning, including the development of a herd plan and the settlement of indemnity for the affected operation.

Day 3 of the exercise will be devoted to site preparation for depopulation and disposal. The day will involve staging supplies, equipment, and animals as well as setting up site security. Approximately 100 cull sows will be used for the exercise.

Day 4 of the exercise will focus on implementing the depopulation and disposal plans developed by the state.

These exercises are in collaboration with each state‘s pork association, the state‘s Department of Agriculture, and local, state, and federal agencies and institutions. Many of these states have previously participated in planning exercises; however, this will be the first time a full-scale exercise will be implemented that puts all of the pieces together.

These exercises also provide the opportunity for state personnel needing hands-on composting hours to work toward their Subject Matter Expert certification from the University of Maine Compost School.

Securing equipment, supplies, and personnel necessary to implement a depopulation and disposal plan is critical. This exercise provides the opportunity to put plans into action, train personnel on equipment, work through alternative scenarios, and develop contingency plans.

Composting was the choice for disposal in this exercise. Participants operated in high winds with a rain-and-snow mix. Due to weather, modifications had to be made to the set-up and operation of the equipment as well as observer and worker safety protocols. These exercises will assist states in finding planning gaps and aid in the continuous improvement of their emergency planning.

“These functional field exercises provide an opportunity to operate in a real-life situation and offer a way to identify strengths and gaps in response for an FAD or animal health challenge. While no one wants an FAD outbreak, being prepared is absolutely critical to protecting animal agriculture. Trying to understand gaps in response cannot effectively be accomplished in the heat of a crisis. The knowledge and hands-on experience gained in these exercises is invaluable and is actively shared with not only direct participants but all who are involved in an emergency response.“

-- Lisa Becton, DVM, Director of Swine Health with the National Pork Board

Spring 2022 Virtual Field Trips

Thirtyclassrooms participated over the course of four sessions in the KPA virtual field trips, additionally sponsored with the Kansas Soybean Commission. These sessions consisted of showing a short introductory video to a pig farm, along with questions asked by the students to our farmers, Michael and Christy Springer of Independence, KS, and Kaden and Emily Roush of Lebanon, KS. These sessions lasted approximately 35 minutes, which gave each classroom a chance to ask a couple of questions.

The purpose of our Virtual Field Trips to a Kansas pig farm are to allow students from 2nd grade, all the way to high school, to be informed of how a pig farm runs and operates, all from the comfort of the classroom. By being able to ask questions in real-time, this allows students to gain curiosity about where their pork comes from and how it is raised. Many of the classrooms that sign-up for the program are in more urban areas of Kansas, so many students have not seen a live pig before or the barns they live in.

After signing up, teachers receive a confirmation email and will have materials they can utilize either before or after the field trip with their students. These materials highlight Kansas pig farming and lets their minds spark more questions they could ask the farmers.

After receiving the post-evaluation, teachers recorded that they thoroughly enjoyed the experience and that their students learned a lot more about pigs and how they are raised. They stated that all of the materials sent to them were utilized both at home and in the classroom and that they would all participate again. Some of the words written that came to their minds when they think of farming are “feeding the world”, “necessity”, “family, hard work, and passion”, and most of them discovered some new things about pigs and pork farming.

We look forward to hosting more field trips in the Fall of 2022. If you are a teacher or know of someone who would like to participate in the KPA Virtual Field Trip to a Kansas pig farm experience, please email madisona@kspork.org to get on our list.

Follow 2022 #BaconAmbassadors on Instagram

KPA‘s Bacon Ambassador program has kicked off for another year of mouth-watering pork-inspired Instagram posts. KPA has partnered with 10 online foodies to create buzz around the flavors and versatility of pork. Posts include the hashtag #BaconAmbassador, which allows KPA to track reach and engagment of the content created for this program. Follow the handles below and the hashtag #baconambassador to follow the campaign.

@BBQandbottles

@bamagrillmaster

@hungry_yett

@cooking_with_fire__

@livefirerepublic

@overthefirecooking

@tony_and_maribel

@jennifersebasigari

@grillinfools

@learningtosmoke

2022 KPA Pork Chop Open

Friday, August 12th, 2022

Colbert Hills in Manhattan, KS

5200 Colbert Hills Dr. Manhattan, KS 66503

Registration: 9 a.m.

Shotgun start: 10 a.m.

$300 per team: Includes cart, green fee, meal, and gift

$340 per team: Includes cart, green fee, meal, gift, and team Mulligans

Team registration and sponsor form available at www.kspork.org

Questions? Contact KPA - kpa@kspork.org

Supreme Court to Hear NPPC Case Against Prop. 12

WASHINGTON, D.C., Mar. 28, 2022 – The U.S. Supreme Court at its Mar. 25 conference agreed to hear a case brought by the National Pork Producers Council and the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) against California’s Proposition 12, which bans the sale of pork from hogs born to sows that weren’t raised according to the state’s “arbitrary” production standards.

“We are extremely pleased that the Supreme Court will consider the constitutionality of Proposition 12, in which California seeks to impose regulations targeting farming practices outside its borders that would stifle interstate and international commerce,” said NPPC President Terry Wolters. “NPPC has poured a lot of blood, sweat and tears into preserving the rights of America’s pork producers to raise hogs in a way that’s best for their animals’ wellbeing and that allows them to continue selling pork to all consumers, both here and internationally.”

NPPC has waged a legal battle against the ballot initiative since it was approved in November 2018, arguing at the U.S. district and appellate court levels that Prop. 12 violates the Constitution’s Commerce Clause, which grants Congress the power to regulate trade among the states and limits the ability of states to regulate commerce outside their borders.

The high court is taking up the case on appeal from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, which in July 2021 upheld a lower court ruling against the NPPC-AFBF lawsuit. The appeals court found that despite the organizations plausibly alleging that Prop. 12 “will have dramatic upstream effects and require pervasive changes to the pork industry nationwide,” 9th Circuit precedent didn’t allow the case to continue. That precedent, however, runs counter to numerous Supreme Court decisions and is in conflict with nearly every other federal circuit court.

NPPC and AFBF in the coming weeks will file their initial brief with the Supreme Court, which could hear oral arguments in the fall and could render a decision by the end of the year. Prop. 12, which took effect Jan. 1, 2022, prohibits in California the sale of pork from hogs whose mothers were raised in pens — anywhere in the world — that do not comply with the state’s highly prescriptive housing standards. It applies to any uncooked pork sold in the state, whether produced there or outside its borders. Nearly all pork currently produced in the United States fails to meet California’s arbitrary standards. (Business groups in California recently got a state superior court to delay the effective date of Prop. 12 for 180 days after final implementing regulations are issued.)

“In addition to its unconstitutional extraterritoriality,” Wolters said, “Prop. 12 sets arbitrary animal housing standards that lack any scientific, technical or agricultural basis and that will only inflict economic harm on U.S. hog farmers and consumers.”

To continue selling pork to the nearly 40 million consumers who live in California, which represents about 15 percent of the U.S. pork market, pork producers would need to switch to alternative sow housing systems. Industry estimates for converting sow barns or building new ones to meet the Prop. 12 standards are in the billions of dollars. Even with farmers bearing most of the costs, consumers in California and across the nation will eventually see higher pork prices.

In addition to its legal efforts, NPPC weighed in on problems with the initial proposal implementing regulations for Prop. 12, including an unworkable annual certification of hog farms’ compliance with the initiative’s requirements. The California Department of Food and Agriculture, which wrote the regulations, has yet to issue final rules. To arrange an interview with NPPC Assistant Vice President and General Counsel Michael Formica, e-mail your request to news@nppc.org.

KPA Sponsors Most Innovative Pork Product Award at KMPA Convention

Kansas Pork Association sponsored the Most Innovative Pork Product award at the 2022 Kansas Meat Processors Association Convention and Trade Show. Timber Creek Meats won the award for their “Sausage Stuffed Pork Chop“, pictured on the right is owner, Eric Steeves.

KMPA‘s Convention and Trade Show is an opportunity for members in the same line of work who are experiencing obstacles and looking for the same solutions. A popular event is the Cured Product Show. Past award winners and experts from Kansas State University evaluate products to win best of Show and more.

A large group of supplier members were on hand to introduce processors to the latest techniques and equipment in the meat processing industry, and help find those solutions they are seeking.

Friday included the Midwest Processed/Cured Meat Workshop hosted by Dr. Boyle and KSU while Saturday had a line up of member’s plants video tours and educational sessions. Not only was Kansas Pork Association a sponsor, but we also featured some goodies for trade show attendees to enjoy. Included in our booth were some pork cuts fact sheets, pig head stress balls, temperature magnets, meat thermometers, and pig-shaped cutting boards. We look forward to seeing everyone at the convention next year and are curious as to who will win the Most Innovative Pork Product, bring your best!

Booth display at the KMPA Convention. The KPA booth featured pig head stress balls, meat thermometers, magnets, cutting boards, meat fact sheets, recipe books, and mouse pads.

The PigCHAMP Mobile allows for remote data entry of PigCHAMP Reproductive information while providing basic reporting functionality and validation to users. This allows users to interact directly with PigCHAMP Online or Client Hosted PigCHAMP. NEW functionality for mobile is intermittent connectivity, allowing use in areas with limited internet capabilities.

Pictured right:

Cybersecurity Tips for Your Farm Business

From Pork Checkoff - National Pork Board

Security experts are urging all farmers, including pork producers, to make cybersecurity a top priority for their businesses. This type of criminal activity continues to target America’s food industry.

The FBI informed the food and agriculture sector that ransomware actors are more likely to attack. The agency says agricultural cooperatives are of particular concern during critical planting and harvest seasons. These events can disrupt operations, causing economic loss and negatively impacting the food supply chain. The FBI notes ransomware attacks during these seasons happened against grain cooperatives during the fall 2021 harvest and in early 2022. That could impact the planting season by disrupting the supply of seeds and fertilizer.1

“Our role is to fight these crimes,” says Kevin Varpness, supervisory special agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation for the Cyber and Counterintelligence Squad in Nashville. “We want to intercept this activity before it has any financial implications for your business. We can offer advice, but it’s up to you to decide what to do.”

Four Steps to Protect Your Business from Malicious Cyber Actors

1. You’ll be 99% less likely to get hacked by implementing multifactor authentication on your accounts.

2. Update your software and turn on automatic updates.

3. Think before you click. More than 90% of successful cyberattacks start with a phishing email.

4. Use a password manager to generate and store unique passwords or assign your own strong passwords.

“Cyber is a crime of opportunity,” Hanson says. “They’re looking for weakness wherever they can find it. That can make for a systemic impact such as the food chain. It’s important to take steps today to protect yourself because it’s not a matter of if they’ll strike, but when.”

According to Hanson, you need to think about how you would respond should the worst happen or if you fell victim to ransomware or other types of cyberattack. He recommends that everyone have an incident-response plan, like other types of emergencies.

Find the full article at https://porkcheckoff.org/news/cybersecurity-tips-for-your-farm-business/

Country-Style Ribs Carolina

INGREDIENTS

• 1 1/2 to 2 pounds boneless country-style pork ribs

• 2 cups apple cider vinegar

• 1 cup of water, cold

• 2 TBSP vegetable oil

• 2 TBSP molasses OR 1/4 cup packed brown sugar

• 1 TBSP kosher salt

• 1 1/2 TSP crushed red pepper

• 1/2 TSP cayenne

PREPARATION (Serves 6)

1. Place ribs in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag, set aside. In 4-cup glass measure, stir together vinegar, oil, water, molasses, salt, red pepper flakes, and cayenne pepper until salt is dissolved.

2. Remove 1/2 cup of marinade, set aside. Add remaining marinade to ribs; seal bag and marinate for 4-6 hours in the refrigerator. Remove ribs from marinade and discard marinade.

3. Prepare medium-hot fire; grill ribs over indirect heat for 50 to 60 minutes or until pork is tender and the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F. Baste ribs twice with reserved sauce mixture during last 15 minutes of grilling.

For more recipes, visit www.eatpork.org.