2013 World Pork Expo Kicks Off

The 2013 World Pork Expo (WPX) is officially under way in Des Moines, Iowa. A record-breaking 2,527 entries poured into the Iowa State Fairgrounds for the 25^th anniversary of the WPX. The National Swine Registry staff is eager to start the week off with the World Pork Expo Junior National show, tomorrow.

Below are some candids from around the barn as exhibitors prepare for the upcoming week by unloading and registering their entries. 

Registration began at 1 p.m.

Expo enthusiasts of all ages gather for the event.

unloading the trailer is an occurring event on Tuesday.

After exhibitors get settled in they head to the wash rack. 

At Expo, feed and water comes first for the pigs.

Teamwork is shown throughout the barn.

Multi-tasking becomes an art during unloading.

If you are unable to attend the 2013, 25^th Annual World Pork Expo, the NSR Marketing and Communications crew will be providing live coverage of this week’s show. Be sure to check the NSR Shows & Sales blog and also our twitter feed (@NationalSwine) for results. Twitter users are encouraged to use the hashtag #NPPCWPX all week.

Best of luck to those exhibiting; see you in Des Moines!

World Pork Expo - There's an App for That!

It’s that time of year to start gearing up for the 2013 World Pork Expo (WPX) held June 5-7 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa. WPX is an industry innovating event that attracts around 20,000 pork producers and allied industry professionals.

This year marks the 25^th anniversary for the show. WPX has been a place to discover advancements in technology, swine health, environment, and producer effectiveness from specialists and companies in the industry. It also allows swine exhibitors to compete in different events such as, showmanship, judging contests, and of course showing and selling their pigs. 

Application Icon

This year, exhibitors, sponsors and spectators can stay up-to-date with the 2013 World Pork Expo application featured on many smartphones. Craig Boelling, director of industry resource development for the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) is part of the team that developed the app. The app is sponsored by the National Pork Producers Council and the National Hog Farmer. With this app, convenience is key. It's versatile, allowing people to access a realm of different sectors related to the Expo. Categories within the app interface include: exhibitors, maps, events, speakers, seminars, twitter, local places, my downloads, weather and swine shows.

App Benefits for Exhibitors

Application Dashboard

The application meets needs and demands of busy people wanting to organize their WPX experience. With smartphones becoming more popular, along with major technological advancements, it is vital to stay connected through these types of interfaces. The app's dashboard allows users to explore the different facets of the program. It features easy-to-follow graphics and is user friendly.

Ever feel lost within the hustle of the Expo? The new 2013 World Pork Expo app can assist by providing a virtual map of the Iowa State Fairgrounds. 

Maps: Virtual maps give exhibitors a bird’s eye view of the fairgrounds and also break down the trade show into different booths.

Maps Main Page

Virtual Map

After selecting a venue on the fairgrounds, the app will then direct you to the virtual map.

You can "pinch" or "span" to zoom-in on the specific vendor you are wanting to visit.

Need to know when important deadlines and shows are? The app allows exhibitors to use and set alerts, such as entry deadlines, check-in times and weight cards collection.

Swine Shows and Schedule’s: One feature that is very helpful to swine show exhibitors is the swine shows icon, located on the home dashboard. The swine shows icon will allow exhibitors to set alerts by clicking on the star next to the event. It will then integrate into the exhibitor’s calendar. 

After selecting a show or event to add to your calendar, the alert window will show up.

Alert Option

Schedule of Shows

Local Places

Local Places:  
This option allows 
families to access things they want to do after show and in their downtime. This section lets them explore restaurants, attractions, and other things to do around Des Moines. 

Weather

Weather: Preparing for a week at WPX is complete with the weather section of the app. Exhibitors and their families can show up to the fairgrounds prepared for Mother Nature’s plans.

Detailed forecast and information for the Des Moines area is shown within this sector of the app. By selecting the weather option, the National Weather Center's page is displayed in an accomodating design. Users are able to check out daily, hourly and weekly forecasts for World Pork Expo. 

Seminars

Seminars: Wanting to stay up-to-date and hear from the leading experts in the swine industry? It can be done at WPX. Through the app the seminars and speakers are highlighted though separate interfaces that show which skilled professionals are speaking, as well as when and where.

The seminars section works similar to the swine shows portion of the app, allowing users to select the star and chose seminars to attend.

Speaker Information

List of Speakers

 


















Speakers: Leading professionals can be found within this part of the app. If a certain speaker is selected, another page will then show their title, topic, and time and place of their presentation.

While making final preparations for WPX, the 2013 World Pork Expo app is an essential for your trip to Des Moines. 

NOTE: All screenshots were captured on the iPhone version of the application. 

NJSA members receive Pork Checkoff Scholarships

The Pork Checkoff awarded scholarships to college students throughout the U.S. with an interest in the swine industry. Of the 22 students recognized for their scholastic merit, leadership activities, industry involvement and plans for a future career in the industry, seven were members of the National Junior Swine Association (NJSA).

NJSA Junior Board President and past National Swine Registry Fieldstaff Intern Corey Carpenter of Red Bluff, Calif., was the top candidate, and will receive a $5,000 scholarship. Corey will start working toward a master's in swine nutrition at Oklahoma State University this summer.

Other NJSA recipients receiving $2,000 scholarships include:

•  NJSA Junior Board member David Ammann of Highland, Ill. David is studying swine nutrition at the University of Illinois.
• Past NJSA Intern Cassie Holloway of Darlington, Md. Cassie is studying swine nutrition at Texas A&M University
• Denise Beam of Elverson, Pa. Denise is studying ag business at the Pennsylvania State University.
• Vance Brown of Port Matilda, Pa. Vance is studying swine genetics at Pennsylvania State University.
• Bailey Farrer of Royal Center, Ind. Bailey is studying swine nutrition at Purdue University in Indiana.
  
• Emily Limes of Bowling Green, Ohio Emily is studying ag environment at Ohio State University. 

 Pork Checkoff awarded students that hailed from 13 states and 14 universities representing seven swine-related career paths to develop the industry's human capital for the future. 

"Helping to develop the next generation of pork professionals is one of the top issues the Pork Checkoff has identified as critical for the industry's future," said Conley Nelson, president of the National Pork Board and producer from Algona, Iowa. "Our ongoing service and obligation to producers includes ensuring that there is a sustainable source of young people ready to take on the industry's commitment to continuous improvement in all aspects of pork production.  While our industry has made huge strides in recent years, these young people will ultimately help us take our game to the next level."

To see more information regarding the Pork Checkoff 2013 Pork Industry Scholarships visit pork.org.

Pedigree Portal: Meeting the Deadline

Many shows have registration and ownership deadlines to be aware of. 

Some shows also have a deadline for when all pigs have to be recorded. The registration date that appears on the pedigree will be the date we received the work. For those mailing litter applications, be sure to allow time for delivery as the registration date is the date the information is processed in the office, not the date you postmarked the envelope. We do not back date registrations, so please check the rules of the show and record your litters ahead of time. 

Online litters are downloaded daily, so if you record your litters through the NSR website on a given evening, the date shown on your registration papers will be the next day when they were downloaded into our system. For example, if you have a December 1 registration deadline for a show, you will need to record the litter prior to December 1 if you are recording online. If you record the litter on the afternoon or evening of December 1, the date registered on the registration papers will be December 2. Online submissions are checked throughout the day, and we typically check for the last time at 3 PM Eastern Time each business day' however, to be certain your online litters will be recorded the same day, please submit them prior to 12 PM Eastern Time.

If you’re planning to exhibit at an NJSA event, pay attention to the ownership deadline for each show. You must have your pig purchased by that date. On your pedigree, the date of sale will show above the current owner’s name. If this date is after the NJSA ownership deadline, the exhibitor will not be eligible to show that pig. 

Also, please note that we no longer have a P.O. Box address. Any work that you attempt to send to the old address will eventually be returned to you in the mail. We will not be able to back date work which was originally mailed to our old address and returned to you. Our current mailing address is: 

2639 Yeager Road

West Lafayette, IN  47906

Please be mindful of the rules and regulations for each event so you don't have to worry about not being eligible to show. 

If there is anything I can help you with, let me know!

Whitney Hosier

Hampshire/Landrace/DNA Secretary

Step Up, Speak Out

In my last Industry Insights post, we talked about the “Crate Debate.” This is just one of a handful of animal welfare debates facing our industry, and recent research from Purdue University yielded some “red flag” results for pork producers. Dr. Nicole Olynk Widmar (Agricultural Economics), Dr. Candace Croney (Animal Science) and Melissa McKendree (Agricultural Economics) conducted a survey of U.S. consumers related to perceptions of livestock – specifically pork – production. What they found may come as a shock.

Of the 798 survey participants, nearly one-third had never been to a farm that raised animals for the food system, and only 31 percent had visited such a farm within the last five years – which is representative of the nearly 98 percent of Americans who are not directly involved in agricultural production.

These researchers also looked at the consumers’ sources of information regarding animal welfare issues. This chart breaks down the responses:



http://nationalhogfarmer.com/animal-well-being/consumer-survey-outlines-pork-perception-issues

There are a few important take-away messages from this.

 

When asked which sources they frequented the most, they cited the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). In fact, more people turned to the HSUS and PETA for animal welfare information than industry groups, government agencies and scientific sources combined. (Source)

 

This is not good news for those of us in animal agriculture. However, there is another number that caught my eye...

 

56% of respondents indicated that they did not have a source for animal welfare information. (Source)

 

This tells us that there is an untapped group of consumers that we can reach with the positive story about pork production. Why is this important?

 

Fourteen percent of consumers stated that they had reduced pork consumption by an average of 56 percent from their previous consumption over the past three years due to animal welfare concerns. (Source)

 

If these numbers are a true reflection of the U.S. population, that adds up to a lot of pork! And at the end of the day, the concern is both the ineffectiveness of communication between the ag industry and consumers, as well as the effectiveness of the messages coming from animal welfare organizations. 

 

This is not to say we are not trying to improve our connection with consumers. In fact, in the latest issue of Seedstock EDGE, you will find a story about Operation Main Street – a training platform introduced by The Pork Checkoff in 2004. Through this program, swine producers across the nation are connected with local community groups to present information about modern pork production. This has become a forum where consumers can ask specific questions about production practices, the safety of pork and other important topics in the swine industry.

 

This is just one example of many where the agricultural community is reaching out to educate consumers about what exactly it is we do. As we move forward, it will be important to keep asking ourselves not if we are doing enough, but also if we are doing it the right way. If one method of communication doesn’t seem to be helping us reach our audience, we will have to change our tactics. Otherwise, that 56% could swing the other way.

 

Click here to read the article on the National Hog Farmer website, which also covers survey results regarding the concern toward different segments of operation within the swine industry and opinions toward specific production practices.

 

What do you think we need to do to reach consumers with the story of pork production? To share your thoughts, comment below or shoot me an e-mail. Find my contact info here. 

Pedigree Portal: DNA Sire Requirements

DNA Sire Requirements 

All Purebred litters recorded with NSR since July 2004 are required to be sired by a boar that is negative of the Stress Gene.  If you have a boar that you are using to breed sows within your herd, a Stress Gene test must have been completed prior to recording litters.  

To fulfill these requirements, you can order a DNA card from the National Swine Registry for $4.  Once you receive the DNA card, you will notice there are 4 circles on the DNA card.  Please get DNA in all 4 circles.  The most preferred form of DNA is blood, because it lasts longer on the DNA card and is much easier for the lab to read.  Another acceptable form of DNA is semen.  If you choose to submit semen as DNA, you must use raw semen that does not have any extender in it.  Once you get DNA on the card, let it dry for 24 hours before sending it in.  If you do not let it dry, mold develops on the card, which kills the DNA and could cause your sample to be unreadable.  If you are not able to get blood or semen from your boar, the third form of DNA we can accept is hair.  If you plan to send in hair as DNA, please contact us for a DNA hair collection card, as these are different from the cards used for blood or semen.  You will need to send at least 15-20 pieces of hair and you MUST get the follicles. The DNA is ONLY in the follicle of the hair. 

You can send your DNA samples directly to the NSR office.  Once we receive your sample, we will automatically blood bank your boar, which is storing the card in our office in case any future parentage testing is needed.  Then, we will send the sample to the lab for a Stress test.  The Stress test generally takes 2-3 weeks.  The cost of blood banking is $6 and the cost of the Stress Gene test is $25.  Blood banking and Stress tests are the two requirements for all sires.  If you plan to sell semen from your Hampshire boar, you will also need to order the Hamp Color test. 

If you need your DNA testing expedited, please contact me before sending it in for special rush instructions. 

Please let me know if you have any questions.

 

Have a Merry Christmas!

 

Whitney Hosier
Hampshire/Landrace/DNA Secretary

Stock Marketing: Mixing It Up

So you want to advertise – great! Now, the next question is where. There where can be a tricky decision, especially when you have a limited budget. This month in “Stock Marketing,” we’re going to talk about some advertising options and ways to mix up your marketing.

•  Put it in print – Regardless of the rumors you may have heard about print advertisement being dead, rest assured print media is very much alive and well. In fact, I would argue it is still one of the very best venues to advertise your livestock. Not only do livestock publications provide a way to get your message to a very specific group of livestock enthusiasts, but they also have a long “life.” How many of you still have the last Seedstock EDGE Showpig issue riding around with you in your truck or sitting on your coffee table? Print publications can’t be deleted from inboxes and are often used for reference, sometimes even months later.
• Get online – The World Wide Web offers countless ways to spread the word – many of which are very affordable. In today’s fast-paced, digitally-driven world, people expect to get information NOW, and the Web can help you do that. Look into starting a website. Too expensive? Look towards social media, such as Facebook and Twitter, or study some of the free blog sites, such as Wordpress and Blogger. Many blogs will let you have multiple pages, meaning that you can essentially form a functional website for free. So log-in, send a “tweet” about the latest champion you bred, post some sale photos and blog about your upcoming litters. If you don’t think it’s effective, just look at MattLautner’s (and other's) success in the cattle industry.
•  Be a sponsor – Sponsorship is often thought as a kind gesture, but the fact is, sponsorship can also be a great way to spread your message while supporting a cause that you are passionate about. The NJSA, for example, offers great opportunities for sponsors to get exposure and align their business with youth involved in the swine industry.
•  It’s in the mail –  Direct mailing is sending a very specific message to a targeted group of consumers. Whether it's "snail mail" or an e-Blast, direct mail is a great way to attract new buyers.  If you don’t have your own mailing list, you can buy them from different companies. The National Swine Registry offers opportunities for producers to purchase one-time rights to both their mailing and emailing lists. I would also suggest starting your own list of past buyers or people who’ve come to your farm and expressed interest in your stock. Then, you can keep them up-to-date by sending sale flyers, catalogs and even Christmas and thank you cards.
• Word of mouth – Even with all these marketing tools, you can’t overlook the power of networking. Get out and talk to people at the shows. Call folks up when you have a good set of pigs for sale, and just make time to talk to your fellow breeders.

I hope you learned some new ways to mix up your marketing. Remember that the NSR Marketing & Communications Department offers many ways to help you market your animals – not just the Seedstock. Give us a call, and we’ll help you find the best mix for your marketing.

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Pedigree Portal: Easy Ways to Record Your Purebreds

As a service to its members, NSR offers a couple of simple ways you can record your litters:
 

1) Submitting a litter application by mail or fax

2) Recording the litter online

The National Swine Registry allows you to record your litters by mailing in a litter application that you can obtain by clicking on the Registration Application and Sow Productivity Data Form here. 

Another very simple way to record your litter is submitting the information online. This method is quicker than having to wait for us to receive your litters through the mail and is very easy. You can enter your litter via our website.

If you haven’t already set up a user name and password, you can obtain one by calling the NSR office at 765-463-3594. Once you’ve recorded your litters, you should receive a confirmation e-mail within one business day letting you know we received your litters.

Either way you record your litter, the required fields are:  litter number, farrowing date, dam’s ear notch and registration number, sire’s ear notch and registration number, ear notches of the baby boars and gilts in the litter, the total number born in the litter, and the number born alive.

Please keep in mind when filling in the ear notches of the baby pigs, you do not need to list the litter number with each ear notch. For example, if you are recording pigs 2-3 and 2-4, you only need to enter a 3 and a 4 in the boar or gilt space since you already entered a 2 as the litter number. 

If you would like to record your male pigs as barrows rather than boars, simply put an ‘X’ in the same box as the pig’s ear notch on the litter application.

As always, if you have any questions please contact the NSR office and we would be glad to help you out.

Whitney Hosier

Fall Activities & Reminders

As we move into the fall season, several activities will be taking place during the next few months. These include the NJSA Eastern Regional, American Royal, North American and, of course, the granddaddy of them all - the Fall Classic in Duncan, Okla. Information for the Eastern Regional and Fall Classic can be found at www.nationalswine.com under the Shows & Events tab. The Eastern Regional, which will take place in Hamburg, N.Y., is October 11-14. The entry deadline for that show has already passed. Rules & Regulations, Entry Forms and a schedule for the NSR Fall Classic can be found in the September issue of Seedstock EDGE or by clicking here. The entry deadline is October 12....don't miss this deadline! Duncan Up!!!

Also, a reminder to breeders of purebred animals that are sold for the 2013 Southwest shows - Most of these events require that animals be recorded and transferred to the junior exhibitor before December 1. Take care of your business and get these animals recorded and transferred in a timely manner. Don't wait until the last minute!!!

If you have any questions, feel free to give me a call at 765-463-3594, ext. 107, or e-mail me at mike@nationalswine.com.

Pedigree Portal: Breed Characteristics of NSR Breeds

We are often asked about breed qualifications of the 4 breeds of the National Swine Registry. Below is a summary of breed requirements and markings. 

Durocs
Durocs should be red with down ears. If a Duroc has white on any part of its body, including its feet, it may be disqualified. It is okay for Durocs to have white on the end of their nose, as long as it doesn’t break the rim of the nose. They are not allowed to have more than 3 black spots and none over 2 inches in diameter on the body. 

Hampshires
Hampshires should be black with a white belt that goes completely around both front legs and feet. They are allowed to have some white on their nose, as long as it doesn’t exceed the rim of the nose. If the white goes under the pig’s chin, it cannot be more than what a U.S. minted quarter will cover. Hampshires can have white on their back legs, as long as it is only from the hock down. These color requirements must be met by Hampshire boars and gilts for them to be eligible to show in breeding events. If a Hampshire doesn’t have a full belt, it can still be bred and its offspring can be registered; however, it can’t be exhibited as a breeding animal at NSR shows. 

Landrace
Landrace should be white with down ears and should not have colored hair on any part of their body. If a Landrace has large, colored spots or numerous colored spots on its skin, it is ineligible to be recorded. 

Yorkshires
Yorkshires should be white with erect ears and not have any colored spots larger than an U.S. minted quarter. 

Please keep in mind if any breed shows evidence of a third dewclaw, it is ineligible to be recorded.  Durocs, Landrace, and Yorkshires should have at least a 6-6 underline to be recorded. Hampshires must have a 6-6 underline to be shown as a breeding animal, but can still be recorded if their underline is not 6-6.

I hope this helps clear up any uncertainties you may have. As always, let us know if you have any questions!

Whitney Hosier