Showpig.com All-Star Team

We are seeking high school students with a love for pigs!

Showpig.com is seeking nominations for the top 24 high school and current eighth grade students in the nation to be a part of the Showpig.com All-Star Team and take part in the summer Leadership Conference. We are seeking current 8^th grade, high school freshman, sophomores, and juniors who love pigs and have a desire to make a difference in the world through leadership and community service. Ideal candidates are dreaming and planning a future within the swine industry (showing or production) and desire to be challenged in cutting-edge leadership and livestock thinking.

Beyond the honor and recognition of being selected as one of the 24 best young people in the nation, this team of highly motivated and talented students will gather in West Virginia this summer for a five night, six day, life-empowering Leadership Conference where they will:

•         Learn practical show ring and swine production applications from national leaders.

•         Build a reproducible quarantine barn that addresses one of the swine industries greatest needs.
•         Be involved in "Farm to Table" and "Farm to School" projects.

•         Experience the Greenbrier Resort in the Allegheny Mountains.

•         Be immersed in the rich agricultural and livestock culture of West Virginia.

•         Building life-long friendships with other students from across America.

•         Come away with greater dreams and visions for their chapters and their personal livestock future.

Showpig.com is excited to invest in young people within our industry through our All-Star Team. We believe that being part of the 2014 Showpig.com All-Star Team will be a life-changing experience! The Leadership Conference will be in Romney, West Virginia. Thursday, June 12th – Tuesday, June 17^th. We are seeking the help of teachers, agricultural organization leaders, parents, grandparents and friends of high school students to nominate potential candidates.

Questions about PEDV? Don't miss Pork Board's Webinars!

Do you have questions about how Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV) will affect the showpig industry? If so, check out the National Pork Board's PEDV FAQ Webinars tailored for those who show, sell and exhibit swine.

The Pork Board will host two webinars, one on Friday, Feb. 21, and another on Monday, Feb. 24. To log-in and join the discussion, use the access codes listed below.

Friday, Feb. 21, 2014 
Time: 3:00 p.m., Central Standard Time
Meeting Password: p0rk

To join the online meeting go to: https://pork.webex.co/pork/j.php?MTID=mc9d0814997d782aa9d6e9f6305c7f171 

To join by audio conference only:
Phone number: 1-877-668-4490

Access code: 578 265 276  

Monday, Feb. 24, 2014 
Time: 3:00 p.m., Central Standard Time
Meeting Password: p0rk

To join the online meeting go to: https://pork.webex.com/pork/j.php?MTID=m40d8bd998ade631f1916250ad5f35b1b

To join the audio conference only:

Phone number: 1-877-668-4490

Access code:576 424 800 

 

If you have questions regarding the webinars or would like to submit a question about the virus to Pork Board, please contact Bryn Jensson at bjensson@pork.org.  

For more information regarding PEDV please use these references provided by Pork Board. 

Swine Health Recommendations: Exhibitors of All Pigs Going to Exhibits or Sales – click here for information

Swine Health Recommendations: Organizers of Exhibitions and Sales - click here for more information

Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV) – What Is It? - click here for information

 

A Letter to Our Exhibitors

Recently, there have been many questions in regards to swine health concerns and how this may impact shows and events hosted by National Swine Registry (NSR), the American Berkshire Association (ABA), Certified Pedigreed Swine (CPS), the National Junior Swine Association (NJSA) and Team Purebred. In particular, the presence of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV) has generated speculation of cancelling events hosted by purebred swine associations.

The swine industry consists of multiple production segments, including the purebred swine and showpig industries. We understand the importance of continuing to offer avenues for our members to market seedstock through NSR, ABA and CPS-hosted shows and sales. It is also vital to provide youth with opportunities to gain positive experiences through NJSA and Team Purebred-hosted swine shows. As a result, the swine breed associations will continue to offer scheduled events, as planned, with the cooperation of our participants.

In order to continue to provide opportunities for sales and exhibitions, it is important that breeders, exhibitors and swine industry leaders work together to uphold biosecurity guidelines and follow health regulations that are in place. Take ownership in educating yourself on biosecurity and swine health guidelines with accurate information provided by credible sources. If hosting sales or delivering purchased pigs, be sure to obtain proper health certificates that meet all specified state requirements. Many states have different health requirements for livestock transport and entry.

The associations have continued to keep open lines of communication with state and show veterinarians and officials that assist with the coordination of our scheduled events for 2014. We continue to seek guidance in developing health protocols for shows and sales in order to ensure the best biosecurity protocols are in place. Participants in events are encouraged to continually monitor our organizations’ website for updates on health requirements.

It is the responsibility of breeders and exhibitors, of all ages, to be conscious of monitoring swine health before, during and after shows and sales. The National Pork Board has developed many excellent resources on biosecurity for exhibitors and show managers. Below are links to articles that have been developed with exhibitors and show managers in mind.

We appreciate your willingness to cooperate with exhibition and transportation guidelines in order to help protect the swine industry. As history has proven before, when the swine industry has been challenged with adversity, its passionate people have collaborated to persevere.

Resources from the National Pork Board

Swine Health Recommendations: Exhibitors of All Pigs Going to Exhibits or Sales – click here for information

Swine Health Recommendations: Organizers of Exhibitions and Sales - click here for more information

Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV) – What Is It? - click here for information