Activities

February 7, 2008 Contact: Tammy Vaassen

608/723-7551

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wisconsin Pork Association offers Internship Opportunity

LANCASTER, WI --The Wisconsin Pork Association (WPA) would like to announce an internship opportunity for university students with an interest in communications, producer education, or marketing in the pork industry. The internship, which would run from May to August, is available to students majoring in agriculture or closely related fields.

The intern will organize and participate in marketing, producer education, and communication programs throughout the summer. They will gain experience in activities including media and public relations, development of youth education materials, speaking with youth and adults at county meetings and other specified functions, and participating in a number of pork industry activities at the Wisconsin State Fair. They will also work to inform producers of the Pork Checkoff certification programs, including the Pork Quality Assurance Plus program. In addition, the position will include working with the WPA Futurity Show to promote and educate 4-H and FFA members about the Wisconsin pork industry. Finally, the intern will help facilitate the WPA youth mentorship program.

This internship provides university students the opportunity to learn more about the pork industry, while gaining valuable contacts and experience for their future goals and career leads. Individuals who are interested should submit a letter of application, resume, one page "Topic of Interest" on how the applicant would communicate with youth and producers during the internship, and three letters of reference from professors or industry professionals.

Application deadline is March 14. Applications can be sent to: Wisconsin Pork Association, P.O. Box 327, Lancaster, WI 53813. Any questions can be directed to the WPA office at 1-800-822-7675.

The Wisconsin Pork Association’s mission is to insure the future success of the Wisconsin pork industry. WPA represents the interests of the pork industry members with a strong emphasis on social issues, public and government policies, environment, animal welfare and safety.

# # #

November 1, 2007

Contact: Tammy Vaassen
608-723-7551

2008 Youth Pig Project

LANCASTER -- The WPA Youth Committee is offering a scholarship program to assist youth in developing pork production projects for 4-H or FFA members with the intent of educating youth on developing life skills and career opportunities available within the Wisconsin pork industry.

4-H and FFA youth ages 9-19 (as of Jan. 1) are eligible to receive a $50 scholarship to purchase a feeder pig (barrow or gilt) for the 2007-show season. Five individuals will be selected based on their applications to receive the scholarship. Winners will be contacted by Wisconsin Pork Association and will be presented their scholarship at the WPA Futurity Sale, scheduled for April 12.

The application includes project goals for the year, PQA /MAQA Certification Date, a simple project budget, future goals and how they relate to the pork industry, and "why should the WPA select you for the scholarship." To receive a copy of the application, please contact the WPA office at 1-800-822-7675 or download the application from the website at www.wppa.org.

Applications should be submitted to WPA by March 15, 2008. Please submit applications to WPA, P.O. Box 327, Lancaster, WI 53813. Questions can be directed to WPA at 608-723-7551, or wppa@wppa.org.

WPA Youth Pig Project Application Form

WPA Youth Mentorship Program

Youth across the state are reminded that the deadline for application to the WPA Pork Industry Mentorship Program is December 31, 2007.

The Pork Industry Mentoring Program is a yearlong experience, which encompasses trips to World Pork Expo as well as the Wisconsin Pork Association’s Annual Business Conference and Taste of Elegance. But of more benefit to those participants is the job shadowing with industry representatives as well as progressive producers, educators and other pork industry advocates.

The Mentoring Program provides young adults an opportunity to:

· thoroughly explore the multiple components of the pork industry;

· shadow professionals in all facets of the pork industry;

· identify future career goals; and

· evolve into stronger agricultural advocates.

This elite program focuses on the development of leadership and communication skills through a variety of hands-on experiences. Each participant will have the opportunity to:

· learn about pork promotion, research and consumer information;

· examine the industry’s future and their individual goal;

· meet state and national industry leaders;

· improve communication skills; and

· closely examine industry challenges.

Through direct involvement in the mentoring program, young adults will graduate from the program with a stronger knowledge of swine industry programs, issues and related alliances.

The Mentoring Program -

A mentoring experience is defined as a one-day experience where a student is paired one-on-one with a member of the pork industry. This allows the student to better understand the day-to-day activities associated with that particular job, ultimately providing a better understanding of the occupation.

The nature of this program allows each participant to somewhat customize their activities based on individual interests.

Participants must be willing to join in three (3) meetings, partake in a minimum of three (3) mentoring experiences, attend an all expense-paid trip to World Pork Expo and participate in a minimum of three (3) additional industry promotions/activities.

Possible occupations aren’t limited to, but can include: veterinarian, researcher, ag engineer, nutritionist, consumer promotion and marketing, lobbyist, food service, food safety, ag journalist, sales, educator adult/youth, extension, or producer.

Eligibility

The participant should possess a strong knowledge of the pork industry and exhibit a sincere interest in the continual vitality of Wisconsin’s swine industry. The participant need not be a pork producer or member of a pork producing family. The participant does not need to be a member of the Wisconsin Pork Association. The participant must either be a Wisconsin resident or attending a Wisconsin School. The participant must be 18-24 years old by January 1, 2007. A participant must be capable and willing to give WPA a one-year commitment. Participants may be enrolled in a post-secondary school, but it is not a requirement.

# # #

May 10, 2007

Contact: Tammy Vaassen
608-723-7551

Project Pig Biosecurity Recommendations

It is important for exhibitors to remember that any time pigs from multiple sources are commingled or held in common areas at an event like a weigh-in or exhibition that there is an increased risk for disease spread. Only through the application of good biosecurity practices by the exhibitor and their families can this risk be minimized. Below are recommendations that exhibitors should follow.

Premises ID Numbers

Make absolutely sure that you have a premises ID number (PIN) for where you are housing your pigs!

Movement Records

Movement records for each pig should be kept by the exhibitor. The following movement information should be recorded every time pigs are moved between sites.

Records should be kept in a safe place and copies of those records should be with exhibitors anytime they move their pigs.

Isolation

Pigs returning from weigh-in or show should be isolated away from other animals for a minimum of 21 days. You should identify your isolation area which should be at a minimum 300 yards away from other livestock. Separate handling, grooming, feeding or watering equipment should be designated and only used with the isolated animals. You should also designate a pair of boots and coverall that will only be used with the isolated group. These items should only be used with other animals on the farm unless they have been cleaned and disinfected.

Prior to loading

Pigs exhibiting clinical signs of ANY contagious disease or in the early treatment phases for a disease should not be taken to weigh in or to an exhibition. This includes not bringing other pigs to the weigh-in or show that look healthy that have been in contact with or exposed to sick pigs.

After pigs return to source premises

Change clothing and shoes worn to weigh-in or shows before returning to work with other animals at home. Clothing and footwear worn at weigh-in or shows should be thoroughly washed before wearing it around the livestock at home.

Vehicles used to transport your pigs should be cleaned, disinfected and allowed to dry before other pigs are hauled.

Pigs returning from weigh-ins or shows should be isolated from other animals for a minimum of 21 days before reintroducing them.

Pigs should be observed daily for signs of disease or infection. Contact your veterinarian if your pigs become sick.

Prepared by Patrick Webb, Director of Swine Health, National Pork Board