Pig Project Scholarship Program
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 January 1, are eligible to receive a $50 scholarship to purchase a feeder pig (barrow or gilt) for the 2009-show season. Five individuals will be selected based on their applications to receive the scholarship. Wisconsin Pork Association will contact winners.
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, 2009. 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.
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.
Sorry the deadline has passed, please check this site again to see if the
Pig Project Scholarship returns again in 2010
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