SwineCast

SwineCast 0696, What Are Top Priorities At The Legislative Action Conference?

National Pork Producers Council Legislative Action Conference gets underway in Washington, D.C. this week. Over a hundred producers are expected to make the trip and travel up Capitol Hill to discuss topics such as feed availability and the farm bill with their legislators. NPPC's Vic-President for Domestic Policy Audrey Adamson notes the timeliness and importance of the topics to be shared.

The pork industry has responded to gestation housing questions with funds and determination to research and report on sow housing options and advantages. National Pork Producers Council CEO Neil Dierks shares the association position with delegates and more.

From Pork Industry Forum, immediate past Pork Board President Everett Forkner of Richards, MO, addresses delegates before the final gavel falls. His view and comments of appreciation from an industry leader.

At the International Conference on Feed Efficiency in Swine, Dr. Frank Dunshea, chair of Agriculture and Food Systems at the University of Melbourne, updated attendees on popular technologies around the world and what could be seen in the 'Crystal Ball'. Medications, animal care and housing were on his list.

McDonald's joined the Humane Society of the United States to announce a review of the use of gestation stalls in their supply chain. Dallas Hockman, National Pork Producer Council's Vice President of Industry Relations, discussed that announcement and how the industry might respond.
Link to NPPC's written response.

Paragon Economics Dr. Steve Meyers walks through meat demand, corn prices ($4-$8??) and weather issues in these selected comments from the Iowa Pork Congress.
Dr. Steve Meyers full video presentation from Iowa Pork Congress here.

Roger Campbell from Pork CRC chats with Bruce Cochrane at the Banff Swine Seminar. Topics include maximizing feed efficiency, phase feeding and factors affecting feed costs.

Strong balance sheet and a good business plan opens lender doors, according to Paul DeBriyn, President and CEO of AgStar Financial.

At the 2012 Minnesota Pork Congress, Dr. Lee Johnston, professor of Swine Nutrition and Management at the West Central Research and Outreach Center of the University of MN presented research on dropping nighttime temperatures in the nursery and lowering fuel costs some 20%. However, how you lower the thermostat and the health of the pigs are significant considerations. Dr. Johnston's full presentation and others will be online soon at SwineCast.com/ConferenceConnection.