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WWW.CALPORK.COM • September/October 2017 1

PORK REPORT September/October 2017

California Experienced a Senecavirus A Outbreak During Summer 2017 From July 1 to September 30, 2017, California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Animal Health Branch (AHB) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Veterinary Services (VS) personnel have conducted one hundred ninety-eight (198) foreign animal disease (FAD) investigations, more than ten (10) times the number of FAD investigations over the same time period in 2016 (fifteen [15] investigations).

Investigations in the swine population were predominant during the past three (3) months, indicating an outbreak of a vesicular disease among swine that were shipped to slaughter establishments in California, mostly from Midwest states. Any swine with vesicular lesions must be treated as a suspected foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) case until it can be ruled out. Since July 1, 2017, regulatory veterinarians and technicians have conducted one hundred eighty-seven (187) FAD investigations in slaughter swine exhibiting signs of vesicular disease .

All sampled animals were tested for Senecavirus A (SVA) and FMD. All of the samples tested were positive for SVA and negative for FMD. Although SVA is an endemic disease in the U.S. and is not an FAD, it is included in the California “List of Reportable Conditions for Animals and Animal Products” because the virus causes similar lesions to FMD. All vesicular cases must be reported within twenty-four (24) hours to state or federal animal health officials.

Any FAD outbreak in the U.S. can have a devastating effect on the nation’s animal health, trade and public health. Therefore, any animal diseases presenting similar signs to FADs must be treated as such until FADs can be ruled out. CDFA AHB’s mission is to maximize preparedness amongst the branch employees to respond effectively to any potential FAD incidents in California. AHB personnel enhance their professional skills with continued preparedness/response trainings and exercises. Six (6) veterinarians across California attended foreign animal disease diagnostician (FADD) training recently and were trained with latest techniques and diagnostics to protect California livestock against any potential FAD outbreak. Private practitioners, diagnostic laboratories, animal hospitals and producers should report signs of illness or mortality within twenty-four (24) hours by calling the CDFA AHB/USDA VS District Office in their area.

Source: October 2017 California Dept. of Food and Agriculture Animal Health Branch Newsletter

The California Pork

Producers Association is the catalyst for

California pork industry stakeholders to collectively and

collaboratively build a socially responsible,

sustainable, and economically viable pork

industry through information, promotion,

and education.

In this issue: 2 President’s Message 3 Call for Board Candidates 4 HSUS CA Ballot Initiative 6 Legislative Update 8 Jr. Director Report 9 October is Pork Month 10 Gains from Free Trade 12 Hick Hop “Porkchop” Song Debut 14 Taste of Now Campaign 16 Prepare Now for a FAD 20 New CA Antibiotic Rules 22 Avoid Needle Sticks 23 Advertisements

CALIFORNIA PORK PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION 2

Fall is Here! – D.M Lopes

October is Pork Month

October is national pork month, something to celebrate whether or not you are a pork producer. Pork is an incredible value in the store; a quality, tasty, nutrient-dense product that is very affordable as well as easy to prepare and enjoy. Spread the word! Ideas on how to celebrate national pork month can be found at pork.org.

Board Election Time

It is almost time to elect new members to the CPPA board. If you have an interest in serving the pork industry and our state’s membership, I highly encourage you to make a run for the board. To apply, simply contact Erica at the CPPA Office so that your name is forwarded for consideration. You will be asked to submit a brief biography for the membership to read prior to voting. Whether or not you decide to run, make sure to cast your ballot in January and be part of the process.

CPPA Bred Gilt Sales

For the second year, our organization is holding two on-line bred gilt sales as a means of providing additional marketing opportunities for our members. The sale dates are October 18, 2017 and December 13, 2017. The rules and entry forms are available on our website at calpork.com. The entry deadline for the October sale will likely be closed by the time you read this, but entries for the December sale close on December 1st so there is still time to make the second sale. If you have never entered animals in an on-line sale before, there is no need to be concerned as the sale organizers have made it easy (So easy that even I was able to do it last year.). All you need to do is submit some photos and a little information on your gilts. The fee is only $20 per entry (2 entries maximum). Give it a shot!

National Junior Swine Association (NJSA) Western Regional Show

The NJSA Western Regional Show will be taking place November 30 – December 3, 2017 at the Paso Robles Event Center. This is a new date and venue for this event. The rules and entry forms are available at nationalswine.com.

Be Heard!

Do you have a matter that you would like to have addressed at a CPPA Board Meeting? If so, I would encourage you to contact one of your board members or myself before the next board meeting which is scheduled for Wednesday, November 8th at the Stanislaus County Farm Bureau Office in Modesto. I can be reached at 559-638-0319 (office), 559-360-3606 (cell), or [email protected].

Have a wonderful fall!

President David Lopes

[email protected] Reedley, CA

1st Vice President

James Backman [email protected]

Denair, CA

2nd Vice President Russell Pedrett

[email protected] Colusa, CA

Secretary

Randy Long [email protected]

Manteca, CA

Treasurer Ken Dyer

[email protected] Corcoran, CA

Board of Directors

Rachelle Bailey-Tucker

[email protected] Turlock, CA

Jim Brem

[email protected] Strathmore, CA

Kyle Dadson

[email protected] Paso Robles, CA

Chance Reeder

[email protected] Modesto, CA

Alan Rios

[email protected] Livingston, CA

Executive Director

Erica Sanko [email protected]


CPPA Member News & Information It’s Election Time – Let Your Voice Be Heard CPPA Board of Directors elections are right around the corner and we have many qualified members across the state (including the ones currently serving) who would be excellent candidates.

Directors are elected for a four-year term with no limitation on the number of terms. All members of the Board shall be at least eighteen (18) years old at the time of election and PQA Plus Certified.

If you have an interest in serving the pork industry and our state’s membership, please contact the CPPA office for further details.

Candidates will be required to submit a brief biography for the November/December Pork Report. Ballots will be sent in December.

CPPA is a membership led and driven organization. Let your voice be heard!

Show Pig Scholarships The CPPA Youth Committee is now accepting applications from breeders and junior members for the 2017 – 2018 Show Pig Scholarship program.

This program is offered to promote interaction between the leaders of today and those of tomorrow by providing junior members with a high quality show pig for their county fair, as well as gain a depth of knowledge about the swine industry from the breeder.

A goal of the program to assist junior members with strong scholastic skills, who may not be financially able to purchase a show pig, and have an interest in the swine industry.

Applications are attached and can also be downloaded from the CPPA website at calpork.com.

Deadline to apply is November 1, 2017.

Mark Your Calendars…

2017 CPPA Online Bred Gilt Sales – October 18th & December 13th 2018 CPPA Online Showpig Sales – January 24th & March 14th

Auctions will be managed by CPPA and broadcast on Showpig.com. Details on consigning are available on the CPPA website. For questions, contact the CPPA office at 916-447-8950 or [email protected].

Are You Paying Your Pork Checkoff Share? Today’s pork checkoff is at work for pork producers. Per the Pork Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act of 1985 (Act), all pig (including seedstock) and market hog auctions and sales are required by law to have checkoff deducted from the sale based on the gross market value.

Checkoff remittance is $0.40 for each $100 value of hogs sold or $.0040 per the gross market value. Checkoff is paid by U.S. pork producers and importers when pigs are sold and when pigs or pork products are brought into the United States.

Of this money, 20% is shared with CPPA and the other 80% goes to the National Pork Board for national promotion, education, and research activities.

To learn more about how to submit your Checkoff fees go to pork.org.


California Legislative Update Pigs, Calves Could Join Chickens on California’s Cage-Free List

Nearly a decade after winning a nationally watched California campaign to require more space for egg-laying hens, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) moved to return to the state ballot in 2018 with another far-reaching initiative.

The proposed “Prevention of Cruelty to Farm Animals Act” would impose new rules for cage-free hens as well as set strict limits on confining calves and pigs.

“Californians know that locking farm animals in tight cages for the duration of their lives is cruel and compromises food safety,” Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States, said in a statement. “All animals deserve humane treatment, especially those raised for food.”

Pacelle’s group contends that many egg producers have skirted Proposition 2’s intent by rearranging hen cages to comply with density rules. An industry-friendly decision by the state Department of Food and Agriculture further undercut the 2008 initiative, activists claim.

The proposed November 2018 measure would require, by the following year, which eggs produced and sold in California come from “cage-free” hens that have 1 square foot of space apiece. By 2021, all hens would have to live in cage-free systems.

By Dec. 31, 2019, all veal would have to come from farms that don’t lock calves in veal crates. And gestation crates for pigs would be prohibited by Dec. 31, 2021.

Aided by thousands of volunteers and the timely release of undercover videos showing purported mistreatment of farm animals, Proposition 2 received to 63.5 percent of the vote in November 2008 despite facing well-funded opposition by egg producers and other agricultural industry groups.

State lawmakers later required that all eggs sold in California had to comply with Proposition 2, not just those produced in the state. Agricultural trade groups, backed by politicians in other states, sued to overturn California’s rules but ultimately lost in court.

Once proponents receive title and summary for the latest measure, they will have to collect 365,880 valid voter signatures to qualify for the ballot. Other supporters include the Center for Food Safety, San Francisco SPCA, San Diego Humane Society, and The Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association.

HSUS Plans Tougher Animal Welfare Initiative in California The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) plans to launch another animal welfare/animal rights ballot initiative in California. HSUS says the new initiative will address concerns that 2008’s Proposition 2 did not go far enough in changing housing conditions for egg-laying hens, pigs and veal calves.

The new measure would require that all pork and veal sold in California be produced without restrictive crates, and that all eggs produced and sold in the state be cage-free. It’s similar to a measure passed by Massachusetts voters in 2016. HSUS says the new initiative will have “more enforceable language” than Proposition 2. It claims many California producers have found ways to circumvent the restrictions contained in Proposition 2.

The full ballot initiative is available at Prevention of Cruelty to Farm Animals Act.


CPPA & NPPC Oppose Proposed HSUS Initiative At its September Board of Directors Meeting, the CPPA Board voted to oppose the Prevention of Cruelty to Farm Animals Act the 2018 ballot measure put forth by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). CPPA’s national affiliate, the National Producer Producers Council (NPPC) is also opposed to the initiative.

Under a new California law, once an initiative collects 25% of the needed 365,000 signatures, the Legislature is given a chance to adopt a law that accomplishes what initiative backers want, thus eliminating the need to put the measure on the ballot.

Given this, the Board has decided to delay taking any actions on this proposed legislation until it is known if the initiative will be sent to the ballot or to the legislature. If sent to the legislature, CPPA believes there is an opportunity to amend the proposed legislation impacting the hog/pork industry.

If the legislation is passed as currently written, it would make California the only state other than Massachusetts, which passed similar legislation last year, to have such regulations on farm animal welfare.

Below is CPPA and NPPC’s official statement on this initiative:

California Pork Producers Association (CPPA) opposes all forms of regulation without representation and this fits the bill. Livestock production practices should be left to those who are most informed about animal care -- farmers -- and not animal rights activists. Additionally, changes in housing systems, which come with significant costs that increase food prices, should be driven by consumer purchasing decisions, not the agenda of any activist group.

Other perspective:

There is a significant cost when changing from one housing system to another. Those costs are passed on to the consumer in the form of higher food prices. An example: According to Cornell University, California’s ban on the sale of eggs that come from hens housed in battery cages, including eggs from out-of-state, resulted in a .49 cent increase in the price of eggs per dozen. That’s meaningful to low-income households.

If all pork producers were forced to abandon gestation stalls, it would cost the pork industry between $1.9 billion and more than $3.2 billion to transition to an alternative housing system.

With regard to sow housing:

Producers make housing decisions thoughtfully based on pig behavior, genetics, daily health care needs and life stage. It is crucial that producers maintain the ability to choose housing systems that work best for their pigs and farms. Gestation stalls keep sows healthy and safe and support housing practices endorsed by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) that:

minimize aggression and competition between sows

protect sows from detrimental effects associated with environmental extremes, particularly temperature extremes

reduce exposure to hazards that result in injuries

provides every animal with daily access to appropriate food and water

facilitates observation of individual sow health needs

The full ballot initiative is available at Prevention of Cruelty to Farm Animals Act.

CPPA will continue to keep members informed on this initiative as it develops.


Legislative Update New ‘WOTUS’ Rule to Be Proposed Next Year EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt announced that a new Waters of the United States

(WOTUS) rule will be proposed in the first quarter of the new year. The announcement comes as the agency continues its efforts to repeal the 2015 Obama administration WOTUS rule, which broadened the EPA’s jurisdiction over “navigable” water to include, among other bodies, upstream waters and intermittent and ephemeral streams, such as those used by farmers for drainage and irrigation, and the lands adjacent to such waters. NPPC, which led efforts to repeal the current rule, continues to work with the administration to find a more effective regulatory solution for the U.S. pork industry.

Bill Would Increase Funding for Agriculture Export Programs Sens. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, Angus S. King, I-Maine, Joe Donnelly, D-Ind., and Susan Collins, R-Maine, have introduced bipartisan legislation, the “Cultivating Revitalization by Expanding American Trade and Exports (CREAATE) Act,” to increase funding for two U.S. Department of Agriculture export promotion programs: the Market Access and Foreign Market Development programs. The bill, identical to one introduced in May in the House by Reps. Dan Newhouse, R-Wash., and Chellie Pingree, D-Maine, would double the programs’ current funding. NPPC, as a member of the Coalition to Promote U.S. Agricultural Exports, in early September was among the signatories to a letter to the House Committee on Agriculture emphasizing the need for increased funding for these programs.

NPPC Seeks Waiver from Trucking Mandate Earlier this month NPPC asked for a waiver and exemption for livestock haulers from U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. In a petition delivered to the office of DOT Sec. Elaine Chao, which was filed on behalf of the U.S. pork industry and other livestock sectors, NPPC asked for a waiver and exemption from a mandate requiring all commercial truckers to use electronic logging devices (ELD) based on the potential negative impact on animal well-being. NPPC also asked the agency to address incompatibilities between the transportation of livestock and DOT’s hours of service rules. Those regulations limit truckers to 11 hours of driving daily, after 10 consecutive hours off duty, and restrict their on-duty time to 14 consecutive hours, which includes nondriving time. NPPC and other livestock groups also are supporting language included in the transportation fiscal 2018 funding bill that would delay the ELD mandate for one year for livestock haulers.

NPPC Advocates for Port Regulatory Reform As a member of the Fair Port Practices Coalition, NPPC joined 69 other U.S. trade organizations on a letter to the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, expressing concerns about their 2017 Clean Air Action Plan. The CAAP, which is required by California law, outlines strategies for reducing air pollution from all port-related sources, for meeting greenhouse gas reduction goals and achieving zero emissions for trucks and terminal equipment. The groups were critical of the draft CAAP’s “lack of information with respect to the commercial availability of specified technologies, the uncertainty of the draft plan’s cost, the absence of any analysis regarding the ports’ future competitiveness, the exclusion of certain technologies and fuels, and the lack of a cost-benefit analysis on the air quality benefits that would result from this program.” NPPC also joined the Ports Coalition in petitioning the Federal Maritime Commission regarding unfair daily charges and other business practices being levied against shippers due to inefficient port operations. As a member of the Ports Coalition, NPPC remains focused on the efficient and competitive operation of U.S. ports to globally distribute U.S. pork products and support international trade.


NPPC Programs PorkPAC – The political action committee of NPPC. The mission is to educate and support candidates at the state and federal levels.

Legislative Education Action Development Resource (LEADR) – If you’re not telling your story, someone else will! Your voice is needed in the halls of your state capital and in Washington, D.C.

Pork Leadership Institute – The Pork Leadership Institute combines the National Pork Board’s leadership program (Pork Leadership Academy) with the NPPC’s PLI.

Swine Veterinarians – The U.S. pork industry is under mounting criticism from opponents of modern farm animal production methods.

Internships – The NPPC Washington Internship Program is designed to give young leaders experience in U.S. agricultural policy – legislative, political and regulatory – at the federal level.

U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance – The National Pork Producers Council is proud to serve as a board participant on the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance (USFRA).

We Care – As a united group, pork producers adopted a formal set of ethical principles that outline the industry’s values and define how producers represent the industry every day on farms across America.

Your participation in the Strategic Investment Program allows the National Pork Producers Council and state organizations to enhance and defend your opportunities to compete at home and abroad. Strategic

Investment Program

Mandatory Pork

Checkoff

Negotiate for fair trade (import/export)

Fight for reasonable legislation

Fight for reasonable regulation

Inform and educate legislators

Provide producers direct access to lawmakers

Proactive issues management with media

Secure and guide industry research funding

Enhance domestic and global demand

Provide producer information and education

Funding $0.10/$100 $0.40/$100

YOUR VOLUNTARY INVESTMENT IS NPPC’S PRIMARY SOURCE OF FUNDING; CHECKOFF DOLLARS CANNOT BE USED FOR PUBLIC POLICY FUNDING.

National Pork Producers Council The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) conducts public policy outreach on behalf of its 44 affiliated state association members enhancing opportunities for the success of U.S. pork producers and other industry stakeholders by establishing the U.S. pork industry as a consistent and responsible supplier of high quality pork to the domestic and world market.

NPPC is primarily funded through the Strategic Investment Program (SIP), a voluntary producer investment of $.10 per $100 of value that funds state and national public policy and regulatory programs on behalf of U.S. pork producers.

For more information on NPPC, visit www.nppc.org


Jr. Director’s Represent CPPA at Sacramento Farm-to-Fork Festival By Genna Andrade, Corie Lee Falaschi and Paige Henry

The Sacramento Farm-to-Fork Festival was held on Saturday, September 23rd on Capitol Mall. Designed to showcase and celebrate where our food and drinks come from, the Farm-to-Fork Festival brings us face-to-face with the people who are feeding our region and the world.

The free festival hosted on the city’s iconic Capitol Mall boasts a delicious selection of Farm-to-Fork offerings that are produced and available in the Sacramento region. Attendees find food, wine and beer from regional eateries and purveyors, as well as live music, live cooking demonstration stages, a kids’. This is the fourth year CPPA has participated in the event.

This year was my first time at Farm-to-Fork, and I did not know what to expect. There was so many different people who do not realize the importance of the pork industry. The most asked question I received was, “How do you raise pigs knowing that they are going to be on the dinner table in the future?” I took in this question and got to see anoth er perspective on the swine industry. The first thing to come to my mind was the fact that it is a lifestyle I have grown up around. I have grown up knowing that the end result was the dinner table, but that does not change the fact that pigs just like any other species are treated with the best care. However, many people do not realize the steps of raising swine and just think upon what they are told, but are not always necessarily true. Having so many people come through our CPPA booth, I was able to share with others how the pork industry works and the importance of the industry today. Many came through the booth excited to receive the delicious recipes on the table. Through trivia and sharing our perspectives, the Junior Directors were able to show the importance of the pork industry. – Corie Lee

Throughout the day, we provided visitors with various recipes and tips for cooking pork safely. The CPPA had several recipe booklets available including recipes for grilling pork, healthy cooking with pork, and even a kid's cookbook for the youngsters! In addition, the Junior Board members distributed Pork Be Inspired cutting boards, pens and thermometers. – Genna Andrade

Make Ag Fun in the Classroom with Discovering Farmland How are indoor barns impacting animal care? What is sustainable agriculture? How are new technologies improving water efficiency? These are the questions that are answered for high school students through USFRA's Discovering Farmland curriculum. Launched in September, Discovering Farmland's newest activities include:

360-Degree Videos: Animal safety, health, comfort and environmental sustainability are common concerns expressed in regards to raising animals for food. The 360-degree videos are one-of-a-kind immersion experiences of life inside a modern pig farm.

Interactive Lesson Plans and Activities: With 12 different videos supporting PowerPoint-based lessons plans and activities, engaging topics include: Sustainability Practices in Modern Farming, among several others.

Digital Exploration: Students can investigate food product labels by choosing a specific product from virtual grocery store shelves featuring produce, meat, and cereal.

To share these resources more broadly with teachers in urban settings, USFRA distributed a press release to consumer and ag trade media highlighting Discovering Farmland's newest activities.


October is National Pork Month – Great Promotional Ideas! October Pork Month is a great time to highlight the many successes of the pork industry and to promote pork to consumers. There’s no better time for California pork producers to showcase the work being done to ethically raise quality, wholesome pork than October and National Pork Month. Consumers are interested in learning how pork is raised today by responsible farm families and this celebration offers an opportunity to tell everyone what you do and how you do it!

Host a farm tour – Get the word out about the positive aspects of pork production. Invite a local club, community group or school to tour a pork production unit. Afterwards, delight your guests to a treat from the grill – such as pork burgers – and

use the opportunity to share information on the new cuts of pork.

Have a field day – Partner with other local agricultural organizations and host a field day for producers and community members to learn about the many different aspects of agriculture and why it is vital to society.

Farm Trip – Work with your state association to offer an age-appropriate farm tour of a modern pork facility. End the tour with a pork lunch and provide information sheets for them to take home. If possible, invite local media to tour with the students and report on the event.

Sponsor a drawing or giveaway – Give people in your community the opportunity to celebrate October Pork Month by sponsoring a drawing or giveaway through your local newspaper or radio station. Consider prizes such as pork products, gift certificates or pork merchandise. Visit www.porkstore.org for available merchandise.

Get involved with FFA, 4-H or college students – Consider partnering with a local FFA chapter, 4-H club or college group to host an appreciation barbecue in celebration of October Pork Month. Helping students understand pork production is an important part of their individual learning experience and will help them support the industry in the future.

Conduct a presentation for elementary students – Contact a local elementary school and give a presentation regarding modern pork production. Focus on how pork is raised and the many uses for pork products and sponsor a pizza party to highlight the toppings as just one of the delicious uses for pork.

Give out recipes – Inspire people to cook pork for their next meal at home by showing how versatile pork is and how easy it is to cook inspired meals. Hand out recipes during local grilling events, provide free copies to the local library, provide recipe cards to local grocery stores to make them available at the meat counter and as bag stuffers, or volunteer to demonstrate a recipe at a local high school or community college cooking classes.

Get Social – Share your story during October Pork Month on social media sites, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. Use quick facts for fun posts and tweets. Retweet and share posts from state and national Pork Checkoff pages. If you’re up for a challenge, try posting one fun fact a day with a picture from your operation. Pictures tend to grab the most attention.

Make the most of October Pork Month this year!

For recipe ideas visit porkbeinspired.com and for youth ideas pork.org (click on ‘resources’).

Contact the CPPA Office or visit the porkstore.pork.org for merchandise and handouts.


Gains from Free Trade Agreements Have Been Undersold, Not Oversold By Neil Dierks (opinion piece originally published in the The Hill)

Critics of trade agreements — and they’ve been around since the United States negotiated its first one with Israel in 1984 — claim the deals’ proponents oversell them.

Indeed, in 1993, after the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) between the United States, Canada and Mexico had been concluded but not yet approved by Congress, 175 U.S. agricultural organizations placed an ad in The Washington Post, estimating the trade deal would increase American farm exports to Mexico by more than $10 billion. The groups also forecast that NAFTA would generate an additional 56,000 U.S. jobs.

The predictions were wrong. By the time Mexico’s tariffs on U.S. goods were eliminated in 2008, U.S. agricultural exports had increased by more than $15 billion and generated well over 100,000 jobs — $5 billion and almost 50,000 jobs more than projected.

Exports of U.S. pork south of the border, for example, have increased by $1 billion under NAFTA; they had been estimated to rise by $440 million. Last year, U.S. hog farmers shipped $1.36 billion of pork to Mexico.

Likewise, proponents of U.S. trade pacts with Australia and the six-country Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA), for instance, underestimated the benefits of the deals.

Before the free trade agreement (FTA) with Australia took effect in 2005, Iowa State University economist Dermot Hayes estimated that U.S. pork exports "Down Under" would increase from $10.6 million to more than $60 million annually. In 2016, they were nearly $178 million.

He estimated that U.S. pork sales to the DR-CAFTA countries would increase by a total of $36 million a year. But last year, exports just to the Dominican Republic and Honduras were more than $104 million, up from the less than $40 million shipped to all the DR-CAFTA nations in 2006 — the year before the agreement became effective.

So rather than being oversold, the projected benefits of FTAs to the United States tend to be understated, as was the case with NAFTA, which has been an overwhelming success for American agriculture and for many other sectors of the U.S. economy.

Canada is the No. 2 export market for U.S. agricultural products; Mexico is No. 3. In 2016, U.S. farmers exported more than $38 billion of products to the two nations, or 28 percent of all U.S. agricultural exports. Those exports generated more than $48 billion in additional economic activity and supported nearly 287,000 U.S. agricultural jobs.

Trade, particularly free trade, isn’t a zero-sum game.

When NAFTA took effect Jan. 1, 1994, trade between the United States and Mexico was only $50 billion each way; last year, U.S. exports to Mexico were nearly quintuple that amount at $231 billion, and they supported 3 million U.S. jobs.

While imports to the United States from Mexico in 2016 were $294 billion, those, too, supported millions of American jobs.

The United States imports products because the American economy is consumption-driven, and consumers demand them. Many of those “consumers” are businesses that use imported components to manufacture goods, some of which are then exported and all of which support U.S. jobs.

Again, NAFTA is illustrative: U.S.-produced parts and components comprise, on average, 40 percent of the products imported into the United States from Mexico, according to the U.S. Commerce Department; 20 years ago, that would have been less than 5 percent.


That two-way trade, alone, supports 6 million U.S. jobs. It also boosts Mexico’s economy, raising the standard of living for Mexican consumers, who more easily can afford to purchase U.S. imports.

We live in a global marketplace, with supply chains across borders. Trade allows for specialization and efficiency gains, propelling an economy forward. Trade is a positive-sum game.

It also should be pointed out that FTAs have provided benefits beyond trade, including improved relations with our partner countries, better investment and supply chains, increased cooperation on important issues such as drug trafficking and terrorism and greater political stability.

One final point on FTAs: The United States now exports almost as much to the 20 countries with which it has trade agreements than it does to the other 173 nations of the world.

Oversold? No, U.S. free trade agreements are working better than expected.

Neil Dierks is CEO of the National Pork Producers Council, which represents the public-policy interests of America’s 60,000 hog farmers.

Steady Growth Ahead for US Pork — Outlook Hinges on Increased Exports The U.S. pork industry is projected to continue in expansion mode through 2025, with exports increasingly being the most important component of demand. To remain in this profitable expansion mode, the U.S .will need to increase pork exports by 400,000 tons.

During the last decade, there was an inflexion point in the U.S .hog and pork sector, moving from sluggish production and tight margins to a production recovery phase incentivized by positive margins. Many factors were involved in this dynamic transition: the rise and then fall of feed costs; the Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus (PEDv) outbreak, recovery, and aftermath; the improvement of consumption; and the rise in export demand.

“Now, the US pork industry is set to grow steadily through 2025,” according to Sterling Liddell, Senior Analyst – Global Data Analytics. “Increased production efficiency, through carcass weights and pigs per female, are key drivers of the expansion.” An increase in processing capacity removes a bottleneck that periodically limits the flow of pork to consumers. Domestic consumption per capita is expected to grow slightly, but only within historical bounds. U.S. demand for specific primal pork cuts is projected to create periods of high volatility in the short term.

The result of these substantial changes in both volume and efficiency on the supply side, and product specification and destination on the demand side of the pork industry, is an industry that faces significant change in both the short and long term. Our baseline outlook identifies three key areas that need to be considered in strategic plans over the next ten years: the need for intensive risk management systems that include volatility, the impact of new domestic competition on the packing industry, and changes in U.S. consumption patterns.

Exports are increasingly the most important component of demand for U.S. pork. To remain in a profitable expansion mode through 2025 (and considering supply-and-demand baseline prospects), the US will need to increase pork exports by 400,000 tons. By 2025, we anticipate exports to increase by around 100,000 tons to China, over 200,000 tons to Mexico, and the challenge will be to find an additional 100,000 tons of export in the global market.

Source: Rabobank Research Food & Agribusiness


National Pork Board Teams with Hick Hop Innovator Cowboy Troy to Celebrate Pork Chops Hick Hop song “Porkchop” debuts video in time for October National Pork Month Nothing gets your toes tapping better than a song about food. You may have had your Cheeseburger in Paradise, with American Pie for dessert and washed it down with a Pina Colada, but the pork chop has been missing. Until now.

Recording artist Cowboy Troy, known by his given name as Troy Lee Coleman III, has introduced a new song simply titled Porkchop. Cowboy Troy is an American country rapper, Hick Hop innovator and songwriter who currently travels with country superstars Bi g & Rich. He has previously released six studio albums, landing twice on the Billboard country singles charts. However, moving into the celebration of all things pork is a new path for the 46-year old Texas native.

“Porkchop, as a song, started out as a comedy bit,” said Cowboy Troy. “A friend of mine and his family went out for dinner. My buddy ordered a pork chop. He just started singing ‘gimme that pork chop, pork chop, pork chop, pork chop...’ When he told me and another song-writing partner about it, the lyrics came together quickly. It was just funny.”

Cowboy Troy also has a love for cooking in his “Hick Hop” kitchen. He admits his favorite cut is, obviously, the ribeye pork chop, and he looks for pork chops with great marbling. Perhaps that is because no better word rhymes with “tender” than “render.” Troy often posts his food creations on Instagram with #HickHopKitchen.

“This song is really a gift to our industry,” said Terry O’Neel, National Pork Board president and a pig farmer from Friend, Nebraska. “It is fun and captures the love that so many Americans have for this beloved cut of meat.”

Also featuring the musical talents of Monro Brown, Porkchop was released earlier this year and is on Troy’s forthcoming spring 2018 album, Laugh With Me. When the National Pork Board learned of the new tune, it began discussing promotion options with Cowboy Troy, including through digital and social media, as part of October National Pork Month.

“I call my music Hick Hop music.,” Troy said. “It’s really a mixture of rap, country and rock guitars splashed in. It is really loud, rowdy, party music – just perfect for grilling and entertaining.”

That is, as long as you have a little pork to go with it. To hear the song and watch the video go to the Pork BeInspired Facebook page at PorkBeInpsired.

Did you know…USDA research reveals that seven of the most common cuts of pork are 16 percent leaner and contain 27 percent less saturated fat than they did 21 years ago.

Smoked Pork Leg Pastrami Cubano

Brined. Smoked.Rubbed. Stacked.Cured, smoked and rubbed pork leg pastrami, shaved and stacked with roasted pork loin, Swiss cheese, fresh dill pickles and sweet and spicy mustard BBQ sauce. All on a soft Cuban roll and pressed on a plancha for crispy, melty layers of flavor. It’s what you want now. Get it at PorkFoodservice.org

©2017 National Pork Board, Des Moines, IA USA. This message funded by America’s Pork Producers and the Pork Checkoff.


Insert Cubano Pork Ad


Pork Extends the Taste of Now Campaign Sharing Pork’s Story of Incredible Flavor The National Pork Board (NPB) has engaged three industry-leading chefs to demonstrate how pork can work for both commercial kitchens and for consumers. The chefs will highlight the Taste of Now campaign that will run from October, which is National Pork Month, through December.

The campaign will feature pork cuts that deliver great flavor and value. “The bone-in pork loin brings big flavor to the table and is an affordable, appetizing way to hook consumers,” said Steve Rommereim, a farmer from Alcester, South Dakota and vice president of the National Pork Board. “Its boneless counterpart offers delicious, quick-cooking versatility. The pork shoulder lends itself to multiple flavor applications and cooking styles, while ham, really does it all. From crave-worthy sandwiches to center-of-plate entrées, its smoky flavor makes it a must-have.”

The three chefs are:

Chef Matt Abdoo (New York, NY) is known for his smoke-centric culinary destination, Pig Bleecker and award-winning barbecue at Pig Beach.

Chef Adam Sappington (Portland, OR) is an established cookbook author, James Beard finalist and owner and head chef of The Country Cat, a cozy restaurant that blends Midwest and Northwestern cuisines.

Chef José Mendín (Miami Beach and Puerto Rico) is a five-time James Beard semi-finalist, founding partner and chef at Pubbelly Restaurant Group, including, Pubbelly Noodle Bar, an Asian-inspired gastropub.

The chefs will create the pork dishes, demonstrate the techniques behind them and show how pork inspires their creativity in the kitchen – in their restaurant and at home. The chefs will be photographed and videotaped for the Checkoff’s UNCUT series, which was developed for foodservice professionals in 2014. The chefs received extensive training that included Pork 101, media training, and a sow farm and packer/processor tour.

The Taste of Now campaign targets foodservice professionals, retailers and general market and Hispanic consumers to create a coordinated effort that reaches all audiences. The campaign is designed to communicate the opportunity pork presents for incredible flavor, profitability/value and versatility!

Video Series

UNCUT showcases how today’s hottest chefs are reinventing menus with pork. Make It Like This: Chef Edition targets the consumer audience and showcases how the chefs like to cook and eat pork at home.

The chefs have provided two recipe types for the consumer audience – advanced and quick-and-easy. The foodservice videos will live on PorkFoodservice.org; the consumer videos will be hosted on PorkBeinspired.com and shared on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter.

Additionally, these chef advocates will be featured at two public relations events this fall. The chefs will also participate in public relations outreach, including two media tours – Chef Abdoo with general market media this month in New York, and Chef Mendín with Hispanic media this November in Miami.

8th Annual Pork Crawl in New York City

Also this year, the 8th Pork Crawl will be held in New York from Nov. 7-9 hosted by Chef Abdoo. Chefs Mendín and Sappington will be on hand as support. The Crawl is an exclusive two-day culinary event where guests will


see New York City through the eyes of a chef by exploring the city’s premier pork dishes from lower Manhattan to Brooklyn. Guests, including trade media, consumer and multicultural editors, will also receive an educational experience on the pork loin from end-to-end, featuring the pork loin nomenclature in each dish.

The National Pork Board has responsibility for Checkoff-funded research, promotion and consumer information projects and for communicating with pork producers and the public. Through a legislative national Pork Checkoff, pork producers invest $0.40 for each $100 value of hogs sold. Importers of pork products contribute a like amount, based on a formula. The Pork Checkoff funds national and state programs in advertising, consumer information, retail and foodservice marketing, export market promotion, production improvement, science and technology, swine health, pork safety and sustainability and environmental management. For information on Checkoff-funded programs, pork producers can call the Pork Checkoff Service Center at (800) 456-7675.

Nebraska Farmer Named America’s Pig Farmer of the Year The National Pork Board announced today that Leslie McCuiston, a pig farmer from Columbus, Nebraska, has been named the 2017 America’s Pig Farmer of the YearSM, by achieving the highest combined score from a third-party judging panel and online voting. The award recognizes a pig farmer who excels at raising pigs using the We CareSM ethical principles and who connects with today’s consumers about how pork is produced.

“We are pleased to have Leslie represent America’s pig farmers. She embodies the very best in pig farming,” said Terry O’Neel, National Pork Board president and a pig farmer from Friend, Nebraska. “It’s important that we share with today’s consumers how we raise their food in an ethical and transparent way. Leslie’s interest in sharing her farm’s story, as well as putting a face on today’s pig farming, will help us reach this goal.”

Focusing on people is McCuiston’s main goal as a senior production manager for The Maschhoffs, LLC. McCuiston believes in equipping employees with the right tools to provide the best animal care every day. She oversees 70 employees who care for more than 18,000 sows in central Nebraska and surrounding states.

“For me, pig farming isn’t just a job, it’s a career that I am passionate about,” McCuiston said. “I want to find new, innovative ways to show others what we do in pig farming, explain how much we care and help people understand where their food comes from.”

McCuiston was named America’s Pig Farmer of the Year following a third-party audit of on-farm practices and after taking part in a series of written and oral interviews by subject-matter experts. She has achieved excellence in all aspects of pig farming, including animal care, environmental stewardship, employee work environment and outstanding community service.

The panel of expert judges met in early September with the four finalists. Members of the five-member panel included Brittni Furrow, Walmart’s senior director of sustainability; Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane; Kari Underly, a third-generation Chicago butcher, author and principal of Range®, Inc., a meat marketing and education firm; J. Scott Vernon, professor, College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, Cal Poly; and Brad Greenway, the 2016 America’s Pig Farmer of the Year and chairman of the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance.

“As an animal lover and the leader of the country’s first national humane organization, I am honored to be a judge for America’s Pig Farmer of the Year,” Ganzert said. “American Humane celebrates all those, including our nation’s farmers, who care for animals and work hard to ensure they are treated humanely. Today, more than ever, it is important not only to point out where progress is needed, but to recognize when we get it right.”

To learn more about McCuiston and the America’s Pig Farmer of the Year Award, visit americaspigfarmer.com.


Prepare Now for Possible FAD Later: Secure Pork Supply Plan to Protect Business Continuity in an FAD Outbreak Imagine if a foreign animal disease (FAD) outbreak occurred near your farm. Movement of susceptible livestock would cease immediately, and you couldn’t transport hogs to market or receive new pigs without permission from state officials.

Consumer confidence would falter, and export markets would close immediately, slashing demand for U.S. pork. The upshot? You would face a serious risk of lost revenue. How would you and other producers ensure the business continuity of your farms?

To address this scenario, the Pork Checkoff helped create the Secure Pork Supply (SPS) plan and recently allocated $1.6 million for its further development.

“Producer interest in the SPS plan has exploded in recent years,” said Patrick Webb, DVM, director of swine health programs for the Pork Checkoff. “Producers know it’s vital to be prepared to minimize the negative effects of an FAD outbreak on their business while the disease is being contained and eradicated.”

The size, structure, efficiency and extensive movement of livestock of the pork industry present unprecedented challenges in the event of an FAD outbreak such as foot-and-mouth disease, classical swine fever or African swine fever.

“There are a million pigs on the road every day being transported to the next stage of production or being shipped to packing plants,” Webb said. “Business continuity revolves around being able to move pigs to processing and other production premises.”

Threats to Exports Business continuity also involves market access. Not only could an FAD outbreak harm the domestic pork industry, it could devastate the export markets that play a growing role in U.S. pork producers’ profitability. Rapid disease detection and response, coupled with a workable SPS plan, will be critical in managing an FAD outbreak and helping producers return to business as usual as quickly as possible.

“Time is of the essence with any disease outbreak, as we learned from outbreaks of the porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) and the high-pathogenic avian influenza,” Webb said. “That’s why the Pork Checkoff is stepping up to the plate to implement the SPS plan.”

Lessons from Sept. 11 The concepts behind the SPS plan can be compared to the response following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, according to Webb. Just as airplanes were not allowed to fly over America until the extent of the crisis was determined, new shipments of hogs could be stopped in the event of an FAD outbreak until the full scope of the outbreak is determined.

A few days after Sept. 11, planes were allowed to take off again but only after new security measures were put in place.

“For our industry, livestock movement will be allowed to resume at some point following an FAD outbreak, but only after enhanced biosecurity and surveillance measures are implemented and movement permits are issued,” Webb said.


A Collaborative Effort All this is part of the SPS plan, which reflects a multi-year collaborative effort by pork producers, pork industry leaders, academia and state and federal officials.

“The SPS plan has been developed with a lot of pork producers’ input, from state pork associations to the Pork Checkoff Swine Health Committee,” said Webb, who noted the program is voluntary. “The goal is to make this plan practical, workable and credible.”

The SPS plan will allow the safe movement of pigs with no evidence of infection in an FAD control area.

“These animals will be allowed, under a permit issued by officials, to be transported to processing plants or other sites to accommodate different stages of production,” Webb said.

The SPS plan, funded in part by the Pork Checkoff, is one of several plans supported by USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). Others include the Secure Milk Supply program and Secure Beef Supply program. The egg and turkey industries also have been developing programs.

“Common components include risk assessments and enhanced biosecurity,” Webb said. “A lot of things the pork industry is doing already are part of the SPS plan.”

SPS planning started in 2011, with the first draft completed in 2013. Pilot projects in 2014 tested the plan, and it was revised in 2016 to incorporate lessons learned from the 2015 outbreak of high-pathogenic avian influenza in U.S. poultry and turkey industries.

The Pork Checkoff is working with the Center for Food Security and Public Health to create a step-by-step guide to help pork producers implement the plan. The guide is slated for completion in 2018.

Plan Specifics “This is the ‘cookbook’ to help producers organize biosecurity efforts and enroll in the SPS plan,” said Webb, noting the SPS plan will continue to evolve as scientific knowledge advances.

In an FAD outbreak, state and federal incident command officials will make decisions guided by the unique characteristics of the specific disease outbreak.

“The pork industry will not be in charge but will play a supporting role to assist the federal and state officials,” Webb said.

To restrict movement in the area, officials will establish a control area at of at least 10 kilometers (about 6.2 miles), although the state veterinarian can enlarge it if necessary. The control area could also be defined on a county-by-county basis, Webb said. Livestock producers in the control area will face the most restrictions.

Several factors will determine if daily movement permits for feed trucks, manure hauling, etc. will be issued to keep the farm running. Business continuity permits also may be required to move animals off the site.

Answers to key questions will determine whether permits are issued: How confident are regulatory officials that animals on the site are not infected? How large is the outbreak? If the permit request involves moving pigs from one site to another, what is the disease status in the area the animals must pass through? Have animals been vaccinated? What about moving pigs that have been infected but have now recovered?

“Thinking about these questions now and adopting enhanced biosecurity measures improve the pork industry’s preparedness for an FAD outbreak, Webb said. “Implementing the SPS plan before an FAD outbreak occurs will speed up a successful FAD response, reduce producers’ risk and ensure business continuity.”

For more program details, go to securepork.org.


Prepare Now for Possible FAD Later, cont’d

Take Action Today You don’t have to wait for the Secure Pork Supply (SPS) program to be finalized to accelerate your efforts to protect your swine herd and ensure business continuity

“There are things you can incorporate on your farm today to support the enhanced biosecurity efforts that will be required if there is a foreign animal disease (FAD) outbreak,” said the Pork Checkoff’s Patrick Webb, DVM, who offers these tips:

Designate a biosecurity manager for your farm. This person needs to have an understanding of infectious diseases as well as production agriculture and to be familiar with the production site.

Develop a site-specific biosecurity plan for your operation.

Train your farm employees about proper biosecurity procedures.

Use a premises identification number (PIN) on all your records, including diagnostic laboratory submission forms and bills of lading for animals shipped to the packing plant.

Make sure you have sharable electronic records, including electronic certificates of veterinary inspection.

Keep a daily log of all human and vehicle traffic entering your premises daily. “The key to any successful business continuity plan? Document, document, document,” Webb said.

Train employees how to spot signs of an FAD. The Pork Checkoff ‘s FAD push packs contain sturdy, barn-friendly wall charts showing foot-and-mouth disease, classical swine fever and African swine fever. The charts include visitor and employee biosecurity, along with a special report on African swine fever and what to do in case an FAD is diagnosed in the United States. To order the packs, access the Pork Store at pork.org and search for “FAD.”

Have You Registered for Your Premises Identification Number? Protecting American animal agriculture by safeguarding animal health is vital to the wellbeing of all U. S. citizens. It promotes human health; provides wholesome, reliable, and secure food resources; mitigates national economic threats; and enhances a sustainable environment. Essential to achieving this goal is an efficient and effective animal identification program.

The National Premises Identification Number provides a unique number across the entire United States for locations involved in animal agriculture and links that location to the entity that participates in animal production and/or commerce.

Requests for premises identification numbers received by the California Department of Food and Agriculture shall be maintained in confidence to the extent authorized by law.

An accountholder e-mail is required to request a premises identification number. Call 866-325-5681 if you don't have an e-mail address.

To register your premise go to - http://www.californiaid.org/. If you have any questions, contact CDFA at 1-866-325-5681.


Argentina Will Add to U.S. Pork’s Growing Presence in South America Argentina’s reopening to U.S. pork, for the first time since 1992, comes at a time when U.S. pork exports to South America are on a record-breaking pace.

The White House recently announced that the United States and Argentina have reached an agreement that will allow U.S. pork to be exported to Argentina for the first time since 1992. Though no exact timeline has been established, the market is expected to open once Argentine officials have completed an audit of the U.S. meat inspection system. The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service must also outline export requirements for U.S. pork destined for Argentina.

Brazil is currently Argentina’s primary supplier of imported pork, and will likely export about 32,000 metric tons of pork to Argentina this year, valued at about $95 million. Argentina is more than 90% self-sufficient in pork production but based on past experience the Argentine pork market has room for further import growth, as imports were as high as 47,000 mt in 2011.

After importing very low volumes from 2012 through 2015, imports rebounded last year to nearly 27,000 mt. Brazil captured more than 90% of the market, with the remainder provided by European suppliers (mainly frozen pork from Denmark and cured products from Spain and Italy). This upward trend in imports continued in the first half of 2017, as Argentina’s imports through June were up 79% year-over-year in volume (18,191 mt) and more than doubled in value ($58 million, up 104%).

“U.S. pork will be competing primarily with Brazilian and domestic product,” says U.S. Meat Export Federation Economist Erin Borror. “Brazil is well-positioned to remain Argentina’s primary supplier of imported pork because of tariff preferences, geographic proximity and established supply relationships, but the U.S. has an opportunity to capture a portion of the market and to capitalize on Argentina’s growing appetite for pork.”

Argentina’s per capita pork consumption has expanded rapidly over the past several years, increasing 57% since 2011 to an estimated 13.5 kilograms this year (carcass weight equivalent), based on USDA estimates. This compares to beef consumption of 56.7 kilograms and poultry at 43.9 kilograms, but beef consumption is well off its highs of the early 2000s and poultry consumption has increased only 18% since 2011. USMEF anticipates most of the demand for U.S. pork will be for raw material — including hams, picnics and trimmings — for further processing, but there are also potential opportunities for U.S.-produced processed products.

Because the United States and Argentina do not have a free trade agreement, U.S. pork will be subject to a 10% import duty and 16% for processed products, compared to zero tariffs on Brazilian pork products.

Argentina’s reopening comes at a time when U.S. pork exports to South America are on a record-breaking pace. Colombia is the region’s largest destination for U.S. pork, with 2017 exports through June totaling 30,426 mt valued at $70.1 million — up 86% and 96%, respectively, compared to the first half of 2016. Exports to Chile have also thrived this year, with first-half totals more than tripling in volume (14,416 mt up 202%) and increasing 179% in value ($40.7 million) from a year ago. First-half exports to Peru doubled in volume to 2,680 mt and nearly doubled in value ($6.2 million, up 97%). Other South American markets open to U.S. pork are Ecuador and Uruguay, which combined to account for 459 mt valued at $1.6 million in the first half of this year.

“Argentina will be a positive addition to the U.S. export portfolio, providing another option for U.S. exporters serving the region,” says Jessica Julca, USMEF South America representative. “USMEF is still exploring specific opportunities in the market, but we know that Argentines have a strong preference for high-quality red meat. U.S. pork can certainly contribute to Argentina’s growing pork consumption, with plenty of product options for the grill.” Source: U.S. Meat Export Federation www.usmef.org.


New CA Antibiotic Regulations Take Effect Jan. 1, 2018 Last year Governor Brown signed into law Senate Bill 27: Livestock: Use of Antimicrobial Drugs. The law requires the California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA) to implement a number of measures.

Change is Around the Corner Injectable and all other medically important antibiotics must be

administered with a prescription or veterinary feed directive (VFD) ordered by a licensed veterinarian thru a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR).

Over the counter antibiotics will still be available at licensed retail stores with a prescription.

Use of all medically important antibiotics for growth promotion will be specifically prohibited.

What is the difference between the VFD and this change?

Source Federal California

Drugs Medically Important Antimicrobials Same

Formulations In feed and water All (injectable, intra-mammary, feed, water, etc.)

New Systems Feed: VFD w/VCPR Water: Rx w/VCPR Rx or VFD w/VCPR

Indications Treatment, control and prevention Same

Limitations No use for growth promotion or feed efficiency

Same, plus preventative use in a regular pattern

Effective Date January 1, 2017 January 1, 2018

Antimicrobial Use and Stewardship Program The law requires CDFA to develop antimicrobial stewardship guidelines and best management practices on the proper use of medically important antimicrobial drugs.

California Animal Health Monitoring System (CAHMS) The California Animal Health Monitoring System (CAHMS) is the section of AUS that helps the program to better understand antimicrobial usage and resistance actually occurring in California’s livestock. To accomplish this, CAHMS conducts confidential and voluntary surveys and gathers biological samples for resistance testing. By participating in these surveys, California livestock producers and veterinarians have the opportunity to show the real picture of the industry and affect positive change. And rest assured, any information provided to AUS through CAHMS is held confidential by state law.

Email questions to [email protected].

Visit the CDFA webpage for more information and updates at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/AUS.

Please check relevant State-specific regulations for additional information

beyond Federal laws.

Federal Law: Water Prescription

Federal Law: Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD)

NO

YES

YES

Distinguishing Between US and CA Antibiotic Laws

California Law: SB 27 (2015) requires a prescription from a California- licensed veterinarian in order to purchase and use MIADs in livestock,

beginning January 1, 2018. For more information, visit https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/AUS or email [email protected]

YES

Are you raising livestock in California?

NO

Will the MIAD be used in water?

NO

Will the MIAD be used in livestock feed?

YES

Subject to standard regulatory restrictions, as labeled. NO

Is the antibiotic a Medically Important Antimicrobial Drug

(MIAD)?

Check the AUS website for current information regarding the FDA’s drug classification.

YES

Other medications sold alongside antibiotics, such as vaccines, mineral supplements, and dewormers, are not included. Consult your veterinarian for

prescription requirements.

NO

Is the medication an antibiotic?


Insert AUS Flow Chart


Avoid Needle Sticks Sticking yourself with a needle is common injury on hog farms, but one that can be avoided. Just how common is it? More than 80 percent of U.S. farm workers in animal agriculture have accidentally stuck themselves with a needle while vaccinating animals (including pigs), according to the Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center.

Needle-stick injuries often occur when a pig that is being vaccinated, treated or processed suddenly jumps or moves, accidentally sticking the farm worker. To avoid needle-sticks on your farm, follow these safety guidelines from the Pork Checkoff:

Never straighten a bent needle. Do not carry open needles in your pocket. Use caution when climbing over a pen with a needle in your hand. Never remove needle caps by using your mouth. Do not recap needles after use. Use the appropriate needle size. Use proper animal restraints. Dispose of used needles in a sharps container. Do not rest used needles on shelves or counters where others may

injure themselves. Take extra care to avoid injury if you’re tired while processing

pigs.

In Case an Injury Occurs… Injuries and illnesses that can occur from needlesticks may be very serious depending on the type of drug injected. Certain antibiotics and other medications designed for animals can result in severe medical reactions, or even death. Also, you could become ill with an infection if the needle is contaminated.

Remember to read package inserts, labels and safety data sheets for any medications administered to pigs. Use products only as directed on the package or as directed by your veterinarian.

In case of accidental injection, take these precautions to help keep you and your co-workers safe:

Immediately wash the area with soap and water and report the needle stick. If accidentally injected with a medication and has a severe reaction, call 9-1-1.

Protect Your Hearing Hearing loss from exposure to loud noises is another key safety concern for America’s pork producers and one where prevention can pay big dividends. Loud noises, or “auditory hazards,” are found in every phase of pork production. An auditory hazard zone exists during any phase of pork production where noise levels are at or above 85 decibels, which is the level when hearing loss begins.

Here are a few simple steps can make a big difference:

Remove or limit yourself from the hazard zone. Reduce the noise at the source. Space out noisy tasks.

The Pork Checkoff’s Swine Health Committee directs the organization’s efforts to fund research and develop information and tools that producers can use for continual improvement in the area of swine health.

Click on links below to learn what Checkoff dollars are providing to pork producers to help them protect and improve the health of their pigs.

http://www.pork.org/production-topics/swine-health/

PEDV PRRS Domestic Diseases Biosecurity/Security on the Farm Foreign Animal Disease Awareness and Preparedness Disease Surveillance Swine Health Links


Are You Sporting Your CPPA Gear? What better way for you to support your industry by wearing a CPPA t-shirt or hat.

Order yours today! Contact the CPPA office at (916) 447-8950 or [email protected].

Pigs, The Inventors of Bacon - #RealPigFarming℠ Shirts $12.00 each plus shipping & handling. Sizes Adult (L, XL, XXL, XXL)

Classic snapback trucker hat with CPPA logo Available in Black or Brown.

$15.00 each plus shipping & handling.

Thank you for your continued support for CPPA & your California Pork Industry!


CALIFORNIA PORK PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION 25 Cadillac Drive, Suite 214 Sacramento, CA 95825 www.calpork.com

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