AMES, Iowa -- Veterinarians and others in Iowa’s pork industry have the opportunity to become Certified SWAP[SM] Educators under the National Pork Board’s Swine Welfare Assurance Program[SM] (SWAP[SM]). The certification process includes attending a daylong training session and passing an exam at the conclusion of that session, which is offered by the Iowa Pork Industry Center (IPIC) at Iowa State University (ISU).

James McKean, associate director of IPIC and ISU Extension swine veterinarian, and animal science associate professor Tom Baas will lead the training, set for Tuesday, Sept. 20 in Ames. Both are certified as educator training instructors through the SWAP[SM] program.

To be eligible to submit an application, people must meet the following qualifications:

1. Be a veterinarian, extension specialist or ag educator (defined for this program as a person who spends full time in adult education or at least half time in production training) AND

2. Have a D.V.M. or B.S. in animal science (or equivalent) AND

3. Have two years of recent documentable swine production experience.

McKean said those who qualify and are interested in the program should download, complete and submit the application form available online at www.ipic.iastate.edu/SWAPapp.doc. The form also is available by fax or regular mail by calling Jane Runneals at IPIC at (515) 294-4103.

McKean said the session will be held on the ISU campus.

“We need a minimum of 15 participants to offer this training,” he said. “If you’re interested, please let us know by submitting an application as soon as possible. The application deadline is Sept. 7, with the $75 due from approved applicants by Sept. 16.”

The Swine Welfare Assurance Program[SM] was designed by an international team of welfare experts and producers to objectively benchmark and track welfare on the farm. Modeled after Pork Quality Assurance PQA[TM], this Pork Checkoff program consists of nine Care and Well-Being Principles that give pork producers the tools to evaluate welfare, aid in efficient production and potentially maintain access in a demanding market. SWAP[SM] has been developed with a basis in sound scientific principles to promote the industry’s tradition of responsible animal care. For more information on SWAP[SM], contact the National Pork Board at 1-800-456-PORK, or go to www.porkboard.org.

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