Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
7/30/99
Contacts:
James McKean, Iowa Pork Industry Center, (515) 294-4103,
x2mckean@iastate.edu
Sherry Hoyer, Iowa Pork Industry Center, (515) 294-4496,
shoyer@iastate.edu
TEAMPork Committed to Helping Pork Producers
AMES, Iowa -- Iowa pork producers looking for ways to better position their operations for future changes should consider requesting help from Iowa State University (ISU) Extension field specialists and from ISU's TEAMPork (Total Economic Animal Management.) This interdisciplinary group of campus specialists provides an integrated "whole system" approach to developing a business plan and evaluating longer-term strategic plans for swine operations.
For a short time, producers are invited to take part in a unique two-part approach that uses TEAMPork and FINPACK, ISU Extension's farm financial planning program.
First, producers request a FINPACK analysis of their pork operation. This analysis generally costs $25 per hour for four to six hours, but a combination of USDA grant money, reallocation of ISU Extension funds and financial assistance from the Iowa Pork Producers Association, now allows this service to be provided at no charge for a limited time. Following this analysis, those producers whose FINPACK results show adequate financial resources can apply for a TEAMPork visit.
During this time of financial stress, the TEAMPork activities have been modified to focus on short and intermediate range goals. TEAMPork members will review existing operations and offer suggestions for low- or no-cost opportunities for short-term changes. They'll also help producers develop an action plan for meeting their goals over the next three to five years, focusing on specific operational areas as the current economic crisis eases. This service is offered on an application basis to producers with the personal determination and financial resources necessary for continued operation.
Individual TEAMPork clients ordinarily pay $250, but the new funding allows this service to be provided at a reduced rate of $100 for a limited time.
James McKean, interim IPIC director, said pork producers are encouraged to think positively about their future in Iowa's pork industry.
"If producers choose to stay in pork production and improve their business, we're ready and willing to help," he said.
Application forms and other information are available from ISU Extension livestock field specialists and by calling IPIC's PORKLine at (800) 808-7675.
Extension programs are available to all without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability.