Extension Communications
Extension 4-H Youth Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3630
(515) 294-9915
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Extension Communications |
8/12/04
Contacts:
James McKean, Iowa Pork Industry Center, (515) 294-6301, x2mckean@iastate.edu
Sherry Hoyer, Iowa Pork Industry Center, (515) 294-4496, shoyer@iastate.edu
Iowa Pork Industry Center Seeks Swine Welfare Assessor Training Program Participants
AMES, Iowa -- Iowa Pork Industry Center (IPIC) at Iowa State University (ISU) is offering veterinarians and others in Iowa's pork industry 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.
James McKean, associate director of IPIC and ISU Extension swine veterinarian, said he and associate animal science professor Tom Baas will lead the training, set for Sept. 8 in Algona. Both have been 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.extension.iastate.edu/ipic/SWAPapp.doc. The form also is available by fax or regular mail by calling the Jane Runneals at IPIC at (515) 294-4103.
McKean said the location of the session in Algona is yet to be determined, and depends partially upon the number of approved applicants.
"We need a minimum of 15 participants for logistical and economic reasons," he said. "If you're interested, please let us know by submitting an application as soon as possible."
The Swine Welfare Assurance Program[SM] is a program 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 (800) 456-PORK, or go to www.porkboard.org.
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