2007-2011 ISU Extension Plan of Work -- 150 Iowa Pork Industry Center

Statement of Issues:

We need to take action now in planning the growth of the pork industry in Iowa to meet the long term needs of the pork production industry and our rural economies while being considerate of the environmental and social concerns shared by all residents of Iowa. As we look to the future, the primary use for Iowa farmland will still be to grow crops such as corn and soybeans. These crops will need even more fertilization as yields will continue to be pushed higher. The primary products used for fertilizers have been petroleum based. The cost of these petroleum based fertilizers will most likely rise, which will then drive the value of swine manure as a crop nutrient even higher. The synergy between crop production and pork production is unique and it is logical to consider this avenue to enhance our rural economies by capitalizing on these opportunities.

Performance Goals:

• Environmental, economic and social sustainability of the pork industry in Iowa.
• Rural economic development for Iowa.
• Development of the next generation of the pork industry in Iowa.

Output Indicators (Activities):

• Have 10,000 premises registered in the national animal ID program.
• Expose 500 pork producers to large pen gestation systems and their management.
• Educate Iowa producers on the value of transport and aerosol transmission of disease pathogens.
• Have 60% of pork producers use manure testing information to manage their manure.
• Inform the industry building new production facilities in the state on the advantages of “low density” systems.
• Work with scientific and industry efforts to delineate the causation of odor from swine facilities.
• Install BLUP Sow Indexing systems at more than ten Iowa swine farms each year.
• Cooperate with more than 100 Iowa sow farms in their efforts to extend sow longevity.
• Create a benchmarking program of post-weaning performance from more than 50 Iowa swine farms.
• Work with more than 500 Iowa swine farms in their manure management programs.
• Conduct EMS training sessions for more than 1000 Iowa swine farms.
• Maintain and expand the cooperative work with at least five producer peer groups.
• Work with 100 producers on siting questions, business plans, production practices for the construction of new swine facilities in rural areas of Iowa..
• Cooperate with DNR in interpreting the rules and regulations pertaining to confinement animal units in rural Iowa.
• Work with five AI studs in rural Iowa on their expansion and biosecurity issues.
• Coordinate the Iowa State Fair Derby swine show with over 500 youth participating annually.
• Work with the Iowa State University Animal Science Department staff in their Roundup program for student recruitment.
• Cooperate with appropriate state staff and ISU Extension field staff to offer three pork-related workshops during the annual Iowa State 4-H Youth Conference.
• Have ten students complete the Swine Fellows program annually at ISU.
• Work with the IPPA in its Youth Ambassador Program with at least ten youth completing the program each year.
• Scan over 2,000 pigs at 30 county fairs around Iowa each year.
• Judge youth swine shows at more than 25 youth events annually.
• Work with 50 crop producers to broaden their agricultural enterprise to include swine production facilities in order to bring another family member into the business.

Outcome Indicators (Impact):

151 – National animal ID program:  Number of premises registered in the national animal ID program (cumulative).

152 – Large pen gestation systems:  Number of pork producers exposed to large pen gestation systems and their management (cumulative).

153 – Manure testing and utilization:  Number of pork producers using manure testing information to manage swine manure application (cumulative).

154 – Cost of production records:  Number of niche market farms with accurate cost of production records.

155 – Environmental management systems:  Number of swine farms to participate in EMS training sessions (cumulative).

156 – Youth programs:  Number of youth participating in the Iowa State Fair swine programs (annually).

157 – Pork and crop farm synergies:  Number of crop producers who broaden their agricultural enterprise to include swine production facilities in order to bring another family member into the business (annually).

158 – Production systems and practices:  Number of pork producers who adopt more competitive production systems and practices.

159 – Animal health improvement:  Number of producers who adopt improved animal health protocols or procedures.

Target Audiences:

Independent farms
Corporate farms
Attribute based farms
Peer support groups
Youth and next generation
Commodity groups
Veterinarians
Community colleges
General population
Policy makers

Team Point of Contact:

John Mabry, Professor

 

 

 

Page last updated: August 25, 2006