July 2012 - Iowa Pork Producers Association

Randomly Speaking –A message from the presidentGreetings, Fellow Pork Producers!Bill TentingerIPPA PresidentI am writing this after spending several days at World Pork Expo. I always enjoy thetime spent checking out new ideas to take home and learning more about somethingI might already be using. I also enjoy visiting with and meeting other producers andlearning from them as well. Sometimes I learn more after hours. It wouldn’t be Expo ifI didn’t have a little fun too!This year, like others, talk seemed to center around the growing crops and the rains, or mostly the lack of. The recentrecovery in the markets also was mentioned often and the fact most producers have found a way to survive tight margins.All of this is serious stuff and needs to be addressed. There are a couple of issues that have really taken hold and thatwould be animal welfare, along with our right to operate. Those two issues seem to be very critical because if they’re notdealt with correctly, we could all see major changes in the way we do business, if we’re allowed to operate at all.There is a very small percentage of our population that is convincing our customers that we cannot be trusted to care for ouranimals in the most humane way. All while having a hidden agenda of creating a meat-free society. They are trying to getour customers to allow those who know nothing about animal agriculture to dictate how we operate, even convincing someto come up with new science. While our industry is focused on that issue, they also are working in Washington to gain newfriends and, if allowed to, will legislate to us too. I for one think that we need to push this train back to the station and havesomeone else drive. I believe that the consumer DOES still care about safe, affordable food and that they do not want thecost of their food to go up. If we’re forced to make major changes in the way we care for and handle our animals, the cost ofproducing will increase. With tight margins, I don’t see the producer or the packer being able to absorb much.I believe the only way to stop what is happening is to engage consumers and those in public office. We need to get the facts tothem. But, before we can really engage those folks, we need to fully engage our producers. This is not just a farrower’s problem.This is everybody that derives a living from animal agriculture and includes barn workers, lenders and all those who supply ourfarms. If we lose the right to house sows in the best way known, what might be next? We already have problems in our harvestfacilities. Our truckers are having nightmares! The animal handlers in those facilities are walking on tight ropes.I believe that we all have to step up to the plate and defend what we’re doing. Don’t wait for leadership or yourorganization to do it all, some things can only be accomplished with personal producer contact. Use every opportunity inyour everyday life to show that you are doing the right thing every day. It might catch on and who knows how far it mighttravel or who might hear it. It is a small world out there. We all have contacts all over this great country. Good news travelsfar. Have an open house or invite people out. Welcome questions about what you do. Thank those who support animalagriculture and try to influence those who may not. These things are going to take a long time to achieve and that’s why allof us must be engaged. We must live the “We Care” pledge every day.All of these issues prove to me the importance of our state and national organizations. NPPC’s SIP program andIPPA’s grassroots program allow fundraising that can be used to protect our industry from these attacks. If you areserious about your business, you need to get involved in protecting it. If you have been or are ever asked to participate,consider it. DO THE RIGHT THING.Like always, if you have any concerns or questions, feel free to call IPPA, any member of the board of directors or myself.Bill TentingerIPPA PresidentJULY 20125