With all of the demands on a pork producer’s schedule, it can be challenging to leave the farm to attend industry events. The Ohio Pork Congress, however, is one that few Ohio pig farmers miss. From TN visas to sow livability, the topics covered drew in more than 500 attendees from Ohio and beyond. In addition, the trade show was bustling with vendors representing 70 companies and organizations.
For Jacob Wuekber, a 21-year-old pork producer from west central Ohio, the opportunity to network and meet with other producers and businesses is a key reason why he looks forward to attending Ohio Pork Congress each year.
Farm Journal’s PORK asked pork producers to share their highlights from this event held Feb. 7-8 in Lima, Ohio.
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Alyssa Pauli, nursery manager and PQA advisor for Shoup Brothers Farm in Orrville, Ohio
“I think the most interesting thing I learned was about how consumers are pushing all of us in agriculture to have a smaller carbon footprint and how the pork industry is already having a huge impact on this through better genetics in our pigs. Some of those better genetics include better feed conversion and now possibly a PRRS-resistant pig.
The coolest product I saw in the trade show was something that we could really implement in our barns. It was a water ionization filter from Freshlight LLC that could go directly on our water lines and filter out all the particles that build up in our water lines so that the water is more appealing to the pigs. In that case, they will drink more and then turn around and eat more which leads to more gain. Cleaning out our water lines is something we struggle with constantly, so a product like that could cut down a lot of labor and cost of cleaning products.”
Nathan Isler, a farrow-to-finish producer from Prospect, Ohio
“Dr. Jason Ross’ presentation on pig livability was really interesting. Sow mortality is one of the most important issues in our industry. He addressed the issues we are facing. Although there may not be a fix to the problem, yet it was interesting to hear about the different ways they are trying to find answers. In general, this event is always great for networking, seeing everything that’s new in the industry, talking to other producers and exhibitors. This networking is priceless as it’s hard to get everyone to sit down in one space and converse about things.”
Jacob Wuebker, who works on his family’s sow farm in Versailles, Ohio
“We have a sow farm so we are interested in anything that can help our sows. We are also in a health challenged area with lots of pigs in our area. I hate to say it, but porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is something we’ve learned to live with. Any product that can help us get back to full production faster interests us. That’s why Purina’s EnduraSow caught my attention as it’s a new feed additive that can help after PPRS or respiratory challenge to help shorten the time until you’re back to full production.”
Ryan McClure, past president of Ohio Pork Council, Grover Hill, OH
“One of the best parts of Ohio Pork Congress is the trade show. You can talk to all of the equipment providers in one spot. There was a lot of talk on day one about biosecurity. On the farm we have done a good job, but we need to continue to work harder and tighten it up.”
Dave Shoup, a farrow-to-finish producer from Smithville, Ohio
“I’m part of a family operation and farm with my three brothers. It’s always a challenge to find labor – especially people who are passionate about pigs. An independent producer and I were chatting about the current labor situation and how it’s been such a struggle for the entire pork industry. He’s used Swineworks to successfully land two employees through the TN Visa program. He’s looking to bring home a third employee. He told me there were really some good people out there who want to come work in this country. I thought people couldn’t stay for more than one to two years, but he said they could forever if they are good employees.”
More from Farm Journal’s PORK:
Away from the Spotlight: Seger Speaks Up About Leading Ohio Pig Farmers
