We are fighting many battles now in the U.S. pork industry. From disease pathogens to animal rights extremists to misconceptions of what it’s like to work on a pig farm, I’m reminded of how much the people on the front line matter.
The front line of the pork industry stretches deep and wide. It requires dedicated and motivated individuals to faithfully protect and defend our industry’s future by the work they do day in and day out. It’s not easy work. Being on the front lines requires a level of mental stamina that can take a toll on individuals.
I think that’s why Alma Valdez’s leadership at Johnson Farms has inspired me so much and earned her the title of barn hero in the June Farm Journal’s PORK issue. Valdez leads with patience and respect for both pigs and people, bringing a positive energy to the barn that results in more empowered employees and better pig care.
“Everybody has their issues. We try not to bring that stuff to work so we can focus better on our daily tasks,” Valdez says. “Getting our work done definitely helps us create momentum for the day and find something to be positive about.” Read and watch how she leads her team to success here.
Be Honest About the Hard Stuff
Finding something to be positive about is key because some days are harder than others. For example, I recently participated in an on-farm foreign animal disease (FAD) exercise that allowed me to see firsthand some of the work being done to prepare the U.S. pork industry for the worst-case scenario of an FAD outbreak. Learn how the National Pork Board is collaborating with researchers, industry leaders, veterinarians and producers to explore depopulation options.
I’ll admit I wasn’t sure what to expect at this exercise. My general observation was that a very hard situation was handled by knowledgeable, experienced people who did their job with great respect and admiration for the pigs. If anything, the methods modeled were peaceful, humane and fast.
But I know it’s one thing to be an outsider looking in, and it’s another to be someone who works day in a day out in the barn with the animals. Elizabeth Strand, founding director of the Center for Veterinary Social Work at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, says depopulation often makes people feel like they are in a war zone. She was on-site to help attendees process their feelings during the exercise. Read about a tool she helped develop for caregivers here.
Invest in Your Front Line
The front line is the face of our industry. That’s why we need to find ways to support them and invest in opportunities to boost their resiliency. How are you investing in your front line and saying thank you to those who diligently work to protect the U.S. pork industry every single day?
