Illinois pork producers can get current on educational issues as part of the Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA) Visioning Session July 19 at the Illinois Corn Growers Association office in Bloomington, IL.
The session features two speakers: Tom Hebert, an environmental consultant with the National Pork Producers Council and former USDA undersecretary, and Chad Hart, Iowa State University Extension economist.
“I will discuss how I see EPA’s implementation of the CAFO rule unfolding and evolving, specifics for what will be expected of producers as a result, and how CAFO rule enforcement will come into play,” Hebert says. “I also will discuss how EPA’s broader effort to focus on states having and using Clean Water Act numeric nutrient criteria could define pork producers’ success or failure, as the criteria determine whether streams, rivers and lakes are protected.”
Hart will present a seminar on livestock gross margin insurance and what pork producers need to know to utilize this risk management tool. The insurance product hedges feed costs and the market price for hogs in a bundled package, and is offered through crop insurance agents.
Attendees will also get updates on the association’s 2012 budget, and an opportunity to review current IPPA programs and activities.
“IPPA is truly a grassroots organization. The Visioning Session will allow producers a chance to discuss suggested changes to IPPA programs and services and provide direction to IPPA staff and board members on the development of the 2012 IPPA budget,” says Mike Haag, IPPA president and pork producer from Emington, IL. “To make the best use of producers’ time, we are offering two excellent educational seminars, along with the input session, plus attendees can participate in a special pork promotion that IPPA is sponsoring at the Normal (IL) Cornbelters baseball game.”
There will be a Special Salute to Pork Night at 6 p.m. July 19 at the baseball stadium. IPPA will be providing burgers to baseball fans, along with pork recipes and other pork information.
Those attending the Visioning Session and their families will receive complimentary baseball game tickets, food and beverages.
Register online at www.ilpork.com and for more information contact the IPPA office at (217) 529-3100.