considerations for small & limited resource livestock...
TRANSCRIPT
![Page 1: Considerations for Small & Limited Resource Livestock ...conferences.illinois.edu/resources/20033/Presentations/3D/Pasture Pork PP_NSF Conf 09.pdfConsiderations for Small & Limited](https://reader033.vdocuments.mx/reader033/viewer/2022041515/5e2af8e7817477715020f495/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
Pasture Pork: Pasture Pork: Considerations for Small & Limited Considerations for Small & Limited
Resource Livestock ProducersResource Livestock Producers
Dr. Michelle Eley, PhD and Niki Whitley, PhDThe Cooperative Extension Program at
North Carolina A&T State University
![Page 2: Considerations for Small & Limited Resource Livestock ...conferences.illinois.edu/resources/20033/Presentations/3D/Pasture Pork PP_NSF Conf 09.pdfConsiderations for Small & Limited](https://reader033.vdocuments.mx/reader033/viewer/2022041515/5e2af8e7817477715020f495/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
IntroductionIntroduction
� North Carolina ranks as the second-largest hog farming state in the country.
� The majority of the hog production is located in the southeastern region of the North Carolina.
� The face of the hog farming industry has changed dramatically in recent years, and has grown dramatically in North Carolina.
![Page 3: Considerations for Small & Limited Resource Livestock ...conferences.illinois.edu/resources/20033/Presentations/3D/Pasture Pork PP_NSF Conf 09.pdfConsiderations for Small & Limited](https://reader033.vdocuments.mx/reader033/viewer/2022041515/5e2af8e7817477715020f495/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
Locations of Intense Hog Locations of Intense Hog Operators in North CarolinaOperators in North Carolina
Source: Wing, S., Cole, D. and Grant, G. 2009 “Environmental Injustice in North Carolina’s Hog Industry.” Environmental Health Perspectives 108: 225-231
![Page 4: Considerations for Small & Limited Resource Livestock ...conferences.illinois.edu/resources/20033/Presentations/3D/Pasture Pork PP_NSF Conf 09.pdfConsiderations for Small & Limited](https://reader033.vdocuments.mx/reader033/viewer/2022041515/5e2af8e7817477715020f495/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
IntroductionIntroduction� Pasture-based animal production offer a
great opportunity for small scale producers? Recycle nutrients from manure for food crops? Offer relatively low start up costs? Access to premium markets
� Current educational program at NC A&T targets socially disadvantaged producers raising pigs on pasture in three core areas:? Environmental management? Farm business and management? Marketing
![Page 5: Considerations for Small & Limited Resource Livestock ...conferences.illinois.edu/resources/20033/Presentations/3D/Pasture Pork PP_NSF Conf 09.pdfConsiderations for Small & Limited](https://reader033.vdocuments.mx/reader033/viewer/2022041515/5e2af8e7817477715020f495/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
Why focus on pasture pork?Why focus on pasture pork?
� Livestock industry is under considerable scrutiny with regard to environmental stewardship.
� Concerns about food safety, animal welfare, and environmental management have driven the demand for niche pork products.
� Small-scale can capitalize on niche markets by emphasizing the animal and environmentally friendly aspects of their farm.
![Page 6: Considerations for Small & Limited Resource Livestock ...conferences.illinois.edu/resources/20033/Presentations/3D/Pasture Pork PP_NSF Conf 09.pdfConsiderations for Small & Limited](https://reader033.vdocuments.mx/reader033/viewer/2022041515/5e2af8e7817477715020f495/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
Project ObjectivesProject Objectives� Promote communication among
producers, USDA agency staff, and Extension around the environmental management of raising hogs on pasture.
� Develop farm business and management skills of producers.
� Strengthen collaboration among producers to market niche pork products.
![Page 7: Considerations for Small & Limited Resource Livestock ...conferences.illinois.edu/resources/20033/Presentations/3D/Pasture Pork PP_NSF Conf 09.pdfConsiderations for Small & Limited](https://reader033.vdocuments.mx/reader033/viewer/2022041515/5e2af8e7817477715020f495/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
Our Approach to Educate to Farmers Our Approach to Educate to Farmers in Environmental Managementin Environmental Management
� Conduct grower school sessions on conservation practices
� Select “model” farms to showcase practices that protect environmental, soil, and food quality.
� Host pasture walks to share BMP information with farmers and agency partners
� Engage farmers to participate in services and programs offered by USDA/NRCS.
![Page 8: Considerations for Small & Limited Resource Livestock ...conferences.illinois.edu/resources/20033/Presentations/3D/Pasture Pork PP_NSF Conf 09.pdfConsiderations for Small & Limited](https://reader033.vdocuments.mx/reader033/viewer/2022041515/5e2af8e7817477715020f495/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
Our Approach to Educate Farmers in Our Approach to Educate Farmers in Marketing/Business ManagementMarketing/Business Management� Establish an ad-hoc steering committee to
determine producers’ interest in a cooperative
� Obtain technical assistance from Rural Development’s Cooperative Programs
� Establish short- and long-term organizational goals for the cooperative
� Create an infrastructure for farmers to market their product to prospective buyers & customers
� Conduct workshops/grower school sessions on the importance of keeping proper farm records� FACT Program
![Page 9: Considerations for Small & Limited Resource Livestock ...conferences.illinois.edu/resources/20033/Presentations/3D/Pasture Pork PP_NSF Conf 09.pdfConsiderations for Small & Limited](https://reader033.vdocuments.mx/reader033/viewer/2022041515/5e2af8e7817477715020f495/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
Environmental and Animal Environmental and Animal Production ChallengesProduction Challenges� Reducing stocking rates� Establishing a pasture rotation plan (to avoid
ground cover depletion and nutrient build-up)� Removing of hogs from wooded areas that
already had excess nutrient buildup� Fencing animals out of wetlands or low-lying
areas� Maintaining proper production records � Formulating effective diets� Applying for USDA programs
![Page 10: Considerations for Small & Limited Resource Livestock ...conferences.illinois.edu/resources/20033/Presentations/3D/Pasture Pork PP_NSF Conf 09.pdfConsiderations for Small & Limited](https://reader033.vdocuments.mx/reader033/viewer/2022041515/5e2af8e7817477715020f495/html5/thumbnails/10.jpg)
Demo Site #1Demo Site #1
![Page 11: Considerations for Small & Limited Resource Livestock ...conferences.illinois.edu/resources/20033/Presentations/3D/Pasture Pork PP_NSF Conf 09.pdfConsiderations for Small & Limited](https://reader033.vdocuments.mx/reader033/viewer/2022041515/5e2af8e7817477715020f495/html5/thumbnails/11.jpg)
Demo Site #2Demo Site #2
![Page 12: Considerations for Small & Limited Resource Livestock ...conferences.illinois.edu/resources/20033/Presentations/3D/Pasture Pork PP_NSF Conf 09.pdfConsiderations for Small & Limited](https://reader033.vdocuments.mx/reader033/viewer/2022041515/5e2af8e7817477715020f495/html5/thumbnails/12.jpg)
Demo Site #2Demo Site #2
![Page 13: Considerations for Small & Limited Resource Livestock ...conferences.illinois.edu/resources/20033/Presentations/3D/Pasture Pork PP_NSF Conf 09.pdfConsiderations for Small & Limited](https://reader033.vdocuments.mx/reader033/viewer/2022041515/5e2af8e7817477715020f495/html5/thumbnails/13.jpg)
Demo Site #2Demo Site #2
![Page 14: Considerations for Small & Limited Resource Livestock ...conferences.illinois.edu/resources/20033/Presentations/3D/Pasture Pork PP_NSF Conf 09.pdfConsiderations for Small & Limited](https://reader033.vdocuments.mx/reader033/viewer/2022041515/5e2af8e7817477715020f495/html5/thumbnails/14.jpg)
Demo Site #2Demo Site #2
![Page 15: Considerations for Small & Limited Resource Livestock ...conferences.illinois.edu/resources/20033/Presentations/3D/Pasture Pork PP_NSF Conf 09.pdfConsiderations for Small & Limited](https://reader033.vdocuments.mx/reader033/viewer/2022041515/5e2af8e7817477715020f495/html5/thumbnails/15.jpg)
Marketing ChallengesMarketing Challenges
� Buyer standards do not remain constant over time� Adopting a certification program for coop
farmers to follow� Maintaining sufficient volume of high-
quality hogs throughout the year� Coordinating scheduling for coop members� Helping famers pursue other direct
marketing methods
![Page 16: Considerations for Small & Limited Resource Livestock ...conferences.illinois.edu/resources/20033/Presentations/3D/Pasture Pork PP_NSF Conf 09.pdfConsiderations for Small & Limited](https://reader033.vdocuments.mx/reader033/viewer/2022041515/5e2af8e7817477715020f495/html5/thumbnails/16.jpg)
Positive Outcomes Positive Outcomes ---- ProductionProduction� Increased knowledge on how to demonstrate a set of
conservation practices for outdoor hog production� New paddocks were developed at each “demo” site� Use of new forages as ground cover on existing (old)
paddocks� Approximately 7 farmers have conversation plans
prepared by NRCS? Some has received EQIP funding this past year
� 15 growers have set up farm & herd health plans� 20 growers received their certification in PQA (Pork
Quality Assurance) & TQA (Truck Quality Assurance)� 40 growers has established procedures to deal with
animal health emergencies on the farm� 200 farmers completed computer training
![Page 17: Considerations for Small & Limited Resource Livestock ...conferences.illinois.edu/resources/20033/Presentations/3D/Pasture Pork PP_NSF Conf 09.pdfConsiderations for Small & Limited](https://reader033.vdocuments.mx/reader033/viewer/2022041515/5e2af8e7817477715020f495/html5/thumbnails/17.jpg)
Positive Outcomes Positive Outcomes -- MarketingMarketing� Formation of the cooperative with 25 growers
? Provide valuable information to members on regular basis
? Been able to mobilize quickly to address different production and marketing issues
� Secured contracts with multiple buyers? Largest corporate buyer: Whole Foods Market Inc. (15
coop. members with contracts) ? Several smaller buyers (e.g., Grateful Growers, Eco-Friendly
Foods, Lockwood Folly Market Place, Weeping Radish, etc.)� Local leadership within the coop has developed� Increased income of about $950,000 (a year) � 60-75 hogs are sold through the cooperative
each week
![Page 18: Considerations for Small & Limited Resource Livestock ...conferences.illinois.edu/resources/20033/Presentations/3D/Pasture Pork PP_NSF Conf 09.pdfConsiderations for Small & Limited](https://reader033.vdocuments.mx/reader033/viewer/2022041515/5e2af8e7817477715020f495/html5/thumbnails/18.jpg)
Concluding RemarksConcluding Remarks� There continues to be considerable interest
among socially disadvantage producers, industry types and university faculty to -? Establish best management practices for pastured-
based animal production systems and? Meet the market demand for pastured pork
� Communication was key to the project success� Continued education about production and
marketing options is needed