Montana Pork Producers Council annual meeting Jan. 17

Press release

Montana Pork Producers Council has invited Montana pork producers to attend the annual meeting Thursday, Jan. 17, at the Mansfield Civic Center in Great Falls.

By design, the event coincides with the MAGIE Ag Expo for attendee convenience.

Themed “Moving Forward,” the educational event this year concentrates on the safe transportation of animals with specific focus on biosecurity and welfare.

Speakers include Dr. Harry Snelson of American Association of Swine Veterinarians, or AASV, who will provide guidance on biosecurity protocols, especially surrounding the aspect of trucking. Snelson serves as the executive director of AASV and is regarded as a national industry expert. National Pork Producers Council Assistant Vice President of Domestic Affairs and Legal Counsel Michael Formica will present an update on electronic logging devices and hours of service rules affecting truckers. National Pork Board Assistant Vice President of Animal Welfare Sara Crawford, Ph.D., will focus on worker safety and animal welfare in the travel from farm to packing plant.

Registration and tradeshow begin at 8:30 a.m. and educational sessions begin at 10 a.m. Other highlights include updates on then checkoff from National Pork Board Director of Producer Services Ernie Barnes; MSU Extension’s Thomas Bass on the DEQ permitting process; and a noon luncheon honoring the Symbol of Excellence youth carcass contest winners.

The MPPC membership will elect officers and directors and review industry issues late Thursday afternoon in a general meeting.

A social will follow with an evening meal served featuring Montana products.

Registration for the event can be made by calling the MPPC office at 406-557-2982 or via email at [email protected] by Jan. 14. Cost of attendance is $20 per person, which includes lunch and dinner. Meals may also be purchased separately at $5 and $15, respectively.

Contributors to the Strategic Investment Program in 2018 will receive free admission up to four individuals but registration is still required. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door.