CASSOPOLIS — A new program is coming to Cass County, via Michigan State University.

Pork production has seen numerous areas of change over the years.  Implementing new technologies and production practices, refining diets and evolving genetics have all been major influences in how pigs are raised for today’s markets. 

Another area that has brought about major change in the industry is that of farm audits and on-farm certification programs.  Understanding how the audit process works, maintaining proper records and implementing proper production practices are paramount to a farm’s success in these programs.

By attending one of the “Talk the Talk and Walk the Walk — Understanding Audit and Certification Programs”  educational sessions, participants will be better prepared to complete farm audits, including the Common Swine Industry Audit, Pork Quality Assurance site assessment and other verification programs, according to organizers.

The program will be offered in Cass County from 4 to 7 p.m. on March 20, at the MSU Extension office in Cassopolis, and then repeated on March 21 at the Dearth Center in Coldwater and on March 27 at the MSU Extension office in Mt. Pleasant.  Dinner will be included at each event.

Six major assessment areas in audit programs will be reviewed and discussed.  This educational session can be utilized as employee training and will meet the yearly training requirement specified by the audit programs.  Certificates of attendance will be offered for farms and individuals.

• Talk the talk and walk the walk—communicating with the auditor — Beth Ferry

• How and why to identify at-risk animals — Madonna Benjamin

• Proper methods to move compromised animals in the finisher barn, including techniques to ensure insensibility and death in euthanized animals — David Thompson

• Timely mortality management on the farm — Shelby Burlew & Erica Rogers

• Seeing the pigs and the facilities!  – Dale Rozeboom

• Antibiotic Use: the what, why, and how-to for compliance under the VFD — Melissa May

Certificates of attendance will be offered for proof of employee training for farms or individuals.

Cost to attend the program is $25 per person or $200 per farm. To register, go online at: https://events.anr.msu.edu/Talkthetalk/ or you may contact the Cass County MSU Extension office at 269-445-4438.