Issue 3 2014

The Official Publication of the Kansas Pork IndustryPIG TALES

FarmlandWhat’s in a Label

Transport Quality Assurance®

©2014 National Pork Board, Des Moines, IA USA. This message funded by America’s Pork Producers and the Pork Checkoff.

The Pork Checkoff’s updated TQA® curriculum focuses on safe handling, biosecurity and emerging diseases such as PEDV.

The updated program provides a new approach to understanding basic pig behavior and body language, and how it contributes to a safe and positive experience for both the pig and the handler.

The Right thing to do for your business and for your industry.TQA is a quality assurance program specifically for transporters, producers and handlers of pigs.

TQA is a clear demonstration of how the pork industry promotes and implements responsible practices when handling and transporting pigs.

Building Trust for a Stronger Industry.

For more details, go to Pork.org/Certification

KPAKPA

Pig Tales is the official publication of the Kansas Pork Association. The publisher cannot guarantee the correctness of all information or absence of errors and omissions, nor be liable for content of advertisements. We reserve the right to edit or refuse all materials. KPA does not guarantee or endorse the performance of any products or services advertised within the publication. All Pig Tales inquiries should be director to the Kansas Pork Association, 2601 Farm Bureau Road, Manhattan, KS 66502; www.kspork.org.

The Official Publication of the Kansas Pork IndustryPIG TALESKansas Pork Association2601 Farm Bureau RoadManhattan, KS 66502Phone: 785-776-0442Fax: 785-776-9897www.kspork.org

President-CEOTim Strodatims@kspork.org

Director of Consumer Relations Jodi Oleenjodio@kspork.org

Director of CommunicationsAmanda Spooamandas@kspork.org

2014 KPA Board of Directors

Chairman: Michael Springer - NeodeshaJim Crane - LiberalMark Crane - ChapmanKevin Deniston - Scott CityJeff Dohrman- BushtonDaniel Gerety - SenecaJason Hall, ElkhartJerry Morris - SedgwickScott Pfortmiller - StaffordJim Nelssen - Kansas State University

Issue 3Inside This Issue...

10

6

8

President’s Message

State Tax Guide for Swine Operations

Celebrating Agriculture

Farmland

Barn Travels

What’s in a Label

KPA Headlines

United States Meat Export Federation Report

Industry News

Featured Recipe

4

6

5

8

7

10

13

16

14

18

Transport Quality Assurance®

©2014 National Pork Board, Des Moines, IA USA. This message funded by America’s Pork Producers and the Pork Checkoff.

The Pork Checkoff’s updated TQA® curriculum focuses on safe handling, biosecurity and emerging diseases such as PEDV.

The updated program provides a new approach to understanding basic pig behavior and body language, and how it contributes to a safe and positive experience for both the pig and the handler.

The Right thing to do for your business and for your industry.TQA is a quality assurance program specifically for transporters, producers and handlers of pigs.

TQA is a clear demonstration of how the pork industry promotes and implements responsible practices when handling and transporting pigs.

Building Trust for a Stronger Industry.

For more details, go to Pork.org/Certification

KPAKPA

4 Pig Tales•

President’s MessageTim Stroda, President-CEO

The Kansas Legislature recently adjourned for the year. The KPA was engaged on a tax bill which ended as Senate Bill 265. The bill creates a sales tax exemption for certain animal production and aquaculture businesses classified under subsector 112 of the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) for the purchase of materials, machinery and equipment for the purpose of constructing, reconstructing, enlarging or remodeling the business. If a producer invests at least $50,000 in the construction or refurbishment of a livestock facility after July 1, 2014, then the purchase of the materials will be exempt from sales tax. (On page 5 of this issue, see a guide to other sales tax deductions.)

The bill also creates an income tax deduction from federal adjusted gross income in determining Kansas adjusted gross income for the net gain of the sale of any cattle or horses held by the taxpayer for draft, breeding, dairy, or sporting purposes that were held by the taxpayer for 24 months or more from the date of acquisition. The bill creates the same deduction for other livestock held for draft, breeding, dairy, or sporting purposes for 12 months or more from the date of acquisition. The deduction is limited to the amount of losses reported on schedules C, E, and F and lines 12, 17, and 18 of the federal form 1040 attributable to the business in which the livestock sold had been used.

Over the past two years, agriculture groups in Kansas have been working to form a coalition with the task of bringing consumers and farmers closer together. In the fall of 2013, the groups formalized an agreement and elected officers. I was honored to be elected the initial chairman of the coalition. Since then, we have utilized an advertising agency to help us pick a name – the Kansas Farm Food Connection. The KFFC’s mission is to celebrate the exciting story of Kansas agriculture from farm to fork.

The eight organizations include: Kansas Farm Bureau, Kansas Soybean Commission, Kansas Livestock Association, Kansas Dairy Groups, Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission, Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Corn Commission and the Kansas Pork Association. The Kansas Department of Agriculture is also providing support.

The first effort of the KFFC was to sponsor a private screening of the FARMLAND documentary in Kansas City. See more about this on page 7.

Planning is underway for our next program which will connect families and farmers through education and first-hand experience to learn, eat and grow together. This initiative will be announced shortly on the KFFC’s website at www.raisingkansas.com or find the group on Facebook.

KPA working for farmers on many frontsI normally try not to let my split personality show, but in this column we have two distinctly different topics

to cover. I think I’ll just break them apart to keep it simple.

Legislative Review

Kansas Farm Food Connection

5Pig Tales •

Kansas sales tax applies to two general types of transactions of concern to swine producers. First, the tax applies to the retail sale, rental or lease of tangible personal property. A retail sale is a sale to the final consumer or user. Tangible personal property is personal property that can be seen, weighed, measured, felt or touched, or that is in any other manner perceptible to the senses. This includes electricity, water, gas, steam and prewritten computer software. Second, the tax applies to fees for labor services to install, apply, repair, service, alter or maintain tangible personal property. Labor services that are taxable in Kansas are only those services enumerated in the law.

However, there are several exemptions available to swine producers in Kansas. It should be noted that all purchases of items or services by a swine producer are not exempt from sales tax. There are four types of sales taxexemptions specifically for agribusinesses. These tax exemptions are for agricultural animals, farm machinery and equipment, propane for agricultural use, and soil erosion prevention. Swine producers may also utilize exemptions for ingredient or component parts, resale and consumed in production. These exemptions are highlighted below. To view the full publication, find it on the KPA website at www.kspork.org/producers/resources.

Sales Tax Guide for Swine Operations

Farm Machinery and Equipment Propane for Ag Use

Ingredient or Component Parts Consumed in Production

Sales of hogs are exempt when used in agriculture, in the production of food for human consumption and animals products as well as offspring for any of the previous purposes. Animals purchased for pleasure or pets are taxable.

Defined as all machinery and equipment ordinary and necessary for the growing and raising of agricultural products. This exemption has three categories: the purchase, lease or rental of equipment; the repair or replacement parts for the equipment; and the labor services to repair and maintain the equipment. See full publication for how these categories are defined based on exclusive use.

The exemption of propane for agricultural uses includes, but is not limited to, use in barns or sheds to house livestock or farm machinery and equipment, farrowing houses, fire starters, irrigation equipment, and farm machinery and equipment. It is also important to note that propane used for residential purposes is exempt from state sales tax, but it is subject to local sales tax. A propane storage tank used for non-residential purposes is not considered to be farm machinery and equipment and is subject to sales tax.

An ingredient or component part must be necessary and essential to the finished product or service; used in or on the finished product or service; become a physical part of the finished product or service, and become an ingredient or component part of property or service for retail sale. Feed to grow swine for food production or breeding purposes is an ingredient or component part. Additionally, seed and fertilizer to produce a crop is an ingredient or component part and is exempt from sales taxation. It is important to note that ingredient or component parts used for pleasure (e.g. fed to a pet or planted in a home garden or flower bed) are taxable sales.

Exemption for items that are consumed in a production process, which is defined as: producing, manufacturing, processing, mining, drilling, refining, or compounding tangible personal property; the treatment of by-products or wastes from any such production process; the providing of taxable services; the irrigation of crops; or the storage and processing of grain. In order for an item to be exempt as consumed in production, the item must meet all of the following criteria: it must be used in the actual process; it must be essential in the actual process; it must be consumed, depleted or dissipated within one year; and it must not be reusable for such purpose.

Agricultural Animals

- Continued on page 15 -

6 Pig Tales•

Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback and leaders of the Kansas Agriculture industry gathered in the Kansas State Capital on Tuesday, March 25, to recognize the importance of agriculture in our everyday lives and to express gratitude for the donations to the 2014 Neighbor to Neighbor statewide food drive.

Your association, a sponsor for the food drive and event, joined the celebration and spent the day talking with visitors about today’s Kansas pork farms and sharing recipe ideas. The day-long event concluded with a reception and remarks from Gov. Brownback and leaders of the food drive.

Gov. Brownback noted that agriculture is the largest driver of the Kansas economy, contributing more than $35 billion dollars, or 25 percent of the state’s economy.

“Kansas farm and ranch families work tirelessly day after day to feed their fellow Kansans and others around the world,” Gov. Brownback said. “I am proud to celebrate farm and ranch families today, on National Agriculture Day, thank you for your diligent hard work.”

The annual Neighbor to Neighbor statewide food drive is a cooperative effort between the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Dillon’s, Harvester’s Community Food Network, Kansas Food Bank, Second Harvest Community Food Bank and many of the Kansas agriculture organizations. This year, food was

collected throughout the month of March to raise meals for Kansans in need. The statewide food drive collected 77,585 meals. The generosity of all those who donated food items or monetary gifts it greatly appreciated.

Celebrating Kansas farmers and ranchers on National Agriculture Day

CelebratingAgriculture

Govenor Sam Brownback addresses National Ag Day participants at the state capital.

Amanda Spoo, KPA Director of Communications, hosts the KPA booth at the state capital during National Ag Day.

7Pig Tales •

Consumers and families who are generations removed from farming and agriculture now have the opportunity to get up close and personal. “Farmland” is the new feature-length film by Academy Award-winning director James Moll that follows the stories of six young American farmers and ranchers, giving audiences an intimate and firsthand look into the daily challenges and rewards of those who produce their food.

In a joint effort between the Kansas Farm Food Connection, Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City and the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance, a private screening of “Farmland” was hosted April 1 in Kansas City. The special advance screening gave more than 180 audience members an early look.

“Our goal is to celebrate the exciting story of Kansas agriculture,” says Tim Stroda, KPA President-CEO. “There are so many facets and faces. Each story is different. We want to learn from consumers, and in turn offer helpful information.”

“Farmland” was produced with generous support from the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance and is being distributed in more than 60 major markets. National exhibitors carrying the film include Regal Cinemas, Marcus Theatres, Carmike Cinemas, Landmark Theatres and many key independent theaters. The film was also selected for multiple film festivals including its New York premiere on April 17 during the Tribeca Film Festival.

Director James Moll hopes urban audiences can learn just as much as he did while making the film.

“Audiences will hear thoughts and opinions about agriculture, but not from me and not from a narrator. They’re from the mouths of the farmers and ranchers themselves,” Moll says. “I want everyone who eats to see this movie.”

“The movie resembles the “real passion” that we farmers have for the land and animals that we care for. Any consumer who views this film, whether close to or removed from production agriculture, will feel inspired about farming and the effort that is put forth each day to produce food for their consumption,” says Michael Springer, farmer and KPA member. “As a pork producer, I feel that our image was well portrayed by the Veldhuizen family.”

The screening was the first official event for the newly formed Kansas Farm Food Connection.

To learn more about the film visit www.farmlandfilm.com.

7Pig Tales •

8 Pig Tales•

Barn

Tra

vels Our model pig barns are interactive tools that engage viewers in

hands-on learning. Whether it is a 2nd grade classroom, a dietetic conference or a room full of state legislators, the barns help consumers better understand where their food comes from. Check out where the barns have traveled recently!

County Farm DaysSpring is the time of year that is most popular for school field trips and in many

cases that includes taking a trip to a county farm day. In Pottawatomie County on April 23, 250 third graders, along with teachers and parent volunteers, visited a local farm for the county farm bureau’s “Day on the Farm” event. The students visited stations that highlighted everything from soil conservation and pasture burning to ATV safety and nutrition. One of the stations featured the KPA model pig barn and learning materials for the students to take home with them.

“The objective of the KPA barn being used is to explain modern swine production and show how the varying aspects of the barn are there to create a healthy, comfortable environment for the pigs inside to thrive,” says Austin Sexten, Pottawatomie County extension agent. “Each of the barn’s details are explained to help the students understand how they make the daily lives’ of the pigs more comfortable, healthy and able to perform better.”

The week before on April 15, both of the model pig barns visited Cherokee County for its Farm Bureau Agriculture Earth Day. Amanda Spoo, KPA Director of Communications (pictured below,) and farm bureau member Rich Felts shared the barns with 230 fourth grade students from around the county.

9Pig Tales •

On May 1, Kansas Farm Bureau and Kansas Soybean hosted Zest and Zing at the Culinary Center of Kansas City. This first-ever farmer and foodie event included a heated chef vs. chef competition with secret ingredients including flank steak, pork cheek, wheat berries and wheat germ. Close to 100 urban Kansas City “foodies” heard from Kansas farmers Craig and Amy Good who talked about pork. The Kansas Pork pig barn provided a learning opportunity for attendees who were unfamiliar with farming. The Goods highlighted their operation and explained the various housing options available via the display.

Consumer Events

ClassroomsMost often,

the model pig barn is taken to classrooms to give students a visual and hands-on example. Many speakers agree that using the barn in classrooms prompts students to ask more questions.

Cody Wondra, a sophomore at Ellinwood High School, used the barn during National FFA Week in February. In his presentation to 20 fourth graders and five adults at Ellinwood Grade School, Cody spoke about how pigs

in Kansas are raised in many different ways. He also spoke to his 4-H group, Ellinwood Energizers, and handed out bacon wrapped lil-smokies, to

the 22 4-H members and 13 parents that attended.Students in McPherson County also got to see the barn

in February as a part of the Ag in the Classroom program. County extension agent Joanie James and area producer Rick Odell visited 26 third and fourth grade classrooms to talk about pork. Reserve one of the model pig barns

for your event by contacting the KPA office at kpa@kspork.org

or (785) 776-0442.

10 Pig Tales•

What’sin a

Label?

For many, going to the grocery store can feel like walking into a classroom and finding out there is a surprise pop quiz — and it is in a foreign language. With so many labels and signs, it can be difficult to tell the difference between basic health information, food trends and just plain old gimmicks. When Janeal Yancey, a meat scientist, saw the struggle that other moms were experiencing at the grocery store, she saw an opportunity to make a connection.

“It’s not until you become a mom that you realize what a great resource other moms are. I have a knowledge about the food industry that can help other moms feel more confident about the food they feed their families, and I wanted to share it,” Yancey says.

From that idea, her blog, “Mom at the Meat Counter,” was born.Your association teamed up with Yancey to bring that perspective

to nutrition and dietetic professionals at the Kansas Nutrition Council’s annual conference on April 25 in Manhattan. In her session titled, “What’s in a Food Label: Regulation or Marketing Hype?” Yancey broke down and explained food label trends.

“With all of the great food choices we have, the different food companies use labels to separate their product from everyone else’s. Sometimes those labels are meaningful and sometimes they are not,” Yancey says. “Folks in dietetics and nutrition are great influencers in food. It is their job to know about food and disseminate that knowledge to consumers, but we can’t expect them to understand every aspect of food production.”

KPA collaborated with the Kansas Beef Council, Midwest Dairy Association and Egg Nutrition Council to bring the session and

materials to 97 in attendance at the conference with practice areas ranging from WIC, extension agents and college students to dieticians working in clinical nutrition, community outreach and education.

The following day, on April 26, KPA also joined the Kansas Dietetic Association’s Annual Conference to participate in the exhibit hall, featuring a booth that allowed the conference’s 120 attendants to ask questions and pick up continuing education materials.

“These relationships connect dietetic professionals to their state producers and will enable them to develop strategic plans for nutrition education that the state of Kansas needs,” says Abby Heidari, RDN, LD, Kansas Dietetic Association executive director.

“It all goes back to feeling confident in the food you buy. When people get to the meat counter or the dairy aisle, they are bombarded with labels and claims about how food was raised and produced. It’s great because, in the U.S., we have lots of choices, but it can all be so confusing.” - Janeal Yancey

11Pig Tales •

Making the right choices for you and your family are important — whether you are connected to agriculture or not. Do you know the differences between food labels? Brush up on your pork and labeling knowledge so that the next time you are in the grocery store, you know how to talk to others as both a farmer, and a fellow consumer.

3 oz.All pork is safe.

Ensuring food safety involves everyone in the food chain. Today’s farming operations employ a variety of technologies and techniques to minimize food safety threats. All pork is rigorously inspected and follows strict government guidelines to ensure the highest level of safety.All pork is

nutrient packed. A 3-oz. portion of pork tenderloin, for example, is an “excellent” source of protein, thiamin, vitamin B6, phosphorus and niacin, and a “good” source of potassium, riboflavin and zinc, yet contributes only 6% of calories to a 2,000-calorie diet. Fresh pork is naturally low in sodium.

Prid

e All pork is grown with pride. Family-owned and family-run farms are still prominent in today’s farming landscape. Today’s farming combines the best of traditional farming practices with the benefits of modern advancements.

QualityAll pork is regulated to ensure quality. Added hormones

are not allowed in raising hogs. Therefore, the claim “no hormones added” cannot be used on the labels of pork unless it is followed by a statement that says “Federal regulations prohibit the use of hormones.”

Did You Know?

12 Pig Tales•

All Natural or Minimally ProcessedA product containing no artificial ingredient or added color and only minimally processed. Minimal processing means that the product was processed in a manner that does not fundamentally alter the product. The label must include a statement explaining the meaning of the term natural (such as “no artificial ingredients; minimally processed”).

Making Sense of Labels}}

No Nitrates/Nitrates AddedCured meats by definition must include sodium nitrite. Some uncured products are available that use ingredients like beet or celery juice or natural sea salt to deliver a color and flavor similar to traditional cured meats. When the nitrate in celery, beets and sea salt, and other nitrate-containing vegetables, is exposed to certain types of bacteria, nitrate is converted to nitrite, which results in characteristics similar to cured meat products.

Free RangeAlso referred to as “pasture raised, free roaming, and raised outdoors.” The USDA standard for this label is that hogs have had continuous access to pasture for at least 80% of their life.

Certified OrganicThe National Organic Program regulates all organic crops, livestock, and agricultural products certified to the

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic standards. In order to sell, label, or represent their products as organic, operations must follow all of the specifications set out by the USDA organic regulations. Pork raised for the certified organic program will be audited by certified organizations, is raised on only certified organic land, is fed only organic feed and has access to the outdoors. Labeling rules have been established by the USDA for products claiming to be organic and include four categories.

Locally GrownThis term has no USDA guidelines. What defines “local” may vary from one person to another. For some it may represent a drive to a farmer’s market, for others it may be a broader geographic region. Reasons why people support locally grown products (i.e. keep money in the community, know where food comes from, support agriculture) may influence their definition.

No Antibiotics Added/Raised Without AntibioticsThe terms “no antibiotics added” may be used on labels for meat or poultry products if sufficient documentation is provided by the producer to the Agency demonstrating that the animals were raised without antibiotics.

Naturally RaisedThis term has no USDA standard

for pork products, and definitions may vary from one naturally raised pork product to another. Attributes that may contribute to a hog being “naturally raised” might include raised without antibiotics, growth promotants or animal by-products in the feed, use of deep straw bedding, raised outdoors, etc. These will likely be stated on packaging or in marketing materials.

13Pig Tales •

Amanda Spoo, KPA Director of Communications, participated last week in a exercise led by the Kansas Department of Agriculture, testing public information and social media capabilities during an animal disease outbreak. The exercise included responding to consumer and industry questions surrounding a mock foot-and-mouth disease outbreak. Other participants in the exercise included representatives of many state agencies and state livestock groups.

“It is important for us to walk through the process of what would happen in the case of an actual outbreak, so that we can prepare to serve our members and educate the public in the best ways that we can,” Spoo says.

In the event of an actual animal health emergency, public information that is timely and accurate would be critical to efforts to not only eradicate the disease, but also ensure business continuity and reassure the general public. KPA believes that this and other text exercises are vital to an effective response and a successful coordinated effort between government and industry sources.

KPA Participates in Mock Exercise

The National Pork Board has awarded 18 scholarships to college students around the United States as part of its strategy to develop the pork industry’s human capital for the future. The scholarship winners were selected from a pool of 21 applicants based on scholastic merit, leadership activities, pork production industry involvement and future pork production career plans.

“Helping develop the next generation of pork professionals is one of the top issues that the Pork Checkoff has identified as critical for the industry’s future,” said Karen Richter, president of the National Pork Board and a producer from Montgomery, Minn.

The 18 student recipients represent 12 states, 10 universities and 13 swine-related career paths. Three students from Kansas State University are among the recipients: Jake Erceg, from Talent, Ore., is studying swine nutrition; Jared Mumm from Kimberly, Idaho, is studying swine behavior and reproduction; Kiah Gourley from Philomath, Ore., is studying swine nutrition.

Erceg was recognized as one of three top candidates receiving a $5,000 scholarship. Mumm and Gourley will each receive $2,000.

Pork Checkoff National Scholars

Volunteerwith KPA

Want to volunteer? Contact Jodi Oleen at (785)-776-0442 or jodio@kspork.org

for more information.

Blood DrivesLocal volunteers are need again this year to visit with donors and hand out pork sandwiches. This serves as a way for farmers in the area to say thank you to those in the community who give blood.

Time commitment: 2-3 hours plus travel to/from event

DatesJune 26 -27July 3August 28-29October 15October TBDNovember 17November TBDDecember TBD

NewtonClay CenterJunction CitySmith CenterIndependenceNortonArkansas CityKingman

Tractor DaysVolunteers are needed to visit with families about how pigs are raised utilizing the KPA model pig barn.

Time commitment: 4 hours plus travel to/from event

14 Pig Tales•

The U.S. Meat Export Federation, www.usmef.org, is the trade association responsible for developing international markets for the U.S. red meat industry. It is funded by USDA; the beef, pork, lamb, corn and soybean checkoff programs, as well as its members representing nine industry sectors. The Kansas Pork Association is a member.

Report

Originally released April 21, 2014; U.S. Meat Export Federation

A recent online promotion for U.S. pork conducted with China’s leading business-to-consumer platform, Tmall.com, drew rave reviews from Chinese consumers and strong results for U.S. pork suppliers.

The seven-day promotion, developed with support from the Pork Checkoff, highlighted Tmall.com’s nationwide 24- to 48-hour delivery service and gave thousands of Chinese consumers the opportunity to learn about U.S. pork through videos and recipes developed by master chefs, and to order U.S. pork for home delivery.

Within the first five days, the three participating U.S. suppliers had sold nearly 3,000 one-kilo orders (2.2 pounds per kilo) — 6,600 pounds — of U.S. pork. Within five more days, total orders jumped to 7,000. Equally impressive were the consumer reactions posted on the website:

• ”I got delivery on the next morning. The pork looks red and fresh. The pork tasted very tender and far better than the normal pork. Several minutes later, we finished the pork.”

• “The delivery was so fast that it was sent to my home the next morning around 9 o’clock. I couldn’t wait until dinner, so I had the U.S. pork for lunch. The pork was thin and tender. I finished all the pork very soon.”

• “The pork looks very fresh – different from the pork on the wet market. I can’t wait to put the pork on the electric grill and make barbecue pork. The barbecue pork was very fresh and tender – very good taste.”

• “The pork is fresh and of good taste. It’s a good choice to make barbecue with U.S. pork. I would strongly recommend you taste it.”

“This shopping channel creates different buying experiences for consumers,” said Joel Haggard, senior vice president for USMEF-Asia-Pacific. “It opens up sales of U.S. pork to the whole of China.”

Haggard also noted that the enthusiastic comments made by shoppers serve as a positive reference for U.S. pork, and quick feedback from the first satisfied shoppers likely helped inspire some of the subsequent purchases.

“The expanded brand recognition certainly helps boost the confidence level of retail and food service distributors of U.S. pork,” he said. And the convenience of being able to order and ship products online is expected to boost the sales of meat products during the holiday season. Gifts of meat are popular in many Asian countries, including China.

USMEF-China and Tmall.com are exploring additional collaborative efforts. While U.S. pork was the first imported pork to take advantage of the e-commerce channel, competitors from Australia, New Zealand and other markets are also beginning to utilize it for their sales and marketing.

Sales from online shopping in China last year reportedly reached an estimated 1.84 trillion yuan (nearly $296 billion) in gross merchandise value, according to iResearch, an increase of 39.4 percent over 2012. Tmall.com is the leading business-to-consumer e-commerce platform in China, with more than 50 percent market share, according to iResearch.

The China/Hong Kong region was the third-largest export market for U.S. pork in 2013, according to USMEF, purchasing 417,306 metric tons (920 million pounds) valued at $903.4 million, an increase of 2 percent in value on 3 percent lower volumes versus 2012 levels. In the first two months of 2014 the region has purchased 72,197 metric tons (159 million pounds) of U.S. pork (down 6 percent) valued at $166.8 million (up 4 percent).

Online Chinese Pork Promotion Draws Rave Reviews

15Pig Tales •

STOP INVITING FLIESReduce Crusting

Liquify SolidsReduce Odors

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Better manure. Better soil. Better crops.• Eliminates crop streaking• Proprietary microbes that break down DDGS• Exclusive biofertilizer strains for healthier soils & increased crop yields• Consistent 8 to 1 ROI in manure value alone

This summary and the original full publication are drafted as a means to further clarify the Kansas Department of Revenue’s Pub. KS-1550 (Rev. 1-12) as it relates to swine operations operating in Kansas. This document does not constitute tax or legal advice related to a particular situation and is meant to be supplemental to KS-1550. An individual should contact a tax or legal professional for legal or tax advice regarding their particular situation. If further information is needed, refer to KS-1550. Additionally, many situations must be analyzed on the facts of the specific situation. Feel free to call the Kansas Pork Association office at (785) 776-0442 if further advice is needed.

Swine Industry Applications

Animals and Animal Care- feed and feed supplements- artificial insemination and materials- vitamins - antibiotics, wormers, hormones, insecticides and liquid nitrogenConstruction Projects- labor for new facilities- labor to repair damage from fire, flood, tornado, lightning, explosion, windstorm, ice loading, terrorism and earthquakes- residential labor services- sales of tangible personal property or services purchased on or after July 1, 2014 for construction, reconstruction, enlarging

or remodeling a business with NACICS codes including 112210. Applies to projects costing over $50,000Fertilizer and Other Applications- crop dusting, fertilizer applicators and similar services, including items appliedImplements of Husbandry- farm tractor or self-propelled implement- fertilizer spreader, nurse tanks and trucks with permanent mounted spreaders- equipment to mix/process livestock feedGrain Storage- labor for original construction- augers, fans, blowers, electric control panels

- portable grain bins mounted on wheels- tarpsUtilities- natural gas, electricity, propane and waterVehicles and Trailers- farm trailers designed and used primarily as a farm vehicleWork-site Utility Vehicle- these vehicles have bench seatsVeterinary servicesWells- drilling a new well- existing well repair

This is a summarized list of the swine industry applications that are exempt from state or local sales tax, or both. Refer to www.kspork.org/producers/resources for full descriptions.

16 Pig Tales•

Industry News

Pork Checkoff Updates It’s TQA ProgramSince 2001, the pork industry’s Transport Quality

Assurance program (TQA) has promoted responsible practices when handling and transporting pigs. In that time, TQA has undergone five revisions - always striving to offer the most current, science-based information on humane handling, biosecurity and proper transportation of swine.

The mission of the TQA program remains unchanged: to continuously build a culture of protecting and promoting animal well-being through training and certification of animal handlers and transport personnel. In that process, TQA uses the most current industry-proven techniques in an effort to build consumer confidence and understanding of the high-quality pork products delivered to market every day.

“Consumers are hungry for information on how their pork is raised - from the farm to the table,” said Sherrie Webb, animal welfare director at The National Pork Board. “That need for information is about more than what happens on the farm and extends to how that animal is safely and humanely transported from farm to market. That’s why keeping current on transportation trends is so critical.”

Staying current on transportation trends requires continuous evaluation and commitment. The Pork Checkoff ’s pioneering TQA curriculum focuses not only on safe handling, but also emerging diseases such as PEDV and biosecurity. In 2014, each was a major focus in revising the program.

“Everyone involved in pork production - from producers, their employees, veterinarians and transporters - needs to develop a biosecurity plan that helps them to make good decisions and take sound action that reduces the risk of disease spread,” said Brad Knadler, director of hog procurement, Triumph Foods. “The Pork Checkoff ’s TQA program specifically addresses the need for serious biosecurity protocols to be in place and helps the pork industry further fight and

reduce the spread of these industry-impacting diseases.”The updated program also provides a new approach to

understanding basic pig behavior and body language, and how it contributes to a safe and positive experience for both the pig and the handler.

“Calm pigs are easier to handle than excited, agitated pigs. Handling will be easier, and pigs less likely to become agitated and bunch together, if handlers use basic pig behavioral principles,” said Webb. “An important part of effectively using pig behavior during handling procedures is learning how the pig perceives and responds to the handler in different situations and environments.

Additionally, adapting to changes in weather, especially temperature extremes, costs the U.S. pork industry millions of dollars annually. Handlers and transporters must understand the affect weather can have on pigs during transport, and how best to protect them during extreme weather. The revised TQA program teaches transporters the importance of planning ahead and properly bedding and boarding trailers.

DASH Eating Plan Features Lean PorkAdults following the well-documented Dietary

Approaches to Stop Hypertension, or DASH, eating plan can also include lean pork to help lower blood pressure. According to new research funded by the Pork Checkoff, people with high blood pressure can benefit from a DASH eating plan that uses nutrient-rich lean pork as the predominant source of protein.

“This new Pork Checkoff-funded study further validates the important role of lean pork in a balanced diet,” said Karen Richter, president of the National Pork Board and a pork producer from Montgomery, Minn. “Lean, nutrient-rich pork has many beneficial qualities that make it easy to incorporate into any healthy diet.”

Purdue University researchers found that when adults ate lean pork instead of chicken and fish as their main protein source, the blood pressure benefits were the

Released April 29, 2014; National Pork Board

Stay up to date on news affecting your industry by visiting www.pork.org.

17Pig Tales •

same. Regardless of the protein source, study participants’ systolic blood pressure dropped about eight to nine points and their diastolic number decrease about four to five points after six weeks. Participants had their blood pressure consistently checked through a 24-hour blood pressure monitoring system.

“The DASH diet has been recognized by government and health organizations as an eating pattern that can promote health and help decrease the risk of chronic diseases,” said study lead author Dr. Wayne Campbell, nutrition science professor at Purdue University. “While the traditional DASH diet includes chicken and fish, our research suggests that lean pork may also be a part of this healthy eating pattern.”

The study included 19 overweight or obese older adults - 13 women and six men - all with elevated blood pressure. Participants were randomly assigned to consume the DASH diet for two six-week periods, which included either chicken and fish or lean pork as the major protein source, or about 55 percent of their total protein intake. The DASH diet emphasizes increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy and typically, fish and chicken, along with reduced intakes of sodium and red meats.

For the latest pork nutrition information, recipes and more, visit porkandhealth.org

Youth PQA Program Receives UpdatesConsumers want to know how their food is

produced. Through its Youth Pork Quality Assurance Plus® program (PQA), the National Pork Board will make training available to young producers so they can continue to earn the trust of consumers through transparency and training. Recent changes to Youth PQA Plus include an online training, testing, and certification option to accompany the current in-person process. Delivered to students in the form of an engaging, interactive online learning module, the new online option allows participants to learn, test, and become certified in Youth PQA Plus. For youth age 12 and under, there is a parent log-in for security as well.

Youth PQA Plus is one part of the pork industry’s We CareSM initiative, which reflects the ongoing commitment to responsible farming and fosters continuous improvement. Youth PQA Plus consists of two main elements: food safety and animal well-

being training. The new online certification option for Youth PQA Plus was made available on April 15, 2014. Because it is interactive, it engages students, making learning fun.

“Consumers are paying more and more attention to how animals are raised and cared for. As such, we must prepare all producers - newcomers and veterans - to assure they’re aware of the best on-farm practices available,” said Jodi Sterle of Iowa State University. “I think it is extremely important for youth swine exhibitors to understand they are part of something bigger; they are part of the overall swine industry, producing food to feed the world.”

Sterle is the Harman Endowed Professor in Teaching and Learning and Undergraduate Teaching Coordinator in Iowa State’s Department of Animal Science and an advisor to the Pork Checkoff ’s YPQA Plus curriculum.

“There’s a lot of pride that comes along with producing food - and understandably - a lot of responsibility. Youth PQA Plus helps make today’s young farmers more aware of their personal responsibility, and the tools available to meet this duty.”

Austin Langemeier is a third-generation livestock producer from Texas. As a young producer, he has shown livestock in state and national swine shows where Youth PQA Plus certification has been required. To Austin, the benefits of certification continue to grow.

“Youth PQA Plus is a unique experience and allows me to better understand my purpose in raising swine with a focus on the big picture. I understand the true endpoint and meaning of market animals - feeding the world - creating the protein necessary in any person’s diet,” Langemeier said. “Youth PQA Plus really hit home for me. My show pig is not an animal for my personal enjoyment, but serves a larger purpose.

When the community and consumers come to shows across the nation, they personally see how their food is raised and the care that goes into it. Youth PQA Plus training has enhanced my personal understanding and role as a swine producer.”

More information on the revised Youth PQA Plus program is available at www.pork.org/certification. Click on the Youth PQA Plus link.

Released April 16, 2014; National Pork Board

Released May 1, 2014; National Pork Board

Prep Time: 5 minutesCook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients4 porterhouse (bone-in loin) pork chops, about 3/4-inch thick2 tablespoons olive oil1 1/2 teaspoons ground chipotle chile, *1 1/2 teaspoons coarse saltGrated zest of 1 large orange2 teaspoons garlic, minced1/3 cup honey

You can substitute another smoked chile powder per heat preference

In a small bowl, stir oil, ground chipotle, salt, orange zest and garlic together into a paste. Using a rubber spatula, spread chipotle mixture over both sides of pork. Let stand for 15 to 30 minutes. Prepare a medium-hot fire in grill. Place chops on grill and close lid. Grill over direct heat, turning once, about 4-5 minutes per side, until the internal temperature of the pork on a meat thermometer measures between 145 degrees F. (medium rare) and 160 degrees F. (medium). During the last 2 minutes, brush chops on both sides with honey. Remove from grill and let rest for 3 minutes.Yield: 4 servings

Sweet FirePorterhouse Pork Chops

18 Pig Tales•

The Kansas Pork Association and the National Pork Board are encouraging all producers to become PQA Plus certified and achieve PQA Plus Site Status. The purpose of this program is to encourage producers to be proactive in providing the best possible care for their animals and show commitment to the ethical principles of pork production as outlined in the We Care responsible pork initiative. Hav-ing a PQA Plus advisor review your operation can both improve the well-being and productivity of animals in your care by noting changes or additions that may not otherwise be noticed.

The Kansas Pork Association is offering a $100 rebate to Kansas Pork Producers completing a PQA Plus Site Assesment. The funding is available on a first-come-first-serve basis.

The following requirements and stipulations apply:

• Producer must have all site status paperwork completed.• Rebate amount may not equal more than the total assessment cost.• Rebates available on a first-come, first-served basis only as funds are available.

Please do not delay!

Please contact Tim Stroda at kpa@kspork.org or (785) 776-0442with questions or to see if funds are still available.

PQA PLUS SITE STATUS REBATE PROGRAM

Please work with your PQA Plus advisor to complete the form below.Then, detach and mail to the address on the form.

Name of producer: ___________________________________________Farm name: ________________________________________________Organization (if contract grower): ________________________________Mailing Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Premise ID# or PQA Plus number ________________________________Phone: _____________________________________________________E-mail:______________________________________________________

FOR ADVISOR USE ONLYDate of assessment: ____/____/______ Total assessment cost: $__________PQA Plus Advisor (Print) ______________________________ (signature) _____________________PQA Plus Advisor phone: ____________________

Please return form and a copy of PQA Plus site

assesment certificate to:Kansas Pork Assocition

PQA Plus Rebate Program2601 Farm Bureau Road

Manhattan, KS 66502

20 Pig Tales•

Kansas Pork Association2601 Farm Bureau RoadManhattan, KS 66502

PIG TALESThe Official Publication of the Kansas Pork Industry

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Support the Association by becoming a member or advertising in Pig Tales!Become a member today! Visit our web site, www.kpa.org or call the KPA office at (785) 776-0442 to get a membership or industry partner form. For advertising rates, sizes and deadlines, please contact the KPA office at (785) 776-0442 or e-mail kpa@kspork.org.

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