Producers Go the Extra Mile

Pork producers don’t have free weekends, relaxing holidays, nor do they have work-from-home snow days.  Pigs need to be cared for and fed every day.  And, on any given day, thousands of pigs are on the road. When it comes to transporting pigs in extremely cold weather, producers are going the extra mile to check their equipment, road conditions and the weather before hitting the road.

“Pork producers know that transporting pigs in extreme weather conditions requires special preparation,” Erik Risa, manager of the Pork Checkoff’s Transport Quality Assurance® (TQA®) and Pork Quality Assurance Plus® (PQA Plus®) certification programs.  “In severe weather such as the one we are experiencing this winter, producers and transporters make sure the pigs that will be hauled have the appropriate space, bedding and that the trailer has been prepared appropriately for the trip.

"The safety and well-being of the animals is a primary concern for pork producers and transporters, especially when transporting pigs in extreme conditions, “  Risa  added.  

The Pork Checkoff’s TQA is an educational program developed for producers, animal handlers and animal transporters.  The program focuses on practices that help improve the well-being of pigs being moved or transported.   Over 15,000 individuals have received TQA training and certification.  Many U.S. packers require TQA certification of the drivers delivering pigs at their facilities. 

web feature archive

Privacy Policy