APHIS Extends Comment Period on Strategic Plan Framework

Jul 04, 2022

In response to requests, stakeholders will have an additional 30 days to share their thoughts on the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) strategic plan to guide the agency's work over the next 5 years. Comments must be received by July 31, 2022. APHIS appreciates insights from all stakeholders and is looking forward to reviewing and considering these insights as we finalize the new strategic plan. We expect to finalize and publish the new strategic plan this fall and will post it on the APHIS website.

The strategic plan framework is a summarized version of the draft plan and provides highlights including the mission and vision statements, core values, strategic goals and objectives, and trends or signals of change we expect to influence the agency's work in the future.

Specifically, we are seeking insight on the following questions:

Are your interests represented in the plan?
Are there opportunities for APHIS to partner with others to achieve the goals and objectives?
Are there other trends for which the agency should be preparing?
Are there additional items APHIS should consider for the plan?

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Video: Nutrition and Sow Livability - Dr. Mark Knauer

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show, Dr. Mark Knauer, Swine Extension Specialist at North Carolina State University, discusses nutritional strategies to improve sow livability and piglet outcomes. He shares research insights on vitamin programs, antioxidant support, and nutrition-based approaches in commercial production systems. Dr. Knauer highlights opportunities to reduce mortality, enhance sow longevity, and improve overall performance. Listen now on all major platforms!

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Meet the guest: Dr. Mark Knauer / mark-knauer-0475b921 is a Swine Extension Specialist at North Carolina State University, where he conducts applied research to improve sow productivity, longevity, and herd performance. He earned his Ph.D. from North Carolina State University and previously served as Director of Animal Science at the National Pork Board. Learn more from Dr. Mark Knauer on The Swine it Podcast Show, available on all major platforms.