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IPPA tree buffer and beautification grants now available

Pig farmers in Illinois have the opportunity to take part in another round of tree buffer grants. The Illinois Pork Producers Association is offering this incentive for farmers to implement fresh landscaping on their pig farms. To date, Illinois pig farmers have already planted over 4,700 trees with this program. 

"Tree buffers are just one of the current best management practices that pig farmers are embracing to benefit the environment. We are proud to offer these grant opportunities to progressive pig farmers who understand the importance of stewardship for our future generations," says Jennifer Tirey, executive director of IPPA.

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Sweetener Effects on Gut Health - Dr. Kwangwook Kim

Video: Sweetener Effects on Gut Health - Dr. Kwangwook Kim



In this episode of The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Kwangwook Kim, Assistant Professor at Michigan State University, discusses the use of non-nutritive sweeteners in nursery pig diets. He explains how sucralose and neotame influence feed intake, gut health, metabolism, and the frequency of diarrhea compared to antibiotics. The conversation highlights mechanisms beyond palatability, including hormone signaling and nutrient transport. Listen now on all major platforms!

“Receptors responsible for sweet taste are present not only in the mouth but also along the intestinal tract.”

Meet the guest: Dr. Kwangwook Kim / kwangwook-kim is an Assistant Professor at Michigan State University, specializing in swine nutrition and feed additives under disease challenge models. He earned his M.S. and Ph.D. in Animal Sciences from the University of California, Davis, where he focused on intestinal health and metabolic responses in pigs. His research evaluates alternatives to antibiotics, targeting gut health and performance in nursery pigs.