NPPC Supports New USDA Swine Inspection System

Jun 21, 2018

The National Pork Producer's Council says planned changes to the USDA's Swine Inspection System will allow government meat inspectors to intensify their focus on issues related to food safety and animal care.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is planning to expand a pilot project which will allow U.S. pork processing plants to implement a modified meat inspection system.

Dr. Liz Wagstrom, the Chief Veterinarian with the National Pork Producers' Council, says the new system will allow USDA inspectors to focus on animals coming into the plant and making sure animal care and handling rules and food safety rules are being followed.

Dr. Liz Wagstrom-National Pork Producers' Council:

In the United States every packing plant has a USDA inspector or inspectors in it every day.

Currently, under the old system, some of those inspectors many have been doing things like standing on the line and looking at things that don't relate to food safety.

What the new inspection system allows is we'll still have inspectors in the plant, probably the same number of inspectors, but they get to spend more focus on food safety and some of that mechanical sorts of activities that were being done by inspectors can be done by the plants.

Source : Farmscape

Video: You Be The Judge: Evaluating 8 Breeding Rams!

It's time for some honest feedback here at Ewetopia Farms! Today, we’re showing you all eight rams we used for breeding this year. Instead of just presenting them, we thought it would be fun to create a “Ram Report Card” — where we point out both their strengths and areas for improvement.

But here’s the twist: you be the judge! In the comments, let us know what you like about each ram and what you think could be improved. No ram is ever perfect, but every one of them brings something valuable to the flock. By sharing perspectives, we all learn more about what to look for in good breeding stock.

At Ewetopia Farms, we raise registered Suffolk and Polled Dorset sheep, focusing on high-quality genetics, structure, and friendly temperaments. Evaluating breeding rams is part of the bigger picture of building stronger flocks — and we’re excited to share the process with you.

If you enjoy seeing how we evaluate our animals, follow along by subscribing to our channel. We share daily insights into the joys and challenges of sheep farming here in Canada.