Illinois pork producers are invited to get current on pork industry issues as part of the Illinois Pork Producers Association July 19th Visioning Session to be held at the Illinois Corn Growers Association office in Bloomington. 

The session will feature two speakers; Tom Hebert, an environmental consultant with the National Pork Producers Council and former USDA undersecretary, and Dr. Chad Hart, Iowa State University Extension economist.

"I will discuss how I see EPA's implementation of the CAFO rule unfolding and evolving, specifics for what will be expected of producers as a result, and how CAFO rule enforcement will come into play," says Hebert.  "I also will discuss how EPA's broader effort to focus on states having and using Clean Water Act numeric nutrient criteria could define pork producers' success or failure, as the criteria determine whether streams, rivers and lakes are protected."

Hart will present a seminar on livestock gross margin insurance and what pork producers need to know to utilize this risk management tool.  The insurance product hedges feed costs and the market price for hogs in a bundled package, and is available through crop insurance agents.

In addition to these sessions, IPPA wants producer input for the association's 2012 budget.  Attendees will get an update on IPPA activities and programs, review current IPPA programs and discuss new goals and priorities.  The session will be held from 12:30 p.m. - 5 p.m., including the Pork Act Election at 1:15 p.m. which is the election of pork producer delegate candidates for the 2012 National Pork Act Annual meeting.

During the Visioning Session, IPPA staff will be providing an update on IPPA programs and activities and allow attendees an opportunity to review current IPPA programs and discuss new goals and priorities. This input will help shape the organization's 2012 budget in the checkoff and noncheckoff program areas of: Youth; Marketing/Image; Public Policy; Production Technology/ Research; and Association Services & County Outreach activities.

"IPPA is truly a grassroots organization.  The Visioning Session will allow producers a chance to discuss suggested changes to IPPA programs and services and provide direction to IPPA staff and board members on the development of the 2012 IPPA budget," says Mike Haag, IPPA President and pork producer from Emington. "To make the best use of producers' time, we are offering two excellent educational seminars, along with the input session, plus attendees can participate in a special pork promotion that IPPA is sponsoring at the Normal Cornbelters baseball game."

A Special Salute to Pork Night will be held on July 19th beginning at 6 p.m. at the Normal CornBelters baseball game at the "The Corn Crib" stadium.  IPPA will be providing pork burger samples to baseball fans, along with pork recipes and other pork information.

Attendees may register on-line at www.ilpork.com and also find more information or contact the IPPA office at (217) 529-3100.