Current status of the Pork Checkoff
The Pork Checkoff was created by Congress so all pork producers contribute to a fund for promotion, research and consumer information on behalf of the pork industry.

On October 25, 2002, a United States District Court in Michigan declared the Pork Production, Research and Consumer Act of 1985 (Pork Act) to be unconstitutional. On November 15, 2002, the decision was appealed to and accepted by the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. On October 22, 2003, the Court upheld the Michigan Court. The constitutionality of the Pork Act will be determined following a decision by the United States Supreme Court on the constitutionality of a similar checkoff act known as the Beef Act.

In the meantime, the Iowa Pork Producers Association and the National Pork Board continue to create, plan and deliver checkoff-funded programs on behalf of Iowa's pork producers.

Highlights of 2004 IPPA programs and activities follow. For more information about these programs, please contact the IPPA at 800-372-7675.

Working to increase demand for pork
Through outdoor billboards, radio advertising, TV cooking shows, sponsorships and promotions during numerous public events, we continue to keep pork in front of consumers.

By partnering with Iowa retailers, we've increase pork sales in hundreds of HyVee and Fareway Food Stores this past year. Additionally, Iowa pork producers participated in several promotions with major retailers across the U.S. Through a partnership with the National Pork Board, producers from Iowa traveled to Kansas City, Chicago, Sacramento and Washington D.C. to increase fresh pork sales in highly populated markets.

To reach food editors who play a critical role in educating the public, the IPPA co-sponsored the "Heartland Farm-to-Table Tour," which educated nearly 20 nationally known food editors about modern pork, cattle, corn and soybean production in Iowa.

During the 2004 Iowa State Fair, we served over 25 tons of pork to consumers at the Iowa Pork Tent, as well as educated thousands of fairgoers about modern pork production at the popular IPPA Farrowing Display.

Throughout October Pork Month, the IPPA partnered with a variety of organizations and businesses to highlight pork and promote the industry. In addition, the IPPA collaborated with Iowa Machine Shed Restaurants and WHO Radio for a month-long promotion featuring the "Top Ten Reasons the Pork Industry in Important to Iowa."

Through the IPPA County Coop Program, the IPPA significantly funded local promotions and educational efforts of nearly 30 county pork producer groups.

Health care professionals heard about the nutritional benefits of pork thanks to IPPA's involvement with the Iowa Dietetics Association, the Iowa Academy of Family Physicians and the University of Iowa's College of Medicine.

This year, the IPPA coordinated a "Best Grilled Pork Tenderloin Contest" throughout the state and awarded the Suburban Grill in Ames first place for their outstanding grilled pork sandwich.

Popular among chefs, the Taste of Elegance competitions encourages menuing pork entrées in "white tablecloth" restaurants. In 2004, over 50 chefs entered one of four Taste of Elegance competitions sponsored by the IPPA, including the Student Taste of Elegance, which hosted culinary students from Iowa colleges.

Working to increase exports for Iowa pork
The IPPA is a member of the United States Meat Export Federation, and through this strong partnership, the U.S. pork industry closes in on its 13th consecutive year of record exports.

In 2004, the IPPA participated in export missions to Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong and several European countries to strengthen trade relationships and enhance U.S. exports of pork from Iowa.

Working to educate tomorrow's consumers about pork and pork production
Each year, the IPPA, along with county organizations, donates money for pork purchases to family and consumer science programs in Iowa's high schools, where students can learn not only how to prepare pork, but also be educated on how pork can be integrated into a healthy diet.

By hosting workshops, supplying speakers and distributing pork educational materials to over 2000 elementary teachers in Iowa, we're educating youth about pork products, modern pork production methods and the value of the pork industry to our state.

As a founding member of the Iowa Agriculture Awareness Coalition (IAAC), the IPPA works with nearly 20 organizations to educate teachers about agriculture in Iowa. Through a collaborative effort, this year the IAAC created a series of teacher resources addressing animal welfare and water quality.

Working to increase opportunities for Iowa's youth
This past year, Iowa Pork Youth Team and county queens from all corners of the state participated in the IPPA Pork Youth Leadership Conference, special Iowa Pork Congress events and numerous other activities designed to increase their involvement, knowledge and leadership in the pork industry.

The IPPA continually shows support of tomorrow's agricultural leaders by sponsoring numerous scholarships and awards for the Iowa FFA and Iowa 4-H.

The Iowa Pork Foundation offers scholarships to incoming and returning college students who are pursuing a career in the pork industry.

Working to educate producers with resources and information to improve profitability and promote environmental stewardship
This past fall, the IPPA launched the second part of a swine nutrient campaign encouraging cooperation between crop and livestock producers to achieve environmental sustainability.

In 2004, IPPA producer education programs reached nearly 5000 of Iowa's pork producers across the state. By coordinating and sponsoring seminars addressing animal handling, regulation compliance, nutrient management, niche marketing, swine health and managing costs, the IPPA provides the resources for producers to increase their bottom line.

During the Iowa Pork Congress, the IPPA offered producers nationally known swine experts and timely seminars covering controlling PRRS, sow longevity, market forecasting and closed herd systems.

Working to promote the pork industry and educate the public about the realities of modern pork production
This year, the IPPA placed statewide newspaper ads that explained the advantages of modern pork production as well as the pork industry and its economic contributions to the state of Iowa.

Through the leadership training seminars in February, the IPPA works with producers to be strong spokespersons in their community. By sharing positive and factual information with local media, educators, business leaders and members of the community, producers are speaking up about the Iowa pork industry.

New this year, the IPPA created a public relations campaign to inform rural residents of the good neighbor practices, nutrient management and new technologies that producers are implementing during the manure application season.

With a variety of print advertisements, radio spots and several public relations campaigns, the IPPA has worked to increase positive publicity and educate Iowans about Iowa's pork producers and the realities of modern pork production.

Funding research to provide science based solutions and advance the industry
In 2004, the IPPA provided substantial funding for research initiatives that are critical for Iowa's pork producers, including extensive research on PRRS, air quality solutions, sequencing the pig genome and sociological research on livestock production and rural communities.

Air quality solutions are a top priority for the IPPA, which is why we've invested nearly $400,000 in environmental research projects at Iowa State University. To date, nearly $2 million of national checkoff funds have been invested in science based research for odor solutions.

Working to provide timely and critical information to Iowa's pork producers, educators and allied industry
The Iowa Pork Producer magazine brings IPPA program updates, research results, educational opportunities, environmental topics and national Pork Checkoff accomplishments to 22,000 producers and allied professionals in Iowa. Additionally, this bi-monthly publication features a consumer section that showcases a wide selection of pork preparation tips and recipe ideas.

IPPA newsletters offer an intense look at a single topic, such as environmental stewardship or industry certification programs. Additionally, the IPPA News for Members e-newsletter delivers program updates, current news and educational opportunities for producers.

The IPPA website, www.iowapork.org, receives thousands of visitors each month who access pork recipes, industry information, pork facts and a photo tour of modern pork production.