TQA program rolls on

The National Pork Board has trained 338 Trucker Quality Assurance (TQA) instructors as of mid-August 2004. The number of transporters and producers certified in TQA has grown to 9,220. Checkoff-funded TQA, which was launched in February 2002, encourages dedication to transporting and delivering the highest quality, safest product possible to help pork producers remain competitive in U.S. and world markets. Through this voluntary educational program, TQA has helped increase the number of hogs that arrive in good condition at processing plants. The increase in live hogs arriving at the plant represents nearly $10 million, according to estimates by program participants. Updated TQA materials including an in-truck handbook will be released in 2005.   --  Top of page

Counting Carbs Initiative draws attention

In response to the tremendous growth in the awareness and adoption of low-carb diets nationwide, the Pork Checkoff developed a "Counting Carbs" initiative this year. Components included 13 advertisements in USA Today from March through June that garnered 3.5 million total impressions. Messages included "Not all proteins are created equal" and "The proof is in the pork chop." The number of visitors to otherwhitemeat.com rose 40 percent the first day the ad appeared and rose 27 percent for the full week of the first ad. This remained consistent throughout the campaign.

The "Counting Carbs" initiative is part of ongoing Checkoff promotions to highlight pork's role in a healthy diet and to encourage consumers to buy and consume more pork. The campaign's success has been tied to its adoption by the states. In Iowa, for example, the "Counting Carbs" message was promoted through billboards and lighted signage at the Des Moines International Airport.   --  Top of page

Meat case research reveals trends

America's meat cases are featuring more processed, heat-and-serve pork products and sausage, according to new Checkoff-funded research. The pork industry is tracking these trends to increase demand for pork. The National Meat Case Study 2004 revealed that allocation of meat case space is shifting, with fresh meat and poultry's share of linear feet decreasing by 6 percentage points since 2002, when this study was last conducted. The big gainers from this shift included processed meats (sausage, ham and other processed items) and heat-and-serve products. Since 2002, pork has also experienced a 13 percent increase in case-ready packages in the retail meat case, higher than any of the other major species.

The study will provide packers and retailers with more insight into retail meat marketing trends on a national basis and will help create new meat merchandising applications to further drive sales.   --  Top of page

Consumers prefer on-pack labels

A new Pork Checkoff-funded study reveals that consumers prefer on-pack meat labels that give them more preparation tips, serving suggestions, and new recipes. Providing this kind of information has the potential to lead to increased sales at the meat case. The Pork Board is building on the Integrated Meat Case Program research that was conducted in the late 1990s. The latest study found that on-pack labeling, which includes appetizing photography, cooking charts, serving suggestions, and simple preparation tips and recipes, would help consumers overcome boredom with their current meal routine, as well as encourage consumers to try unfamiliar cuts.

The Pork Checkoff will soon be undertaking actual store-level testing of on-pack labels to measure the sales gains seen for fresh pork when these labels are used.   --  Top of page

Checkoff tackles antimicrobial resistance issues

The Pork Checkoff is funding a comprehensive research, education and communication program dealing with antimicrobial use and resistance. Since 1996, the Checkoff has funded over $1.5 million for research on antimicrobial resistance and alternatives.

This year the Checkoff funded projects to study the effect of small amounts of antimicrobials in water on resistance, and another study to develop molecular tools to assess the impact of growth promotants on animal and public health. Through the Pork Checkoff, the National Pork Board is also developing a Responsible Use Program to raise awareness among producers about antimicrobial resistance.   --  Top of page

Checkoff researches pork's role in healthful eating

As USDA prepares to revise the Food Guide Pyramid, a widely recognized nutrition education tool, the Pork Checkoff has started nutrition research focusing on pork's role in a healthy diet. The Food Guide Pyramid translates nutritional recommendations into the kinds and amounts of food to eat each day. USDA has requested written comments about proposed changes to the Food Pyramid. The Pork Checkoff has submitted science-based comments regarding the current USDA Food Pyramid. The revised Food Pyramid is expected to be released in 2005.

The Pork Checkoff is funding research at Purdue University about pork's role in weight loss. The Checkoff is also working with the media and health care professionals to reinforce the message that pork is part of a healthy diet.   --  Top of page