Swine Extension

In this podcast, Swine Extension Educator Sarah Schieck Boelke speaks with Lucas Ferreira, Master’s student in Veterinary Science in the Department of Veterinary Population Medicine about his research on trailer contamination at the harvest plant facilities during the unloading of market hogs. The study includes two harvest facilities that Lucas and others visit regularly through the year to collect environmental samples from the unloading dock and trailers to analyze for pathogens, such as PRRSv, PEDv, PDCoV, and SVA. The research also includes talking to the drivers about their biosecurity practices. In the podcast Lucas gives preliminary results and explains the research is ongoing. Year 1 of 2 has been completed. Learn more about trailer contamination at the harvest plant facilities during unloading of market hogs as featured in the podcast. Assessment of PEDV Trailer Contamination at the Harvest Facility blog post on Minnesota Swine News. SHIC-Funded study quantifies trailer cont...

By Diane DeWitte, UMN Extension swine educator Written for submission to The LAND - as January 30, 2026 Swine & U column UMN Extension has a key role in the certification of pig transporters, specifically the folks who haul pigs from farm to farm, and those who deliver market hogs to regional harvest facilities. Pork Checkoff’s transport curriculum, Transport Quality Assurance (TQA), includes current handling and transportation content in a course for truck drivers. Drivers complete the course and must pass an exam to become or remain certified in TQA for three years. As part of a national process to ensure safe handling and transport, during a Pork Quality Assurance Plus (PQA+) on farm site assessment, the TQA certification of every trucker for that farm is audited. Evidence of TQA certification is also required of every driver who hauls to a harvest plant. Stressed livestock are more likely to injure themselves, their handlers and are more difficult to work with. Providing s...

By Diane DeWitte, UMN Extension swine educator Originally printed in The LAND as April 1/April 8, 2022 Swine & U column . March is the month in which the American Farm Bureau Federation recognizes National Ag Safety Awareness Program (ASAP) week. ASAP week was created to bring awareness to safety and health issues facing the agriculture industry. The U.S. Agricultural Safety and Health Centers have joined American Farm Bureau Federation to keep farm workers safe and healthy by recognizing common farm hazards with the theme “Prepare. Prevent. Protect.” Part of the 2022 ASAP recognition is a focus on safety around livestock, including livestock handling and transportation. Stressed livestock are more likely to injure themselves, their handlers and are more difficult to work with. Providing stockmanship training for workers handling livestock is key to preventing injuries. Stockmanship is a practice which promotes positive animal handling and is important for both animal and caret...