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Pork Board survey shows producer compliance with VFD

Results of a survey conducted by the National Pork Board show the vast majority of U.S. pork producers are already in compliance with new federal rules for on-farm antibiotic use.

Vice president of science and technology Dr. Dave Pyburn says the response from farmers exceeded his expectations.

“Of those 550 random producers that were surveyed by this independent company, 95 percent of them, at that time in November, felt like they were already ready to do any changes that needed to happen on the farm for veterinary/client/patient relationships.  (Also) VFD and growth promotion uses of antibiotics.”

He tells Brownfield many producers surveyed had already removed growth promotion uses from their farms before the rule took effect January first.

Pyburn credits the Pork Checkoff and many others for informing pig farmers about the upcoming changes.

“I think we’ve got some very connected and progressive producers out there that understand our industry, and keep in touch with changes that are coming down the line.  So I think it was a combination of what we did, what FDA did to make the changes known to the industry.  What other entities, such as the National Pork Producers Council (did).  As well as you guys in the media, too.”

Pyburn says another highlight of the survey was the high approval rating for the Checkoff.

For the seventh consecutive year, producer support for the Pork Checkoff increased and is now at a record 91 percent.