Setting the agenda for better swine health

Producer-led Advisory Committee to advance National Swine Health Strategy | Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network

The industry’s Swine Health Advisory Committee helps build on what’s working and accelerates action to ensure the National Swine Health Strategy reflects producers’ needs. Paul Ayers, chair of the advisory committee, said producers are working hand in hand with common goals. https://d30hko96l9xirl.cloudfront.net/Iowamediafolder/2026/07/07102026-ayers-01.mp3 Programs such as the U.S. Swine Health Improvement Plan (U.S. SHIP) and the Certified Swine Sample Collector Program serve as foundational tools for pork producers. These initiatives help strengthen on-farm biosecurity, disease surveillance, and preparedness efforts, ensuring producers are better equipped to prevent, detect, and respond to foreign animal diseases. Ayers said the National Pork Board has been nothing but supportive of producers in preparing them for eventual foreign animal diseases. https://d30hko96l9xirl.cloudfront.net/Iowamediafolder/2026/07/07102026-ayers-02.mp3 According to Ayers, the countrywide representation among the board allows for more comprehensive solutions to potential animal health issues. https://d30hko96l9xirl.cloudfront.net/Iowamediafolder/2026/07/07102026-ayers-03.mp3 Progress starts on the farm, but lasting change only happens when the entire industry moves together. The Pork Checkoff is committed to giving producers the tools, support, and science-based information to make that happen.

Setting the agenda for better swine health

The pork industry is building a National Swine Health Strategy, and it starts with one simple idea: let producers define the real problems and the practical fixes.