New African Swine Fever Project Launches to Help Philippine Pig Farmers

Jul 26, 2022

The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) and leaders from the Philippine Department of Agriculture and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture are teaming up on a new project to address challenges related to the deadly African swine fever (ASF) virus. As a top pork exporting nation, an ASF outbreak in the U.S. would cause billions in losses and hinder exports of U.S. pork.

The project, "Capacity building in risk assessment to support safe international trade of U.S. pork products in the Philippines." The Philippines has had ongoing ASF outbreaks and is seeking better ways to control the virus and resulting food price inflation. "NPPC is proud to have worked with the Philippine government, U.S. government, and the University of Minnesota to see this grant proposal to the finish line," Terry Wolters, NPPC president and owner of Stoney Creek Farms in Pipestone, Minn., said in a release. "Creating international partnerships provides further safeguards to keep American agriculture safe from foreign animal disease so U.S. pork producers can continue to provide consumers in both countries with safe and affordable pork products."

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Video: FLEECED! Sheep Shearer Hands Over Clippers!

It's sheep shearing day at Ewetopia Farms! ?? Our Dorset lambs and ewes are getting fleeced — and for the first time, our shearer hands over his clippers to a beginner. We finish shearing the last of our adult ewes and this year’s Dorset ewe lambs.

From moving the sheep between barns, loading them into chutes, and watching the wool come off, this is always one of the most satisfying days on the farm. But this video has a twist — we welcomed a new helper, Gian, who’s not only lending a hand but also learning how to shear! With guidance from our experienced shearer, he got a crash course in sheep shearing and even tried his hand at shearing a couple of lambs himself.

You’ll see firsthand how both teacher and student handled this unique challenge. Shearing is more than just removing wool — it’s about sheep health, comfort, and giving us a closer look at the flock. It’s always amazing to see the transformation from woolly sheep to freshly shorn ewes and lambs.