Early Weaning Boasts Health, Cost Benefits ,8 ' (Continued from Page A2O) $2-$4, according to Clark.) Producers who pool their resources into a network and use an off-site cooperative nursery could see a $9 per hog benefit using SEW, according to the veterinarian. For more information about SEW, contact Clark at Purdue Uni versity, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Vet erinary Medicine, South Campus Courts A, West Lafayette, IN 47907-1248, (317) 494-1209. Swine Co-Op Using a network can allow smaller swine finishing businesses to enjoy the same price and profit benefits that large producers enjoy, according to Tom Congel ton, marketing manager of the Central Kentucky Hog Marketing Association in Springfield, Ky. Congelton spoke to producers about the hog marketing associa tion, a co-op of producers based in Springfield. The group of small individual producers, which organized in 1990, encompasses a five-county central region in Ken tucky. Members of the organiza tion each ship about 10-100 hogs per week to about seven different plants. The first load shipped was April 1. 1991. Last year, there were a total of 23 producers who sold more than 30,000 head of animals. In 1993, Congelton projected the member ship should total about 40 produc ers who will market43,ooo-30,000 hogs per year. Congelton examined the risks involved and provided informa tion on how producers can get organized. He emphasized that the network “is a business” and should be run that way. The price for the co-op’s hogs is established using the Mid-South Meat Market broadcast through DTN. A formula for pricing is established using the Meat Market and up-to-the minute quotes from the Direct Indiana/Illinois market price. For the 30,330 hogs sold, aver age price per hundredweight was $40.86 in 1994. Total head sold as of Wednesday was 3,274 with an average hundredweight price per head of $40.26, according -to Congelton. By boosting the volume, sold, premiums paid for quality animals goes up. at a 32 percent lean hog. 1994 Hog Disaster The 1994 “hog disaster” pro vided the lowest prices paid to pro ducers since 1972, according to H. Louis Moore, professor of ag eco nomics at Penn State. In 1995, “we’re going to have the biggest pork supply we’ve ever had in this country,” said Moore at the Expo. Moore reviewed the dismal, bleak year of 1994 for producers in general. In the year, seven percent of Pennsylvania pork producers simply quit the business, accord ing to Moore. About two percent of the producers in the state raise 37 percent of the total number of hogs. Packers and retailers had a ban ner year, according to the ag eco nomist. Pennsylvania ranks ISthin the country in hog marketing and 10th in hog slaughter. As a result of liquidation, pork supplies will soar to the highest ever in the country. In 1994, pro ducers share of the retail price of pork dropped to 23 percent (it was 39 percent in 1973). lire Feb. 13 hog futures price (if producers want to hedge) stood at $38.37 per hundredweight in April and $44.13 in June. Moore said that prices this year could reach $42.00-$43.00 per hundredweight but he doesn’t see the price going above $43.00. Overall. U.S. meat production will increase four percent in 1993 (at least) over last year, according to Moore. Broilers will be up at least six percent and turkeys at least nine percent. What is helping is the move ment of pork to Russia, but this is being subsidized by U.S. taxpayers through the Pork Export Enhance ment Program. Keeping Employees Managing employees is often an “inexact science” and it is often difficult to determine the motiva tions as to why certain ones stay or leave, according to Gary G. Maas, executive vice president, AGRlca reers, Inc., Massena, lowa. Maas provided some oF the results of a survey conducted on 687 agribusinesses as to what motivates people in their decision to either stay or leave a company at the Expo. Achievement, growth, recogni- tion, and responsibility made up 58 percent of what motivated those who stay on the job. Benefits and time off amounted to 6.6 percent Supervision amounted to 17.8 percent Those who do the hiring should look for the employee that works beyond merely getting the pay check, according to Maas, and for the following qualities: time man agement inspired work level, are good teachers, and put in the extra effort. Despite the severe weather, at the Expo’s junior public speaking contest 11 youth participated, according jo Bruce Lemmon, chairman. Winner of the junior division was Lacy Miles, 8, Coudersport, daughter of Annette Miles, who spoke about “humor in the pig pen.” Lacy is a member of Pigs R Us 4-H. Winner of the intermediate divi sion was Kelly Dutrey, 14, Dallas town. The daughter of George and Susan Dutrey, Kelly spoke about “pork producers’ rights.” She is a member of the York County 4-H. Winner of the senior division was Chrissy Michalik, 16, Scllers ville, and Montgomery County 4-H member. She spoke about “Pork; The Other White Meat.” AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS “CALL m TO DESIGN YOUP NEAT SUILDING PROJECT” FARMSTEAD PLANNING BUILDING DESIGN BLUEPRINT DRAFTING VENTILATION DESIGN DMDY FACILITIES DESIGN Timber Tech Engineering, Inc. P.O. Box 143 256 West Franklin Street Womelsdorf, PA 19567 PH: (610) 589-4589 FAX: (610) 589-5384 Contests (Turn to Pago A 22)
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers