Speak up for industry, new IPPA president says
By Jean Caspers-Simmet
simmet@agrinews.com
Date Modified: 02/27/2012 1:24 PM
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DES MOINES — The new president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association wants all producers to speak up for the industry.
"We need to get our message out," Bill Tentinger said during an interview at last week's Iowa Pork Congress. "All our producers need to step up to the plate. They know that as an association we're doing it right, but a lot of producers aren't willing to speak up. They think someone else will do it. That's one thing we need to improve on."
Tentinger said pork producers' right to operate is being challenged, and he applauds the work of the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance in telling the story of today's agriculture and its commitment to continuous improvement.
Tentinger has been farming for 43 years. He, his wife, Joan, and a hired man farrow 350 sows in a batch system. The pigs are custom finished. The operation will finish about 10,000 head in 2012. The Tentingers also grow corn and soybeans on their Plymouth County farm near Le Mars.
"Joan is a very important part of the operation," Tentinger said. "I'm down here (in Des Moines) having fun, and she's home making sure things are getting done."
Profitability remains an issue for producers, Tentinger said.
"We're doing really well now, and we hope that continues," Tentinger said.
Pork exports have been incredible but it's something that the industry needs to watch.
"When you're exporting that much of your product — no matter what it is — and foreign governments are involved, things can change in a heartbeat," Tentinger said.
The National Pork Producers Council is working on products that will help producers self-insure for events that might cause exports to fall.
"We're headed toward 30 percent of our product being exported," Tentinger said. "If we lost 30 percent of our market overnight, I'd venture to guess that we could lose half the value of our product. That would be devastating."
Tentinger said producers are concerned about increased government regulation. He was happy that Gov. Terry Branstad signed an official objection to a 2008 rule by the Electrical Examining Board that requires farmers to have safety inspections done after performing electrical work.
"That kind of thing adds extra costs to whatever you do," Tentinger said.
He hopes to see progress made in managing or eradicating Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome.
Tentinger is a long-time IPPA member and has served on the board for seven years, chairing and serving on numerous committees. He said being the president of the state association is both exciting and sobering.
"I've achieved something I never in my wildest dreams ever thought I'd achieve," he said. "It's a great honor."