Hello Again!
I know I am showing my age, not only in my looks, but by my generations of farm experiences.
I read about a hog referendum and I think back to those summer days at home scraping down the finishing barn at Dad’s and those winter mornings checking baby pigs under heat lamps. Those were great experiences and I hope I have and can provide some of those great experiences for my children.
When the sows left our farm, part of me was glad, but at times it seems like it cut off one of our lifelines. I don’t know if there are any hog producers left in this part of the state, but if you are one or know of one make sure you take the time to check out the Pork Request for Referendum at the Farm Service Office.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service announced it will conduct a Request for Referendum among eligible producers and importers of hogs, pigs, pork and pork products to determine if they want a referendum on the Pork Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Order, commonly known as the Pork Checkoff Program.
Participation is voluntary, and only individuals who desire a referendum on the Pork Checkoff Program should participate. USDA will only conduct a referendum on the order if at least 15 percent of the total number of eligible pork producers and importers request a referendum.
If necessary, the referendum will be conducted within one year after the results of the Request for Referendum are announced. If results of the Request for Referendum indicate a referendum is not supported, a referendum would not be conducted.
The Request for Referendum on the Pork Checkoff Program will be held through Jan. 2. Producers and importers who were engaged in pork production or in the importation of hogs, pigs, pork or pork products between Jan. 1, 2007, and Dec. 31, 2007, and were at least 18 years of age on or before Dec. 31, 2007, are eligible to participate.
In order to vote, form LS-54-1 and supporting documentation, where applicable, such as a sales receipt, veterinary bill, feed bill, copies of grower contracts, canceled check or proof of payment must be returned in person, by mail or by facsimile to the appropriate county FSA office by the close of business Jan. 2.
Form LS-54-1 and supporting documentation returned by mail must be postmarked no later than midnight Jan. 2, and received by Jan. 9.
This program is designed to strengthen the position of pork and pork products in the marketplace.
That’s all for now,
FSA Andy
