Creating your SPS Plan with Dr. Arruda Preparing for foreign animal disease starts on the farm. No matter the size of your swine operation, every pig farmer plays a vital role in FAD preparedness. Recent events have made the thought of foreign animal disease more of a reality than ever, which is why developing a Secure Pork Supply (SPS) plan for your farm is a critical step in securing your operation. We know it is a big job, but you do not have to do it alone. Dr. Andreia Arruda and her team at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine are here to assist Ohio pig farmers in developing SPS plans at no cost to you. If African swine fever is found in the United States, no pigs will move without livestock regulatory officials’ approval. The SPS Plan for Continuity of Business provides ways to prepare and request a movement permit for premises with animals with no evidence of infection. Dr. Arruda and her team take the anxiety out of writing an SPS plan by streamlining the process for you. The Ohio Pork Council encourages you to reach out to Dr. Arruda so you can tap into their knowledge and expertise to get your SPS plan written today for free. Here’s how it works: Fill out the form below or email pork@ohiopork.org to set up consultations. Make sure you include your herd veterinarian in the process. Your data is secured. All participants will be asked to sign a confidentiality agreement outlining the protection of the farm’s data. Provide the OSU team with prudent information. OSU team will assist with generating the SPS plan. The plan’s final version must be reviewed and approved by an accredited veterinarian, preferably your herd veterinarian. Decide how to safely secure your SPS Plan through various options like AgView. SPS Plans Sign-up to receive assistances in writing a Secured Pork Supply Plan
Who Deserves to Be Recognized? Some of the most important work in Ohio’s pork industry happens without a spotlight. It happens in barns, communities, classrooms, and meeting rooms, where people give their time, share their knowledge, and step forward for pig farmers. The Ohio Pork Council is now accepting nominations for its annual awards, presented during Ohio Pork Congress in February 2027. Help us recognize the individuals, farms, and organizations making a lasting difference through one of four award categories: Pork Industry Excellence Award: Honors a pig farmer or farm family whose time, talents, and commitment have made an outstanding contribution to the industry at the local, state, or national level. OPC Service Award: Recognizes an individual who goes beyond expectations as a volunteer and consistently supports Ohio’s pork industry. Pork Promoter of the Year Award: Celebrates an individual, family, organization, company, or county group doing exceptional work to promote pork and connect consumers with the people who produce it. Nominees do not need to be pig farmers. Swine Manager of the Year Award: Recognizes an owner or employee who demonstrates outstanding leadership and management within a swine production operation. Think about the people who quietly lead, serve, and deliver results. Who represents the best of Ohio’s pork industry? Who deserves recognition for their contributions? Submit an Ohio Pork Award nomination and help us give Ohio’s pork industry leaders the recognition they have earned. Please submit all nominations by October 31, 2026.
Sowbridge Education Program Brochure
CME Pork Cutout Fact Card
Statement from the Ohio Department of Agriculture to County Fair Boards
Recently, ractopamine-free swine production became a market specification through much of the U.S. pork packing industry. In response, the Ohio Pork Council, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio Department of Agriculture, and Ohio State Fair have collaborated to put a comprehensive plan in place, which can be found in the below documents.