Pig farmers improve animal welfare through science, technology

How are farmers using science and technology to protect the well-being of their pigs and grow healthier food? What's the impact on our food, animal care and the environment?  Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association members attending the organization's annual convention in Minneapolis will get those questions answered on Thursday, February 6, during a panel discussion starting at 9 a.m. and continuing through 12 p.m. at the Hilton Hotel Minneapolis located at 1001 Marquette Ave. South in Minneapolis.
Panel members include:


• Nathan Winkelman, DVM - Swine Services Unlimited Inc., Rice, Minn.
• Adam Mueller, DVM - Swine Services Unlimited Inc., Rice, Minn.
• Rebecca Lindemann - Wakefield Pork, Inc., Gaylord, Minn.
• Amy Woods, DVM - Advanced Veterinary Services, Remington, Ind.
• Don Lay, Ph.D - Livestock Behavior Research, USDA, West Lafayette, Ind.
Titled "Animal Care & Well-Being: What's Best for the Animal" the panel discussion led by Nathan Winkelman, DVM, will highlight how ongoing advancements in agricultural science are helping farmers continuously improve how they care for their animals, raise better food and use fewer natural resources than ever before.

"Farmers who raise pigs have been able to make great progress in animal health, food safety and protecting the environment," said Winkelman. "And farmers know they must always keep learning and working to get better at what they do." Farmers now use 41 percent less water and 78 percent less land to raise pigs than they did 50 years ago.

The panel discussion will also address: optimizing swine well-being; swine diseases; and bridging the gap between small animal and food animal welfare.

Minnesota pork production generates $7.8 billion of economic activity in the state, and provides Minnesota residents with over 22,500 direct and support jobs.