The Iowa Pork Industry Center(IPIC), Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and the Iowa Pork Prod…

By News Dept.

The Iowa Pork Industry Center(IPIC), Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) have teamed up to provide a two-part approach to help Iowa pork producers. The first is a FINPACK analysis complete at no charge, second is the possible option of taking part in a modified TEAMPork program visit at a reduced cost of $100.

FINPACK is ISU Extension’s farm financial analysis program which consists of a computerized analysis of farm business records, one-on-one financial counseling and referral to other extension programs or outside services that might be useful. Sixteen extension associates throughout the state conduct the two-part sessions, which ordinarily cost $25 per hour. A grant from USDA, reallocation of ISU Extension funds and financial assistance from IPPA allow this service to be provided at no charge while funds are available.

Those producers who appear to have the resources for continued operation, based on their FINPACK results, are eligible to take part in a modified TEAMPork (Total Economic Animal Management) option. TEAMPork, an interdisciplinary group of campus and field extension specialists, will review existing operations and offer suggestions for low-or no- cost opportunities for short-term changes for producers on an individual basis. They’ll also help producers develop an action plan for meeting their goals over the next three to five years, with operational areas to focus on as the current economic crisis eases. Accepted individual TEAMPork applicants ordinarily pay $250 for this service.

To take part, producers need to make arrangements with the extension associate responsible for FINPACK in their area. ISU Extension livestock field specialists can provide this contact information and are also available for consultation. Producers also can contact local county ISU Extension offices for FINPACK associate information. For more information on the TEAMPork portion of the program or to sechedule a TEAMPork visit after the FINPACK stage, producers should call IPIC’s PORKLine at (800)808-7675.