More than 100 people attended the 1999 Washington County Pork Producers Banquet Saturday, February 6, in the Knights of Columbus Hall in Washington.

Jim Ledger of Washington, a member of the board of the National Pork Producers Council spoke about the budget for the upcoming year. He stated that the proposed revenue from the Pork Checkoff for 1999 is $1.4 million higher than in 1998 and proposed expenditures are only a million higher than the previous year. However, expenditures exceed revenue by $6.2 million, meaning more than $3 million will have to come from reserves.

Of the $54.8 million expected to be spent in 1999, 26 per cent will go for research, 61 per cent for promotion and 13 per cent to provide consumer information.

Ledger cautioned producers about a petition that is being circulated asking that the Pork Checkoff be made voluntary. He said that facts might be misinterpreted by those circulating the petition and reminded producers that there was only 50 percent participation in the checkoff before it was made mandatory.

Ledger went on to discuss the accelerated pseudo rabies eradication program, urging producers to establish the status of their herds while funding is available.

Ledger said he has heard many people express the belief that the NPPC (National Pork Producers Council), and, by extension, the pork checkoff, is to blame for the recent over-production which resulted in record-setting low prices for pork.

He disagreed, saying, “We’re all guilty of over-expansion.” He said he believes the main causes of over-production are “all in/all out” production, better genetics, which result in more pigs per sow, and better financial management on the part of producers.

Stephen Burgmeier of Lockridge, vice president of the state finance committee, gave the district director’s report about the recent Pork Congress in Des Moines. He said several important resolutions were passed, including one concerning mandatory price and retail reporting.

He also said a legislative survey would be sent to producers for grassroots input into issues concerning the pork industry.

Randy Swift, Washington, 1998-1999 president of the Washington County Pork Producers, presented the Master Pork Producer award to Brian and Nancy Wilson, West Chester, the Elanco Belle Ringer Award to Angie Friese, Washington, and the Hog Wild Award to Tom Vittetoe, also from Washington. Josh Vittetoe accepted the award for his father, who was unable to attend.

Two area grocery stores, Fareway and Hy Vee, were recognized and given plaques for their promotions of pork products.