Source: MEATINGPLACE, 4/12/18


The non-profit Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research and the National Pork Board will award up to $2 million to researchers through a program whose end goal is improving pig survival during all stages of production.

“Unfortunately, data from the Pork Checkoff’s Industry Productivity Analysis suggests the trends are negative in this area. Focusing Checkoff funds in this underserved research area will allow us to find solutions that significantly benefit all of our producer stakeholders,” said Dustin Kendall, a swine nutritionist with Prestage Farms in Clinton, N.C., and chair of the National Pork Board’s Animal Science Committee. 

Up to $2 million is expected to be awarded to one scientifically diverse group of researchers willing to pool talent and resources to make a significant, immediate impact on pig survival. Potential research areas may include health, genetics, nutrition, facility design, management, monitoring, economics and welfare.

Successful applicants also are expected to conduct outreach to industry stakeholders and train graduate and veterinary students involved as assistants on the project. Applicants are required to submit a clearly defined outreach plan with specific objectives for disseminating research results to the scientific community as well as to pork producers and their staff.

Potential applicants should visit or contact National Pork Board’s Director of Animal Science Chris Hostetler at chostetler@pork.org. Applications are due May 15.

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