Record-breaking Pork Chop Scramble a great success

The 2010 Pork Chop Scramble was a record-breaking event for both the Nebraska Pork Producers Association and the York Country Club in York, Neb. where the event was held. More than 140 pork producers, allied members and friends of the industry participated in the three flights of golf on Thursday, June 11, 2010.

The Pork Chop Scramble was a fundraiser for the association to sponsor scholarships at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Northeast Community College and Southeast Community College-Beatrice so NPPA thanks all who particpated, donated food and/or prizes and made the day a great success.  A picture slideshow can be seen at NPPA’s new photo gallery on www.nepork.org. Golf payment receipts are available upon request, contact Kyla at 402-472-2528 or at kyla@nepork.org

NPPA would also like to personally thank the following Pork Chop Scramble Sponsors:

Pershing Center          Farmland          Parks of Nebraska          Whole Hog AI          Kemin         

US Feeds          Nebraska Soybean Board          Wiechman Pig Co.         

National Pork Producers Council          Nebraska Corn Growers Association          Elanco         

 Waldo Genetics          Nebraska Corn Board          Alltech          Lynch Livestock, Inc.         

Phibro Animal Health          UNL College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources         

Hormel          Husker Sports Marketing          Pork Checkoff          Advanced Agri Direct         

Central Valley Ag          Boehringer Ingelheim          American Heartland Insurance Agency         

Henderson State Bank          Pfizer Animal Health          Sandy Pine Gene Center         

Farm Credit Services of America          Bob Stephens and Associates          Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc.         

Husker Coop          Kent Feeds          LG Pumping          Akey          Land O Lakes Feed         

 Purina Mills          Midwest Livestock Systems, Inc.          Pinnacle Bank          Alpharma

Turn on your creativity for the Annual Summer Writing Contest

Put on your thinking caps and join the Nebraska Pork Producers Association for the Annual Summer Writing Contest for your chance to win fabulous prizes while learning about Nebraska’s pork industry. NPPA wants all students who have completed grades third through sixth during the 2009-2010 school year to write an essay for our Summer Writing Contest. Creativity and content is most importnant, but be sure to check your grammar and have tons of fun too. View the entry details below then print out the entry form at www.NEpork.org . All essays must be postmarked by September 1, 2010.

Contest Information

• Essay must be 600 words or less and must include a final word count.
• Essay must be written in English.
• Essay must be typewritten or computer printed (handwritten essays will not be judged).
• Essay must be submitted on white paper, stapled and with pages in order.
• Essay must reflect the contestant’s own writing and original thought.
• Only one essay may be submitted by contestant.
• All essays must be written including the theme of “pigs” and the “Nebraska State Fair.”

Nebraska pork producers serve 75 pounds of pork loin to Omaha Royals fans

National Pork Board's "We Care" trailer helps Nebraska pork producers serve 75 pounds of pork.

The Nebraska Pork Producers Association and  the Omaha Royals partnered together for a night full of fun pork promotion June 11, 2010. NPPA staff, pork producers, mentors and friends of the industry helped hand out pork loin samples to those who came to watch the Omaha Royals take on the Nashville Sounds.

With the help of the National Pork Board and the “We Care” trailer, 75 pounds of grilled pork loin donated by Tyson Fresh Meats was handed out before the baseball game and received unanimous approval from those who tasted the samples. 

Several guests said they “enjoyed the juiciness flavor of the pork samples” and “were glad to hear to what temperature pork should be cooked to.”

Handing out the samples gave a great opportunity for pork producers to educate consumers about proper cooking temperatures, how U.S pork producers humanely care for their pigs and informed them of the “We Care” initiative that pork producers follow to demonstrate that producers are accountable to established ethical principles and animal well-being practices.

NPPA mentor, Lacey Shardt, serves pork loin to Omaha Royals fans.

The night continued with  NPPA vice president Shane Meyer throwing the first pitch to start the game. Although his sons were worried about his throwing technique, Shane made a great throw and proved them wrong.

Once the game began, 190 pork producers, family members and friends who registered for free tickets, enjoyed watching the Omaha Royals win against the Nashville Sounds. Also, throughout the game the “Bucket Boys,” a four-man band, showed their drumming talent performed on 10 gallon buckets.

A fireworks display was shown after the Omaha Royals won 5-0.

Burger King Corporation Debuts Bone-In BK Fire-Grilled Ribs

With support from the National Pork Board, Burger King Corp. (BKC) recently introduced BK™ Fire-Grilled Ribs at participating BURGER KING® restaurants nationwide. Media support for the ribs started May 24, with the product available for a limited time only.

“We are pleased to see Burger King Corp. become the first national fast-food hamburger chain to serve authentic bone-in ribs,” said Paul Perfilio, national foodservice marketing manager for the National Pork Board. “When you talk about barbecue, you talk about pork, and these bone-in ribs are 100 percent pork and full of flavor.”

BK™ Fire-Grilled Ribs offer BURGER KING® guests a premium option that rivals casual dining offerings but at a more affordable price, Perfilio said.  The ribs have been tested successfully during the last year with support from the National Pork Board.

“Anytime we can get a major foodservice chain to feature a great product like this, it helps keep pork top of mind with the public, and that’s beneficial for everyone involved,” said Dianne Bettin, chairman of the Pork Checkoff’s Domestic Marketing Committee. Bettin, from Truman, Minn., runs a farming operation with her husband, Doug.

“Offering authentic bone-in ribs is a testament to our commitment to bring guests premium products,” said John Schaufelberger, senior vice president, global product marketing and innovation, Burger King Corp. “We were pleased that the Pork Checkoff supported us throughout the development process.”

Guests at participating restaurants can try the ribs by adding on a three-piece serving to a BK® Value Meal for a suggested retail price of an additional $1.99. BK™ Fire-Grilled Ribs are also available for value-conscious customers in three- and six-piece serving sizes designed for snacking or as an add-on item. They are available for a suggested retail price of $2.99 and $5.69 respectively. An eight-piece order also is available for a suggested retail price of $7.19.

For more information, contact Paul Perfilio at PPerfilio@pork.org or at (850) 650-5402.

World Pork Expo

Live from World Pork Expo!

The 2010 World Pork Expo is now in full swing in Des Moines, Iowa, beginning at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, June 9, and running through 1 p.m. on Friday, June 11. Pork producers from across the United States and the world have gathered to hear about the latest in pork technology, science and production techniques. A variety of events, hog shows, seminars and a swine-specific trade show lead the activity list. Click here to view videos from our sponsors.

Here’s a look at some of Thursday’s highlights: World Pork Expo News Summary: Thursday, June 10, 2010

 Profitability: What a Difference a Year Makes

“The economic situation for pork producers is far better than a year ago today,” said Steve Meyer, president of Paragon Economics, during a World Pork Expo presentation on Thursday. Full story.

 FTA Implementation Crucial to U.S. Pork Industry

While the United States delays implementation of free trade agreement with South Korea, they are buying pork elsewhere. Full story.

 Summer Weather Looks Promising for Crops

“The summer forecast is much like last summer’s,” according to Elwynn Taylor, Iowa State University, and that’s good for corn yields. Full story.

 NPB Seeks to Spur Pork Demand

A main goal of the National Pork Board this year will be to refresh and re-position the image of pork among U.S. consumers. Full story.

 New Investors Drive up SIP Revenues

The Strategic Investment Program is the largest source of funding for NPPC’s important work on behalf of U.S. pork producers. Full story.

Operation Main Street Expands its Reach

The nearly 800 participants in NPB’s Operation Main Street program continue to help get pork producers’ message out to the public. Full story.