Updates from NC Pork - read our comments to DEQ

Volume 22 | Issue 11

North Carolina Pork Council sends comments to DEQ for digester general permits

The North Carolina permit submitted a 27-page letter to the NC Department of Environmental Quality as part of the public comment period for the Draft Swine Farm Digester General Permit.

In addition, NC Pork organized speakers and others to speak on behalf of the pork industry at the four public hearings, making sure that all the activist arguments were countered with facts and industry concerns about the permit were heard. Overall, the draft permit was fair and mostly within the scope of the Division of Water Quality, which oversees the permit. The largest concern is that any regulations that go above and beyond the regular general permit would be incorporated into the permit at the next renewal.

The Swine Farm Digester General Permit will go into effect on July 2.

Click on the image to read the NC Pork Council's response to the draft permit.

Come see us at the fairgrounds May 20-22

Pork production highlighted at Got to Be NC Festival

The Pig Patch Birthing Center is back at the Got to Be NC Festival at the State Fairgrounds. The event, which was canceled the last two years due to the pandemic, will be held May 20-22.

The Pig Patch, which is sponsored by Hog Slat and NCPC, showcases three farrowing sows. One is scheduled to farrow each day of the event. The event is a great educational event for the urban audience.

For the first time, the Pig Patch will be part of the Agri-Plaza in the Jim Graham Building, with other farm animals. The NC Pork Council is the presenting sponsor of the Agri-Plaza this year.

Stop by and say hi to staff and volunteers working the NC Pork Council booth next to the Pig Patch.

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Animal Waste Reminders from Duplin Co Extension Center

by Amanda Hatcher, NCCES-Duplin County Center

Don’t forget to plan for calibrations and sludge surveys for the year. For state general permitted operations, calibrations are due every other year and sludge surveys are due each year unless you get an exemption from NC DEQ. Soil samples of each field that receives animal waste must be done once every three years.

If ownership, designated operator-in-charge, or an address of the owner changes:

If a change of ownership occurs, submit a change of ownership form to DEQ showing the changes along with a site map. Include new addresses for owners to DEQ.

If a change of operator-in-charge occurs, submit a Designated Operator-in-Charge form to WPCSOCC (Water Pollution Control Systems Operator Certification Commission) and send new addresses for OICs to WPCSOCC.

For copies of the forms plus other information, contact your Extension agent or go to Extension’s animal waste portal at: https://animalwaste.ces.ncsu.edu/animal-waste-operator-resources/

Do your part and vote in NC Primary on May 17

The North Carolina primary is May 17, but early voting has already started. You vote counts. Click on the image above to go to the NC Voter Search to find your precinct information and a sample ballot.

Make plans to attend WPX!

North Carolina to host international mass mortality symposium in June; registration now open

Registration and Agenda

The symposium serves as an opportunity to learn about managing animal tissue mortalities, products, and by-products; research; and education programs, which include:

Students conducting graduate research in carcass disposal, disinfection, and depopulation.
Researchers from academic or other institutions.
Anyone interested in research and education to manage mortalities for disasters and high consequence livestock disease.

What we're reading and watching

Farm Security Basics: Make yourself a harder target

Animal activists are increasing their on-farm protests and activities across the country. Over the next few months, we will be highlighting steps you can take to protect your farm from activists or other people who are looking to do harm.

Take basic steps to secure your farm and facility, making it more difficult to access by intruders. These include:

No Trespassing signage (contact NC Pork if you need a sign)
Motion-sensor lighting
Security cameras
Gates
Locks
Fencing