Whether it’s concern about how to manage carcass mortalities during a worst-case scenario like a foreign animal disease such as African swine fever or simply finding ways to improve routine mortality disposal, many producers are seeking solutions and more peace of mind. Fortunately, for those who attended a recent carcass management workshop sponsored by Indiana Pork in collaboration with the Ohio Pork Council, they got some of both.

Experts such as Mark Hutchinson, University of Maine; and Gary Flory, president of Flory Consulting; covered much of the basic science and real-life application and mechanics of composting along with keys area like field and soil mapping, while veterinarian Kelli Werling, Indiana Board of Animal Health, and Marguerite Tan, National Pork Board, covered regulations and depopulation methods respectively.

“The Swine Mortality Management Workshop was a great learning event to attend. Instructors Mark Hutchinson and Gary Flory were very knowledgeable and did a great job instructing the class," said Mike Taylor, swine procurement manager with Tyson Foods. "It was a class that I think a lot of producers can learn and take away a lot from, not just from the perspective of a foreign animal disease outbreak, but also for their own daily management of compost piles and windrows at the facilities they own or manage. I appreciate the opportunity to attend the class and I’m very thankful for everyone that had a part in putting it on."

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While the two-day workshop covered the multiple carcass management steps needed for catastrophic planning, learning how to improve the everyday need for disposal was also appreciated for its more immediate implementation at the farm level.

As the event’s main organizer, Stacy Herr, director of producer education for Indiana Pork, says she is pleased with the overall outcome of the two-day event and is looking forward to producing additional opportunities for producers moving forward.

“We realize that it’s tough for many producers to commit to time away from the farm for education and training that requires travel, so we appreciate those who attended this event,” Herr said. “We know that this type of information is critical for producers to know whether it’s for FAD prepping purposes or everyday management, so we’re dedicated to ensuring more producers get the opportunity to access it.”