Pfizer Animal Health honors high standards of pork caregivers

Pfizer Animal Health is pleased to recognize five pork caregivers who consistently display high standards of pig care to help ensure the health and safety of America's pork supply.

"We are honored to recognize their vigilant care of pigs and their dedication to making positive contributions to on-farm processes and practices," says Benjamin Church, senior marketing communications manager, Pfizer Animal Health. "These pork caregivers are dedicated to the care of individual pigs to help ensure a high standard of herd health management."

The Fostera™ PCV Honoring Pork Caregivers award acknowledges the commitment of caregivers - including those working in the barn, service managers, production managers and others - to industry best practices. Pfizer Animal Health shares this commitment to best practices and continuous quality improvement, which guided the development of Fostera PCV, the only single-dose vaccine that helps prevent PCV2 viremia.

Nearly 50 pork professionals from production systems across the country were nominated by their veterinarians, peers or managers over a two-month period. A panel of independent judges had the unenviable task of choosing the best from among the best. Each of the five winners and their guests received a trip to New York City April 18-21, 2012, where they were recognized at the Fostera™ PCV High Standards luncheon.

Each winner also received a $1,000 cash prize and is featured in communications about the award.

Winners include:

• Rick Boomgaarden of Cheyenne, Wyo., a production supervisor for CHAMP, LLC, has served the pork industry for 17 years. Boomgaarden strives for 100 percent excellence in management through positive reinforcement. Checklists are used in every area and internal audits are conducted on the farms. "Our team knows the first two days in the farrowing house are critical," he says. "Managers and employees are organized and focused on the animals' needs."
• Rosalio "Leo" Fonseca of Alpha, Minn., a weaned pig specialist for New Fashion Pork, has served the pork industry for 15 years. Fonseca's advice for success in the barn is, "Pay close attention to the pigs' needs every day. Make sure the pigs have adequate water, feed, ventilation and that the building temperature is appropriate."
• Judy Hinck of Belleville, Ill., a farrowing manager for CD Bell, has served the pork industry for 26 years. Hinck's passion for animals shows in her work every day. Hinck says, "Every sow is checked at least once a day to make sure the animal is comfortable and has what it needs."
• Becky Matli of Raymond, Ill., a midwife for Borgic Farms, Inc., has served the pork industry for 25 years. In order to be successful, she says, "Be prepared so you are ready for farrowing each day. Have everything ready and in place - records, warming box, heat lamp and other supplies - so the piglet has the best chance for a healthy start."
• Shane Meyer of Diller, Neb., a sow herd production supervisor for Plymouth Ag Group, has served the pork industry for 18 years. He notes, "The most successful operations hire and retain good people who are dedicated to keeping a herd healthy by keeping the barns clean, checking each animal every day, keeping good records and watching every small detail."

Congratulations to these pork professionals who exemplify high standards on a daily basis.

The Fostera™ PCV Honoring Pork Caregivers award acknowledges the high standards and commitment of pork caregivers. The winners include, from left to right, Leo Fonseca of Alpha, Minn., Shane Meyer of Diller Neb., Becky Matli of Raymond, Ill., Judy Hinck of Belleville, Ill. and Rick Boomgaarden of Cheyenne, Wyo.