The Rural Voice, 1998-09, Page 73PERTH Irtk
County Pork Producers NEWSLETTER
John Nyenhuis, President
519-393-6539
• The Rural Voice is provided to Perth
County Pork Producers by the PCPPA
Keeping your problems under cover
Any opinions expressed herein may
not necessarily reflect the views of
the Perth County Pork Producers'
Association.
Last month's The Rural Voice
article raised the issue of farmers
coming under scrutiny by non -
farming rural residents. I would like
to continue this theme and discuss
some ways that farmers can put their
best foot forward in the face of public
scrutiny.
An issue that none of us likes
talking about is dcadstock. We must
be concerned how the public
perceives our farming operations.
The public sees what we do as they
drive past our farms and friends,
relatives or business associates drive
in our yards for an even closer view.
It is also surprising how many low
flying planes one sees and we know
they have the best view of dcadstock
composting in uncovered manure
pits. Studies have been done to find
different ways of disposal but the
most common method is deadstock
removal companies.
Many of us are concerned about
having trucks carrying other
deadstock close to our barn. These
trucks could be an easy to introduce a
new strain of disease to one's herd.
The only alternative to this is to place
dcadstock away from barns or use
other methods to safely handle these
hogs. We need to be careful as to
how visible our dead pigs are. There
have been problems with dcadstock
by the road waiting to be picked up
and being exposed for all those who
pass by to see.
Finding a way to cover the
deadstock is very important and even
more so when they are placed by
roadways. There are many solutions
to this problem. Covers such as tarps
or some form of structure have been
used successfully providing they are
easy to handle and remain in place
during windy times. It is also
important to use materials that don't
attract direct sunlight and build up
heat inside which leads to deterior-
ation of the deadstock before pickup.
A place away from the roadway is
preferred providing it is far enough
away from the barn. This allows for
less visibility by the public,
especially during loading, and may
allow for more cover such as shrubs
or cedars. If a farm yard that has no
barn is owncd this may also be an
option to keep things more discreet.
One must also be concerned if dogs
or other animals can access
dcadstock. I would hate if my
neighbour stepped out one morning
to find a dead piglet on the front step.
To help ensure that this doesn't
happen the tarp or cover should be
held securely in place and tamper
proof as far as our four legged friends
are concerned.
Call your dcadstock removal
service or ask a neighbouring farmer
what solution they have developed
for their farm.
Unfortunately one bad incident
with one fame can paint every farmer
with the same brush so let's put our
best foot forward to provide a good
image for our profcssion.0
Submitted by Richard Yantzi
PERTH COUNTY PORK
PRODUCERS'
PORK PRODUCTS
• Smoked Pork Chops • Fresh Pork Chops
• Stuffed Loin Chops • Smoked Sausage
• Smoked Cheddar Sausage
• Bacon Burgers • Teriyaki Pork Steaks
• Vittorio's BBQ Sauce
AVAILABLE FROM:
Fred de Martines (Sebr.)
Martin van Bakel (Dublin)
Walter Bosch (Monkton)
Ted Keller (Mitchell)
393-6812
345-2666
356-9000
348-9836
SEPTEMBER 1998 69