This week, we had the incredible opportunity to host a swine biosecurity workshop during the Big 3 Field Days at Oklahoma State University. This event is a cornerstone of the livestock judging calendar, attracting hundreds of aspiring agriculturists from across the nation. The event kicked off in a "pig" way, with a morning dedicated to evaluating swine, and an exciting pork workshop in the afternoon. Our team was excited to gather young minds to promote and discuss the importance of biosecurity in the pork industry.
Big 3 consists of three days of competition, with students judging swine, sheep/goats, and cattle. As we are dedicated to promoting the future of the pork industry, we aim to provide a comprehensive learning experience that would resonate with students long after the event concluded. Our workshop was designed to educate and engage students in an interactive and memorable way.
One of the workshop's highlights was the use of Glo Germ with black lights to show the spread of disease across supplies, humans, and livestock. This tool allowed participants to visualize the importance of implementing biosecurity measures into their own herds and show pig operations. Each student used a stuffed pig to participate in a stock show simulation, with special guest State FFA Officer, Cooper Kline. The Glo Germ application demonstrated how easily viruses can be transmitted and emphasized the necessity of maintaining strict biosecurity protocols within the swine industry. The visual impact of seeing glowing germs on the stuffed pigs was both eye-opening and entertaining, leaving an impact on each student.
In addition to the Glo Germ activity, we introduced a pork-related “Wordle” game, challenging participants to identify an industry-related term. This interactive element made learning more fun and engaging. By incorporating learning themes into each activity, we aimed to create a dynamic environment that encouraged students to think critically about their future careers in agriculture.
Throughout the workshop, we also highlighted numerous opportunities within the pork industry, including Pork Industry Group, Ag in the Classroom grants, the Pork Partners Derby, and our high regard for our Biosecurity Believers. The enthusiasm from the students was awesome, and it was heartening to witness their curiosity and excitement about the future of pork production.
The workshop was more than just an educational session; it was a celebration of the pork industry’s commitment to sustainability and health in pork production. As we reflect on the day, we feel a deep sense of hope for the future of our industry. The next generation of livestock enthusiasts are knowledgeable and passionate about making a positive impact.