The Impact of COVID-19 on the Swine Industry | Dr. Gordon Spronk

Summary Dr. Gordon Spronk is a native of the Pipestone, Minnesota agricultural community. Upon completion of his education with a DVM degree at the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Minnesota in 1981, he returned to Pipestone to practice at Pipestone Veterinary Services. Dr. Spronk is a co-founder of the “Pipestone System” of pig production.   Dr. Spronk currently serves as Chairman of the Board for Pipestone Holdings LLC, a diversified agribusiness that provides products and services in support of livestock owners locally, nationally, and internationally. Dr. Spronk lives near Pipestone and has three children: Courtney, Jordan, and Morgan. He enjoys spending time with his children, and grandchildren. Top Quotes from Dr. Gordon Spronk “The problem is that COVID interventions destroyed 25% of food service demand and then COVID interventions closed our packing plants. There are still pigs left behind…” “Never underestimate the interaction of your workspace and your community.” “The competitive advantage of the American swine industry are these large, double shift, very efficient plants. There is a flaw now that we have exposed…” What can you learn from this episode of Popular Pig? What the impact of Covid-19 has been for American Pork Producers What life has been like for American Pork Producers What the General Public should know about Covid-19’s impact on US Pork Producers How ASF prepared us for Covid-19 The importance of mental health and the resources available How might Covid-19 affect the future American pork supply chain Dr. Gordon Spronk’s Golden Nugget Farmer Counseling The Minnesota Department of Agriculture understands the extreme pressure farmers face today. To ensure farmers have access to adequate help that suits their needs, the Department of Ag. provides subsidized counseling for farms. Ted Matthews is the director of MN Rural Mental Health and is based out of Hutchinson, Minnesota. More Information: Farm Counseling Website Ted Matthews Contact Information: Cell: (320) 266-2390 Email: [email protected]