Environmental Challenges Require Industry-wide Effort

Environmental challenges facing the pork industry have often been the high profile kind. Panel moderator Jon Scholl, Environmental Protection Agency, guided discussion on critical environment challenges.

Panelists included Charlie Lemmon, Whiteshire Hamroc; Garth Boyd, Camco Global; Carrie Keppy, former National Pork Board environmental services director and pork producer; and Bill Beranek, president of Indiana Environmental Institute.

The panel specifically discussed four critical environmental issues, including odor, air emissions, water quality and manure handling. Problems associated with these environmental issues often gain the attention of law makers. "Legislative and judicial issues as well as zoning and planning are important challenges that are beyond the control of industry participants," said Lemmon.

Clear and open communications with neighbors and communities were cited as necessities in working through environmental issues and determining solutions. Emerging technologies also require constant attention, as they provide possible solutions to environmental issues. "Putting buildings in the right location is one of the more important factors in odor control," Keppy said.

Public perception is a continuous challenge and requires industry-wide effort to address. However, a problem that continues to plague the production sector is mixed signals from the government. "We need a consistent federal policy in addressing environmental concerns," said Beranek.