Pork industry placement program a win-win

Alice Weaver, whose PhD was supported by the CRC For High Integrity Australian Pork, is the first person to be awarded an Industry Placement Program appointment under the South Australian Government’s $500,000 funding to the Pork CRC.

Dr Weaver has commenced her role as technical officer at Jeff Braun’s Myora Farm at Mt Gambier, SA, and will be responsible for the implementation and coordination of the piggery’s research and development activities.

Pork CRC CEO Dr Roger Campbell said the SA Government funding was a welcome boost to Pork CRC’s existing Industry Placement Program (IPP), which places supported graduates with industry. Graduates are then trained in the business of pork production and remain active in research and Pork CRC activities.

“It is a partnership where funding and training is shared, young people get a start in industry and industry benefits from their enthusiasm and injection of fresh ideas and knowledge, which is often cutting-edge science,” Dr Campbell said.

Dr Weaver’s Pork CRC supported PhD at University of Adelaide, ‘The induction of a fertile oestrus in lactating sows and the subsequent effect mating in lactation has on oocyte quality and embryo survival’, has developed further understanding of sow reproductive potential. Addressing commercial cost, benefit, risks and bottom line gain will be ongoing for the industry.

Myora principal and owner Jeff Braun has had a lifelong interest in pig genetics. Braun said the business of pig farming is entirely dependent on having healthy, happy animals, cared for by well-trained, skilled staff.