September 28, 2007

The U.S. Pork Center of Excellence has launched a new program, PIG Opportunities, within the Pork Information Gateway (PIG) Web site at nebraska.porkgateway.org.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension generates information that is posted on the PIG Gateway, said Duane Reese, UNL swine specialist.

"Producers benefit from the convenience of being able to go to one place on the Internet for sound, research-based information and advice," he said.

There are four components to PIG Opportunities. 

• Careers in Pork lists careers possible in the pork industry including experience needed, duties of the position and skill requirements.
• The Community College and the Swine Science Four Year College and Institutions sections list educational institutions that offer swine science courses within their curriculum.
• Internships lists current internships available in the pork industry.

"PIG Opportunities is designed to encourage individuals to pursue a career in the pork industry," said the center's executive director, David Meisinger. "This program will provide one location for individuals from around the U.S. to learn about community colleges and universities that offer swine science courses, careers in the pork industry and internships currently available."

Employers, universities and community colleges are invited to share their opportunities in the swine industry free of charge in PIG Opportunities by contacting Sarah Beaman at sbbeaman@iastate.edu.

The U.S. Pork Center of Excellence was established in 2005 as a public/private partnership to bring together academic expertise in research, teaching and extension related to pork production. The center is housed at the National Swine Research and Information Center on the Iowa State University campus. Two governmental agencies, two industry associations, 14 state pork producer associations and 25 land-grant universities are involved in the coalition.