Pork Checkoff Sending Text Alerts, Providing COVID-19 Updates

IARN — The coronavirus pandemic has evolved rapidly.

Keeping up-to-date on the latest developments is key, especially as it pertains to your farming operation.

The National Pork Board is providing text message alerts, which in turn offer producers the latest information on coronavirus. Cindy Cunningham, National Pork Board assistant vice president of communications, tells us more about this service.

“Several years ago, as part of our crisis preparedness forum, we activated a text alert for our producers to sign-up for, so they could get information if there were ever to be a serious crisis at the farm level,” Cunningham said. “We are now using that text alert service to reach out to pork producers, so they have the latest information and know when the situation is changing, knowing that it develops and changes daily.”

Members of the pork industry can sign-up for the text alerts by texting “porkcrisis” to 97296.

“By opting in, you will get a text when there is new information being shared, an update in the industry, or information that pork producers need to have access to for on-farm situations. Again, it’s porkcrisis at 97296. This service is designed specifically for pork producers and those in the pork industry to get immediate information and an alert when there is a change or an update to the current situation,” Cunningham said.

Producers can access comprehensive information on the coronavirus outbreak online as well.

“We would encourage producers to call our service center at 800-465-7675, if they have questions or need access to information, and check out pork.org/COVID-19 for the latest information and on-farm resources that will help manage throughout this current situation,” Cunningham said.

Story courtesy of the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network.