2/8/00

Contacts:
Al Christian, Animal Science, (515) 292-3117
Mark Honeyman, Animal Science / Research & Demonstration Farms, (515) 294-4621
Brian Meyer, Agriculture Information, (515) 294-0706

ISU SWINE TEACHING FARM HONORED BY IOWA PORK PRODUCERS

AMES, Iowa -- Iowa State University's Swine Teaching Farm has been named a Master Seedstock Producer by the Iowa Pork Producers Association. The award is given to those who have made superior contributions of breeding stock to the swine industry.

Located south of Ames, the Swine Teaching Farm is an educational laboratory that gives hundreds of ISU animal science students first-hand experience studying and working with pigs. The farm, operated by ISU's Department of Animal Science, provides pigs for classes on livestock judging, meats, physiology and other subjects. The farm also is the site for adult education and outreach programs.

Accepting the award was Al Christian, who has managed the farm since 1959. Christian works with students to operate the farrow-to-finish operation. Each year the farm produces about 200 litters of pigs, and sells about 1,500 market hogs and 125 head of breeding stock. The farm is especially well-known for its Berkshire pigs, which have won many national swine show awards.

Christian also helps conduct student laboratories; judges 4-H, FFA and other state and national livestock evaluation contests; and supports campus activities related to swine. Christian's brother, Lauren, was the professor in charge of the farm for many years. Lauren Christian died in 1998. Mark Honeyman is now the faculty member responsible for the farm.

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