SAPPO asked a few producers about their experience with the World of Pork Pig Movement app, and here is what Gerrit Putter at GHB Farms, had to say.
“I began my professional career in the poultry sector, where I learned how to manage people and overcome difficult situations. Avian influenza posed the greatest threat, spreading like wildfire. I gained a great deal of experience from this regarding the significance of biosecurity in an intensive farming enterprise. When I was given the chance to work with GHB Farms, I seized the opportunity with honour.
I had to rapidly familiarise with the industry’s systems as a newcomer to the pig sector. Because the World of Pork is such integrated, user-friendly platform, it quickly became second nature to me. We manage and access our historic information by using the platform to publish our movement data, therefore it serves as an additional backup for all our information. The platform also supports businesses in the quest for profitability and sustainability.”
We as the pig industry can continue upholding our biosecurity protocols and be equipped to respond quickly in the event of a pig pandemic outbreak through providing this data to the World of Pork platform, which allows us to determine which movements occur when and where. In my opinion, the poultry industry could have prevented the spread of avian influenza if they had had a system as effective as World of Pork. Additionally, the platform provides an industry overview, foster relationships, and facilitates interaction within the industry, which encourages businesses to be competitive and guarantees food security in South Africa. I would strongly advise those in the business to become associated with World of Pork.
The South African Pork Producers’ Organisation (SAPPO) coordinates industry interventions and collaboratively manages risks in the value chain to enable the sustainability and profitability of pork producers in South Africa.
