Completed Project Report


Labor Risks in Pork Production

  • Award Amount: $39,996
  • Regional Center: North Central Extension Risk Management Education Center
  • Grant Program: 2005 Human Resource Risk Grants
  • Project Director:
  • Email: bitsch@msu.edu
  • Organization: Michigan State University

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Project Overview

This project addressed the labor risks of pork producers in Kansas and Michigan. Over the last decade the pork industry has developed into a vertically differentiated industry including smaller farms that cover the full production process, large farms that specialize in feeder pigs and/or finishing pigs, and finishers within contract relationships. Labor problems of these groups show similarities (e.g., turnover, training), but also differences. To identify and prioritize labor risks, the project consisted of two phases: (1) six focus group discussions, one with each of the main producer groups (small producer, larger producers, contractors) and one with middle managers in Michigan and two groups in Kansas; and (2) development of a pilot workshops and educational materials for pork producers addressing labor risks. Pilot workshops delivered in June were rated 7.9 (out of 10) by participants. Topics addressed employee selection, training, evaluation, compensation, conflict management, discipline and termination, communication, and motivation.

Number of Participants: 70

Outcomes

Project Steps

PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS

There are no promotional materials available for this project.

EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS

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REPORTS & EVALUATIONS

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DELIVERY AREA

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