Bill Ehm, as chair of the Iowa Environmental Protection Commission, oversees environmental rules that are enforced by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Also a poultry producer, he works for Crestland Coop. He compared the pork industry to the poultry industry, which had left the state but now is returning with a different look. The pork industry may be going through similar changes.

Dave Pyburn said one of the biggest issues facing the pork industry today is food safety. What makes it difficult is that the industry must deal with more than just reality, but consumer perceptions about food safety. Already, all meat processing plants with more than 10 employees must have a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) food safety system. Plants must address hazards in microbial, physical, and chemical forms.

Economist Helen Jensen presented information about two types of regulations, and the potential for new regulations.