Looking to the future, Ashley DeDecker hopes to have a hand in developing the technologies that will shape the swine industry and improve animal care over the next 10 or 15 years. (image: Smithfield Foods)
Latest Installment Features a Young Leader in Animal Welfare
SMITHFIELD, Va., Nov. 5 (Korea Bizwire) — At 30 years old, Ashley DeDecker, PhD., already has received accolades for her efforts to improve animal care and welfare in the pork industry. Her work, representing one of Smithfield Foods’ key sustainability commitments, is featured in the latest installment of multi-media “sustainability stories” on SmithfieldCommitments.com.
“We are happy to share yet another story about the kind of dedication that has helped shape Smithfield’s journey to incorporate sustainability throughout our business,” said Larry Pope, president and chief executive officer. “Every day, our people make important decisions regarding our impact on the environment, our animals, our employees, the safety and quality of our products, and our communities.”
DeDecker is assistant director of production research at Murphy-Brown LLC, a subsidiary of Smithfield Foods, and often works at Murphy-Brown’s swine research farm in Rose Hill, N.C. She grew up in the industry, working on her family’s 600-sow farrow-to-finish operation in Illinois, and studied the impacts of alternative housing systems on sow well-being for her doctoral work. Among other recognition, DeDecker received the National Pork Board Swine Innovation Award in 2011.
“I want to make as big an impact as possible,” DeDecker said, citing the company’s work in sow housing and studies geared to keeping swine comfortable in hot, humid conditions.
Smithfield’s animal care program includes strict biosecurity procedures, an audit program, and a focus on safe transportation among other components, but is ultimately guided by the company’s Animal Care Policy. This policy applies to farms owned by Murphy-Brown LLC as well as its contract producers.
Smithfield believes that sustainability is a journey, not a destination, and corporations must continually strive to exceed what is expected of them. This belief is ingrained in the culture and operations at Smithfield Foods. The online sustainability stories help share Smithfield’s journey, introduce the people who create this culture and further the commitment to transparent and engaging communication.
The first installment of “Sustainability Stories” featured CEO Pope and Chief Sustainability Officer Dennis Treacy.
DeDecker’s story can be found at http://www.smithfieldcommitments.com/stories/animal-care.
About Smithfield Foods
Smithfield Foods is a $14 billion global food company and the world’s largest pork processor and hog producer. In the United States, the company is also the leader in numerous packaged meats categories with popular brands including Smithfield(R), Eckrich(R), Farmland(R), Armour(R), Cook’s(R), Gwaltney(R), John Morrell(R), Kretschmar(R), Curly’s(R), Carando(R), Margherita(R) and Healthy Ones(R). Smithfield Foods is committed to providing good food in a responsible way and maintains robust animal care, community involvement, employee safety, environmental, and food safety and quality programs. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com and www.smithfieldcommitments.com.
CONTACT: Kathleen Kirkham
Smithfield Foods, Inc.
(757) 365-1965
kathleenkirkham@smithfieldfoods.com
Source: Smithfield Foods via GLOBE NEWSWIRE
