Getting More Nutrients From A Pig’s Diet

Posted on June 17, 2013 by Joanna

I caught up with Aidan Connolly, vice president of corporate accounts with Alltech, recently while he was in Des Moines, Iowa for the 25th Anniversary of the World Pork Expo. I peppered him with questions from feed prices to the importance of nutrients in the diet to some of the diseases the pork industry is addressing and got the low down on some key issues affecting hog producers across the U.S. and the globe.

The interview was kicked off with concerns about this year’s harvest – too much rain in the Midwest has caused many farmers to be quite late in planting – and how this might affect feed prices. Connolly explained that many things affect feed prices, but mainly it comes down to supply and demand. He believes the demand side will stay very strong and foresees continued growth in China. However, Connolly said from his view, he remains optimistic about the harvest.

He stressed the important of getting the nutrients out of the diet. He believes the industry needs to be very concerned about intestinal health, gut health – the need to keep the pig healthy. “We need to be looking at any technologies that can improve feed efficiency.”

Alltech has products to help just this, including various enzymes and Actigen™. They are also working with antioxidants – all things Connolly said help the pig absorb nutrients better. “Basically I would say to any hog producer today, spend the money to improve feed conversion. It’s money well spent.”

Listen to my interview with Aidan Connolly here: Getting More Nutrients From A Pig's Diet

Visit the 2013 World Pork Expo photo album.

Industry Celebrates First Year of Feeding for 30

Posted on June 15, 2013 by Cindy

At World Pork Expo, Purina Animal Nutrition was celebrating the first anniversary of its Feeding for 30 program, adding new partners to further the the industry goal of achieving 30 pigs per sow per year.

We launched it one year ago in partnership with Zinpro,” says Elena Lindemann, lactating livestock marketing director with Purina Animal Nutrition. “And this year we added another partner, DSM Nutritional Products.”

“When we created the Feeding for 30 program, we knew that properly feeding sows promotes their health and well-being – allowing better potential of achieving 30 healthy piglets weaned each year,” she added.

At World Pork Expo, Feeding for 30 presented a sow nutrition and management seminar designed to help producers achieve 30 pigs per sow per year. Organized as an interactive peer-to-peer forum, a panel of pork producers and swine nutritionists shared new tips and management insights, and answer questions. Producers can find out more at FeedingFor30.com and on their Facebook page.

Listen to my interview with Elena here: Interview with Purina's Elena Lindemann

Novus Promotes Water-Delivered Organic Acids

Posted on June 11, 2013 by Cindy

We’ve all seen and many of us drink the popular types of vitamin- and mineral-enhanced water products on the market for humans. Now Novus International is promoting water-soluable organic acids to enhance pig performance.

At World Pork Expo last week, Novus Technical Services Manager Dr. Karen Lehe gave a talk on adding the Aliment-based Activate WD US Max to drinking water for pigs and how studies have shown benefits from improved gut health and lowering water pH. “With piglets, especially in herds that are challenged with E. Coli or salmonella that we do have a nice benefit in terms of reduction of medication costs in the nursery period, from 74 cents to 17 cents (per head),” she said, adding that it also improves feed efficiency.

Alimet is commonly used as a feed additive, but Dr. Lehe says adding to water may make it easier and the animals like it. “To us it smells a little bit acidic, but to the little pigs it smells yummy,” she said. Novus has also studied the water-delivery with sows and seen benefits in lactation and heavier weaned pig weights.

Listen to my interview with Karen and/or watch a video of his presentation below: Interview with Novus' Karen Lehe

2013 World Pork Expo photo album.

AgWired coverage of the 2013 World Pork Expo is sponsored by NOVUS AgWired coverage of the 2013 World Pork Expo is sponsored by boehringer-ingelheim

Benefits of Mintrex Cu on Pigs & Mode of Action

Posted on June 10, 2013 by Joanna

Mintrex Cu (copper) has benefits on pigs and mode of action.

Dr. Yulin Ma, who works on Novus International’s research and development team, gave a presentation during the 25th Anniversary of the World Pork Expo about seven trials pertaining to the company’s new product Mintrex Cu. Ma explained that when adding the product to premix, the copper sulfate helped the pig digest more of the feed. The product also showed that it reduces fecal excretion of copper, which is better for the environment, and improved carcass weight – where the real payback occurs says Ma.

Ma, whose excitement about the product was evident in his presentation, explained that Mintrex Cu has higher mineral digestibility than inorganic sources and thus helps improve immune function – a healthier pig means less antibiotics. The product also improves feed intake and performance. Ma says Mintrex Cu is really a triple threat and for farmers who understand the value of the product, the payback will be threefold.

Listen to my interview with Yulin Ma here and/or watch a video of his presentation below. Benefits of Mintrex Cu on Pigs & Mode of Action

Visit the 2013 World Pork Expo photo album.

AgWired coverage of the 2013 World Pork Expo is sponsored by NOVUS AgWired coverage of the 2013 World Pork Expo is sponsored by boehringer-ingelheim

Hogtoberfeast Was a Feast

Posted on June 10, 2013 by Joanna

One of the most anticipated events during the World Pork Expo each year is the hog roast sponsored by Automated Production Systems. It seems each year the event gets bigger and this year was no exception. The theme “Hogtoberfeast” was celebrated in true German style from the decoration of the pig to the costumes and accents of those who participated in the Hogtoberfeast opening celebration.

There was singing and dancing and even audience participation. And then when that was over, the hog was carved and the feast began. And boy was it good! I caught some of the festivities on camera. I wonder what they will do next year? This will be a hard act to follow.

Visit the 2013 World Pork Expo photo album.

AgWired coverage of the 2013 World Pork Expo is sponsored by NOVUS AgWired coverage of the 2013 World Pork Expo is sponsored by boehringer-ingelheim

Novus Goes Whole Hog for WPX

Posted on June 9, 2013 by Cindy

As has become the tradition at World Pork Expo, Novus International once again offered a whole, tender, juicy roasted hog for expo goers during the Thursday afternoon street party.

This year the Novus theme was “More Than A Mineral Happy Hour” in honor of Mintrex, the next-generation trace mineral that has its own official ingredient definition by the Association of American Feed Council Officials (AAFCO). Mintrex is no ordinary trace mineral, it’s BioOptimized, which means it is highly bioavailable to efficiently supply more mineral to the animal. For hog producers, Mintrex can help manage sow stress, balance seasonal peaks and valleys in production and support sow health and ultimately allow herds to reach their genetic potential. Just one of the many ways Novus goes whole hog for producers!

See more photos in the 2013 World Pork Expo photo album.

AgWired coverage of the 2013 World Pork Expo is sponsored by NOVUS AgWired coverage of the 2013 World Pork Expo is sponsored by boehringer-ingelheim

National Pork Board Provides PEDV Research Funds

Posted on June 9, 2013 by Cindy

Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV) was a big topic of discussion at the World Pork Expo this past week and the National Pork Board announced the investment of $450,000 in Checkoff funds to help speed research into finding answers to this new disease threat facing the domestic pork industry. This amount, coupled with funds just approved by the Iowa Pork Producers Association’s research committee, brings the current total devoted to PEDV research to $527,000 from the two producer-based organizations.

Dr. Paul Sundberg, the Pork Checkoff’s vice president of science and technology, gave an update on the disease – which was first confirmed in the U.S. last month. “It’s changing everyday as we go,” he said. “We don’t have hard numbers because any number I give you would be out of date as soon as we walk out of here. What we know is that it’s primarily centered in the Midwest right now and we’re monitoring the distribution as we go to try to figure out how to help producers and veterinarians get on top of this.”

PEDV was first confirmed in Iowa, Indiana and Illinois but cases are being reported in several other states including Colorado, Oklahoma, Ohio, Michigan and Minnesota. Dr. Sundberg notes that PEDV is not a new virus outside of the United States nor a regulatory/reportable disease, but rather a production-related disease that hits young pigs under three weeks of age particularly hard. Mortality rates have been high in pigs of this age, while older pigs that may get the virus typically recover.

“While PEDV may appear clinically to be the same as transmissible gastroenteritis (TGE) virus with acute diarrhea, producers who suspect their herd may be infected should work with their herd veterinarian immediately if any TGE-like symptoms appear,” said Sundberg. “And, as always, they should maintain strict biosecurity protocols.”

The objectives of the Pork Board’s swine health committee, which will oversee the PEDV research, will be to get real answers about the spread and transmission of the disease, along with measures to detect, diagnose, prevent and control it.

Listen to Sunberg’s comments here: Dr. Paul Sundberg, National Pork Board

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AgWired coverage of the 2013 World Pork Expo is sponsored by NOVUS AgWired coverage of the 2013 World Pork Expo is sponsored by boehringer-ingelheim

GIPSA: Farm Bill, Price Concerns Key Issues

Posted on June 7, 2013 by Joanna

Larry Mitchell, USDA Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Act (GIPSA) administer, along with Deputy Administrator Susan Keith, spent the day at the 25th anniversary of the World Pork Expo. While attending the event, the two took some time for an answer and question session to give the pork industry and update on close term challenges and opportunities.

The biggest challenge not only for pork producers but agriculture in general, said Mitchell, is the passage of a farm bill. The Senate version (and House version) of Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2013 has hundreds of amendments that if passed, or not, could affect agriculture. As of this writing, the Senate voted for cloture and will be voting on the bill on Monday.

In addition to the need for a long-term farm bill, Keith said another key issue is price concerns for independent food producers in the U.S. This, she said, on the swine side is one of their biggest concerns because with a very thin market it’s really hard to assure there is a legitimate price discovery and ensuring that the prices that become part of a contract are fair and determined in a manner that is justified.

GIPSA Update: Farm Bill, Price Concerns Key Issues

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AgWired coverage of the 2013 World Pork Expo is sponsored by NOVUS AgWired coverage of the 2013 World Pork Expo is sponsored by boehringer-ingelheim

Pork Industry Economic Update at World Pork Expo

Posted on June 7, 2013 by Joanna

The economist to the pork industry Steve Meyer, with Paragon Economics, gave attendees at the 25 anniversary of the World Pork Expo in Des Moines, Iowa an economic update. During a question and answer session Meyer noted that the industry finally has prices back to profitable for the short run, the first time in nearly two years. However, he doesn’t believe this will last unless there is a very, very good corn crop, which he says looks doubtful at this point due to all the rain.

Meyer said with a good corn crop, somewhere in the 140 bushels per acre range, he thinks the industry could see prices in the low $80s next spring. If this is the case, then the industry is set up for a profitable 2014.

During the session, Meyer addressed the possible effects of exchange rates and feedstock costs to operations as well as the impact of last summer’s drought. But he noted that producers are still doing fairly well due to better risk management techniques over the past three-four years.

Listen to Steve Meyer’s remarks here: Pork Industry Economic Update

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AgWired coverage of the 2013 World Pork Expo is sponsored by NOVUS AgWired coverage of the 2013 World Pork Expo is sponsored by boehringer-ingelheim

Meet Kourtney Determan – Up & Coming Aggie

Posted on June 6, 2013 by Joanna

During the 25th Anniversary of World Pork Expo, I had the opportunity to meet one of the up and coming young women in agriculture – Kourtney Determan. She is an Iowa native who grew up on a farm in Northwest Iowa as well as a recent graduate from Iowa State University with a degree in Ag Communications. In mid-May, she began her summer internship with Novus International where she is working with Dr. Karen Lehe to build out the company’s youth outreach program.

In her role she is helping educate youth across the country about both where our food comes from, as well as about the great jobs in the ag industry. She notes that many think the only job in ag is to be a farmer, but she is proof that there are hundreds of different opportunities to work in the industry.

Before summer is out, she will be bringing more interactivity to Novus’ FREE youth curriculum that includes a brochure as well as a game developed for iPad that demonstrates the diversity of the ag industry. The toolkit also includes videos, word searchers, and more. Having grown up in the age of social media, she notes that online is the best way to reach these kids.

Learn more about Kourtney’s work with the youth outreach program here: Meet Kourtney Determan - Up & Coming Aggie

Visit the 2013 World Pork Expo photo album.

AgWired coverage of the 2013 World Pork Expo is sponsored by NOVUS AgWired coverage of the 2013 World Pork Expo is sponsored by boehringer-ingelheim

NPPC Science & Technology Updates at WPX

Posted on June 6, 2013 by Joanna

This morning, Bill Luckey, pork producer from Columbus, Nebraska and National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) director gave an update during the second day of 2013 World Pork Expo on science and technology updates including antibiotics and animal welfare.

In terms of antibiotics, Luckey said NPPC has been actively involved in the Animal Drug User Act. It has moved all the way through Congress and has passed both the House and the Senate with no amendments. The Act provides funding for the timely review of the new animal drug applications for the veterinary products.

On the regulatory front Luckey said there are some issues going on with antibiotic availability and veterinary oversight. The industry is waiting for the FDA to finalize the guidance for 2013, which requests that animal health manufacturers voluntarily give up their growth hormone promotion labels for antibiotics for classes that are also used for human medicine.

Listen to Bill Luckey’s remarks here: NPPC Science & Technology Update

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AgWired coverage of the 2013 World Pork Expo is sponsored by NOVUS AgWired coverage of the 2013 World Pork Expo is sponsored by boehringer-ingelheim

Summer Pork Campaign

Posted on June 6, 2013 by Cindy

wpx13-npb-novak At World Pork Expo this week, National Pork Board officials unveiled a new summer campaign for consumers to encourage them to save with pork cuts, grill them like steak, and learn some new names for pork cuts.

“The current consumer campaign, Pork. Be inspired®, is moving product at the retail meat case and in restaurants,” says Chris Novak, National Pork Board CEO. “In the first quarter of this year, total pounds of pork sold at retail were up 9.9 percent over first quarter last year and total dollars in sales were up 4.7 percent. Average retail price was down due to higher supplies, but the increased volume more than offset the decrease in average price.”

To further bolster consumer demand, a new summer marketing campaign was launched this week to communicate the current relative value of pork, educate consumers on the new pork cut names and reinforce proper pork cooking by talking about the ideal range of doneness.

In April, the National Pork Board rolled out new names for some traditional cuts of pork as a way to address the lack of consumer understanding of pork cuts and how to prepare them.

Based on extensive consumer research, the new cut names were selected to enhance value in the meat cuts and new simplified labels were developed to better explain proper cooking techniques.

“This does mean we’ll have to say goodbye to names like ‘pork butt’,” says Karen Richter, National Pork Board president and pork producer from Montgomery, Minn. “But we believe consumers will feel more confident in their ability to choose and prepare pork that provides great flavor and versatility at a budget-friendly price.”

The new porterhouse pork chop, ribeye pork chop and New York pork chop are featured in the summer marketing campaign being promoted through national radio and online advertising, food media spokespersons and social media engagement. As a part of the campaign, consumers will be able to tap into online coupons that have proven effective in driving visitor traffic to pork-focused consumer websites.

Listen to comments from Richter and Novak here: Pork Board New Campaign

2013 World Pork Expo photo album.

AgWired coverage of the 2013 World Pork Expo is sponsored by NOVUS AgWired coverage of the 2013 World Pork Expo is sponsored by boehringer-ingelheim

And This Little Piggy Went to World Pork Expo

Posted on June 6, 2013 by Joanna

Remember the nursery rhyme “This little pig went to market. This little pig went home….”? Well, this little pig went to World Pork Expo and had a great time. The coolest and most creative “piggies” at the 25th anniversary of World Pork Expo were found on Trudy’s nails in the Boehringer Ingelheim tent. Her nails support the pork industry in a fun and fabulous way.

Stop by their tent or their booth and while you’re there, learn how “easy” it is to vaccinate your pigs.

Visit the 2013 World Pork Expo photo album.

AgWired coverage of the 2013 World Pork Expo is sponsored by NOVUS AgWired coverage of the 2013 World Pork Expo is sponsored by boehringer-ingelheim

BIVI Shows What Easy Looks Like

Posted on June 6, 2013 by Cindy

Everywhere you look at World Pork Expo you see blue pig snouts touting Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica’s (BIVI) new “Easy” campaign telling hog producers just how simple it can be to protect their herds against countless problems.

“For oral vaccines there’s no needles, all they have to do is drink,” says BIVI brand manager Mike Steilen, adding that it also saves workers time and the discomfort of handling the pigs to give them the vaccines.

Talking with producers at expo, BIVI representatives are stressing the ease of the 3-step preparation and oral administration of the Enterisol Ileitis vaccine by using the Ivesco peristaltic pump technology for injecting vaccine into a water line. “It guarantees the vaccination over a six hour period, which is important…guaranteeing that (the pigs) are going to have a dose,” Mike said.

Producers at WPX can find out more at the BIVI tent on the midway or booth in the Varied Industries Building, and check out the pump at the Ivesco tent on the midway.

Interview with BIVI's Mike Steilen

Visit the 2013 World Pork Expo photo album.

AgWired coverage of the 2013 World Pork Expo is sponsored by NOVUS AgWired coverage of the 2013 World Pork Expo is sponsored by boehringer-ingelheim

USDA’s Alonzo Updates WPX on Key Issues

Posted on June 5, 2013 by Joanna

Anne Alonzo is attending her first World Pork Expo since taking the helm as the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Administrator just over a month ago. During her comments this morning, she said that the USDA is very supportive of the efforts of the pork industry and will continue to work with them on key issues.

There were several items Alonzo said are currently on the radar and gave updates on mandatory price reporting, pork purchases and the Pork Checkoff. She was joined by Dr. Craig Morris, deputy administrator who also addressed compliance issues and said the AMS is very happy with the industry’s response to recent compliance requirements.

While in Iowa, Alonzo said she had the opportunity to visit her first hog operation and became taken with a day old baby pig. She said although she is new to the industry, she looks forward to working with the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) and others to ensure the success and growth of the pork industry.

Listen to Alozno’s remarks here: Remarks from USDA's AMS Administrator, Anne Alonzo

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AgWired coverage of the 2013 World Pork Expo is sponsored by NOVUS AgWired coverage of the 2013 World Pork Expo is sponsored by boehringer-ingelheim

25th World Pork Expo Kicks Off With a Bang

Posted on June 5, 2013 by Joanna

This year marks the 25th year of the World Pork Expo and the event is sure to be a success. More than 20,000 pork producers and industry representatives from 39 countries will be on hand for the opening today presented by the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC). According to the Expo’s new General Manager, Alicia Irlbeck, the event is the world’s largest pork-specific trade show with more than 400 commercial exhibits.

Irlbeck said the Iowa State Fairgrounds will be the place to be this week, whether your a pork producer, member of the industry, pork enthusiast or child – there is something for everyone. In fact, the World Pork Expo Junior National has set another record this year, with 856 junior exhibitors from throughout the U.S. entering more than 2,500 pigs. This is a 25 percent increase from last year which also was a record breaking year.

In addition to eating some of the best pork on the planet, there are also free business seminar luncheons featuring experts discussing economic and weather outlooks (such as how the delay in corn planting will affect hog operations and prices of pork in 2014). In addition, there is the PORK Academy along with other educational seminars.

And if you have never been to the pig races, or even if you have, this is a tradition not to be missed.

To learn more about the 25th World Pork Expo and some of the cool things to see and do this year, listen to my interview with Alicia: Interview with World Pork Expo GM Alicia Irlbeck

Visit the 2013 World Pork Expo photo album.

AgWired coverage of the 2013 World Pork Expo is sponsored by NOVUS AgWired coverage of the 2013 World Pork Expo is sponsored by boehringer-ingelheim

Shuanghui International to Purchase Smithfield Foods

Posted on May 29, 2013 by Chuck

We’re talking a lot of pork in this deal. See the full release here.

Smithfield Foods, Inc. (NYSE:SFD) and Shuanghui International Holdings Limited today announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement that values Smithfield at approximately US$7.1 billion, including the assumption of Smithfield’s net debt. Shuanghui International is the majority shareholder of Henan Shuanghui Investment & Development Co. (SZSE:000895), which is China’s largest meat processing enterprise and China’s largest publicly traded meat products company as measured by market capitalization.

Under the terms of the agreement, which has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies, Shuanghui will acquire all of the outstanding shares of Smithfield for US$34.00 per share in cash. The purchase price represents a premium of approximately 31% over Smithfield’s closing stock price on May 28, 2013, the last trading day prior to today’s announcement.

“This is a great transaction for all Smithfield stakeholders, as well as for American farmers and U.S. agriculture,” said C. Larry Pope, president and chief executive officer of Smithfield. “We have established Smithfield as the world’s leading and most trusted vertically integrated pork processor and hog producer, and are excited that Shuanghui recognizes our best-in-class operations, our outstanding food safety practices and our 46,000 hard-working and dedicated employees. It will be business as usual — only better — at Smithfield. We do not anticipate any changes in how we do business operationally in the United States and throughout the world. We will become part of an enterprise that shares our belief in global opportunities and our commitment to the highest standards of product safety and quality. With our shared expertise and leadership, we look forward to accelerating a global expansion strategy as part of Shuanghui.”

World Pork Expo Names New General Manager

Posted on May 27, 2013 by Jamie

The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) recently named Alicia Irlbeck as the new general manager of World Pork Expo. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the world’s largest pork-specific trade show and will be held June 5-7, in Des Moines, Iowa.

Irlbeck will oversee the strategic planning and management of all programs, exhibits and activities. She has been part of the World Pork Expo since joining the NPPC team in 2005 and will continue to serve as NPPC”s director of projects and events. Before that, she worked for the Des Moines Marriott Downtown and earned a bachelor’s degree in hotel, restaurant and institution management from Iowa State University.

“My biggest priority is making sure every last detail is addressed and communicated to make World Pork Expo the best it can be for the nearly 20,000 producers and industry enthusiasts who attend each year,” Irlbeck says. “Expo is a huge team effort, and it’s my pleasure to work with the amazing group of dedicated people who are the backbone of the show.”

For more information about World Pork Expo visit www.worldpork.org or check them out on Facebook. Follow #NPPCWPX on Twitter to stay up-to-date with event happenings. But maybe the best way to stay connected is downloading the official app, available in the Apple Store, Android Market and Blackberry’s App World.

First Annual Ozarks Bacon Festival

Posted on May 23, 2013 by Melissa

It was bound to happen and now it is official – KOZL and the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds are putting on the first annual Ozarks Bacon Festival.

Ozarks Bacon Fest – a tribute to Bacon, Bourbon & Beer – holds its inaugural tasting event on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2013, at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds E-Plex. Tickets give tguests accss to a bacon-infused wonderland where the Ozark’s best chefs prepare amazing creative bacon snacks. National brand,s artisan bacon-makers, and bacon purveyors display, sample, and sell a multitude of bacon and bacon inspired products. The best mixologists and brewers hand out bacon-inspired cocktails, beer and wine. And in honoring bacon in all its glory, Ozarks Bacon Fest will be holding a Bacon Eating Contest, a Best Bacon Recipe contest and a Bacon Art contest.

For more information, contact Larry Krauck at 417-862-1010 or lkrauck@ozarkslocal.tv.

The Glass Walls Project

Posted on May 8, 2013 by Jamie

Speaker after speaker during the Animal Agriculture Alliance Stakeholders Summit reminded us that transparency is no longer an option for the livestock industry. To prove that the agriculture community has nothing to hide, groups have opened their doors to share how your food is made.

Senior Vice President for Public Affairs & Professional Development at the American Meat Institute, Janet Riley, was one of those speakers who shared how her organization is bridging the divide between producer and consumer. I got the opportunity to talk with her and she gave more insight into AMI’s Glass Wall Project.

“For far too long the animal rights activists have said if slaughter houses had glass walls everyone would be a vegetarian and I didn’t believe it. Then Cargill really gets a lot of credit for the inspiration when they allowed the Oprah show into their plant. It went so well. It was just a very honest dialogue, they didn’t shy away from anything. So I started talking to Temple Grandin and I said will you be willing to host some videos and just explain in your own works how we slaughter livestock. She was delighted to show people what we do and how she has influenced what we do. She picked two plants that were representative of the beef and pork industries. Both agreed to open their doors to us. Then we decided that we would produce these videos in Temple’s own words. We wanted authentic transparency and so we just allowed Temple to explain in the best way she could how we process livestock into meat at each step of the way. It was a really interesting experience. Every now and then I would say consumers might not understand why we do this, could you explain it? And then she would.”

The beef and pork processing plant videos can be viewed at AnimalHandling.org, along with more information on meat processing. AMI is looking into producing a turkey processing video next. These videos are a great educational tool and open doors for progressive dialogue.