Looking back on 2024, there were many things that happened this year. First of all, there were natural disasters such as the Noto Peninsula earthquake on New Year's Day, heavy rains, and the extreme heat in Western Japan. This was a year that made me realize that we must not forget the experience of the Great East Japan Earthquake 13 years ago and that we must pass it on to the next generation.

In the pig farming industry, the threat of swine fever is drawing ever closer to farms, and the situation remains unpredictable. We work every day with the determination to never let the disease enter the farm, but since it is invisible, it could get in at any time. We will continue to take measures without letting our guard down next year in order to ensure a stable supply of Tategamori Highland Pork to everyone.

For me personally, the biggest event was my training in the United States in June. There, I was able to visit the world's largest exhibition and an American pig farm. I was able to see, hear, and feel things that I would not have known, noticed, or felt if I had only received information in Japan, and this experience was valuable in a way that cannot be expressed in words. It renewed my resolve that we must turn our eyes to the world and produce pork that is competitive with overseas producers.

America's largest hog show and newly planted corn fields in Iowa

There were many things to reflect on in 2024, but there were also many good things. We will use these experiences to our advantage and continue to work hard to ensure a stable supply of delicious pork in 2025, so we appreciate your continued support.

Pig Farming Division Fujisawa Farm Ikeda