A Samoan feast whether for a church dedication, wedding, or title bestowal (saofa’i), is not complete without a Size 2.
Just how many pig farmers are out there and challenges they face in raising pigs was the focus of a recent survey by the Agriculture, Community and Natural Resources Division (ACNR) of the American Samoa Community College (ASCC) .
The survey was part of a continued effort to assist local pig farmers with health management challenges.
Dr. Halina Zaleski from the University of Hawaii at Manoa – College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources said the project helps them understand the health concerns and other challenges farmers face, and to increase the experience of students in taking care of pigs.
The last swine disease survey conducted in American Samoa took place 20 years ago.
The survey team collected samples from both the ACNR compound and local pig farms.
They then conducted some of their lab testing at ACNR, while other samples were sent to a commercial lab on the mainland for testing.
In addition to the survey, a swine management workshop was held where
ACNR students gave presentations on practices and techniques learned from their field experience and lab work during the survey.
