Many people and organizations made possible the two-year process leading up to this document. Our thanks to the North Central Regional Center for Rural Development at Iowa State University and the Environmental Health Sciences Research Center at The University of Iowa for generous financial support. Our thanks also to the Farm Foundation and the Center for Health Effects of Environmental Contamination at The University of Iowa for critical financial contributions. Special thanks to the section rapporteurs for their excellent work in integrating the five scientific documents and in representing their institutions – The University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and the University of Northern Iowa. A particular note of gratitude to Professor Neil Hamilton, Director of the Agricultural Law Center at Drake University's Law School, for his yeoman efforts in attending all five workshop sessions, reading the entire proceedings, and formulating the conclusion.

We also appreciate the unwavering support of Dr. James Merchant, Director, and the many talented staff of the Institute for Rural and Environmental Health at The University of Iowa, who provided suggestions and assisted in the production of these proceedings. We are particularly indebted to Daniel McMillan and Julia Venzke for their careful editing and production assistance. We hope this document provides a foundation for creating a thriving swine industry in the United States that sustains our producers, rural communities, and is mindful of our rural environment and quality of life.

Kelley Donham and Kendall Thu

Workshop Organizers