Iowa pork producers are invited to learn more about preventing losses, limiting liability and conducting barn walk-throughs at the 2014 Iowa Pork Regional Conferences, scheduled for February 24-28. They'll also hear about factors affecting operations' financial status and get updates on a variety of health and disease issues. The Iowa Pork Industry Center (IPIC), Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA), and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach co-sponsor this annual series at different sites around the state.
The dates of February 25-28 follow the same schedule at all four locations with sessions held from 1 to 4:30 p.m. There is no cost for those who preregister and pork operation employers, managers and staff are encouraged to attend. Walk-in registration is $5 per person, payable at the door.
Conference dates and locations are as follows:
● Monday, Feb. 24 - Sheldon, Northwest Iowa Community College, Building A, Room 119C
● Tuesday, Feb. 25 - Carroll, Carroll County Extension Office
● Wednesday, Feb. 26 - Nashua, Borlaug Learning Center
● Friday, Feb. 28 - Iowa City, Johnson County Extension Office
Mike Brumm, Brumm Swine Consultancy, will walk producers through steps they can take to be better prepared to prevent losses due to barn system failures and limit liability issues. He'll also draw on his experiences with Midwest farms to share his view of the ideal barn walk-through.
Iowa State extension livestock economist Lee Schulz will talk about the factors affecting the bottom line, review forecasts for input costs and market hog value, and present ideas on possible profit opportunities in the coming year.
At their respective locations, ISU extension and outreach swine program specialists will provide updates on ventilation management, euthanasia techniques and antibiotic use. They'll also share upcoming educational opportunities in these and other areas, and will lead PQA Plus 2.0 training sessions for attendees from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. the day of each session. The training is free for those who pre-register.
