Contact: Tyler Bettin, State Public Policy Director
(800) 372-7675, tbettin@iowapork.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE!
(CLIVE, Iowa) — The Iowa Pork Producers Association has teamed up with the Iowa Pork Industry Center and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach swine specialists to host regional conferences Feb. 22-25.
All sessions are hosted from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Conference dates and locations are as follows:
- Monday, Feb. 22 – Sheldon, Northwest Iowa Community College, Building A, room 116/119
- Tuesday, Feb. 23 – Carroll, Carroll County Extension Office
- Wednesday, Feb. 24 – Nashua, Borlaug Learning Center
- Thursday, Feb. 25 – Iowa City, Johnson County Extension Office
Conferences are free for those who pre-register or $5 at the door. Individuals can pre-register by calling IPPA at (800) 372-7675 or sending an e-mail to bnelson@iowapork.org.
“We strive to provide educational sessions that can provide a return on producer’s Pork Checkoff investment,” said Tyler Bettin, IPPA state public policy director. “This year’s sessions should provide take home value for anyone involved in day-to-day pork production management.”
This year’s conferences will highlight the follow presentations:
Positioning Your Operation for Future Success
Mark Greenwood, senior vice president, AgStar Financial Services
Mark will take a closer look at current market situations, indicators and forecasts to give a sense of what 2016 may have in store for pork producers and how they can best position themselves to manage through potential challenges. He will share strategies and techniques to better position producers for the long haul and teach ways to take control of approaches best for individual situations.
Understanding Seneca Valley Virus
Dr. Chris Rademacher, Extension swine veterinarian, Iowa State University
Seneca Valley Virus has shown an increase in prevalence throughout the past year. Due to symptom resemblance to Foot and Mouth Disease, special precautions must be taken when suspecting it on the farm. Dr. Rademacher will share key information and action steps for proper diagnosis and management of the virus to minimize potential impacts on the farm and prevent issues at market points. This presentation will cover case reports in breeding and growing pigs to understand what to look for and what we have learned over the past year.
Practical PRRS Management Strategies
Dr. Daniel Linhares, assistant professor, Iowa State University
The PRRS virus continues to create challenges for pork producers across the country. New to the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Linhares will share his experience and expertise while taking a closer look at PRRS 174 vs. other variants and discuss valuable strategies to minimize losses following a PRRS infection.
Applied Antibiotic Use Considerations
Iowa State University Extension swine specialists
Antibiotic use in livestock production continues to receive scrutiny from customers and the regulatory environment. ISU Extension and Outreach swine specialists will take a closer look at FDA Guidance #209 and #213 and the recent Veterinary Feed Directives (VFDs) rule, with particular attention to on-farm application and compliance.
ISU swine specialists also will offer free PQA Plus® training prior to each conference. Training will be hosted from 9:30 a.m. to noon at each conference location. Contact IPPA (800) 372-7675 or bnelson@iowapork.org for more information or to pre-register.
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