Posted March 3, 2015

The Iowa Pork Producers Association held its 2015 Regional Conferences around the state last week and hog farmers who attended received updates on several key subjects.

New Iowa State University Extension Swine Veterinarian Dr. Chris Rademacher discussed continuing research on Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus and provided new information on the prevalence of the disease. The number of confirmed cases of PEDV in Iowa are down considerably so far this winter.

National Pork Board staff members provided information on the development and implementation of the new Common Industry Audit program that will reduce burdens on producers and build audit process clarification across the industry.

Drs. Patrick Webb and David Pyburn, along with Sherrie Webb also shared details on the efforts of the Swine Health Information Center. The National Pork Board has committed $15 million to the center that will focus on swine health monitoring and development of improved responses to new swine health challenges.

ISU Extension swine specialists conducted a session on ways producers can better prepare for the Common Industry Audit, how PQA Plus advisors will be involved in the audit process, and areas that may require management changes for documentation and standard operating procedures.

Any producer who is interested in learning more about audit preparations should contact IPPA Producer Education Director Tyler Bettin at (800) 372-7675.

Conference proceedings will be available on the website under the “Producer Resources” and then “Seminars and Conferences” tabs this week for those who want to see and hear the presentations.