Two persistent swine viruses will be among the topics the Iowa Pork Producers Association’s 2016 Iowa Pork Regional Conferences next month.

The Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome continues to create challenges for the pork industry and Dr. Daniel Linhares of the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine will present a session on “Practical PRRS Management Strategies.”

“Understanding Seneca Valley Virus” will be presented by Dr. Chris Rademacher, ISU Extension swine veterinarian. SVV has shown an increased prevalence in the past year and Rademacher will share information on how to properly diagnose and manage the virus.

The third session will be presented by Mark Greenwood of AgStar Financial Services. He will speak on “Positioning your Operation for Future Success.” Greenwood will examine current market indicators and forecasts to give attendees a sense of what to expect in 2016.

ISU Extension swine specialists will discuss “Applied Antibiotic Use Considerations” and take a deep dive into FDA Guidance 209 and 213, as well as the new Veterinary Feed Directives rule.

Producers can attend one of the four conferences at no cost by pre-registering with IPPA. The cost at the door is just $5.

The program will be presented on Feb. 22 in Sheldon, Feb. 23 in Carroll, Feb. 24 in Nashua and Feb. 25 in Iowa City. Each program will be from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Free PQA Plus certification training sessions will be offered at each location from 9:30 a.m. to noon.

To pre-register, contact Barb Nelson at bnelson@iowapork.org or (800) 372-7675.

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