Greetings Swine Producers,
Snout & Tails – an e-communication to forward timely topics and provide awareness of upcoming events for the swine industry. Please reply to mstorlie@iastate.edu if you have suggested topics, wish to be added or removed from mailing list.
Snouts & Tails Vol. 8 No. 4 Sept. 29, 2006
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Contents:
1 – Japanese MRL Regulations
2 – Ventilation Basics For Swine – attached pdf file
3 – Ethanol By-products for Swine
4 – Danish Pork Industry- Lessons To Be Learned
5 – Niche Pork Market Information
6 – Manure Issues
7 – Enough …
8 – Swine Calendar
9 – Resources
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A look back:
The past issues are available at the Fayette County web page
- Snouts & Tails are on the right side of screen
http://www.extension.iastate.edu/fayette/livestock.htm
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1. Japanese MRL Regulations
Iowa pork producers who send their animals to Iowa packing plants should be aware of Japan's recent announcement regarding implementation of maximum residue limits (MRLs) for agricultural chemicals, antibiotics and feed additives in imported meat and meat products. This system is similar to the current USA system, but with some differences in levels. The requirements went into effect on May 29, 2006 and represent Japans safety limit for chemicals in food products.
Dr. James McKean, ISU Extension swine veterinarian, noted “there are some differences between withdrawal times in the United States and Japan based on the new MRLs, but under most conditions, strict observance of the U.S. withdrawal times also will meet the Japanese MRLs. However, there are systematic differences. U.S. MRLs are based on 'target' tissue levels, like in the kidney, liver, muscle and fat, while Japan has established MRLs for many tissues and for processed meats. Japan is more likely to specifically test observed injection sites for residues than the USA, which would require a longer withdrawal time for various products.”
The new MRLs affect all food species (cattle, swine, poultry), including all fresh, frozen and processed products, and offal imported into Japan. The requirements also pertain to domestic Japanese products.
Producers can find details for specific drugs on a special section of the National Pork Board’s Web site. This Pork Checkoff-funded site (www.pork.org/producers/JapanMRL.aspx) features information supplied by drug and pharmaceutical manufacturers for U.S. and Japanese residue MRLs and withdrawal times.
Consider what is at stake. If violations occur, the results and subsequent financial ramifications for the industry could be sobering. It’s important for producers to use even greater care in selecting and administering drugs, particularly injectable forms for heavier weight pigs.
“On imported products, a first violation found within a one-year period may trigger a 50 percent inspection of all shipments from that species, country and/or production type,” McKean said. “A second violation may cause 100 percent inspection and increased testing. Also, the product is held until results are known, and importers may be required to pay for the testing and costs of holding the products until cleared. These consequences make finding even one violation an issue for all producers.”
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Storlie view: Japan currently purchases 45% of all U.S. pork exports which is worth over 1 billion dollars to our industry. We all must take this very seriously. Review your treatment and/or feed medication usage and talk with your packer. Longer withdrawal time is needed for certain medications to meet Japanese regulations for pork and pork by-product exports. Visit the NPB website to review the compounds used on your operation. For information on specific products, contact the manufacturer or your veterinarian. Please feel free to contact me if I can be of further assistance.
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2. Ventilation Basics For Swine – attached pdf file
What is the correct temperature for my nursery, finisher or wean-finish barn? It depends on several factors. My general response is “let the pigs tell you.”
A better question may be how do I provide an appropriate effective environment for my pigs? To address this question, I have written a one page (front/back) information piece call “Ventilation Basics For Swine” to provide an overview of ventilation factors and principles that may help managers and barn personnel.
Ultimately the pig will tell you if they are cold by piling, legs tucked under their belly or indicate they are hot by spreading out and increasing their respiratory rate. The information may help producers understand the factors that need to be managed to provide the optimum environment for pigs at any time through their growth curve. Ventilation is a not case where “one size fits all”, each operation and potentially each barn may need to be ‘set’ slightly different.
One page can not address all aspects of ventilation. For additional information or questions about facilities on you farm, please feel free to contact: Dan Meyer, ISU Extension Ag Engineer (djmeyer@iastate.edu) or Mark Storlie (mstorlie@iastate.edu). Phone 563-425-3331.
“Whatever you think, be sure it is what you think; whatever you want, be sure that is what you want; whatever you feel, be sure that is what you feel.”
- T.S. Eliot (1888-1965)
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3. Ethanol By-products for Swine
I have recently had the opportunity to attend workshops regarding ethanol by-product. With new ethanol plants coming on line and some existing plants expanding, there is going to be more byproduct available to feed livestock. Swine producers can utilize a dried product called distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS). To best utilize DDGS, the producer should know the source, nutrient content and formulate diets appropriately.
Not all DDGS are created equally because ethanol plants may utilize different equipment and processes in the production of ethanol. Processing factors such as grain source, grinding fineness, cooking techniques, dilution, the quality of the fermentation process, type of distillation and evaporative process, ratio which solubles are added to the grain fraction and the DDGS drying process will impact the nutrient composition of DDGS. The more consistent the process is at the plant the more consistent the product is likely to be.
Given the potential DDGS nutrient variation between different production plants, producers are encouraged to work with one plant to minimize nutrient fluctuation that may impact animal performance. If DDGS are purchased from a broker or feed supplier, ask if they are working with a single source. Swine producers should ask if the ethanol plant has standardized operating procedure (SOP) for monitoring incoming grain for mycotoxins, manufacturing, handling “sour batches” (incomplete fermented batches) and nutrient analysis of the DDGS.
Producers must also beware that not all ethanol plants are marketing DDGS. Some plants are marketing a distiller dried grain (DDG- solubles not added back in). DDG is a different product than DDGS. It is higher in protein; however, without the solubles it has lower energy and a poorer amino acid profile with higher fiber.
Corn
DDGS
Distiller’s grains DDG
Distiller’s solubles
Crude protein, %
8 to 10
30.9
33.5
18.5
Crude fat, %
3.5
10.7
9.0
15.7
Crude fiber, %
1.8 to 2.5
7.2
9.5
2.5
Phosphorus, %
.24 to .34
0.75
0.54
1.28
Lysine, %
.22 to .32
0.90
1.05
0.68
Swine producers should view DDGS as an ingredient that will primarily replace corn. As a rule of thumb, DDGS nutrients levels are about 3 times that of corn. Nutrient variation is a real issue. DDGS values for protein may range from 29 to 32%, while lysine (a critical amino acid in a pig diet) has a wider range of values from 0.61 to 1.06%, and phosphorus may vary from .42 to .99%. Nutrient quality and availability is also an important consideration.
Currently, it is generally accepted that the color of the DDGS is the quickest and most economical estimator of quality. Swine producers should purchase only “golden” colored DDGS. Consider a color range of yellow (corn) to dark brown. As the DDGS becomes a darker shade it may indicate that the drying process was at too high of a temperature or for to long of a period and the protein has become denatured and may not be available to the pig. Color counts. Accurate nutrient analysis is needed from the source to formulate the swine diets.
Utilizing DDGS in swine diets is a source of protein, energy and an excellent source of available phosphorus. Maximum suggested inclusion of DDGS in the diet: nursery (15-50), finishing (50 – mkt), 20%; gestation, 30% and lactation, 20%.
Swine producers wanting to try DDGS feed are generally recommended to start at a low proportion of the diet like 10%. That would be adding 200 pounds of DDGS per ton of feed, replacing 146 lbs of corn, 55 lbs of soy meal and 6 pounds of dicalcium phosphate. Producers would add back 1 pound of lysine, 2 pound of white grease and 3 pounds of limestone with the distillers to make an equivalent ration. This book-value substitution will change based on the actual nutrient levels of DDGS.
At current prices there is a feed savings per ton when feeding DDGS. Previous research results have shown that producers can expect similar performance to a corn soy diet when feeding high quality DDGS. There is typically a reduction in yield in pigs on trials feeding DDGS, therefore groups of pigs being fed DDGS will likely need a couple days longer feeding period to reach the equivalent carcass weight of pigs fed a corn soy diet.
For additional information contact Mark Storlie, ISU Extension swine specialist or visit a comprehensive web site maintained by the U. of Minn. http://www.ddgs.umn.edu
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4. Danish Pork Industry- Antibiotics Prohibited as Growth Promoter
Iowa State University Extension Swine and Livestock Field Specialists
(Third in a series) By Mark Storlie and Dave Stender, ISU Extension swine field specialists
Denmark began a voluntary removal of antibiotics as growth promoters for finishing pigs in 1998. In 2000, the use of antibiotics as growth promoters was withdrawn for all swine. As of Jan. 1, 2006, the European Union, of which Denmark is a member, has prohibited the use of antibiotics as growth promoters in swine, cattle, poultry and rabbits. An antibiotic is “a chemical substance produced by a microorganism which has the capacity to inhibit the growth of and/or destroy other microorganisms,” but the term is used more generally to include all substances with antimicrobial activity. Antibiotics typically have been used for three purposes: treating illness, preventing disease and improving nutritional efficiency. Improving nutritional efficiency, also known as “growth promotion,” is related to providing a favorable condition in the animal’s intestine for the digestion of food.
The Danish Integrated Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring and Research Program (DANMAP) was established in 1995 by the Danish Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries and the Danish Ministry of Health. This was the initial step in the process of reducing the use of antibiotics as growth promoters. DANMAP’s objectives are to monitor consumption of antimicrobial agents (animal species and human); monitor antimicrobial resistance in humans and animals; and investigate associations of resistant bacteria from animals, food and humans.
History of legislation and industry agreements
While initial efforts to reduce the use of antibiotics as growth promoters (AGPs) began in 1995 with a national ban of avoparcin, it is appropriate to observe how initiatives and legislation progressed regarding animal welfare and AGPs because both issues are intertwined. Figure 1 shows the progression. Animal welfare issues are listed in green, while AGP issues are listed in black. The structure of the Danish pork industry has contributed to these initiatives, agreements and legislation. Domestic pork harvesting, processing and merchandising activities are handled by farmer-owned cooperatives. After years of consolidation, two cooperatives remain: Danish Crown (93% of commercial harvest) and TiCan (7%). Farmers agree through long-term contracts to deliver all of their production to the cooperative of their choice. Danske Slagterier (Danish Bacon and Meat Council) is organized to work with the swine industry cooperatives and farmers in trade relations, veterinarian services, production research and meat research. Because more than 90 percent of Danish pork production is exported either as live animals or meat, and the domestic market is quite demanding on quality, safety and welfare issues, the industry must focus on consumer and market demands.
Distribution and registration of veterinary medicines
Danish legislation mandates that distribution of all veterinary medicines takes place through authorized pharmacies based on veterinary prescriptions. Feed mills, which are subject to licensing and inspection, can hold licensed premixes for the purpose of manufacturing medicated feedstuffs. Farmers may obtain medicated feedstuffs from feed mills through a veterinary prescription for use in on-farm feed production.
Treatment of food producing animals may only occur if the product is directed toward a diagnosed infection and aimed at animal health, not growth promotion. Since mid-2000, any medications for food producing animals – including medicated feedstuffs, sera and vaccines - must be recorded by the veterinarian and reported through the official register - VETSTAT. Likewise, pharmacies and feed mills must report the processing and delivery of veterinary products to VETSTAT. Veterinarian reporting must include the veterinarian responsible for the treatment, the product prescribed, identification of the target herd, the species (including agegroup) and conditions to be treated. The veterinarian may, under certain conditions, supply products directly for the treatment of animals under his care, and the farmer must follow the advice and instructions given by the veterinarian. Instructions must be given in writing and must include identification of target animals, clinical symptoms that must be present before treatment, diagnosis, product and dosage, administration route and withdrawal period.
In 1996, legislation was passed to require routine farm visits by a veterinarian (12 per year) to assist producers on the use of medications and herd health related issues and to measure compliance with the national and EU animal welfare regulations. While not specifically stated, it could be inferred that the mandated visits were designed to maintain availability of local veterinary assistance after veterinarians were no longer allowed to directly sell medication. Farmers sign a “voluntary contract on veterinary advice” with a veterinarian. The objectives of these contracts are to improve the standard of health of the herd, to minimize the risk of infectious diseases, and to optimize the use of antibiotics in order to minimize development of bacterial resistance.
One producer we visited with was Henrik Hanghøj, who owns 750 group-housed sows near Dybvad. He told us that his veterinarian contract costs approximately $600 per month. The main components of the visit, which can last anywhere between 45 minutes and three hours, include reconciling medication usage records with medication inventory and a walk-through to observe animal health and welfare conditions provided on the farm. Treatment and preventative programs will be developed based on this regular interaction.
Producer records of veterinary medicines
When herd owners use registered medicines to treat food- or fur-producing animals, they must keep a journal detailing the animals treated, the product used, date and reason for treatment, dosage and administration route, responsible person and origin of product (if not administered by a veterinarian). This type of recording is not required for treatment with minerals or vitamin compounds. Medication records must be kept for five years.
Other restricted use compounds
Hormones and substances with hormone-like effects, including somatotropins, used for growth and carcass improvement purposes are not allowed to be used in food producing animals. Beta-agonists and substances with estrogenic, androgenic and gestagenic effects are prohibited for use in food producing animals.
Certain groups of medications may only be used by the veterinarian in person: analgesic injections (non-steroid antiinflammatory); anesthetics; injectable selenium; and hormones and compounds with hormonal effect such as oxytocin, progesterone, and prostaglandins.
Impacts of banning AGPs
The 1998 voluntary removal of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) for finishing pigs was accomplished through a tax, as well as market pressure by the processing/marketing cooperatives. Farmers were required either to pay a tax of ~$2.00 per head on animals for which the products were used or to agree to discontinue use. Faced with this tax, most producers stopped using the products at the finishing stage. Farmers generally reported few health problems and there was not a “public outcry” by producers against the removal. Some farms noted an increase in ileitis, which was confirmed with increased diagnostic submissions and clinical diagnosis.
The 2000 removal of all AGPs from the weaning stage presented greater challenges. Producers and veterinarians we talked with noted an increase in piglet diarrhea, higher mortality rate, decreased weight gains and greater weight variation within a group. Therapeutic medication was increased and health management and diet formulation became more focused to address these challenges.
While there is a move toward two-site production (movement to finishers at 30 kg. (66 lbs.), many Danish farms are farrow-to-finish operations with an average inventory of 350 sows. We had the opportunity to visit with two practicing veterinarians
who shared comments regarding producer challenges with the removal of AGPs and the disease pressure of Postweaning Multisystemic Wasting Syndrome (PMWS). They told us that health improvements resulted from changes in pig flow to all-in/all-out, improved farrowing house and nursery environments, and increasing weaning age from 21 days to 28 or 35 days. The importance of good sanitation was stressed. Dietary changes such as inclusion of fiber, restricted feeding the first two weeks in nursery, and using probiotics and diet acidification have been attempted. The Danish Ministry allows producers to use high-level zinc supplementation for the first two weeks in the nursery.
Danish antimicrobial usage
The removal of antibiotics as growth promoters lowered total antimicrobial usage. However, therapeutic usage of antimicrobials has been on the rise (Figure 2.). According to the 2004 DANMAP report, the yearly antimicrobial consumption in food animals was 112.5 metric tons, with swine accounting for 92.7 metric tons. Taking production into account, this equals 47 mg antimicrobial/kg of pork meat produced.
The 2005 Annual Report from the National Committee for Pig Production (NCPP) reported a 13 percent increase in antimicrobial usage in 2004 compared to 2003, while the increase in [pork] production was three percent. The report noted that between 2000 and 2004, nursery and finisher mortality rates increased, which might indicate greater disease prevalence in herds. PMWS and Lawsonia (ileitis) have contributed to increased antimicrobial usage. These diarrheal conditions require group treatment; results from a herd with ileitis “... show that group treatment administered via feed (7 day) resulted in significantly fewer sick and dead pigs, a significantly higher daily gain, and a lower feed conversion compared to pens in which 55 percent of the pigs were treated by injection for three days.”
Prudent use of antibiotics is stressed by the NCPP 2005 Annual Report: “Antibiotics must be used with care both for the sake of production economy and to ensure that we still have effective antibiotics and a high level of food safety. More efficient treatment and consumption of antibiotics can be obtained through herd strategies such as: evaluation of the effect of the administrated treatment; use of group treatment directed towards the sick pigs; use of hospital pens; adequate training of the staff and improvement of feed and housing facilities.”
U.S. antimicrobial usage in pork production
Antibiotics are important in swine production for treatment of illness, prevention of disease or improved nutritional efficiency. In 2003, a report by Iowa State University economists Dermot Hayes and Helen Jensen titled “Lessons from the Danish Ban on Feed-Grade Antibiotics” noted that if the U.S implemented a similar AGP ban, cost of production would likely increase by $3.00 to $4.50 per pig.
The Pork Checkoff’s “Take Care – Use Antibiotics Responsibly™” program outlines the USA pork industry position on antimicrobial usage: “Producers, veterinarians, and other foodchain participants share the concerns regarding the use of antibiotics as tools utilized in the production of our food supply. The responsible use of these products is beneficial both for the health and welfare of the animal and for food safety and human health. It is important to use antibiotics responsibly to minimize the development of antibiotic resistance, preserve their effectiveness and to maintain availability of these products. Antibiotics, and other health products, while important tools for good animal health, are only one component in a comprehensive herd health program. Antibiotics should not be used to replace good management, but rather as a supplement to management when appropriate.”
For more information, contact the Iowa Pork Industry Center at (800) 808-7675 or any ISU Extension swine/livestock field specialist. Field specialists are available to present information on the Danish pork industry or the specific issues of productivity, antibiotic growth promotants and animal welfare. Increasing the weaning age has improved piglet health in response to PMWS.
Figure 1. Animal Welfare & AGP’s: Danish Legislation, agreements, initiatives
1991 National Animal Protection Act
1992 Danish Council of Animal Ethics
1995 Farms visited 12 times per year by veterinarian (at least every 35 days)
1995 Voluntary agreement between National Committee for Pig Production and feedstuff industry to minimize use of AGPs
1995 National ban on avoparcin
1996 Veterinary Medical Act - Veterinarians no longer permitted to sell medication
1998 Voluntary ban of AGPs for finishers
1998 National tax on AGPs (~ $2 per pig)
1998 National ban on virginiamycin
1999 Regulation regarding indoor gestation housing
1999 EU ban: tylosin, bacitracin, spiramycin and virginiamycin EU ban: olaquindox and carbadox
2000 Voluntary agreement to ban AGPs for weaners
2000 VETSTAT database established - registers medication usage
2000 Regulation regarding indoor housing of sows, piglets, finishers
2001 Regulation regarding housing of outdoor pigs
2003 Compulsory training of all animal transporters
2003 More guidelines on tail docking, tooth grind & castration
2004 Ban use of electric prods
Figure 2. Consumption of prescribed antimicrobials and growth promoters
in animal production and prescribed antibacterials in humans,Denmark
Sources:Human therapeutics:The Danish Medicines Agency.Veterinary consumption 1990-2000:Data
based on reports from the pharmaceutical industry of total annual sales. (Data 1990-1994:Use of antibiotics
in the pig production.Federation of Danish pig producers and slaughterhouses. N.E.Rønn (Ed.).
1996-2000:Danish Medicines Agency and Danish Plant Directorate).2001-2004: Data from VetStat.
DANMAP 2004
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Niche pork market info article available
"The United States Pork Niche Market Phenomenon," published by the American Society of Animal Science. Lead author is ISU animal science faculty member Mark Honeyman, who guides the reader through discussions on alternative production, pork marketing, pork quality, and swine housing. The seven-page article in pdf format is available on the National Pork Board's Niche Pork Web site here: http://www.nichepork.org/Documents/Honeyman2006.pdf
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Getting ahead in a difficult profession requires avid faith in yourself. That is why some people with mediocre talent,
but with great inner drive, go much further than people with vastly superior talent.”
- Sophia Loren (1934- )
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6. Manure Issues
** New MMP forms available and required
Iowa producers with confinement feeding operations who need to submit new manure management plans should always use the most current version of those forms. In fact, outdated forms will not be accepted by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources after Sept. 1, 2006. Producers will be asked to resubmit their information on the new forms. To avoid any possible delays in construction or manure application, producers should obtain and start using the correct forms now. Those forms are available on the DNR Web site on this page: www.iowadnr.gov/afo/forms.html On the Iowa Manure Management Action Group web site at this URL www.extension.agron.iastate.edu/immag/hp/hpaug06.html, you can read more about the newest forms and the need for producers submitting manure management plans for construction, expansion or modification of an operation to include the written manure agreements. Also, producers must also submit the Iowa Phosphorus Index for each field in the plan and the soil loss equations that support each of the Phosphorus Index calculations.
** Soil Testing - DNR Manure Management Plan (MMP) Requirements
Depending on when some of you or your clients initiated a DNR MMP, deadlines are approaching for plans based on the P index in accordance with DNR rules as indicated in the table below.
Implementation Date for P-index Based Manure Management Plans
Original MMP Submitted P-index Based MMP Update Due
Prior to April 1, 2002 First update after Aug. 25, 2008
Between Apr. 1, 2002 & Oct. 24, 2004 First update after Aug. 25, 2006
On and after Oct. 25, 2004 Upon submittal
If the P index is required, submit a NRCS P index detailed report containing a P index for each field in the MMP. The P index requires a recent soil test (within the last 4 years) sampled according to the guidelines below (1-8). Additionally, when the P index is required, the MMP must include the RUSLE2 Profile Erosion Calculation Record document for each field.
1) Soil samples shall be taken from each field in a MMP at least once every 4 years.
2) Each sample must be analyzed for P and pH.
3) Soil samples may be taken by soil map unit, management zone, or grid sampling.
4) Each soil sample must be a composite of at least 10 cores from the sampling area.
5) Each core taken must represent the top 6 inches of the soil.
6) Each soil sample can represent no more than 10 acres, unless the size of the field is 15 acres or less, then only one sample is necessary. If manure is applied at a P-based rate and the P-index is Very Low, Low, or Medium between sampling years, the sample can represent up to 20 acres.
7) Soil analysis must be completed at a laboratory enrolled in the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship's soil testing certification program.
http://www.agriculture.state.ia.us/certlabs.htm
8) If soil pH is greater than or equal to 7.4, the Bray P1 extraction method is not suitable for analysis. Use the Mehlich-3 or Olsen test.
** FALL STALK NITRATE TEST … Sample Between Black Layer & Harvest
A good end-of-season test to help determine if nitrogen fertilizer/manure recommendations are on track is the Fall Stalk Nitrate Test. The instructions for the test are in the following publication.
www.extension.iastate.edu/Publications/PM1584.pdf
The publication says to sample at 1 to 3 weeks after black layer. Later work by Dr. Blackmer indicated that the sampling could even be done at harvest time. This could make sampling easier. Raise the combine head high enough in various spots in the field so that you can go back to those spots to collect the 15 eight-inch stalk segments RIGHT AFTER harvest. Many different labs run the test. If you chose to send your samples to ISU, the following link provides you with ISU’s sample submission form.
www.agron.iastate.edu/soiltesting/CSN.pdf
information on manure, manure plans, ect. :
- IMMAG Web site at http://extension.agron.iastate.edu/immag/mac.html
- DNR Web site at http://www.iowadnr.com/afo/appcert.html
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7. Enough … long enough
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8a. Swine CALENDAR
2006
Nov. 9-10. 14th Annual Swine Disease Conference for Swine Practitioners, Ames, Iowa
More info: 2006 Swine Disease Practitioners Conference
2007
Jan. 24-25. Iowa Pork Congress, Hy-Vee Hall, Des Moines, Iowa
More info: http://www.iowaporkcongress.org/
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8c. Other Ag CALENDAR
2006
Nov. 10-11. Ag Link, provided by Beginning Farmer Center at ISU, Ames.
& Feb 9-10 Four-day program helps families make the transition to a multiple generation farm business.
ISU students will receive up to two credits. Cost is $200 for four participants. Registration deadline is Nov. 1, 2006.