AMES, Iowa – Keeping abreast of changes in regulations that affect their business is vital for Iowa pork producers. This year’s Iowa Pork Regional Conference series helps meet that need with presentations on vaccine and antibiotic changes, factors affecting swine markets, and updates on state and national environmental issues.
The Iowa Pork Industry Center, Iowa Pork Producers Association and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach cosponsor this annual series at different sites around the state.
This year’s dates of Feb. 19-22 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 all pork operation employers, managers and staff are encouraged to attend. Walk-in registration is $5 per person, payable at the door. The conference brochure (pdf) has details and a registration form. To preregister, people should call IPPA at 800-372-7675 or email Cara Vanderheiden or Drew Mogler.
Conference dates and locations are as follows:
- Monday, Feb. 19 – Nashua, Borlaug Learning Center, 3327 290th St.
- Tuesday, Feb. 20 – Carroll, Carroll County Extension Office, 1205 W U.S. Highway 30, Ste G
- Wednesday, Feb. 21 – Le Mars, Plymouth County Extension Office, 251 12th St SE
- Thursday, Feb. 22 – Washington, Washington County Extension Office, 2223 250th St.
Helping producers understand their responsibilities when it comes to environmental regulation compliance is the focus of Eldon McAfee’s presentation. With more than 25 years of experience as a practicing attorney and now with Brick Gentry Law Firm, he will provide practical aspects of compliance with Iowa Department of Natural Resources regulations and update attendees on the Environmental Protection Agency’s notice to livestock farms on reporting air emissions. He’ll also talk about current related legislation in the Iowa statehouse.
Extension livestock economist Lee Schulz will talk about a variety of factors that affect a producer’s bottom line, including exports, domestic demand, expansion and new packing plants. He’ll also review forecasts for input costs and 2018 market hog values, and share insight on managing risk in the coming year.
With the first full year of the Food and Drug Administration’s changes to antibiotic usage now in the books, Dr. Chris Rademacher, extension swine veterinarian, will describe those changes and what the industry has learned because of the changes. He’ll also talk about non-antibiotic alternatives, good practices for using vaccines in water and new technologies for vaccines.
At their respective locations, ISU Extension and Outreach swine specialists will provide updates on ventilation management, preparation for the Common Swine Industry Audit and opportunities for research trial collaboration. They’ll also share upcoming educational opportunities and available decision tools.
The swine specialists also will lead PQA Plus training from 9:30 a.m. to noon the day of each session. This training also is available at no charge to those who preregister. The conference brochure registration form has a check box for this training. You also can indicate your attendance by calling IPPA at 800-372-7675 or emailing cvanderheiden@iowapork.org