Iowa Pork Regional Conferences set for February

AMES — The annual series of Iowa Pork Regional Conferences has been a long-standing partnership of Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, and the Iowa Pork Industry Center.

The shared goal of bringing research and education to producers continues with this year's topics and speakers.

Speakers and topics

Brian Blumhagen, director of operations, Altenburg Construction. Better understand what to inspect in your hog barns, when you need to consider doing major repairs, and what the repair, remodel or replacement costs will be.

Dr. Chris Rademacher, ISU Extension and Outreach swine veterinarian. Composting practices to implement in your day-to-day operation and in the event of a foreign animal disease.

ISU Extension and Outreach agricultural engineers. Practical ways to improve barn ventilation, manage ventilation-related costs and run your facilities more efficiently.

Gracie Greiner Marlow, IPPA’s sustainability manager. National Pork Board’s Pork Cares Farm Impact Reports provide data for the producer by tracking, measuring and monitoring conservation efforts in their operation.

ISU Extension and Outreach swine specialists. Those whose coverage area includes a conference site will provide information and updates on issues and opportunities in those respective areas.

Conference dates and locations

There are four sessions, one each day Feb. 24-27 at different locations. The program runs from 12:30-4:30 p.m. with lunch served at 12:30 p.m. at each location.

All sessions are free.

Monday, Feb. 24 — Orange City, ISU Extension and Outreach Sioux County Office, 400 Central Ave. NW, Suite 700.

Tuesday, Feb. 25 — Nashua, Borlaug Learning Center, 3327 290th St.

Wednesday, Feb. 26 — Algona, ILCC Tietz Entrepreneurial Center, 2111 Highway 169 N.

Thursday, Feb. 27 — Washington, ISU Extension and Outreach Washington County Office, 2223 250th St.

Check-in starts 30 minutes before the start of the session at all locations. Preregister at iowapork.org/producers/resources/regional-conferences for the conference location you wish to attend to ensure adequate materials and food are available to all.

Or call IPPA at 800-372-7675 or email IPPA at info@iowapork.org to preregister.

The Thursday sessions will be recorded and made available on the IPPA website after the conference series is complete.