The Iowa Pork Industry Center (IPIC), Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) and Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach cosponsor this annual series at four sites around the state.

IPIC extension programme specialist Colin Johnson said the conference will offer information for owners, operators and others in the industry.

"Veterinarians, swine industry stakeholders, production employees and contract growers all will find useful information they can use at the conference," he said.

Mr Johnson said Eldon McAfee, attorney for Beving, Swanson & Forrest PC, will speak on two topics: Regulatory, Environmental and Nuisance Case Update and Protecting Yourself through Contracts and Liens. Mr McAfee will present practical aspects of compliance with the Iowa DNR regulations along with ways to protect the environment. He’ll also cover the need for producers to better understand contracts and liens to help protect their businesses.

Speakers Eric Burrough and Rodger Main of the ISU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory will talk about the re-emergence of swine dysenteryand ISU Extension swine programme specialists will present information on the importance of detailed and accurate records through the production chain. From benchmarking performance to improving efficiencies, good recordkeeping skills and practices are vital to today’s producers.

All sessions run from 1 to 4:30 p.m. There is no cost for those preregistered at least two business days prior to each location date. Walk-in registration is $5 per person, payable at the door. More information, including a link to the programme brochure, is available on the IPIC Web site. To preregister, call IPPA at 800-372-7675 or 515-225-7675 or email [email protected].

Programme dates and locations are as follows:

• Tuesday, 6 March, Carroll, Carroll County Extension Office, 1205 West US Hwy 30, Suite G
• Wednesday, 7 March, Sheldon, Northwest Iowa Community College, 603 West Park Street, Building A, Room 119
• Thursday, 8 March, Nashua, Borlaug Learning Center, 3327 290th St.
• Friday, 9 March, Iowa City, Johnson County Extension Office, 3109 Old Hwy. 218 S.

New this year is the opportunity for attendees to renew their Pork Quality Assurance Plus certification. The training will be held from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at each regional conference location and is offered at no charge to those who preregister specifically for it. Preregister for this recertification by contacting IPPA’s Tyler Bettin at [email protected].