“We asked participants for suggestions on topics and speakers so that we can tailor the content to topics people are currently interested in,“ Mr Knox said. “SowBridge provides all participants with the opportunity to hear directly from experts and to contact those experts following the individual sessions for more information if needed.“

Mr Knox, who also is the Illinois contact for SowBridge, said the programme is intended for people involved in managing or caring for boars, sows, and/or their litters, including operation owners, employees, technicians, managers, and technical service providers. SowBridge is designed to improve the understanding and application of various tools and techniques involved in daily care of the breeding herd and piglets.

“People from the United States, Canada, Australia, Ireland, and West Indies took part in this past year’s programme, and they told us they appreciated having the opportunity for all employees to participate in the sessions without requiring any travel or other expenses,“ Mr Knox said. “With the live phone presentation and slideshow viewed on computer, participants do not need Internet access and can participate from anywhere.“

Entities with more than one location have the opportunity to add locations at a lower rate. The cost is $250 for the first registration from an entity and $125 for each subsequent subscription from the same entity. This provides access to one phone line per session and all program materials for each registration. Mr Knox said materials, delivery process, and programme costs are slightly different for those with non-US mailing addresses and encouraged potential subscribers from outside the US to contact Sherry Hoyer by phone at 515-294-4496 or email [email protected] for more information.

Before each session, US subscribers receive a CD containing that session’s presentation, along with information on accessing the live speaker presentation. Most participants will call a toll-free conference line to listen to and interact with presenters. Each session begins at 11:30 a.m. Central Time and lasts approximately 45 minutes.

Mr Knox said the year-long program is offered by subscription only with an October 15 deadline to ensure participants will receive materials for the first session on November 7.

A brochure with information and a registration form is available on the University of Illinois SwineReproNet http://www.livestocktrail.illinois.edu/swinerepronet/ website under EVENTS, then click on the SowBridge Event to see the brochure that is an attached file on the bottom of the page. Illinois residents who want more information can email Mr Knox at [email protected] or call 217-244-5177.

SowBridge is sponsored by a group of 11 state universities, including the University of Illinois, from the major swine-producing states.