Environment, swine health to be discussed at Iowa Pork summer conferences

Free seminars that address current environmental issues and the Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV) that has decimated the Iowa and U.S. swine herd will be held in July for Iowa hog farmers.

The Iowa Pork Producers Association is partnering with the Iowa Pork Industry Center at Iowa State University in Ames to offer five meetings around the state. IPPA encourages all Iowa hog farmers to attend one of these valuable meetings.

“IPPA is strongly committed to investing Pork Checkoff funds toward research and outreach that can advance our mission of educating for a sustainable, socially responsible, profitable and globally competitive industry,” said Tyler Bettin, IPPA producer education director.

The featured presenters are IPPA legal counsel Eldon McAfee and Rodney “Butch” Baker, DVM, director of the Iowa Pork Industry Center.

McAfee will discuss practical aspects of compliance with Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ regulations, as well as other environmental compliance and protection. He will talk about state and federal regulatory efforts and provide current Iowa nuisance case information. McAfee also plans to cover details of the work plan between the Iowa DNR and EPA while offering considerations for farmers to be best prepared for on-site inspections.

PEDV has been devastating for many pig farmers over the past year and IPPA has committed nearly $350,000 toward PEDV research at ISU to better understand and control the disease. Dr. Baker will highlight research progress to date and discuss how producers may be impacted by recently announced USDA reporting requirements. He will highlight biosecurity and control considerations to help producers prevent exposure and limit impacts on the herd.

Conference dates and locations are as follows:

• Tuesday, July 15 – Le Mars, Le Mars Convention Center
• Thursday, July 17 – Carroll, Swan Lake Conservation Education Center
• Tuesday, July 22 – Manchester, Delaware County Community Center
• Wednesday, July 23 – Washington, Washington County Extension Office
• Thursday, July 24 – Dows, Dows Community Center

All of the meetings will be held from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and are free for those who pre-register or just $5 at the door.

Source: Iowa Pork Producers Association