SowBridge, the distance educational series for those who work with sows, boars and piglets, and with genetic and reproductive issues, begins its next program year in early February, and registration is now underway. The series will be provided online through Zoom, although participants will be able to use a call-in option instead if they prefer.
Sherry Hoyer, communication specialist with Iowa Pork Industry Center at Iowa State University, said suggestions from participants guide the selection of future topics and speakers, and the live interaction with session speakers will not change.
“SowBridge provides all participants with the opportunity to hear directly from experts, and to contact those experts following the individual sessions,” she said.
Sessions generally are held on the first Wednesday of the month and run from 11:15 a.m. to about 12:15 p.m. central time. One exception this year: the fifth session is moved up one week to May 31 to avoid conflicts with World Pork Expo.
During each session, participants can ask questions of the industry expert presenter from the comfort of their home, office or swine unit. Each registration provides access to one Zoom connection per session and all program materials provided by presenters.
The cost is $200 ($U.S.) for the first registration, and half that amount for each subsequent registration from the same entity.
Registration is due Jan. 20, 2023, to ensure participants have access to materials for the first session on Feb. 1. A flyer with information and a registration form is available on the IPIC website.
The 2023-2024 program session dates and topics are as follows.
Feb. 1: Why the concern with feral pigs?
March 1: Identifying ASF at barn level
April 5: FAD frontline response battles
May 3: Managing heat check boars
May 31: Antimicrobial use and resistance
July 5: Scours management and mitigation
Aug. 2: Managing fevers post farrowing
Sept. 6: Farm security - How to keep your barn secure
Oct. 4: Identifying sick sows early / individual sow care
Nov. 1: Farrowing assistance practices.
Dec. 6: Importance of record keeping
Jan. 3. 2024: Sow mortality considerations
For more information on the sessions or registration, contact Hoyer by phone at 515-294-4496 or email shoyer@iastate.edu. SowBridge is provided through a cooperative effort of 15 colleges and universities from the nation’s major swine producing states.
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