SHIC, FFAR, and Pork Checkoff Issue Second H5N1 Risk to Swine Request for Proposals
The Swine Health Information Center, in collaboration with the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research and the Pork Checkoff, are inviting a second round of proposal submissions from qualified researchers for funding consideration in its H5N1 Risk to Swine Research Program. The research should address H5N1 Risk to Swine research priorities not yet adequately addressed. Topic areas include 1) surveillance, 2) introduction risks, 3) caretakers, 4) biosecurity, 5) pork safety, 6) production impact, and 7) business continuity.
Total funding available in this RFP is $1.8 million, SHIC said in a release. Individual awards are capped at $250,000, however, proposals may exceed cap if sufficient justification is provided. Matching funds are encouraged but not required; the $250K cap applies to only those funds requested from SHIC/FFAR/NPB. All projects should strive to have a high impact, show value to pork producers, and have pork industry-wide benefit.
The deadline for proposal submission is 5 p.m. CT on March 24. The proposal template and instructions for completion and submission can be found here. Proposals should clearly state which SHIC/FFAR/NPB H5N1 Risk to Swine Research Priorities will be addressed through the project. Projects proposing to expand previously funded work from the first RFP that align with the research priorities of this solicitation will also be considered for funding.
Outcomes from the funded projects will provide critical information producers, veterinarians and industry stakeholders can use to better prevent incursion and develop preparedness plans if H5N1 is identified in US commercial swine herds.
Iowa Pork Producers Association Announces 2026 Regional Conferences
The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) unveiled the 2026 Iowa Pork Regional Conferences, a series of one-day educational events designed to deliver timely research, practical tools and industry insights directly to pork producers and stakeholders across Iowa.
The 2026 Iowa Pork Regional Conferences are designed for pork producers and owners/operators, contract growers, production employees, veterinarians, allied industry professionals and other swine industry stakeholders. These conferences provide valuable, science-based information on swine production, herd health, facility management and emerging issues impacting pork operations of all sizes. Each conference is hosted in partnership with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the Iowa Pork Industry Center.
2026 Regional Conference Dates & Locations:
Monday, February 23 – Algona, Iowa Lakes Community College – Tietz Entrepreneurial Center, 2111 Hwy. 169 N
Tuesday, February 24 – Orange City, Sioux County Extension Office, 400 Central Ave. N.W., Suite 700
Wednesday, February 25 – Independence, Heartland Acres Event Center, 2600 Swan Lake Blvd. A
Thursday, February 26 – Washington, Washington County Extension Office, 2223 250th St.
Conference Highlights & Topics:
Attendees will benefit from a range of presentations focused on production-relevant research and practical management strategies, including:
Your Waterlines Could be Impacting Growth Performance
Gabi Doughan with Swine Medicine Education Center at Iowa State University will discuss how water quality, biofilm buildup and mineral deposits can influence pig health, medication effectiveness and overall growth performance — plus practical steps to monitor and maintain water systems.
Values of Hog Facilities and Trends for the Future
Ben Isaacson with Growthland will explore current drivers of hog facility values and broader trends shaping the future of pork infrastructure and operations.
It’s Still Peacetime, But Are You Prepared for a Foreign Animal Disease?
Representatives of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) will share critical insights on preparedness planning for foreign animal diseases like African swine fever and foot-and-mouth disease, including producer roles and available resources.
Hot Topics in Swine Health
Chris Rademacher, swine Extension veterinarian and clinical professor, will review the latest in disease surveillance tools, updates on PRRS, PED, E. coli and other emerging health concerns for swine herds.
More Tools for Your Toolbox
Regional extension specialists will offer practical, decision-ready tools and solutions to support efficient pork production and help solve common production challenges.
