Iowa State University (ISU) Extension, Iowa Pork Industry Center (IPIC) and Iowa Pork Producers Association are sponsoring the seminars in LeMars and Norfolk, Nebraska in cooperation with University of Nebraska Extension and Nebraska Pork Producers Association.

The seminar dates and locations are Wednesday, 23 June, at the Lifelong Learning Center in Norfolk, Neb. and Thursday, 24 June, at the Plymouth County Extension Office in LeMars. Registration at both sites begins at 9:30 a.m. with the first session starting at 10 a.m. The final breakout session will end about 3:30 p.m.

ISU Extension swine programme specialist Dave Stender said the seminars are designed for those who own, manage or work with breeding herd operations.

“You’ll learn about current topics and techniques in reproduction management from the best people in the business,“ Dr Stender said. “The afternoon breakout sessions allow time to ask specific questions of the presenters.“

In addition to Dr Stender, seminar presenters are University of Illinois swine reproduction specialist Rob Knox, University of Nebraska Extension swine specialist Duane Reese, senior clinician Rodney “Butch“ Baker from ISU’s Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine department, IPIC director John Mabry and Todd Stumpf of Danbred.

Topics range from disease cleanup strategies to gilt development case studies to quality mating overview and new technology options. Some sessions will feature demonstrations of financial modeling spreadsheets and individual and group tracking software.

Cost is $35 per person which includes a pork lunch and other refreshments. A multiple-attendee discount is available, and people should contact Stender for that amount. Preregistration is strongly encouraged to assure an accurate meal count. To register for either site, contact Stender by phone at (712) 225-6196, by fax at (712) 225-3173 or by e-mail.