Duane Reese, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension swine specialist, explained: "PorkBridge provides relevant and accurate information on specific topics to people who own, manage or work in swine grow-finish facilities. Producers and others in the industry can get the information they need without the hassle of traveling or giving up a whole day to attend a meeting."

Dr Reese, who also is the Nebraska contact for PorkBridge, said the program is provided through a unique delivery method. It combines electronic information viewed on computer with live oral presentations by topic experts via phone. The week before each session, subscribers receive a CD containing that session's topic-specific presentation and additional information. Each session is approximately 90 minutes, beginning at noon Central Time.

One of the best reasons to participate is the continued low cost of the programme, Dr Reese said.

He added: "We're happy to be able to keep the cost for participating in this subscription-only series at $125, the same as the very first year. This covers materials and phone calls for all six sessions, which are scheduled on an every other month basis from June through April 2011. People need to enrol by May 25, in order to participate in the first session on June 10."

An informational brochure with subscription information is available on the Iowa Pork Industry Center web site [click here]. Nebraska residents who want more information can call Dr Reese at (402) 472-6425.

Session dates, speakers, their industry affiliations and topics are as follows:

• 10 June: Bob Thaler, South Dakota State University: Mycotoxins – What We've Learned and What You Need to Know
• 5 August: Larry Jacobson and David Schmidt, University of Minnesota: Current Understanding on Pit Foaming, Barn Explosions and Safety Precautions
• 7 October: Mike Brumm, Brumm Swine Consultancy Inc.: Preparing Your Ventilation and Heating Systems for Winter's Challenges
• 9 December: Allan Evers, Cooper Farms, and Matt Ritter, Elanco Animal Health: Going Hot-Shot Free: Tips to Improve Hog Handling
• 3 February 2011: Michelle Sprague, AMVC Management Services: Euthanasia Techniques, Tools and Protocols
• 7 April 2011: Jennifer Greiner, National Pork Producers Council: National Update on the Livestock Antibiotic Use Issue

IPIC coordinates all programme details, including registration and subscriber mailings. Mark Whitney and Lee Johnston of the University of Minnesota coordinate the PorkBridge programme.