The 2TS Focus on Breeding event will run in the north first and be repeated in the south the following day. Producers will be able to discuss current knowledge on sow reproduction and management with international experts, Professor Bas Kemp and Dr Nicoline Soede, both from the Animal Science Department at Wageningen University, and Dr Hanneke Feitsma from IPG Netherlands.

BPEX Head of Knowledge Transfer, Research and Development, Dr Mike Varley said: "Success in pig reproduction has always been a principal component of successful pig production. To achieve our goals within the Two-Tonne Sow programme, it is imperative to maximise the production of high quality piglets per sow per year at least cost.

"This in turn is achieved by producing an optimum litter size coupled with good conception and farrowing rates. Breeding performance is the real starting point for making it up the Two-Tonne ladder."

The programme of topics is as follows:

• Insemination strategies – Dr Soede
• Future AI technologies – Dr Feitsma
• Second litter drop syndrome – Professor Kemp
• Establishing pregnancy – Professor Kemp
• Stress and reproduction – Dr Soede
• Lactation – Professor Kemp
• Panel: Questions and Answers

The dates and venues are:

• The Racecourse, York Road, Wetherby, West Yorkshire, LS22 5EJ, Wednesday 27 October, 14:30-19:00
• Stadium:mk, Stadium Way, West Milton Keynes, Bucks, MK1 1ST, Thursday 28 October, 13:00-17:30.

A hot buffet meal will be served at the end of both days. Attendance is free and places will be allocated on a strictly 'first come, first served basis'. Producers will be given priority.

To reserve a place, please email details to [email protected] or telephone: 0247 647 8792. Directions to the venue will be sent to delegates before the event.