Pig Day Out, on Friday, 11 March, at the Medina Research Station, has been organised by the Department of Agriculture and Food with the Western Australian Pork Producers Association.

Department spokesman Hugh Payne said a wide range of topics would be covered including biogas production, sow housing options and Artificial Insemination.

“These are all key issues that will enhance the efficiency and integrity of pork production in Western Australia,“ Mr Payne said. “Producers attending will benefit from the knowledge to be gained from an expert panel of presenters.“

Speakers will include:

• Stephan Heubeck from New Zealand’s National Institute for Water and Atmospheric Research (biogas from effluent);
• Dr Pieter Langendijk from the South Australian Research and Development Institute (pre- and post-weaning management of the sow, and timing of A.I. and A.I. in a crate-less world), and;
• Dr Paul Hemsworth from the Animal Welfare Science Centre at Melbourne University (group size and space allowance for sows).

“Dr Sasha Jenkins from the University of Western Australia will present findings from her studies on the development microbial populations in the Medina pond and Janine Price from Australian Pork Limited will provide information on carbon credits for pork producers,“ Mr Payne said.

Producers will also be able to inspect the covered pond biogas system at the Medina Station as part of the Pig Day Out programme.