Since 2005, the distance educational series PorkBridge has provided relevant and accurate information for those who own, manage or work in swine grow-finish facilities.

Ken Stalder, Iowa State University animal science professor and Extension swine specialist, is the Iowa contact for the program, which offers participants six opportunities each year to hear from industry experts on topics relevant to those who are involved in grow-finish operations.

The 2019 program begins Feb. 7 with sessions every other month through Dec. 5, Stalder says. A committee of faculty and staff from 11 land-grant universities plans the topics and presenter schedules based on industry needs and trends, and input from participants. Individual sessions start at 11:30 a.m. and last no more than an hour.

Stay updated
“Producers and others in the industry can get the information they need without the hassle of traveling or giving up an entire day to attend a meeting,” Stalder says. “PorkBridge participants can take part where it works best for them whether at home, in an office or in the swine unit. And all can listen later to the audio we record of each live session.”

PorkBridge session information is provided through electronic materials and a live speaker presentation via teleconference. About a week before each session, participants receive a Web link to download the session’s presentation and any information provided by the presenter.

Participants call in for the audio portion of each session and follow along with their own copy of the presentation on their computer or other device. There also is an option to request that the electronic materials be mailed via CD.

Lower fee this year
Stalder says there’s an added incentive to participate this year. “We’ve lowered the registration price to $100 for the entire series,” he says. “We recognize the challenges and hardships in the industry, and by decreasing the cost $25, we hope people will see even more value in participating.”

Each subsequent registration from the same entity is $50. Registration provides access to one phone line per session and all program materials, including audio recordings of the live session. Program costs differ for those with mailing addresses outside of the U.S.

For information, contact Sherry Hoyer at Iowa Pork Industry Center at Iowa State at 515-294-4496 or [email protected].

Register by Jan. 15
To get an idea of the format and content of PorkBridge sessions, see a YouTube video, showing Dale Ricker speaking on “Sights, Sounds and Smells of a Normal Finisher Barn” in 2017.

The subscription form and payment must be received by Jan. 15 to ensure receipt of program materials in time for the first session Feb. 7. The program brochure offers details and the registration form. Iowa residents can call Stalder at 800-808-7675 for information.

Tune in to sessions
Here are the dates, speakers and their industry affiliations, and the topics they will discuss:

• Feb. 7. Patrick Webb, National Pork Board, on “FAD Awareness”

• April 4. Melissa Wilson, University of Minnesota, on “Current Manure Value: Getting the Most from Manure”

• May 30. Jesse McCoy, Neogen, on “Water Quality Considerations”

• Aug. 1. Dusty Compart and Chris Murphy, Compeer Financial, on “Contract Growing: The Ins and Outs”

• Oct. 3. Brett Ramirez, Iowa State University, on “Controlling Barn Environment”

• Dec. 5. Max Rodibaugh, AMVC, on “Timely Intervention of Sick Pigs”  

The Iowa Pork Industry Center was established in 1994 as a coordinated effort of the colleges of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine at ISU. Its mission is to promote efficient pork production technologies in Iowa, maintain Iowa's pork industry leadership and strengthen rural development efforts.

IPIC focuses its efforts on programs that are integral and complementary to ISU Extension. Through IPIC, Iowa producers receive accurate and timely information to make their operations more efficient and profitable.

Source: Iowa State University