Pork producers can learn more about ventilation of hog buildings from the inside out through a series of free workshops in March.

Iowa Pork Industry Center joins Iowa Pork Producers Association and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in offering “Managing Your Unseen Employee: The Ventilation System.” The workshops will be held at six different Iowa locations.

IPIC swine specialist Colin Johnson says this daylong workshop provides a two-pronged approach to understanding issues and consequences of decisions by combining classroom instruction with hands-on trials and application of knowledge gained in a real-world setting.

“Producers often question the efficiencies of their systems and are challenged seasonally in adjusting air exchange rates and the ventilation components within their barns,” Johnson says. “Iowa’s climate can provide a challenge, but we aim to equip producers with the knowledge to make the best use of both their heating and cooling mechanisms within a given barn.”

Learn basics of ventilation
The classroom sessions include the basics of ventilation systems, effective temperature requirements, troubleshooting tools and techniques. Producers will learn how to optimally ventilate their barns while keeping pigs of varying growth stages healthy and productive.

Following the classroom learning segments, Johnson says attendees will see the impacts that design, maintenance and management can have on various ventilation practices through use of Iowa State’s 24-foot mobile Swine Ventilation Trailer.

“A valuable and much-appreciated benefit of these mobile workshops with ISU’s ventilation trailer is the ability to try one’s hand at investigating ventilation and controller settings without risk of on-farm biosecurity breaches,” he says. “This experience is invaluable for producers and employees who are responsible for building upkeep and ventilation on their farms.”

Preregistration required
All workshops run from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Registration starts at 9 a.m. Thanks to IPPA and other local sponsors, registration and the noon meal at all workshops are free. However, preregistration is required due to space limitations. Preregister by contacting the ISU Extension swine specialist listed for the location you wish to attend.

Workshop dates, locations and preregistration contacts are:

• March 1 — Sutherland, Northwest Research and Demonstration Farm, 6320 500th St. Contact David Stender at [email protected] or 712-225-6196.

• March 6 — Mason City, NIACC, 500 College Drive. Contact Russ Euken at [email protected] or 641-923-2856.

• March 7 — Montezuma, Meyer Seed and Chemical, 5204 Highway 63. Contact Colin Johnson at [email protected] or 515-291-9287.

• March 8 — Washington, National Guard Armory, 501 Highway 1 S. Contact Tom Miller at [email protected] or 319-653-4811.

• March 20 — Postville, Postville Veterinary Clinic, 110 Hyman Drive. Contact Mark Storlie at [email protected] or 563-425-3331.

• March 21 — Cresco, Featherlite Center, 220 Seventh St. W. Contact Mark Storlie at [email protected] or 563-425-3331.

• March 22 — Harlan, Ahrenholtz Construction, 2803 Southwest Ave. Contact Erik Potter at [email protected] or 515-460-5609.

Source: Iowa State University