The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) has announced its 2026 Iowa Pork Regional Conferences, a series of one-day educational events designed to bring timely research, practical tools, and industry insight directly to pork producers and industry stakeholders across the state.
The conferences are tailored for pork producers, owners and operators, contract growers, production employees, veterinarians, and allied industry professionals. Each event will focus on science-based, production-relevant topics addressing herd health, facility management, and emerging challenges facing modern pork operations.
The regional conferences are hosted in partnership with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the Iowa Pork Industry Center.
2026 Iowa Pork Regional Conference Dates & Locations
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Monday, February 23 – Algona
Iowa Lakes Community College – Tietz Entrepreneurial Center
2111 Hwy. 169 N -
Tuesday, February 24 – Orange City
Sioux County Extension Office
400 Central Ave. N.W., Suite 700 -
Wednesday, February 25 – Independence
Heartland Acres Event Center
2600 Swan Lake Blvd. A -
Thursday, February 26 – Washington
Washington County Extension Office
2223 250th St.
Each conference will run 12:30–4:30 p.m., with lunch served beginning at 12:30 p.m.
Conference Highlights & Featured Topics
Attendees can expect a strong mix of applied research, practical management strategies, and forward-looking discussion, including:
Your Waterlines Could Be Impacting Growth Performance
Dr. Gabi Doughan – Swine Medicine Education Center, Iowa State University
A closer look at how water quality, biofilm buildup, and mineral deposits influence pig health, medication effectiveness, and growth performance — along with practical steps for monitoring and maintaining water systems.
Values of Hog Facilities and Trends for the Future
Ben Isaacson – Growthland
An overview of current drivers of hog facility values and broader trends shaping the future of pork infrastructure and investment decisions.
It’s Still Peacetime, But Are You Prepared for a Foreign Animal Disease?
Representatives from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS)
Insights into preparedness planning for foreign animal diseases such as African swine fever and foot-and-mouth disease, including producer responsibilities and available state resources.
Hot Topics in Swine Health
Dr. Chris Rademacher – Swine Extension Veterinarian and Clinical Professor
Updates on disease surveillance tools and current issues including PRRS, PED, E. coli, and emerging swine health concerns.
More Tools for Your Toolbox
Area Extension Swine Specialists – Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
Practical, decision-ready tools and solutions aimed at improving efficiency and addressing common on-farm production challenges.
Registration Information
Pre-registration is encouraged to ensure adequate seating and materials. Producers and industry professionals may register:
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Online
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By phone: (515) 225-7675 or (800) 372-7675
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By email: info@iowapork.org
For those unable to attend in person, the Thursday, February 26 session will be recorded and made available online following the event.
