SDSU Extension is inviting swine producers to join this year’s SowBridge, the distance educational series provided by the Iowa Pork Industry Center at Iowa State University.
Registration is now open for SowBridge, a series for those who work with sows, boars and piglets, and in swine genetic and reproductive areas. The series begins its 2023-‘24 program year in early February, and will be provided online through Zoom. Participants can use a call-in option instead if they prefer.
The SowBridge series is provided through a cooperative effort of 15 colleges and universities from the nation’s major swine producing states. Ryan Samuel, SDSU Extension Swine Specialist, said he and SDSU Extension are part of the team of Extension specialists who help plan the event.
“SowBridge distance learning allows participants to learn directly from experts and ask questions during the live event or by contacting the speaker after the individual sessions,” Samuel said.
The cost is $200 for the first registration, and half that amount for each subsequent registration from the same entity. Each registration provides access to one Zoom connection per session and all program materials provided by presenters.
Sessions are generally held on the first Wednesday of the month and run from 11:15 a.m. to about 12:15 p.m. CST. One exception this year is the fifth session, which will be held May 31 to avoid conflicts with World Pork Expo.
Sherry Hoyer, communication specialist with Iowa Pork Industry Center at Iowa State University, said suggestions from participants guide the selection of future topics and speakers, and the live interaction with session speakers will not change.
During each session, participants can ask questions of the industry expert presenter and discuss with other participants from the comfort of their home, office or swine unit.
Registration is due Jan. 20, 2023, to ensure participants receive materials for the first session on Feb. 1. A flyer with information and a registration form is available on the IPIC website at https://www.ipic.iastate.edu/information/2023SBbrochureIPIC.pdf.
2023 session dates and topics are as follows.
• Feb. 1: Why the concern with feral pigs?
• March 1: Identifying ASF at barn level.
• April 5: FAD frontline response battles.
• May 3: Managing heat check boars.
• May 31: Antimicrobial use and resistance.
• July 5: Scours management and mitigation
• Aug. 2: Managing fevers post farrowing.
• Sept. 6: Farm security- How to keep your barn secure.
• Oct. 4: Identifying sick sows early / individual sow care.
• Nov. 1: Farrowing assistance practices.
• Dec. 6: Importance of record keeping.
• Jan. 3, 2023: Sow mortality considerations
For more information on the sessions or registration, contact Hoyer, Iowa Pork Industry Center, by phone at 515-294-4496 or email shoyer@iastate.edu.
