2017 Iowa Pork Congress to host a variety of learning opportunities for pork producers

Check out the variety of learning opportunities available to farmers at the 2017 Iowa Pork Congress! All seminars and training sessions are hosted on the lower level of Hy-Vee Hall at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center in Des Moines.

Wednesday, Jan. 25

Regulations & Nuisance Case Update

Eldon McAfee, Brick Gentry Law Firm

9:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., rooms 105 & 106

Eldon McAfee is back to lead off the Iowa Pork Congress seminar slate. He will discuss practical aspects of compliance with Iowa DNR regulations as well as other environmental compliance and protection. Eldon will discuss current Iowa environmental regulations and provide an update of current nuisance cases across Iowa.

Mark Storlie, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach

10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., room 103

The Iowa Pork Producers Association and Iowa State University Extension are teaming up to offer PQA Plus certification at no charge. For more information, contact Drew Mogler, IPPA producer education director, at 800-372-7675 or dmogler@iowapork.org.

Dr. Chris Rademacher, Iowa State University

Jeff Verzal, Iowa Department of Agriculture & Land Stewardship

Dr. Paul Thomas, AMVC

10:45 a.m. – 12 p.m., rooms 107 & 108

In an effort to bring antimicrobials used in food-producing animals under increased veterinarian supervision, the FDA has issued guidance No. 209, No. 213, and a final rule on the Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD). Dr. Chris Rademacher from ISU will give an overview of the on-farm changes that have been in effect since Jan. 1. Jeff Verzal, a livestock compliance investigator for IDALS, will give the perspective of an auditor and how the rules will be interpreted on your farm. Dr. Paul Thomas will discuss the systems approach AMVC has taken to comply with these changes.

Dr. Dan Andersen, Iowa State University

Rick Juchems, Iowa pork producer

12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m., rooms 105 & 106

An increasing number of farmers are using manure as a source of organic nutrients for their cropping enterprise as part of a proactive approach to manure management and ensuring soil health and sustainability efforts. ISU’s Dan Andersen will explain how to put a dollar value on manure, how to offset commercial fertilizer costs with manure and timing application to maximize nutrient utilization. Rick Juchems, an Iowa pork producer, will offer insight on how he has incorporated manure into his cover crop program.

Dave Stender, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach

1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., room 103

The Iowa Pork Producers Association and Iowa State University Extension are teaming up to offer Transport Quality Assurance training at no charge. This is an excellent opportunity for producers and their employees to learn about proper animal handing and movement. For more information, contact Drew Mogler, IPPA producer education director, at 800-372-7675 or dmogler@iowapork.org.

Dr. Lowell B. Catlett, professor emeritus, New Mexico State University

2:15 p.m. – 3:15 p.m., rooms 107 & 108

Dr. Lowell Catlett retired as a regent’s professor in Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Business and Extension Economics and the dean and chief administrative officer of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at New Mexico State University in July 2015. He is an exciting futurist whose knowledge of technologies and their implications on the way we will live and work is addressed in his varied and upbeat presentations. His vast knowledge astounds corporate and association audiences both nationally and internationally. His presentations are thought provoking and highly entertaining.

Dr. Steve Meyer, Express Markets, Inc. Analytics

3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., rooms 105&106

Back by popular demand, Dr. Meyer will evaluate many factors that may impact producer profitability in the coming year, including grain and livestock prices, exports, domestic demand, additional slaughter capacity, health challenges and more.

Thursday, Jan. 26

Evaluation of Antibiotic Alternatives for Nursery Pigs

Dr. Nick Gabler, Iowa State University

9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m., rooms 107 & 108

In the coming years, there will almost certainly be an increase in the use of feed-grade antibiotic alternatives in swine production due to restrictions on feed-grade antibiotics for pig performance. Thus, there is a need to understand effective ways to evaluate dietary antibiotic alternatives in swine production. This presentation will provide an overview and evaluation of published data to known antibiotic alternatives that may influence nursery pig growth performance.

Jeff Prier, Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Dan Andersen, Iowa State University

10 a.m. – 12 p.m., room 103

Confinement site applicators are invited to attend this workshop. This workshop qualifies for the two hours of annual continuing education required for confinement site applicators. Producers will be required to be on-time for this session and stay for the required two hours. Anyone arriving late or leaving early will not receive the paperwork necessary to meet certification requirements. Producers are encouraged to pre-register. For more information or to pre-register, contact Drew Mogler, IPPA producer education director, at 800-372-7675 or dmogler@iowapork.org. Applicators should bring their manure applicator certification card to the workshop.

Ron Durre, Farm Credit Services of America

Pat Von Tersch, Professional Ag Marketing

Al Wulfekuhle, Iowa pork producer

10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m., rooms 105 & 106

The American pork industry raised a record-breaking amount of pork in 2016. As we begin 2017, the market is still riding that high wave of supply, which has tested the financial fortitude of many of our producers.

This session offers several perspectives on how producers can manage their margins in this tough economic time. Ron Durre will talk about starting the conversation with your lender going into another tough year. Pat Von Tersch will offer some risk management strategies to protect your margins, and Al Wulfekuhle will bring the producer perspective of cost-cutting strategies to stay afloat.

Cristen Clark, Iowa pork producer & food blogger

Jarrod Bakker, Iowa pork producer

Gary Sovereign, Iowa pork producer

12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m., rooms 107 & 108

The disconnect between farmers and consumers continues to be a big challenge to our industry. We need to continue telling our story and finding shared values with the consuming public to build trust. In this session, we will highlight several producers who are engaging with consumers in various ways that are easy for any producer to do.

Cristen will discuss how she shares her farm-to-table story, Jarrod will talk about his experience being nominated for America’s Pig Farmer of the Year, and Gary will talk about a project he spearheaded in his community that gives youth the opportunity to be involved in the industry and highlights their efforts to the public.

Dr. Rodger Main, Iowa State University

Dr. Pablo Pineyro, Iowa State University 1:45 p.m. – 2:45 p.m., rooms 105 & 106

Health is always at the forefront of producers’ thoughts as they strive to provide daily care for their animals. This session will give us a look at emerging health trends that are prevalent in our industry through the eyes of the Veterinary Diagnostic Lab at Iowa State University. We also will highlight the recent developments of Senecavirus A cases in Iowa, and offer some practical ways producers can prevent it from showing up on their farms.

Colin Johnson, Iowa State University

Dr. William Edwards, Iowa State University

3 p.m. – 4 p.m., rooms 107 & 108

There are many opportunities for a young person to establish themselves in the Iowa pork industry. From niche and contract production to transitioning current enterprises to the next generation, we will explore the resources and tools available to make this a reality. Colin Johnson, a swine extension specialist with Iowa State University, will discuss options to help young farmers develop skills to manage finances, legal issues, management, tech­nical production, sustainability and much more. Find out how you can get started to become a part of our industry.