The seventh annual Iowa Swine Day will feature speakers addressing important issues facing pork producers. The event, scheduled for June 28 on the Iowa State University campus, Ames, is planned and hosted by Iowa State’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Iowa Pork Industry Center, and by the Iowa Pork Producers Association. Co-organizer John Patience, professor of animal science, said planners continue to reply to producer input as they develop a strong program relevant to the industry.
“The morning plenary session features Ray and Dave Price from Canada’s Sunterra Farms, who will describe the strategic decisions made to transition their family’s traditional farrow-to-finish farm of the 1970s into a multinational producer, processor, retailer and exporter of pork,” Patience said. “Their most recent innovation is construction of an Italian dry-cured meat plant in Canada in partnership with the Simonini family from Modena, Italy.”
Also during the morning session, David McDonald of the OSI Group will talk about the global future of the food industry. In addition to his role with the OSI Group, McDonald serves on the board of directors for the North American Meat Institute affording him unique perspectives on the trends influencing global consumption of protein.
Jeff Ansell, president of Jeff Ansell and Associates, will provide the very entertaining yet practical and instructive presentation, “When the headline is you!” Ansell has taught classes at both Duke University and Harvard University, and shares strategies, techniques and tips to help his clients become better communicators.
Following lunch, 16 presentations will be part of four concurrent sessions. Co-organizer Jason Ross said the afternoon topics range from updates on the use of sexed semen to cyber security to pricing/negotiating hog prices. Ross, who is associate professor of animal science and director of IPIC, said topics also include mitigation of mycoplasma pneumonia and best practices in siting new barns.
Following the day’s program, attendees are invited to a barbecue in the Iowa State Center courtyard, organized by TechMix and AB Vista. Ross said attendees won’t want to miss this relaxing and tasty end to the day.
Check-in and onsite registration opens at 7:30 a.m. on June 28, with sessions beginning at 8:30 a.m. The program will adjourn at 4:30 p.m. followed by the conference barbecue. Registration is $50 and includes lunch, refreshments and barbecue. Early registration ends midnight, June 15. Late or on-site registration is $75. Students may register at no cost prior to the early deadline. Their fee increases to $45 thereafter. Iowa Swine Day will be held at the Scheman Building, Iowa State Center, 1805 Center Drive, Ames, Iowa. Additional information, directions and online registration is available on the Iowa Swine Day conference website.
