Swine producers won’t have to leave their home to get the latest information on finishing swine thanks to a program offered by Kansas State University.
PorkBridge 2009 is a series of short call-in sessions that focus on a different topic each time.
“Participants only heed a series of short, call-in sessions that focus on a different topic each session,” said Joel DeRouchey, K-State Research and Extension livestock specialist who is helping coordinate the series. “An Internet connection is not necessary, although participants will need e-mail access if they wish to participate in discussions about the topics.”
The cost is $125 for the series payable by Feb. 20. About one week before each session, participants will receive a packet in the mail with a CD and session materials. A noon central time, participants call a toll-free number to participate in the session.
Payment should be sent to Sherry Hoyer, Iowa Pork Industry Center, 109 Kildee, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011-3150 or call (515) 294-4496.
PorkBridge 2009 consists of six 90-minute sessions. Each session will start at noon and are as follows:
• March 5: Current swine health challenges and solutions, John Waddell, DVM, Sutton Veterinary Clinic, Sutton, Neb.
• May 7: Managing water, Tom Guthrie, Michigan State University.
• July 2: Energy use and conservation for swine barns, Jay Harmon, Iowa State University.
• Sept. 3: Manure value and alteration for composition, John Lory, University of Missouri.
• Nov. 5: Packer perspective on quality of hogs, Collette Schultz-Kaster and Roger Johnson, Farmland Foods, Kansas City, Mo.
• Jan. 7, 2010: Marketing your hogs at the ideal weight, Mike Tokach, Kansas State University.