Le Mars, Iowa — Iowa State University Extension and Outreach invites area swine producers to attend a free workshop focused on swine health management and preparing for upcoming industry changes. The workshop will be Friday, Dec. 2 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Plymouth County Extension and Outreach office in Le Mars.
Dave Stender, Swine Specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach says that swine producers need to prepare their farms for new regulations that will likely change their health management strategies. He says that as producers, “We can choose to ignore, dispute or defend our operations, but at this workshop, we will be promoting the fourth option: stewardship.” He says that while focusing on stewardship, they will look at what has always been done and try to find ways to do it better. He says they’ll also focus on tools and techniques to use to reduce antibiotic usage in operations.
Stender tells us why they’re holding the meeting.
He says pork producers need to be aware of a couple of facts.
He says that there will be a time for questions and answers.
Stender says that these new rules are going to cause hassle and increase costs for producers.
The workshop will feature:
- Options for addressing health issues;
- On-Farm implementation strategies;
- Tools and techniques to use to reduce antibiotic usage in swine operations;
- New research on feed and water dosage variation;
- The new Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD).
The workshop will be led by Stender and Extension Swine Veterinarian and Senior Clinician with Iowa State University, Chris Rademacher.
Stender says the program is free to attend and pre-registration is not required, but they would appreciate it if you would call the Cherokee County Extension Office if you’re going to come, so that they can make sure they have enough materials.
Stender says he’s also got some other opportunities for Pork Producers coming up on November 30th.
For more information, you can call the Cherokee County Extension office at 712-225-6196.
