Rock Rapids, Iowa – Swine producers and building managers are invited to participate in “Managing Your Unseen Employee: The Ventilation System” on March 13-14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily in rural Larchwood.
Hosted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the Iowa Pork Producers Association, the two-day training covers ventilation basics on the first day with hands-on troubleshooting and practicing on the second day.
The hands-on learning component is centered in a 24-foot trailer equipped with a functioning ventilation system that demonstrates fan, inlet and controller management, according to Dave Stender, swine specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. Stender says that allows participating swine producers and barn managers to troubleshoot problems and practice real life scenarios without compromising biosecurity by going into an active production facility.
Stender said that program participants should plan for some classroom-style learning, but mostly hands-on learning and question-and-answer time.
Participants will practice adjusting inlets, measuring static pressure effects, setting fan controllers, observing plugged inlet effects, troubleshooting problems, answering questions and looking at real-life case studies of barn problems, according to Stender.
There is no registration fee for the program as program and material costs are being fully sponsored by the Lyon County Extension Council, with noon meals sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim.
However, preregistration is required due to limited space and supplies. Preregister to Carly via phone at 712-472-2576 or email cherum@iastate.edu.
Both days of the workshop will be hosted at 1940 110th St., Larchwood.
Further questions can be directed to Stender at 712-225-6196 or dstender@iastate.edu.
