LOOKING FOR SWINE PRODUCTION OPTIONS?
AMES, IA-Farmers interested in alternative swine production systems may
find the information they're looking for at the Wednesday, Feb. 21 "Swine
System Options for Iowa" conference slated for Ames. The conference, to be
held at ISU's Scheman Continuing Education Center, is aimed at helping
swine producers in a rapidly changing agricultural environment.
While large confinement operations appear to be a major trend in raising
pork in the future, there are actually several options available to the
producers.
The conference will provide specific information on options for housing,
feeding, and producing hogs. Alternatives explored will include outdoor
production, hooped structures, deep-bedded systems, remodeling existing
structures, and open-front systems.
John Lawrence, ISU Extension, will address "Swine Marketing: Changes and
Opportunities," while Stan Curtis, Penn State University animal scientist,
will talk about "Managing Alternative Production Systems." Bo Algers, a
veterinarian from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences will
offer a European perspective on management of the systems while Mike Duffy
and Mark Honeyman, ISU, will discuss economics and other aspects of
production. Concurrent sessions in the afternoon will feature numerous
swine producers.
The conference runs from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; the registration fee is
$15 with meal; $10 without. The conference is cooperatively sponsored by
the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, Iowa Pork Producers
Association and ISU's Iowa Pork Industry Center, Extension, and Beginning
Farmer Center. For more information, contact the Leopold Center for
Sustainable Agriculture at (515) 294-3711; e-mail at leocenter@iastate.edu.
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E. Anne Larson, APR Leopold Center
Communications Specialist for Sustainable Agriculture
* ealarson@iastate.edu 209 Curtiss Hall, ISU *
Ames, IA 50011-1050
phone: (515) 294-0626 FAX: (515) 294-9696
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Web page URL: http://www.ag.iastate.edu/centers/leopold/Leopold.html
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