2009 Iowa Pork Congress presentations and videos

Managing Inputs and Marketing: Where Do We Go From Here? Dr. Steve Meyer, Paragon Economics, Inc., from the 2009 Iowa Pork Congress, January 28 - 29, Des Moines, Iowa, USA.

Feed ingredient costs have fallen from record highs last summer but supplies remain tight and costs remain very volatile as we enter the 2008-2009 crop year. Surprisingly good hog prices were a big help to pork producers' bottom lines in 2008 but can those prices remain in the face of the economic slowdown? Steve's session will address these issues and present some ideas and tactics to help you weather another potential economic storm in 2009.

Measuring and Controlling Energy Costs, Dr. Mike Brumm, Brumm Swine Consultancy, Inc., from the 2009 Iowa Pork Congress, January 28 - 29, Des Moines, Iowa, USA.

Are rising energy costs cutting into your bottom line? Energy efficiency plays an important role in a pork producer's ability to be profitable. Mike will discuss today's energy costs and how they are affecting today's pork producers. He will offer ideas that will help pork producers minimize their energy costs and save significantly on energy bills.

Pros and Cons of Swine Mortality Disposal Options, Dr. Thomas Glanville, Iowa State University, from the 2009 Iowa Pork Congress, January 28 - 29, Des Moines, Iowa, USA.

Rising costs and other variables have caused some producers to strongly consider changing their method of mortality management. Glanville will discuss mortality management methods commonly used in Iowa and break down pros and cons for these different methods. He will show how to properly set up and maintain a compost facility for mortalities and discuss what to do in the event of mass animal mortality. If you are considering changing you mortality management methods, don't miss Dr. Glanville at Iowa Pork Congress.

Free Access Gestation Sow Systems From Denmark August of 2008, Dr. Anna Johnson, Iowa State University, from the 2009 Iowa Pork Congress, January 28 - 29, Des Moines, Iowa, USA.

Proper animal husbandry continues to be a major issue in the pork industry and is essential to maintain the trust of consumers. She will discuss proper animal handling techniques and animal husbandry. Anna will also share her experience with new sow housing techniques seen on her trip to Denmark in August 2008.

Iowa Environmental Regulations & Nuisance Case Update, Eldon McAfee, - Beving, Swanson & Forrest, from the 2009 Iowa Pork Congress, January 28 - 29, Des Moines, Iowa, USA.

Raising hogs in a manner that protects and improves the environment is a practical and achievable goal for all pork producers. Eldon will cover Iowa DNR regulations and recommended practices focusing on manure application, including rules on manure application on soybeans as well as the proposed rule on manure application on frozen or snow-covered ground. Eldon will also discuss how the recently released final federal EPA CAFO rule applies to Iowa livestock producers. In addition, Eldon will analyze three Iowa jury verdicts in nuisance cases in 2008 that were favorable to livestock producers.

Caring For The Convalescent Pig and Euthanasia Decisions, Dr. Suzanne Millman, Iowa State University, from the 2009 Iowa Pork Congress, January 28 - 29, Des Moines, Iowa, USA.

Proper animal husbandry continues to be a major issue in the pork industry and is essential to maintain the trust of consumers. Suzanne will focus on swine well-being issues with particular attention paid to innovations in sow housing and euthanasia. She will also discuss proper animal handling techniques and animal husbandry.