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Each year, Dr. John Patience and Dr. Jason Ross and their teams as well as Brent Pringnitz from ISU Extension help to organize a conference that attracts producers, industry leaders and academia from across the US, also known as Iowa Swine Day. This important event brings folks together to learn about critical issues that face US pork producers today. The conference is hosted by ISU College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the Iowa Pork Industry Center and the Iowa Pork Producers Association at Scheman Auditorium.
About 500 people attended 2017 Iowa Swine Day and nationally recognized speakers participated in this event. Joe Schwarcz of McGill University talked about the misconceptions about the use of science in agriculture. Mark Greenwood, Senior VP of AgStar Financial Services discussed how packing capacity on the horizon will provide producers opportunities and challenges. Dhamu Thamodaran, Executive VP of Smithfield Foods talked about Global commodity trends and national consumer trends. Bruce Vincent, Executive Director of Provider Pals talked about environmental and animal science issues and engaging the public body.
Some of the topics in the afternoon session included updates on PRRS, PEDv, Seneca Valley Virus and needs of facilities in response to new restrictions on feed antibiotics. The event fosters networking between the different communities of people as a meal catered by Smokey D's Barbeque followed the event.
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