Swine Biosecurity Workshops Scheduled Across Iowa This Spring

AMES — The Iowa Pork Industry Center is partnering with the Iowa Pork Producers Association to host a series of 10 swine biosecurity workshops across the state this spring.

The workshops are geared toward barn managers, employees and pork producers of all sizes. Each session will feature an educational presentation and hands-on biosecurity demonstrations led by swine extension specialists. Organizers say participants will receive updates on swine diseases, review Iowa State University research, and discuss biosecurity concerns and best practices.

As part of the training, Iowa State University has developed a mobile demonstration trailer that walks participants through key on-farm procedures such as bench entry, shower-in protocols and facility security. Attendees will also take part in a Glo Germ™ exercise designed to show how quickly disease can spread.

The workshops are free to attend, with funding provided by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the Iowa Pork Producers Association. Enrollment is limited, with a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 25 participants per session.

Upcoming workshop dates and locations include:

• Feb. 11 (2–4 p.m.) — Kirkwood Community College, Cedar Rapids

• Feb. 26 (2–4 p.m.) — Featherlite Center, Cresco

• March 3 (1–3 p.m.) — Ellsworth College Agriculture and Renewable Energy Center, Iowa Falls

• March 4 (1–3 p.m.) — ISU Northern Iowa Research Farm, Kanawha

• March 5 (time to be determined) — Dordt University, Sioux Center

Additional workshops will be announced, and registration links will be posted on the Iowa Pork Industry Center website as dates are added.

Organizers said the series supports the Iowa Pork Industry Center’s mission to provide education and training opportunities for producers and the Iowa pork industry.

For more information, contact Stacie Matchan at sgould@iastate.edu.