A swine production conference presented in both English and Spanish, targeted for Spanish-speaking workers and their employers, is planned for May 15 in Sycamore, IL, at the DeKalb County Center for Agriculture building.

“We have had requests from swine producers to offer this program in Spanish because that is the first language of many of their employees,” says Rob Knox, University of Illinois Extension swine reproduction specialist. “This program is intended for Spanish-speaking workers and those who have Spanish-speaking employees involved or interested in pork production.

“The program is open to all levels of experience and will include the foundations and the application of breeding principles and breeding herd management, as well as health,” he explains.

The program features a number of leading reproductive specialists from Purdue University and Michigan State University, a swine veterinarian from Carthage (IL) Veterinary Service, and Extension swine specialists from the University of Illinois. Angela DeMirjyn of the National Pork Board will serve as translator.

Following the main conference is an optional Pork Quality Plus certification program offered in both English and Spanish.

To register, exhibit or obtain further information, contact Lois Welch at (217) 333-2626, e-mail llwelch@uiuc.edu or Knox at (217) 244-5177 or rknox@uiuc.edu.