Registration is open for the first-ever Swine Webinar Series sponsored by the University of Illinois (U of I) College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, U of I Extension, the Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA)and the Pork Checkoff.
The series aims to provide a forum for relaying information on a broad array of topics related to swine producers and industry affiliates, says Rob Knox, U of I Extension swine specialist and professor of the U of I Department of Animal Sciences.
“The program features experts within specific topic areas involved in swine production,” Knox says. “From reproduction to facilities, the webinar series will highlight a wide range of topics that we believe will be useful to producers and industry leaders.”
The series starts Monday, Feb. 28 at 2 p.m. central standard time with “Reproduction: Gilt Induction of Puberty,” presented by Knox. Other topics include: semen collection for fertility, antibiotic policies, foreign disease watch, ventilation management, optimizing management and marketing of finishing pigs, managing weaned pigs, managing photo period in the environment of pigs, composting mortalities, animal housing issues, industry issues involving 30 pigs/sow/year and methods to optimize estrus detection.
“This webinar series will offer pork producers an excellent opportunity to hear from several different swine industry experts without leaving the comfort of their home or farm office,” adds Tim Maiers, IPPA director of Industry and Public Relations.
Webinar programs will take place on the fourth Monday of each month starting at 2 p.m. central standard time. Sessions run 30 minutes with a 15-minute question-and-answer period.
The cost is $30 per registrant to access the entire webinar series and recorded programs. Participants will need a computer with Internet access and a telephone system to take part in the live program.
To register, go to http://web.extension.illinois.edu/swinewebinar.