CLIVE, IOWA (February 4, 2025)  The annual Iowa Pork Regional Conferences return this February, continuing the long-standing partnership between the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA), Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, and the Iowa Pork Industry Center (IPIC). These conferences provide producers with valuable research, education, and practical insights to improve their operations.

"Iowa Pork is always looking for more ways to engage growers, and these topics were designed to tackle decisions they make on their farms," said Zoey Dinkla, producer education director for the Iowa Pork Producers Association. "These conferences are open to anyone, and I believe each person will take valuable information home."

How to Register

Preregister by at this link. A pdf with more details about the conference and a QR code for registering is available by clicking here.

Expert Speakers and Topics

This year’s lineup features industry experts covering key topics in pork production:

  • Brian Blumhagen, Director of Operations, Altenburg Construction

Learn what to inspect in your hog barns, when to consider major repairs, and the costs associated with repairs, remodels, or replacements.

  • Dr Chris Rademacher, ISU Extension Swine Veterinarian

Best practices for composting in daily operations and emergency situations, such as foreign animal-disease outbreaks.

  • ISU Extension Agricultural Engineers

Strategies to improve barn ventilation, reduce ventilation-related costs, and enhance overall facility efficiency.

  • Gracie Greiner Marlow, IPPA Sustainability Manager

Understanding the National Pork Board’s Pork Cares Farm Impact Reports and how they help producers track, measure, and monitor conservation efforts.

  • ISU Extension Swine Specialists

Region-specific updates on industry issues and opportunities, provided by specialists serving each conference location.

Conference Schedule and Locations

Each session runs 12:30-4:30PM, with lunch served at 12:30PM. Attendance is free, but pre-registration is encouraged to ensure adequate materials and meals.

  • Monday, February 24 — Orange City

Sioux County Extension Office, 400 Central Ave. NW, Suite 700

  • Tuesday, February 25 — Nashua

Borlaug Learning Center, 3327 290th St

  • Wednesday, February 26 — Algona

ILCC Tietz Entrepreneurial Center, 2111 Hwy 169 N

  • Thursday, February 27 — Washington

Washington County Extension Office, 2223 250th St

Check-in begins thirty minutes before each session.

Can’t attend in person? The February 27 session will be recorded and made available on the IPPA website after the conference.

Join us for these informative sessions designed to help pork producers stay ahead in a constantly evolving industry!

About the Iowa Pork Producers Association

The mission of the Iowa Pork Producers Association is promoting, educating, and providing a leading voice for a sustainable, socially-responsible, and globally-competitive pork industry.

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