SowBridge, the distance educational series for those who work with sows, boars and piglets, and with genetic and reproductive issues, begins its next program year in early February, and registration is underway. The series will be provided online through Zoom, although participants will be able to use a call-in option if they prefer.
Christopher Byrd, an assistant professor of swine research and teaching at North Dakota State University, says suggestions from participants guide the selection of future topics and speakers, and participants will have the opportunity to interact live with speakers during the session.
"SowBridge provides all participants with the opportunity to hear directly from experts, and to contact those experts following the individual sessions," says Byrd.
Sessions generally are held on the first Wednesday of the month and run from 11:15 a.m. to about 12:15 p.m. Central time. One exception this year: the fifth session is moved up one week to May 31 to avoid conflicts with World Pork Expo.
During each session, participants can ask questions of the industry expert presenter from the comfort of their home, office or swine unit. Each registration provides access to one Zoom connection per session and all program materials provided by presenters.
The cost is $200 for the first registration, and half that amount for each subsequent registration from the same entity.
Registration is due Jan. 20 to ensure participants have access to materials for the first session on Feb. 1.
The 2023-2024 program session dates and topics are as follows.
Feb. 1 – Why the concern with feral pigs?
March 1 – Identifying ASF at barn level.
April 5 – FAD frontline response battles.
May 3 – Managing heat check boars.
May 31 – Antimicrobial use and resistance.
July 5 – Scours management and mitigation.
Aug. 2 – Managing fevers post farrowing.
Sept. 6 – Farm security - How to keep your barn secure.
Oct. 4 – Identifying sick sows early / individual sow care.
Nov. 1 – Farrowing assistance practices.
Dec. 6 – Importance of record keeping.
Jan. 3, 2024 – Sow mortality considerations.
For more information on the sessions or registration, contact Byrd by phone at 701-231-5363 or email christopher.byrd@ndsu.edu.
SowBridge is provided through a cooperative effort of 15 colleges and universities from the nation's major swine producing states.
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