CLIVE — The Iowa Pork Producers Association is offering a variety of educational opportunities at the 2012 Iowa Pork Congress.

Several seminars and training/certification sessions have been scheduled during the two-day show Jan. 25 and 26 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines.

All of the sessions are offered at no additional cost to registered participants.

Several outstanding pork industry experts will facilitate sessions on Iowa governmental regulations, swine diets, Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome, animal well-being, 2012 markets and niche pork markets. National Pork Board and National Pork Producers Council representatives will give attendees an update on what’s happening at the national level.

Animal welfare expert and university communications and public relations professor Dr. Wes Jamison will present the keynote address on Jan. 25. He will discuss animal welfare trends and public relations strategies for the pork industry.

Pork Congress attendees also can attend PQA Plus® and TQA® certification sessions, as well as confinement site manure applicator training.

The following is a complete schedule of seminars being offered:

Wednesday, Jan. 25

Seminars

• Iowa Regulations & Nuisance Case Update, Eldon McAfee – Beving, Swanson & Forrest, 9:15– 10:15 a.m.

• Diet Decisions for the $ and the Hog, Part I – Less obvious implications of using alternative ingredients in practical diets, Dr. John Patience - Iowa State University

Part II – Feeding for pork quality: Impact of DDGs, Dr. Kenneth Prusa- Iowa State University, 10:30 a.m.–Noon

• Dreaming of a World without PRRS, Part I – Evaluating regional projects and opportunities for PRRS elimination, Dr. Bob Morrison - University of Minnesota

Part II – Proven practical strategies for PRRS-free herd, Dr. Jim Lowe - Carthage Veterinary Service, LTD., 12:15–1:45 p.m.

• “The Power of Activist Communications: Making Meaty Messages” – Keynote Presentation, Dr. Wes Jamison – Palm Beach Atlantic University, 2–2:45 p.m.

Underwritten by the National Pork Producers Council

• Riding the Roller Coaster: Economic Outlook, Dr. Steve Meyer – Paragon Economics, Inc., 3 –4 p.m.

Underwritten by National Hog Farmer

Training Sessions

Pork Quality Assurance Plus Certification, Dave Stender - Iowa State University Extension Swine Specialist, 10 a.m. – Noon

Transport Quality Assurance Certification, Mark Storlie - Iowa State University Extension Swine Specialist, 1–3 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 26

Seminars

• Animal Well-Being Decisions for Modern Pork Production, Part I – Safe and Effective Animal Movement, Dr. Matt Ritter - Elanco Animal Health

Part II - Euthanasia, Concern Reporting & ISU Research, Dr. Suzanne Millman- Iowa State University, 9:15–10:15 a.m.

• Your Investment at Work: National Organization Update, Part I- Policy, regulations & trade, Neil Dierks - CEO, National Pork Producers Council

Part II- Pork Checkoff programs, Bill Winkelman – V.P. of Producer & Industry Relations, National Pork Board, 10:30 a.m.–Noon

• Building Your Value-Added Market: Production Panel, Jim Compart – Compart Duroc, Mark Lane – Niman Ranch, Dave Stender – Iowa State University Extension Swine Specialist, 12:15– 1:45 p.m.

• Understanding Contracts and Liens, Eldon McAfee - Beving, Swanson & Forrest, 2–3 p.m.

Training Sessions

• Confinement Site Manure Applicator Certification, Jeff Prier – Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Angela Rieck-Hinz – Iowa State University, 10 a.m.–Noon

All seminars and training sessions are hosted on the lower level of Hy-Vee Hall at the Iowa Events Center.

All of the seminars are funded by the Pork Checkoff!

The Iowa Pork Congress is open to all pork producers, allied business partners and others involved in the pork industry. Show hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 25 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 26.

Admission at the door is $10.

For more information, contact the Iowa Pork Producers Association at (515) 225-7675, (800) 372-7675 or visit www.iowaporkcongress.org.