10/19/23

AMES, Iowa – If you're involved with a sow farm operation, take note: the 2023 Sow Summit is less than two weeks away. Provided by Iowa Pork Industry Center for producers who want to hear from real world experts on current topics and challenges, this Nov. 1 program could be just the ticket for you. Registration begins at 7 a.m. with breakfast provided, and ends at 4 p.m. at the Gateway Hotel and Conference Center in Ames.

The program was created in 2021 in response to requests for assistance in dealing with and working through industry issues and pressures, and this second event stays true to that goal. The organizing committee remains committed to providing speakers and topics on what's most important to sow farm owners, operators, and managers, and allied industry partners.

The morning plenary session features three big picture talks.

• Dr. Rob Knox of the University of Illinois, sow farm opportunities past and future.
• Dr. Bradley Wolter of Windy Hill Insights, the bio-economic considerations for a sustainable herd.
• PJ Corns, Director of Sow Production for JBS Live Pork, Prop 12 journey, experiences and managing the moving goalpost.

A panel discussion on farm labor and staffing ends the morning session.

• Chet Mogler, Partner, Pig Hill Co.
• Victor Ochoa, Director, Swineworks LLC.
• Silvia Castañeda, Director of Human Resources, Eichelberger Farms.

After lunch, attendees can choose individual presentations from concurrent research and applied sessions, with state, national and international presenters from industry and academia.
Registration for the IPIC Sow Summit is $65 for general attendees and no charge for students. See more information including registration link and sponsor list on the conference website.

-30- 

IPIC was established in 1994 as a coordinated effort of the colleges of Agriculture (now Agriculture and Life Sciences) and Veterinary Medicine at ISU. Its mission is to promote efficient pork production technologies in Iowa, maintain Iowa's pork industry leadership and strengthen rural development efforts. IPIC focuses its efforts on programs that are integral and complementary to ISU Extension and Outreach. Through IPIC, Iowa producers receive accurate and timely information to make their operations more efficient and profitable.