AMES, Iowa – Sow farm health and productivity drive the swine industry. In recognition of the ongoing need for information on that aspect of the business, Iowa Pork Industry Center at Iowa State University is planning a new one-day conference focused on the sow herd.

The inaugural IPIC Sow Summit, set for Dec. 8 in the Scheman Building at the Iowa State Center in Ames, is intended for sow farm owners, farm and service managers, and allied industry partners, all of whom who play important roles in keeping U.S. sow farms healthy and profitable.

IPIC extension program specialist Stacie Matchan said the conference features leading swine industry experts on big-picture topics, current and applied research.

"Our presenters will share info on research poised to influence sow farm productivity, and lead discussion on emerging topics that specifically affect sow farms," she said. "This central venue will bring cutting edge information on sow reproduction and management that producers can quickly implement on their farms."

The program is nearly finalized with presenters from industry and academics. Confirmed speakers include Malcolm Turley of PIC, Dr. Steve Pollmann of DSP Consulting, Dr. Laura Greiner of Iowa State, Jennifer Patterson of University of Alberta, Mark Schwartz of Schwartz Farms and Dr. Kara Stewart of Purdue University.

For several years, ISU extension swine specialists Dave Stender and Mark Storlie have hosted regional swine reproduction conferences, and this new event will build upon the foundation of those conferences.

Registration for the IPIC Sow Summit is now open. See more information including registration link and sponsor list on the conference website.

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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.