COLDWATER, Mich. — Michigan State University – Extension and Michigan Pork Producers Association have teamed up once again to address important topics for pork producers in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Northern Lower Peninsula. This educational event will focus on key information for protecting the health of Michigan’s pork industry, and other production issues that farmers raising pigs may encounter. Michigan State University – Extension Pork Educators and Specialists will present evidence-based information and helpful tips on various topics that pertain to herd health and general production, followed by a live question and answer session for webinar attendees.
Topics that will be addressed during the webinar presented May 18, 6:00-7:0 PM include: Manure Management, Assisting the Farrowing Sow, Managing the Boar, and Biosecurity and Secure Pork Supply. The meeting will provide pork producers with a better understanding of how to manage manure in ways that meet new government guidelines, strategies and tips for assisting the farrowing sow, managing some of the challenges that come with raising boars, and what pig farmers need to know if there is an outbreak with African Swine Fever in the U.S. and in Northern Michigan.
Due to the current pandemic and resulting CDC and MSU guidelines, the program this year will be presented live, but will be delivered using on-line technologies. Pork Educators will be on-line and available to answer your questions, but they and all participants will be at remote sites (at home or office) where social distancing requirements can be met. Everyone who registers for the program will receive an e-mail containing links to the program, which will be presented through the webinar software, Zoom. No software installation is required, simply follow the link provided and you will be automatically connected. You will be able to access the program, and ask questions, from your laptop or smart phone.
The webinar will be held May 18 6:00-7:00 PM. The event will be sponsored by Michigan Pork Producers Association and will be free to all attendees. However, we ask you to please pre-register at https://events.anr.msu.edu/SwineHealthChampions2020/ so that we can e-mail a copy of material that will be presented before the meeting (for those who have poor WiFi connections) and to ensure sufficient capacity of our communication platform. Pre-registration also helps us ensure that the presentations address key regional issues and questions brought to our attention by pork producers in northern Michigan who attended this meeting during the past few years. Fully annotated and voice-over versions of the slide sets used will be provided for hearing or visually impaired registrants.
Interested participants can register for these meetings at: https://events.anr.msu.edu/SwineHealthChampions2020/ or by contacting one of the meeting coordinators: Jim Isleib, MSU Extension Alger County by email: isleibj@msu.edu or phone: 906-387-2530 , Casey Zangaro, MSU-Extension, Isabella County, zangaroc@msu.edu or phone: 785-285-2127, Beth Ferry, MSU-Extension, Cass County, franzeli@msu.edu, or phone: 269-927-5674, or Dave Thompson, MSU-Extension, Branch County, thom1737@msu.edu, or phone: 269-832-8403.
Click the link for a flyer: Swine Health Champions North Country 2020 (Flyer 13 April 2020).pub BF edits (1)
— MSU Extension
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