Proceedings from conference available soon

"Someone asked in this morning's session, 'How can I become a part of the food chain?', which was something I had never considered. I have always looked at raising hogs as an independent producer and doing everything my way. I am finding that is probably not a very healthy attitude.

"As an independent producer, I thought I could buck the trend, but I am seeing in my county some changing trends in the hog industry. It has humbled me to say, 'How can I maintain as much independence yet stay competitive in the hog industry?' I don't think I can do it alone. I must tie into the strengths of others to remain competitive."

These words come from Gary Johnson, who pasture farrows pigs in Henry County, Illinois. Johnson shared some of the lessons he's learned with other producers who attended the 1999 Swine System Options conference at Iowa State University.

The Leopold Center is publishing a complete proceedings report from the February conference. The report will have information presented by four general session speakers and summaries of all 16 break-out sessions, which includes several panels of pork producers who use hoops or other alternative systems.

All registered conference participants will receive a copy of the 1999 Swine System Options Conference Proceedings by mail. After July, additional copies can be ordered from the Center, (515) 294-3711.