Swine System Options
conference draws 350

One swine producer said it best: "People vote with their feet. You can tell (from the crowd) how important swine alternatives are!"

More than 350 swine producers, researchers, educators and students attended the February 17 Swine System Options conference coordinated by the Leopold Center and nine partners concerned about Iowa's swine industry. Swine producers from Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, Missouri and South Dakota participated in a program that featured 27 producers sharing their experiences on production, management, and marketing strategies with alternative swine systems. Results from Center-sponsored research comparing performance of swine in side-by-side confinement and hooped structure buildings also were presented.

Evaluation feedback indicated that most swine producers in attendance left with a better understanding of the different swine system options available. Specific ideas that producers said they will use included information on how to use hoop structures, ideas for direct marketing of pork to get more of the consumer dollar, and techniques to better compost the bedding/manure pack.

Swine producers appreciated the opportunity to network and share their stories of how to remain competitive in the swine industry. "I drove 500 miles to get here today and it was worth it!"one producer wrote. They also appreciated that much of the break and lunch food, including the pork, came from Iowa producers. Said one participant: "Serving local and Iowa-grown foods at these events is a win-win for the state and for producers."

Cosponsors included ISU Extension, ISU Pork Industry Center, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Farm Bureau, Practical Farmers of Iowa, ISU Beginning Farmer Center, ISU Extension Sustainable Agriculture Program, ISU College of Agriculture, and ISU Research and Demonstration Farms. Plans are to host another Swine System Options conference in 2001 or 2002.