USA - Free swine artificial insemination workshop to be offered Sept. 7 in Iowa

Pork producers can learn how to use artificial insemination (AI) in their swine operation at a free workshop Thursday, Sept. 7, from 3-8 p.m., at the Iowa State University Allee Experimental Farm located at 2030 640th St., Newell. Presented by Practical Farmers of Iowa (PFI), the event is free, but pre-registration is required by Tuesday, Sept. 5. "Participants will leave with information on how to incorporate AI into their operation for better efficiency and overall herd health," PFI farming systems coordinator Rick Exner said. With many alternative pork producers going to closed herds to improve biosecurity, artificial insemination can be a useful tool. AI also allows for better time management and is more economical than keeping a boar. Instructors Eric Rupnow and Dave Stender will help participants breed their own gilt from the ISU Allee Experimental Farm herd. Rupnow has nearly a decade of experience breeding pigs with some of the most successful companies in the Midwest. The workshop is supported by the Research Alliance for Farrowing, a USDA SARE project to address health issues of young pigs in alternative systems. Demonstrations and discussions include: • Ways to use artificial insemination • Heat detection • Gilt pool management • Quality and timing of mating • Keeping semen alive • AI technique (hands-on) • Equipment Space is limited, so pre-registration is required. A light supper will also be served. Participants are asked to wear freshly-laundered work clothes and clean shoes that have not been near a swine operation recently. This event is one of 23 PFI field days scheduled throughout Iowa into October. Contact the PFI office for a complete field day schedule. For more information and/or registration, contact Rick Exner and Ronda Driskill by email (through the link provided below).