Information about the latest trends and research focused on staying competitive in the swine industry will dominate discussion at Kansas State University’s 2012 Swine Profitability Conference on Feb. 28. The conference will be held in the K-State Union’s Forum Hall.

“Our profitability conference annually attracts leading-edge producers and other key decision-makers of the swine industry,” says Jim Nelssen, swine specialist with K-State Research and Extension.

The day begins with registration at 9:15 a.m.; the program starts at 9:30 a.m. Presentations and speakers include:

·        Lessons from Large Production Systems that Can Help the Competitiveness of Land-Based Producers – Gene Nemechek, technical services veterinarian, Pfizer Animal Health, Wilson, NC.

·        What Have I Done to Make My Land-Based System Successful? – Kent Condray, producer, Clifton, KS.

·        Short- and Long-Term Price Outlook: How Will Consumer Preferences on the Welfare Front Impact Your Operation? – Glynn Tonsor, K-State agricultural economist, Manhattan, KS.

·        How to Keep Your Swine Operation Off YouTube – Cindy Cunningham, National Pork Board, Des Moines, IA.

·        Humor for the Heart of Agriculture – Damian Mason, Huntington, IN.

The fee to attend the conference is $25 if paid by Feb. 15, $50 if paid after that date. The fee includes lunch and conference materials. The fee, payable to K-State Swine Profitability Conference, can be mailed to Lois Schreiner, 213 Weber Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506-0201. More information is available at http://www.asi.ksu.edu/p.aspx?tabid=1270 or by calling (785) 532-1251.

The conference is sponsored by K-State Research and Extension, K-State Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, the Kansas Pork Association and the National Pork Board.