SowBridge, the distance educational series for those who work with sows, boars and piglets, and with genetic and reproductive issues, begins its next program year in February, and registration is now underway. New this year, the series will be provided online through Zoom, although participants will be able to use a call-in option instead if they prefer.

Ken Stalder, Iowa State University (ISU) animal science professor and Extension swine specialist, says suggestions from participants guide the selection of future topics and speakers, and the live interaction with session speakers will not change.

"SowBridge provides all participants with the opportunity to hear directly from experts, and to contact those experts following the individual sessions," Stalder says.

Stalder, who also is the Iowa contact for SowBridge, says cost remains at $200 (USD) for the first registration from an entity, and half that amount for each subsequent registration from the same entity.

Sessions are the first Wednesday of every month and run from 11:15 a.m. to about 12:15 p.m. CST. During each session, participants can ask questions of the industry expert presenter and discuss with other participants from the comfort of their home, office or swine unit. Each registration provides access to one Zoom connection (or call-in) per session and all program materials for each registration, including recordings of the live session.

Registration is due Jan. 18, 2022 to ensure participants receive materials for the first session on Feb. 2. A brochure with information and a registration form is available on the Iowa Pork Industry Center (IPIC) website. Iowa residents who want more information can call Stalder at 515-294-4683.

2022 session dates and topics are as follows.

For more information on the sessions or registration, contact Sherry Hoyer at IPIC at ISU by phone at 515-294-4496 or email [email protected].

SowBridge is provided through a cooperative effort of 15 colleges and universities – including ISU – from the nation's major swine producing states.