The 2021 Midwest Boar Stud Managers Conference lineup includes experts on swine reproduction from Europe and the United States. The Aug. 4-5 event will be held at the DoubleTree Hotel-Westport in St. Louis, Mo. The conference is normally held every four years, but the 2020 conference was postponed due to COVID-19.

Boar stud managers represent a unique part of the swine industry, said University of Missouri Extension swine specialist Tim Safranski. Since the first conference in 2000, the event has grown to nearly 200 participants representing about 80% of the boar studs in the United States. Attendees come from more than 18 states and several countries.

Top swine experts from industry and academia provide cutting-edge information to help those who work with boar studs in laboratories and barns, Safranski said. Topics include bacteria’s effect on swine semen quality, living without antibiotics, biosecurity measures for boar studs, use of ultrasound in testicular evaluation, updates on sexed semen and feed’s effects on semen quality.

Pam Zaabel of the National Pork Board will also discuss the part boar studs play in a secure food supply chain during a pandemic or other emergency.

For details and registration, go to bsmc.missouri.edu.