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The successful distance education program SowBridge will begin its fifth year Nov. 7. Iowa State University animal science professor and extension swine specialist Ken Stalder said suggestions from subscribers help maintain the program’s value.
“We asked participants for suggestions on topics and speakers, and are happy to provide current content on topics that people are interested in,” Stalder said. “SowBridge provides all participants with the opportunity to hear directly from experts, and to contact those experts following the individual sessions.”
Stalder, who also is the Iowa contact for SowBridge, said the program is intended for people involved in managing or caring for boars, sows and/or their litters, including operation owners, employees, technicians, managers and technical service providers. SowBridge is designed to improve the understanding and application of various tools and techniques involved in daily care of the breeding herd and piglets.
“People from the United States, Canada and Ireland took part in this past year’s program and they told us they appreciated having the opportunity for all employees to participate in the sessions without requiring any travel or other expenses,” Stalder said. “With the live phone presentation and slideshow viewed on computer, participants do not need Internet access and can take part from anywhere.”
Entities with more than one location have the opportunity to add locations at a lower rate. Cost is $250 for the first registration from an entity and $125 for each subsequent subscription from the same entity. This provides access to one phone line per session and all program materials for each registration. Stalder said materials, delivery process and program costs are slightly different for those with non-U.S. mailing addresses and encouraged potential subscribers from outside the U.S. to contact Sherry Hoyer at Iowa Pork Industry Center by phone at 515-294-4496 or email shoyer@iastate.edu for more information.
Before each session, U.S. subscribers receive a CD containing that session’s presentation, along with information on accessing the live speaker presentation. Most participants will call a toll-free conference line to listen to and interact with presenters. Each session begins at 11:30 a.m. Central Time and lasts approximately 45 minutes.
Stalder said the yearlong program is offered by subscription only with an Oct. 15 deadline to ensure participants will receive materials for the first session on Nov. 7.
A brochure with information and a registration form is available on the IPIC website at http://www.ipic.iastate.edu/SowBridge/2012BrochureIPIC.pdf. Iowa residents who want more information can call Stalder at 800-808-7675.
SowBridge is sponsored by a group of 11 state universities – including Iowa State – from the major swine producing states.
September 7, 2012 - ISU
