Electronic delivery means participants learn from home or office
MANHATTAN, Kan. – The distance education series, PorkBridge 2015 begins Feb. 5 with several sessions planned throughout the year. This year’s programs include procedures for cleaning up after swine diseases, starting pigs after arrival, controlling pests, and others presented by university and industry experts.
Produced through a collaboration of 11 land grant universities including Kansas State University, PorkBridge is designed to reach producers and industry professionals – particularly those involved with grow-to-finish swine operations across the country and around the world. Presentations are delivered electronically through six sessions on an every-other-month basis.
“Swine producers and other industry professionals can get up-to-date information without traveling or giving up a day to attend a meeting,” said Joel DeRouchey, livestock specialist with K-State Research and Extension.
Participants can take part where it works best for them – at home, in an office or in the swine unit, DeRouchey said. Audio files from each session also can be downloaded for later use.
PorkBridge combines electronic information viewed on a computer with live presentations by topic experts via telephone, so no internet access is necessary at the time of the presentation. About a week before each session, subscribers receive a web link (depending on their location) with specific presentation and additional information provided by the presenter. Participants call in for the audio portion of each session and follow along with the presentation on their computer. Each 90-minute session starts at noon Central time and includes time for questions of the presenter.
The fee to participate is $125 for the full year. Additional subscriptions from the same business are available at half the cost.
To ensure receipt of program materials by the first session, participants are asked to complete the subscription form and make payment by Jan. 16. An informational brochure with subscription information is available on the K-State Research and Extension website at Swine Research and Extension under Upcoming Events. Kansas residents who want more information can contact DeRouchey at (785) 532-2280 or [email protected].
Session dates, topics, and speakers are:
- Feb. 5 – Preparing for Third-Party Audits – Matt Jones, Validus.
- April 2 – Controlling Pests – Insects and Rodents – John Beller, Beller Biosecurity Strategies and Roger Moon, University of Minnesota.
- June 4 – Effective Procedures for Cleaning Up after PED, PRRS and more – Rebecca Robbins, Seaboard Foods Corporation.
- Aug. 6 – Proper Pig Handling – Sherrie Webb, National Pork Board.
- Oct. 1 – Pit Foaming and Avoiding Manure Pumping Hazards – Larry Jacobson, University of Minnesota.
- Dec. 3 – Starting Pigs After Arrival (nursery, weaning, grow/finish) – William Hollis, Carthage Veterinary Services, Ltd.
Information for producers outside Kansas is available by contacting Sherry Hoyer at [email protected] or 515-294-4496.
