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. This opportunity pairs electronically provided materials with live presentations via teleconference.

SowBridge is provided through a cooperative effort of 15 colleges and universities from the nation’s major swine producing states including Kansas State University. The program begins its 2021 session on February 3. Registration for the program is due Jan. 20, 2021, to ensure participants receive materials in time for the first session but registrations can be received anytime to receive the full program. A registration form is available at www.KSUSwine.org.

“Each year we ask participants for suggestions on topics and speakers, and this year once again have a high impact speaker line-up of industry experts from production systems, allied industry and university experts,” said Joel DeRouchey, Kansas State University professor and extension swine specialist.

2021 session dates, topics, speakers and their industry affiliations are as follows:

DeRouchey explained that registration cost remains at $200 for the first registration from an entity, and each subsequent registration from the same entity is half that amount, for subscribers from the U.S. or Canada.

“We recognize the current economic condition of the pork industry, and want to encourage participation by all producers,” said DeRouchey. “By maintaining the registration fee, we hope more people will be able to take part.”

SowBridge is designed to improve the understanding and application of various tools and techniques involved in daily care of the breeding herd and piglets. Sessions are typically scheduled for the first Wednesday of every month but occasionally may be moved a week to avoid interference with national industry events or holidays.

“With the live phone presentation and slideshow available on their computer or other device, participants can take part from anywhere without needing internet access,” said DeRouchey.

The distance learning approach allows people to take part without having to travel, take time from work or worry about weather conditions. 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. Remember that SowBridge can serve as continuing education for employees and meets this requirement for PQA certification.

Before each session, participants receive a link to download the presentation and any additional information provided by the presenter. Participants call in for the audio portion of each session to listen to the presenter and while following the presentation file on their own computer or device. Sessions begin at 11:15 a.m. (CST) and last no more than an hour.

Each registration provides access to one phone line per session and all program materials for each registration, including audio recordings of the live session. Materials, delivery process and program costs are slightly different for those with non-U.S. mailing addresses. The year-long program is offered by registration only with a Jan. 20, 2021, deadline to ensure participants will receive materials for the first session on Feb. 3.