Dr. Madonna Benjamin, DVM, and professor of veterinary medicine at Michigan State University, is shown. Experts from MSU will be part of an upcoming webinar, sponsored by Michigan State University-Extension and the Michigan Pork Producers Association. (Photo by Dave Thompson, MSU-Extension)

MARQUETTE — Michigan State University-Extension and the Michigan Pork Producers Association have teamed up to address topics relevant to pork producers in the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula.

The upcoming virtual educational event will focus on key information for protecting the health of Michigan’s pork industry, and other production issues that farmers raising pigs may encounter. Michigan State University-Extension pork educators and specialists will present evidence-based information and helpful tips on various topics that pertain to herd health and general production, followed by a live question and answer session for webinar attendees.

Topics that will be addressed during the webinar presented from 6-7 p.m. May 18 include manure management, assisting the farrowing sow, managing the boar, and biosecurity and secure pork supply.

The meeting will provide pork producers with a better understanding of how to manage manure in ways that meet new government guidelines, strategies and tips for assisting the farrowing sow, managing some of the challenges that come with raising boars, and what pig farmers need to know if there is an outbreak with African Swine Fever in the U.S. and in Northern Michigan.

Due to the current pandemic and resulting Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and MSU guidelines, the program this year will be presented live, but will be delivered using online technologies. Pork educators will be online and available to answer questions, but they and all participants will be at remote sites — at home or office — where social distancing requirements can be met.

Everyone who registers for the program will receive an email containing links to the program, which will be presented through the webinar software, Zoom. No software installation is required, simply follow the link provided and you will be automatically connected. Participants will be able to access the program, and ask questions, from a laptop or smartphone.

The event will be sponsored by Michigan Pork Producers Association and will be free to all online attendees. Preregistration is requested at https://events.anr.msu.edu/SwineHealthChampions2020/ so that organizers can email a copy of the material that will be presented before the meeting for those who have poor WiFi connections and to ensure sufficient capacity of the communication platform.

Preregistration also helps organizers ensure that the presentations address key regional issues and questions brought to attention by pork producers in northern Michigan who attended this meeting during the past few years. Fully annotated and voice-over versions of the slide sets used will be provided for hearing or visually impaired registrants.

Interested participants can register for these meetings at: https://events.anr.msu.edu/SwineHealthChampions2020/ or by contacting one of the meeting coordinators: Jim Isleib, MSU Extension Alger County by email: isleibj@msu.edu or phone: 906-387-2530; Casey Zangaro, MSU-Extension, Isabella County, zangaroc@msu.edu or phone: 785-285-2127; Beth Ferry, MSU-Extension, Cass County, franzeli@msu.edu, or phone: 269-927-5674; or Dave Thompson, MSU-Extension, Branch County, thom1737@msu.edu, or phone: 269-832-8403.