Iowa Pork Producers Association Announces 2026 Regional Conferences

Iowa Pork Producers Association Announces 2026 Regional Conferences

February 2, 2026

The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) is pleased to announce the 2026 Iowa Pork Regional Conferences, a series of one-day educational events designed to deliver timely research, practical tools and industry insights directly to pork producers and stakeholders across Iowa.

The 2026 Iowa Pork Regional Conferences are designed for pork producers and owners/operators, contract growers, production employees, veterinarians, allied industry professionals, and other swine industry stakeholders. These conferences provide valuable, science-based information on swine production, herd health, facility management and emerging issues impacting pork operations of all sizes. Each conference is hosted in partnership with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the Iowa Pork Industry Center.

2026 Regional Conference Dates & Locations:

• Monday, February 23 - Algona, Iowa Lakes Community College - Tietz Entrepreneurial Center, 2111 Hwy. 169 N
• Tuesday, February 24 - Orange City, Sioux County Extension Office, 400 Central Ave. N.W., Suite 700
• Wednesday, February 25 - Independence, Heartland Acres Event Center, 2600 Swan Lake Blvd. A
• Thursday, February 26 - Washington, Washington County Extension Office, 2223 250th St

Each conference will run 12:30 - 4:30 p.m., beginning with lunch served at 12:30 p.m.

Conference Highlights & Topics:

Attendees will benefit from a range of presentations focused on production-relevant research and practical management strategies, including:

• Your Waterlines Could be Impacting Growth Performance; Dr. Gabi Doughan - Swine Medicine Education Center at Iowa State University

Dr. Doughan will discuss how water quality, biofilm buildup and mineral deposits can influence pig health, medication effectiveness and overall growth performance - plus practical steps to monitor and maintain water systems.

• Values of Hog Facilities and Trends for the Future; Ben Isaacson - Growthland

Ben Isaacson, with Growthland, will explore current drivers of hog facility values and broader trends shaping the future of pork infrastructure and operations.

• It's Still Peacetime, But Are You Prepared for a Foreign Animal Disease?; Representatives of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS)

IDALS experts will share critical insights on preparedness planning for foreign animal diseases like African swine fever and foot-and-mouth disease, including producer roles and available resources.

• Hot Topics in Swine Health; Dr. Chris Rademacher - Swine Extension Veterinarian and Clinical Professor

Dr. Rademacher will review the latest in disease surveillance tools, updates on PRRS, PED, E. coli and other emerging health concerns for swine herds.

• More Tools for Your Toolbox; Area Extension Swine Specialist(s) - Iowa State University Extension and Outreach

Regional extension specialists will offer practical, decision-ready tools and solutions to support efficient pork production and help solve common production challenges.

Registration & Participation:

Pre-registration is encouraged to ensure adequate materials and seating. Attendees may register online, by phone at (515) 225-7675 or (800) 372-7675, or by emailing [email protected].

For producers unable to attend in person, the Thursday session will be recorded and made available online soon after the event.