Media Contact: Catherine Dehdashti, U of M Extension, (612) 625-0237; ced@umn.edu
Source: Mark Whitney, (507) 389-5541; whitn007@umn.edu

New swine farrowing course to be presented in Spanish

ST. PAUL, Minn. (7/14/2008) — Spanish-speaking pork producers, unit managers and employees have an opportunity to improve their knowledge and skills in farrowing management during a one-day workshop being offered by the Minnesota Pork Board and University of Minnesota Extension. The course is designed for individuals working in the farrowing area of any pork production operation, and is appropriate for people with a limited knowledge of pork production as well as veterans wishing to review the basics and get updates on recent developments.

"Caring for the sow and her litter continues to be one of the most challenging areas in pork production," states Dr. Mark Whitney, swine educator with University of Minnesota Extension. "The numerous tasks required to ensure the overall well-being of piglets and sows immediately prior, during and after farrowing can be a bit overwhelming, but are necessary to ensure the economic and productive efficiency of a unit."

The course will be conducted at the University of Minnesota Southwest Research and Outreach Center in Lamberton on Aug. 8 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m. Topics that will be covered include prefarrowing management, the farrowing process, processing piglets, managing the sow during lactation, and piglet management. Numerous hands-on activities will be incorporated to maximize student learning and understanding. Additionally, participants will be trained and individually certified under the PQA Plus program. Instructors for the course include Spanish-speaking swine management and health professionals.

For more information contact U of M Swine Extension Educator Mark Whitney at (507) 389-5541. To register, contact the MN Pork Board at 1-800-537-7675.

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URL: http:// www.extension.umn.edu/extensionnews/2008/whitneyswinespanish.html This page was updated July 14, 2008 .
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