Regional pork meetings set for February

Feb 24, 2025

The annual series of Iowa Pork Regional Conferences has been a long-standing partnership of the Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa State University Extension and the Iowa Pork Industry Center, according to an Extension news release.

The goal to bring research and education to producers continues with this year’s topics:

Brian Blumhagen, director of operations, Altenburg Construction: What to inspect in hog barns, when to consider doing major repairs and what the repair, remodel or replacement costs will be.
Chris Rademacher, ISU Extension swine veterinarian: Composting practices to implement in your day-to-day operation and in case of a foreign animal disease.
ISU Extension agricultural engineers: Practical ways to improve barn ventilation, manage ventilation-related costs and run facilities more efficiently.
Gracie Greiner Marlow, IPPA sustainability manager: National Pork Board’s Pork Cares Farm Impact Reports provide data for the producer by tracking, measuring and monitoring conservation efforts in their operation.
ISU Extension swine specialists: Updates on issues and opportunities in respective areas.

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Video: Feeding Faba Bean to Pigs - Dr. Eduardo Beltranena

In this special rerun episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Eduardo Beltranena from North Carolina State University explains how faba beans can be used in pig diets as a source of both starch and protein. He discusses environmental benefits, inclusion rates, frost-damaged beans, tannin concerns, cultivar selection, and how producers can compare faba beans against cereals and protein meals for cost-effective feeding. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Faba beans provide both starch and protein, competing directly with cereals in swine diets."

Meet the guest: Dr. Eduardo Beltranena / eduardo-beltranena-61660a1b2 is an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist at North Carolina State University. He holds a Ph.D. in nutrition and reproduction interactions from the University of Alberta and has worked across swine production, feed industry nutrition, contract research, government research, teaching, and extension. His work focuses on swine nutrition, regional feedstuffs, and practical feed formulation. Learn more from Dr. Eduardo Beltranena on The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, available on all major platforms.