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The hog industry always faces challenges; however, this year the industry has new opportunities to exercise preemptive control over many of the issues confronting producers. The MU Extension Commercial Agriculture Program (CA) will address some of the controls the industry can execute.

Nature cannot be controlled. The drought experienced by most of the Midwest was unexpected and devastating to crop farmers. In turn, the drought affected hog farmers—primarily by grain shortages and the subsequent high cost of feed. Drought inflicted feed hardships caused producers to cut back on herd size. However, those cutbacks will produce higher prices at market and pork exports will set a new record. Dr. Ron Plain will discuss the swine outlook and economic trends.

The CA swine focus team will discuss how to deal with drought in feeding and manure management. MU Vet School pathologist, Dr. Tim Evans, will discuss the drought’s subsequent health effects on herds. CA team member Dr. Tim Safranski, will present a sow housing update and Joe Horner, will offer ideas on business planning transition.

In 2011 the Swine Institute addressed new nuisance laws in Missouri. This year, featured speaker Jean Paul Bradshaw, will discuss nuisance insurance. Another featured speaker is attorney Trina Le Riche. Ms. Le Riche will advise attendees on using screening practices in making hiring decisions to minimize legal liability and decrease the risk of hiring infiltrators and saboteurs.

On the swine health front, Dr. Tim Loula of the renowned Swine Vet Center in Minnesota, will speak on eliminating mycoplasma from breeding herds and discuss PRRS control strategies with CA veterinarian Dr. Beth Young.

Attendees will leave the institute with internal control strategies to combat external pressures.