Iowa Pork Regional Conferences Return Across State in February

By Andi Anderson

The 2026 Iowa Pork Regional Conferences are scheduled to take place from February 23 through February 26 at four different sites throughout Iowa.

These single day educational programs aim to support pork producers by providing updated research, professional guidance, and valuable industry insights to improve farm performance.

Each event will start with lunch at 12:30 p.m. and finish at 4:30 p.m. During this time, experts and industry leaders will present practical information and the latest findings to help increase productivity and operational efficiency on pork farms.

The conference series is coordinated by the Iowa Pork Producers Association in collaboration with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the Iowa Pork Industry Center. Meetings will be hosted in Algona on February 23, Orange City on February 24, Independence on February 25 and Washington on February 26.

A range of key subjects will be covered during the sessions. One presentation will examine water quality and the management of waterlines in swine facilities. Specialists will describe how mineral deposits and biofilm buildup can interfere with medications and vaccines, which may negatively affect pig health and growth rates.

Another session will discuss the current market value of hog facilities and examine trends that may influence the industry in the future. Attendees will gain insight into the economic factors affecting facility investments and long-term planning.

The program will also include information about foreign animal disease preparedness. Officials from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship will explain how a disease response would unfold, clarify producer responsibilities, and encourage farms to assess their current biosecurity measures.

Health updates will address issues such as PRRS, PED, E coli, and newly emerging diseases. Extension specialists will also present additional tools and management practices designed to help producers address common production concerns.

Producers are advised to register ahead of time to guarantee sufficient materials and meal arrangements. Attendees may register online or by calling IPPA at 515-225-7675 or 800-372-7675, or by emailing info@iowapork.org.

For those unable to participate in person, recorded presentations will be made available on the Iowa Pork Producers Association website after the conference series ends.

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