Iowa swine producers have a strong, solid understanding of animal husbandry, but changes in ventilation system technologies and complexity often make efficient and economical management of the systems a challenge. Ventilation systems can have a big impact on animal performance, animal health and welfare and energy use.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach teaches swine producers about ventilation systems in relation to their animals. Extension swine specialists and agricultural engineers in Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota and South Dakota teamed up to create an educational workshop using a “field day on wheels” a swine ventilation training unit.

The workshop is delivered by local extension ag engineers and livestock specialists along with campus educators. Swine specialist, Mark Storlie will teach about the pigs’ environment, ventilation system design and management, and take a look at common ventilation trouble areas before going to the training unit and working through scenarios.

The program will run from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and feature both classroom and demonstration opportunities.

Jay Harmon, Iowa State University Agricultural & Bio-systems Engineering Professor says the workshop will teach basic ventilation principles for moisture control and heat relief, motor curve characteri8stics for variable speed fans and how to identify and solve common ventilation problems.

There is fee per participant and includes lunch. Please contact the Butler County Extension Office at 319-267-2707 or nejensen@iastate.edu if interested.