Source: NC PORK COUNCIL, 2/1/16

The 2016 NC Pork Conference kicks off this Thursday, February 4th at the Martin Building on the NC State Fairgrounds. There are great educational opportunities during our seminar sessions with 4-hours of operator-in-charge credits being offered.

Our seminars include:
► Mark Rice, a NC Cooperative Extension specialist in water quality and waste management will present on Planning for Emergency Mass-Depopulation in Response to a Foreign Animal Disease Outbreak.
► Joe Hudyncia, an environmental programs specialist with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) will provide insight on:
= NCDA&CS view as response lead
= USDA-APHIS view of mortality disposal related to Foreign Animal Disease
= Recent lessons learned from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza events
= A look at the pros and cons of all disposal options
= Pre-planning for farms as key to rapid and effective response
This will be followed by a panel discussion by producers with first-hand experience with composting, using both the 4-stair system and rotary drum, as well as incineration.
► Dr. William Showers, from the department of Marine, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences at North Carolina State University, is conducting ongoing research on the relationship between land use, soil types and water quality. In this seminar, attendees will learn details from Dr. Showers about his research and hear directly from producers participating in a privately-formed watershed association.
► In addition, Stephen Herring, Southeast Region Manager of Producer & Industry Relations at the National Pork Board and Craig Boelling, Vice President of Resource Development with the National Pork Producers Council will provide timely updates from their respective organizations.
► We will close the educational day with the NC Pork Council's Annual Meeting. Please stay to hear what your association is doing to support North Carolina's pork industry.
► A complimentary lunch will also be provided to all attendees and will be catered by Southern Smoke of Garland.
► Don't forget the members-only Bacon Bash on Thursday night! If you are an NCPC member, you may purchase Bacon Bash tickets online. If you aren't member, visit our website to find out how you can join the NC Pork Council.
► Friday morning, February 5th, we will honor our 2016 award winners at our annual awards breakfast including our Pork All-American, Outstanding Pork Producer and the 2016 Hall of Fame inductee. In addition, Dr. Ron Prestage part of the family-owned Prestage Farms, Inc. and current president of the National Pork Producers Council will be the guest speaker at the breakfast. 

If you would like to register for the conference, online registration is still available.

If you would like a hotel room there are a few rooms left at our host hotel, the Hilton Garden Inn at Crabtree Valley, and rooms are also available at the Hampton Inn next door. Call 919-703-2525 to make your reservation and tell them you are with the "NC Pork Conference."

For a full schedule of the conference events visit the NC Pork Council website.