When the 2021 Midwest Pork Conference convened Tuesday, December 7, for a day-long program at the Boone County Fairgrounds in Lebanon, Ind., the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine was represented with a booth showcasing the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital and the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (ADDL). The Midwest Pork Conference is an annual event that includes a yearly economic update, educational sessions on issues important to pork producers, a swine specific trade show, and industry networking opportunities.
Held as an in-person event, the conference attracted more than 300 attendees. The PVM booth highlighted ADDL services and the range of tests that it can perform, as well as preparations being made for potential testing of African Swine Fever should there be an outbreak on U.S. soil. The booth also displayed up-to-date images of the new hospital facilities that are nearing completion, and provided information about the hospital’s efforts to recruit additional staff.
Designed for pork producers and industry members, the Midwest Pork Conference included nine breakout sessions covering topics ranging from animal survivability issues, to tax laws, recruitment, security, and emerging swine diseases. The popular tradeshow featured 60 vendors. The PVM booth was coordinated by Kelly Dold, marketing and communications manager for the Veterinary Hospital and the ADDL.
Dr. Craig Bowen, assistant director of the ADDL, said participants in the conference are important recipients of ADDL services. “The swine industry is a key focus of the diagnostic and testing services that we provide,” said Dr. Bowen. “The primary mission of the ADDL is diagnostic support of animal health and the safety of the food supply, and that role is especially vital to Indiana’s significant swine and poultry industries. Having a presence at the Midwest Pork Conference is one way we can highlight the work we do in support of pork producers, who are major contributors to the Indiana economy.”