Once that happens, SMV has little effect on yield, Nutter said. Nutter and Hill are developing and testing new virus detection, plant sampling and computer tools to determine how fast an SMV strain infects a field. One key to reducing odors from swine operations is to feed proper diets to pigs. This has the potential of reducing the amount, and composition, of manure that must be degraded, says Wendy Powers of the Iowa Pork Industry Center. She says producers can help minimize odor development by feeding a balanced diet, using specific feed additives that affect odor, and keeping feed fresh and dry.
Powers has additional information on ways pork producers can reduce odors.
This is the eighth year for the Teacher's Academy on Agricultural Awareness. They will receive hands-on demonstrations of curriculum materials, tour a farm, visit the ISU Meats Lab and work in small groups to develop classroom activities. The center is the umbrella organization for pork and swine-related activities at Iowa State. The Web site features center programs, events and people, and provides links to additional sources of information for pork producers, consumers and the public. The expo, to be held Thursday, June 17, at Iowa State University, will include a panel discussion with Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Patty Judge.