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SowBridge continues to offer distance learning flexibility and convenienceNebraska The successful distance education program SowBridge begins its third year in January 2010. The program receives great reviews from a wide range of participants which helped solidify the decision to continue offering it, said Duane Reese, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension swine specialist. "We asked participants for suggestions on topics and speakers, and are happy to provide a greater variety of session subjects and speakers from university, public and private entities this year," Reese said. "SowBridge provides all participants with the opportunity not only to hear directly from experts, but to contact those experts following the individual sessions." Reese, who also is the Nebraska contact for SowBridge, said the program is intended for people involved in managing or caring for boars, sows, and/or their litters, including operation owners, employees, technicians, managers, and technical service providers. SowBridge is designed to improve the understanding and application of various tools and techniques involved in daily care of the breeding herd and piglets. "People from 13 states, four Canadian provinces and Ireland took part in the past year's program, and they told us they appreciated having all employees participate in the sessions without requiring any travel or other expenses," Reese said. "With the live phone presentation and slide show viewed on computer, participants do not need Internet access and can take part from anywhere." Before each session, subscribers receive a CD containing that session's presentation, along with information on accessing the live speaker presentation. Most participants will call a toll-free conference line to listen to and interact with presenters. Each subscription costs $250 (U.S.) which provides access to one phone line per session and all program materials. Each session begins at 11:30 a.m. Central Time and lasts for approximately 45 minutes. Reese said the year-long program is offered by subscription only with a Dec. 1 deadline to ensure participants will receive materials for the first session on Jan. 6, 2010. He said materials, delivery process and program costs are slightly different for those with non-U.S. mailing addresses and encouraged potential subscribers from outside the U.S. to contact the Iowa Pork Industry Center at 515-294-4496 for more information. A brochure with information and a registration form is available on the Pork Central website at http://porkcentral.unl.edu/. Nebraska residents who want more information can call Reese at 402-472-6425. SowBridge is sponsored by a group of 11 state universities with Mark Whitney and Lee Johnston of the University of Minnesota serving as program coordinators. The program is coordinated through Iowa State University.
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