Billed as a day dedicated to celebrating and advancing the interests of pork producers and stakeholders in California, the first ever California Swine Information Day at the University of California, Davis was held earlier this year. The event, co-hosted by the CLEAR Center and the UC Davis Swine Teaching Research Center, brought together industry experts, swine producers, researchers, and students to discuss the latest advancements and challenges in the swine industry. 

“So, in our first UC Davis Swine Information Day, I briefly covered some ongoing research supported by the CLEAR Center, Pig-PARADIGM and also the National Pork Board and CDFA,” said Dr. Yanhong Liu, Professor and Director of Swine Research, UC Davis CLEAR Center. “So, all of this research is related to how to promote the robustness of post-weaning pigs.”

Other topics covered included swine nutrition, health, reproduction, management practices, and emerging technologies. 

“Dr. Frank Mitloehner and the CLEAR Center do such a great job of telling producers' stories and the administration here does a good job of backing it up," said Jamie Burr, Chief Sustainability Officer for the National Pork Board. “We need those data points from scientists to be able to share producer stories.”

The day featured presentations on recent research findings, innovative solutions to production issues, and updates on regulatory policies affecting swine production. Attendees were able to gain insights into ways to improve swine productivity, welfare, and sustainability. One of the main subjects of the day revolved around Prop 12.  

“The main highlights and topics that were spoken about today would be Prop.12 and as it relates to our producers here in the state of California and how to become compliant and also sow housing, and behavior as it relates to production,” said Shelby Sopocy, California Pork Producers Association President and UC Davis Swine Facility Manager.

The event was also an opportunity for networking and for attendees to gain insights into practical applications that can improve productivity and sustainability in the swine industry.

“When we all get in a room together, it helps us make bigger strides in advancement of the industry,” said Dr. Nicki Humphrey from the California Department of Food and Agriculture “It shows we’re all willing to work together on issues that the industry faces. And it’s a good way for us to share our information.”