<b>By JANE HOUIN<br>
Ohio Correspondent</b> </p><p>

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The 2008 Ohio Pork Congress is moving to a new location; this year’s event will take place Feb. 5-6 in Columbus at the Crowne Plaza North, just off of Interstate 71.</p><p>
“We encourage all pork producers to attend the Ohio Pork Congress and the Professional Pork Producer’s Symposium this year. There will be valuable industry advice for everyone involved in the industry,” said Dick Isler, Ohio Pork Producers Council (OPPC) executive vice president.</p><p>
The OPPC will host its annual meeting on Feb. 5 at the Crowne Plaza North at 2 p.m., following a luncheon scheduled for 1 p.m. From 5:30-7:30 p.m., the 21st annual Taste of Elegance rack of pork white glove reception will take place at the Capital Club on High Street in Columbus.</p><p>
The evening will feature a selection of original pork entrees showcased by Ohio chefs. In addition to pork appetizers, the evening will also feature Ohio wines. Reservations for this reception should be made by Jan. 25.</p><p>
In addition to pork producers, state representatives, Ohio senators, their aides and staff will be in attendance, providing producers a unique opportunity to socialize and inform their legislators about the pork industry.</p><p>
On Feb. 6, the pork industry will recognize and honor leaders and outstanding pork producers at the OPPC Awards Luncheon. The 2008 Ohio Pork Industry Queen will also be crowned at this year’s luncheon.</p><p>
Earlier that day, the Ohio Pork Congress trade show will offer information from agribusinesses, from 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. A reception will be at 4 p.m., prior to the Friends of Pork Live Auction at 4:30 p.m. The auction will allow producers to bid on products contributed by allied industry companies and county pork organizations.</p><p>
Auction items will be on display during the trade show Wednesday. Past items have included quilts, handmade wagons, artwork, floral arrangements baskets and weekend getaways. Auction proceeds will be used to further OPPC’s involvement in legislative activities.
Feb. 6 will also feature a Professional Pork Producer’s Symposium. The event includes a set of educational seminars featuring experts covering topics from sow housing to talking with neighbors about pork production.</p><p>
The symposium will begin at 8:30 a.m. and last until 4 p.m. Topics include:<br>
•“What’s Happening in Canada with Sow Housing?” by Harold Gonyou, Ph.D. of the Prairie Swine Centre in Saskatoon Canada
•“Thinking Outside the Stall” by Erin Ehinger of Dykhuis Farms in Holland, Mich.<br>
•An open discussion on sow housing hosted by Pat McGonegle of the National Pork Producers Council<br>
•“Managing the Electronic Sow Feeding System” by Gonyou
•“Hog Handling – Tips for Better Pig Handling” by Matt Ritter of Elanco Animal Health<br>
•“Identifying and Treating Sick and Lame Sows” by Bill Minton, DVM of Chickasaw, Ohio<br>
•“Talking Neighbor to Neighbor” by Cindy Cunningham of the National Pork Board<br>
•“Training Opportunities with the OSU Ventilation Trailer” by Mike Brugger, P.E., Ph.D. of the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center in Wooster and Glen Arnold, OSU extension educator in Putnam County<br>
Pre-registration is $35 per person and registration at the door will be $50. The pre-registration deadline is Jan. 25. Registration includes a buffet lunch, materials for the symposium and access to the trade show.<br>
Checks should be made payable to the Ohio Pork Producers Council and mailed to OPPC, 5930 Sharon Woods Blvd., Ste. 101, Columbus, OH 43229. Registration forms are available online at www.ohio pork.org<br>
For additional details, contact the Ohio Pork Producers Council at 800-320-7991.