IowaBio and Bio Nebraska Announce Secretary Naig and Director Wellman to Present at Animal Health in the Heartland Symposium

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For Immediate Release

DES MOINES, Iowa and OMAHA, Neb. (Aug. 5, 2020)– Iowa Biotechnology Association (IowaBio) and Bio Nebraska announced today that Mike Naig, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, and Steve Wellman, Director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, will present at the Animal Health in the Heartland virtual symposium on Wed., Aug. 18 and Thurs., Aug. 19, with Secretary Naig providing opening comments on Aug. 18 and Director Wellman providing opening comments on Aug. 19.

“We are honored to have Secretary Naig and Director Wellman kicking off each day of our Animal Health in the Heartland symposium,” said Jessica Hyland, executive director of IowaBio. “As the leaders of Iowa and Nebraska’s agricultural landscape, Secretary Naig and Director Wellman understand the important and timely conversations around whole animal health.”

“COVID-19 has highlighted the critical role production animals play in our food chain and our state’s economy,” said Secretary Naig. “Now more than ever we must find opportunities to strengthen our food production system, and it all starts by protecting the health and wellness of our animals. Bringing this group together to discuss new technologies and research advancements that support animal health is one way to protect our livestock, jobs and our food supply from potential disruptions.”

The Animal Health in the Heartland symposium will be held virtually on Aug. 18-19, 2020 with this year’s focus on whole animal health. Four presentation Tracks will be available to symposium attendees and will cover topics ranging from vaccines to overcoming regulatory challenges.

Animal Health in the Heartland Presentation Tracks:
  • Vaccines: Collaborative Development, Manufacturing Strategies and Effective Uses
  • Technology on Today’s Smart Farm
  • Advancements in Probiotics and Animal Feed
  • Overcoming Challenges: Regulatory Pathways, Facing Pandemics, and Making Rapid Decisions

“Livestock production plays a critical role in Nebraska’s economy and the health and wellbeing of their livestock is of upmost concern to our producers,” said Director Wellman. “I appreciate the work of IowaBio and Bio Nebraska in bringing together this group to learn more about advancements to continue to benefit overall animal health.”

“This year’s virtual event allows us to provide our attendees with more information and insights than during any of our previous symposiums and having Secretary Naig and Director Wellman as part of the program is a real bonus,” said Rob Owen, executive director of Bio Nebraska. “I can’t think of a better way to start each morning than hearing from these leaders in the agricultural ecosystem.”

To get more information or to register for Animal Health in the Heartland, you can visit the event website here.

Iowa Biotechnology Association (IowaBio)

Since 1994, the Iowa Biotechnology Association has provided benefits and services to promote the interests and growth of the life sciences industries in Iowa. They are a non-profit, membership-based organization with a diversified membership including industry companies from all segments of biotechnology, universities and colleges, state and federal associations, as well as numerous service and support companies. The Association seeks to promote the success and growth of biotech-based business in Iowa, ultimately securing the state’s strong biotech economy while growing business and increasing our influence nationally and around the globe. For more information, visit http://www.iowabio.org/.

About Bio Nebraska

Founded in 2005, Bio Nebraska is a non-profit trade association dedicated to supporting, promoting and growing Nebraska’s bio-ecosystem. Bio Nebraska represents over 80 member companies from all segments of our state’s bio-ecosystem and works to connect the bio-ecosystem to the world to create opportunities for economic development and growth in the state. For more information, visit bionebraska.org.

Contacts

Sasha Forsen, Bio Nebraska
[email protected]

Jessica Hyland, IowaBio
[email protected]