The annual Allen D. Leman Swine Conference is less than a month away, bringing together swine veterinarians, producers, and industry leaders from across the globe to discuss cutting-edge research, practical farm management, and global swine health challenges.
Looking at the 2026 program, here are the top 10 sessions, events, and highlights we can’t wait to experience this year!
1. A Great Lineup of Keynote Speakers
The 2026 General Sessions are stacked with influential voices setting the tone for the industry’s future.
- Chad Groves (Seaboard Foods) discussing “The time for change in the pork industry.”
- Joel Nerem (Pipestone) delivering the Morrison Lectureship on “Cost of disease and next generation health.”
- Matt Sturos (University of Minnesota) presenting the Pijoan Lectureship on “Beyond the pork chop: The dynamic roles of pigs in society.”
- Insights on global Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) from Don King (The Pirbright Institute) and economic strategy from Lee Schulz (Ever.Ag).
2. Honoring Dr. Laura Bruner at the Science in Practice Reception
Celebrating leadership and field impact is a core tradition at Leman. This year, the industry recognizes Dr. Laura Bruner as the recipient of the 2026 Allen D. Leman Science in Practice Award. Attendees will gather for a dedicated evening reception sponsored by Merck Animal Health at the Science Museum of Minnesota to celebrate her accomplishments and contributions to swine health.
3. The George Foxcroft Reproduction Workshop is back!
The George Foxcroft Reproduction Workshop returns to answer the enduring question: “Closing the gap – Why the top 20% of farms outperform the average.” Featuring presentations on gilt and sow management, data-driven decisions, fertility drivers, and lactation performance, this workshop brings practical insights to help producers maximize the genetic potential of contemporary breeding herds.
4. Beer and Bacon Conversations with Dr. Scott Dee
Always a fan-favorite event! Sponsored by Elanco, this special session features Dr. Scott Dee reflecting on his deeply impactful career and his pioneering work in PRRS biosecurity, control, and elimination. It offers a relaxed setting at the St. Paul RiverCentre to challenge the way we think about virus control.
5. Future Voices: Morrison Swine Innovator Prize Finalists
The future of swine medicine is bright, and this session puts veterinary student innovation front and center. DVM student finalists for the Morrison Swine Innovator Prize will present their practical research, clinical cases, and problem-solving skills, with the winner formally announced during the Monday morning general session.
6. “Pathogen eradication in the US swine industry” at the Carlos Pijoan SDEC Symposium
Hosted by the Swine Disease Eradication Center (SDEC), this half-day symposium dives deep into the pathways and probabilities of eliminating major threats like PEDV, PRRSV, and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae. Industry experts will compare Danish, Chilean, and US production models while discussing the blueprints necessary for long-term national disease eradication.
7. Hot Topic: New World Screwworm
With biosecurity threats evolving, the breakout session on New World Screwworm provides crucial updates on regional preparedness and response across animal agriculture. Featuring speakers from the Minnesota Board of Animal Health, Texas A&M, and the CDC, the session addresses vector ecology, One Health coordination, and US defense strategies against this damaging parasite.
8. Learning from the ASF Outbreak & Containment in Spain
African Swine Fever remains an ongoing threat to global pork production. In the session “New ASF and FMD outbreaks and lessons for the US,” experts Just Font Roset (SIP Consultants) and Francesc Accensi (UAB and IRTA-CReSA) break down the economic impacts and epidemiological lessons learned from ASF cases in Spain, providing key takeaways to help protect the US swine herd.
9. Data-Driven Care: Quantifying Swine Welfare for Continuous Improvement
Sponsored by the National Pork Board, this session bridges science, caretaker engagement, and everyday animal care. Industry leaders will highlight updated audit sampling protocols, the practical implementation of Key Welfare Indicators (KWIs), and how site assessments can empower barn staff to continuously elevate swine wellbeing.
10. Global Voices: Specialized Spanish & Portuguese Sessions
Reflecting the global reach and diverse workforce of the swine industry, Leman offers dedicated international sessions:
- Spanish Session: Covering economic perspectives on Spanish pig farming and diagnostic surveillance for ASF (Oportunidades y riesgos en la industria porcina).
- Portuguese Session: Exploring post-weaning colibacillosis research, bio-exclusion during truck unloading at harvest plants, and navigating swine research paths between South and North America.
Whether you’re looking for ground-breaking diagnostics, networking opportunities, or practical barn strategies, the 2026 Allen D. Leman Swine Conference promises an extraordinary lineup. See you in St. Paul!