Advanced Agri Direct Expands Team

Advanced Agri Direct Inc. Leduc, Alberta is very pleased to introduce Johanna Fehr as our General Manager and VP Marketing for our Canadian operations. Johanna has an extensive background in dealing with Livestock Producers while working the Farm Dept. with UFA Co-op, for 10 Years. She is well versed in all aspects of farming but leans towards the Livestock end of Farming. Please feel free to call Johanna, anytime, (866) 809-3336 toll free. •

Genesus Welcomes New Member

Genesus is pleased to announce the appointment of Helena Echberg as its new Director of Business Development. Born in Denmark, Helena has been involved in the swine industry throughout her entire life. After graduating from the Aarhus University of Business in 1994, Helena started her career in international swine equipment sales. In 1997, Helena moved to Quebec, Canada, where she still resides today. Through her own distribution channels, she has represented Danish swine equipment companies in North and South America for the past 20 years.

Helena brings a wealth of production expertise, international contacts, language skills, and leadership, all of which will contribute to Genesus’ global growth. Genesus is fortunate and excited to add Helena to the team. •

Topigs Norsvin Canada Inc. Announces New Representative

Key appointment enhances Topigs Norsvin Business Development team. Topigs Norsvin Canada announced recently that Geraldo Shukuri has joined its staff as Manitoba Sales/Technical Representative, based out of the Winnipeg head office. In his new role, Geraldo will be involved in business development in Manitoba. As well he will be responsible for technical support to customers in Western Canada. Geraldo has more than 18 years of experience in swine production and technical support for large production systems in Brazil. He spent the last 12 years with a major swine genetics company. He graduated in 1998 with his Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Medicine from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG). “Geraldo brings a wealth of experience and new ideas to the dynamic Topigs Norsvin team in Canada and will be a great asset for us” said John Sawatzky, Sales Manager, Topigs Norsvin Canada. “I am truly excited about the opportunity that exists in this industry and in particular at Topigs Norsvin,” Geraldo said. “I am looking forward to supporting the Canadian customer base as well as the sales and production team. I am proud and excited to become part of the Topigs Norsvin team in Canada.” Geraldo and his family will reside in Manitoba. •

WestJet Goes To the Pigs

On a recent WestJet flight I could not help but notice the cover of the inflight magazine. It was like it was made just for me. I have heard of island escape of where you can play and swim with pigs on “Pig Beach.” Located in the Bahamas, on the uninhabited island of Big Major Cay, I just might have to check it out one day. The family of pigs, dubbed ‘adorable’ by tourists, locals and media alike, have become incredibly popular. They live freely on the sandy beaches, and after basking in the sun for hours, they swim in the surf. The pigs, though feral, are exceptionally friendly, running from under the shade of the almond trees to greet visitors that bring them treats. They are also fed by the crews of passing yachts and vessels. The swimming pigs are truly a sight to behold and have become so popular that they have inspired a children’s book. It is unknown how the pigs originally came to live on Big Major Cay, as they aren’t native and the island itself is uninhabited. There are rumours. Tours can be booked through local vendors. •

Industry Looses a Friend

Barry Jensen of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan lost his health battle October 21st. Barry was a big guy with a even bigger heart. He worked in the pork industry for many many years. He loved to share stories of when he and others in the industry like Eldon McKay and Don Brooks used to show pigs “in the olden days,” he would say. Barry was passionite about the industry and enjoyed nothing more then delivering a load of gilts. His pride and joy were his five children and ten grandchildren. He will be missed by friends, family, neighbours and co workers. Gone but never forgotten. •