New Chair For CCSI

The Canadian Centre for Swine Improvement (CCSI) recently held their 2017 annual general meeting in Ottawa, Ontario. A new Executive Committee was elected, with Brent Robinson appointed as the new Chair of CCSI. He replaces Rod de Wolde, who has served as the chair since 2013. CCSI would like to thank Rod for his hard work and dedication to both CCSI and the pork industry.

Brent Robinson is an owner of Vista Villa Farms with his dad, Bob, and his brother, Jeff. Vista Villa Farms, a breeding stock supplier both domestically and internationally, was started by Bob and Rose Robinson and is celebrating 50 years in business this year. Vista Villa Farms is a partner of Alliance Genetics Canada. Along with being the new chair of CCSI, Brent is also a director on the board at Ontario Swine Improvement and a member of the Ontario Swine Health Advisory Board. Brent is married to Susan and they have 5 boys. Brent volunteers his time with his children’s hockey and baseball teams.

Joining Mr. Robinson on this year’s Board of Directors are Rod de Wolde (Ontario Swine Improvement), Normand Martineau (Centre de développement du porc du Québec), Marquis Roy (Olymel), Line Théroux (Canadian Swine Breeders Association), Wim Van Berkel (Western Swine Testing Association), Dave Vandenbroek (Alliance Genetics Canada), Lee Whittington (Prairie Swine Centre), Bill Wymenga (Canadian Pork Council) and Ken Hamoen (Sandridge Farms). CCSI would like to thank Keith Rasmuson for his six years of dedication and service to CCSI on the Board of Directors. •

Wim Van Berkel Honoured

Wim Van Berkel, of Lacombe, Alberta, was awarded the B.W. Kennedy Memorial Award at the 2017 annual general meeting for the Canadian Centre for Swine Improvement (CCSI), held recently in Ottawa, Ontario. CCSI presents this award to recognize individuals who, through their involvement in scientific research, program development or program implementation, have made a significant contribution to the Canadian Swine Improvement Program and swine industry.

Wim Van Berkel has been involved in the swine genetics industry for more than 20 years and in that time, has developed and shared a great wealth of knowledge. He is currently the director for the Western Swine Testing Association, serving on the CCSI Board of Directors. Through his work he provides leadership, training and management services for producers in the purebred swine industry in Alberta. Mr. Van Berkel has made many contributions to the swine industry including scanning purebred and commercial pigs in Canada and abroad. He was one of the first technicians to test the measurements of loin depths on live pigs with A-mode ultrasound and, compared with carcass measurements, proved that it could work. He has trained technicians, from across Western Canada and in China, to scan pigs for entry into the CCSI database. His dedication to the improvement of pigs and pork has resulted in consistent high quality data for CCSI and for genomic projects involving intramuscular fat. He has also coordinated many research projects, involving various industry partners and funding agencies, that have greatly benefited the swine industry across Canada. CCSI would like to take this opportunity to thank Wim Van Berkel for his contribution of knowledge and his dedication to the Canadian Pork Industry and congratulate him as this year’s recipient of the B.W. Kennedy Memorial Award. •

Topigs Expands Team

Topigs Norsvin Canada announced today that Russ Penner has joined its staff as Manitoba Business Development Representative, based out of the Winnipeg head office. In his new role, Russ will be focused on Business Development in Manitoba.

Russ grew up on hog farm and continued in swine production after finishing high school. With 20 years working full time in swine production, many of those years were working with Topigs Norsvin genetics. In the past three years Russ was an owner/partner in a 1,500 sow farrow-wean unit and was also the manager of the barn. “His experience in managing staff and working with Topigs Norsvin products will be valuable to existing and future clients” said John Sawatzky, Canadian Sales Manager.

Russ also has considerable experience in the swine industry, having served for many years as a district advisor with Manitoba Pork Council. “I’m extremely excited to take this position with Topigs Norsvin and look forward to all the opportunities with Topigs Norsvin. In my free time I’m an avid sports guy with a love for all sports especially hockey, golfing and baseball”, said Russ. •