Manitoba Pork AGM
The Manitoba Pork Annual general meeting will be Thursday April 13th. The meeting will be held at the Fairmont in Winnipeg. •
Montana Livestock Expo
The Montana Livestock Expo will return to Great Falls MT Thursday April 20th for its 3rd installment. The one day show will take place at Montana Expo Park in Great Falls.
New for 2023 Heifer Pen Show and Livestock Equipment Demos.
For details and registration contact Doug Cramer at 306.520.3553 or email
cramerexpomgmt@gmail.com. The trade show is SOLD OUT •
Prairie Swine Centre Spring Producer Meetings
Prairie Swine Centre along with Zoetis and PIC are happy to announce the dates and agenda for our 2023 producer meetings held throughout Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Manitoba.
This year’s topics include:
“Risk Factors for Sow Mortality in Canadian Swine Herds”, Jennifer Brown, Ph.D. – Prairie Swine Centre
”Reproductive losses – abortions, mummies, stillbirths: What can we do on Farm?”, Leanne Van DeWeyer, DVM. – Zoetis
“Effects of Sow Grouping Practices on Production and Mixing Aggression”, Jessica Vehof, B.Sc. – Prairie Swine Centre / University of Saskatchewan
“Weaning more and better pigs”. Steffen Klenk, B.Sc. – PIC
“Developing swine welfare monitoring tools: from the barn to public policy“, Yolande Seddon, Ph.D. – Western College of Veterinary Medicine
AB meeting will take place Wednesday April 19th at the Travellodge Hotel in Strathmore, AB.
SK meeting will take place Thursday April 20th at the Coast Hotel in Swift Current, SK.
MB meeting will take place Thursday May 4th at the Niverville Heritage Centre in Niverville MB.
Registration opens at 9:30, program from 10 – 2:30 (lunch will be provided).
You must preregister by contacting either:
donna.vangorp@zoetis.com
Steffen.Klenk@genusplc.com
ken.engele@usask.ca •
ANCC
The 7th annual Animal Nutrition Conference of Canada will be held in Montreal QC May 9th – 11th. It is hosted by the Animal Nutrition Association of Canada (ANAC).
The conference theme is Strengthening the Nutritional Foundation for Animal and Industry Resiliency.
For details and registration information check out the website at anacan.org •
Alberta Pork Congress
The 47th annual Alberta Pork Congress will be held at Westerner Park in Red Deer June 14th & 15th.
In addition to the two day trade show your Alberta Pork Congress board of directors team is happy to welcome back the awards banquet dinner Wednesday June 14th and a Rib BBQ on Thursday June 15th. Final details are being confirmed and will be shared soon.
On line booth booking is now open, check out the website albertaporkcongress.com
As of press time booths are 70% sold.
For more details and information contact Kate Kelly, at 403.542.7906 or email her at kate@albertaporkcongress.com •
World Pork Expo
World Pork Expo will take place June 7th -9th in Des Moines, IA.
Completes details can be found on the website worldpork.org •
Alberta Livestock Expo
Mark your calendars for the 5th Alberta Livestock Expo which will be held in Lethbridge October 11th & 12th at Agri-food Hub and Trade Centre (formally known as Exhibition Park).
Booth registration will open in June. Check the website for latest details
albertalivestockexpo.com or call or email Chris 204.509.4941
chris@albertalivestockexpo.com •
RDSTW
Initial plans are underway for Red Deer Swine Technology Workshop. Save the date Wednesday October 18th. More details will be included in the June edition. •
Saskatchewan Pork Symposium
If marking your calendars for all the events in 2023, another one to pencil in is Saskatchewan Pork Industry Symposium. The two day event is planned for November 7th & 8th. More details will be available in the months and issues to come.
Interested in sponsorship opportunities or an exhibitor booth at Saskatchewan Pork Industry Symposium? Contact lynn@saskpork.com for the 2023 Sponsorship Package.•
Brandon Hog & Livestock Expo
The one day Brandon Hog & Livestock Expo will take place Wednesday December 13th at the Keystone Centre in Brandon.
The show will include a Pork Quality competition.
Online Booth registration now open. Check out the website hogdaysbrandon.com For details and information contact Rhonda Cooupland Tradeshow Coordinator at 204.534.6381 or email droup@hotmail.com •
U.S. Researchers Collect Hog Hairs From Quebec
Researchers at Iowa State University have received $500,000 from the United States Department of Agriculture to work on a project involving hair samples collected from pigs at a research centre in Quebec.
The hair from the pigs which are part of a larger research project into stress will be sent to the University of Saskatchewan for analysis and the results will go to Iowa State University.
The researchers will be measuring the amount of cortisol in the hair as a means to know how much stress they are experiencing.
The pigs are also being genotyped with the hope that there are differences in stress tolerance that can be used to inform breeding programs.
Jack Dekkers, a Charles F. Curtiss Distinguished Professor of Agriculture and Life Sciences and principal investigator of the study, said stress causes the production of the stress hormone cortisol and its counterpart, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). These hormones are deposited in hair as it grows.
Dekkers said these deposits in hair can reveal the history of stress the hog has undergone and how the response to that stress.
The pigs in Quebec are being closely monitored as they are exposed to various stresses such as PRRS (Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome), weaning, mingling with other litters, etc.
Dekkers’ lab will receive all the data collected from the hair samples and search for patterns that indicate which pigs respond to stress better than others. Dekkers said they’ll look for a low ratio of cortisol to DHEA.
The initial goal for the project is to help pork producers breed pigs that are able to better cope with diseases such as PRRS, but Dekkers said it’s possible their research could lead to pork producers taking hair samples from their own herds to gauge how individual pigs respond to stress.
Producers might use that information to group their pigs together in ways that minimize the potential for stress. It’ll require time to refine the practice before it reaches that point, but Dekkers said it’s an attractive option because clipping hair is a fast and non-invasive process. •
— By Jim Romahn
Special Hog Virus Vaccines
Dr. Susan Detmer is developing regional influenza vaccines against up to five viruses, but so far not for Ontario.
The first ones will be for hog farmers in Alberta and Saskatchewan, then Manitoba and on a fee-for-service basis in Quebec.
She is an associate professor of veterinary pathology at Western College of Veterinary Medicine.
She says the vaccines she is developing will be better than those available commercially because they will be built to tackle the virus strains actually circulating in that region.
In Alberta that’s five influenza viruses, she said. She has $150,000 in backing for her project. •
— By Jim Romahn
Canadian Super Pigs Making US NBC News
Recently NBC news had coverage on what they refer to as a Canadian Super Pig problem.
Large and destructive feral pigs called “super pigs” from Canada have been recently spotted in the U.S. a NBC reporter shared more on the risks the animals pose and what officials are planning to do about the possible invasion of the species.
The news clip features an interview with Dr. Ryan Brook, reminding us of what many in Western Canada already know. These super pigs are a blend of European Wild boar and domestic pig, so have the benefit of think hair – long nose- razor sharp teeth-large body size and are very good reproductive breeders. He describes them as “the worst evasive large mammals on the planet.” They were first bred in 80’s to increase pork production, when market the crashed in 2001 hundreds escaped. They now occupy over 700 000 square miles.
In the US they have their own massive feral swine problem with over six million in 35 states mostly in the south. Difference being the US wild pigs usually do not venture north due to cooler temperatures, as they have adapted to warmer humid climate of the south.
These traveling wild boar can bring along with them disease threats for both humans and pigs in addition to the agricultural and environmental damage they cause.
North Dakota has seen some come south across the 49th. As Dr. Brook mentions once they establish themselves they are there for duration, upto 500 years. •
Canadian Ag HR Council Receives Funding to Support Agriculture Workforce
The Canadian Agricultural HR Council (CAHRC) is very pleased to share that Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) has funded Growing the Agriculture Workforce of the Future: Cultivating Canada’s Post-Pandemic Recovery. This funding is part of ESDC’s (SWSP) that helps key sectors of the economy implement solutions to address their current and emerging workforce needs.
Labour continues to be the most serious systemic issue facing Canada’s agriculture and agri-food industry. Like other industries, agriculture and agri-food is struggling to attract workers from a limited and shrinking labour pool.
Chronic labour shortages and serious skills gaps are undermining Canada’s ability to maintain current levels of food production and constraining the industry’s ability to add value to commodities produced in Canada. In fact, 40 per cent of employers surveyed in primary agriculture in CAHRC’s 2021 research reported not being able to fill vacancies and the industry suffered earning losses of $2.9B in total sales, directly attributable to unfilled vacancies tied to the pandemic. This is nearly double the $1.5B in lost sales recorded in 2014. This in turn is threatening local food security and weakening the sector’s future economic development and trade growth.
This 17 month project supports solutions to workforce challenges in the agriculture sector by:
Forecasting labour shortages and skills needs,
Developing an inventory of current and future skills needs, Developing training programs for job seekers and new employees.
Expanding CAHRC’s HR Management program and developing a recognition program for employers. •
Fewer Cattle, Hogs, but More Sheep on Canadian Farms
The number of cattle on Canadian farms declined by 2.2 per cent from January, 2022, hog numbers were down by 1.7 per cent, but Statistics Canada reported an increase of 3.3 per cent for sheep.
The United States also reported its cattle numbers are down by three per cent.
The number of cattle on cow-calf operations declined by 2.5 per cent – from 6.4 to 6.2 million with the biggest decline in Alberta.
Canada’s hog inventory stood at 13.9 million this Jan. 1.
There are now 854,000 sheep in Canada. •
— By Jim Romahn
New Potential Markets for Canadian Pork
India and Viet Nam are bright prospects for increased Canadian pork exports, economist John Cranfield of the University of Guelph told the annual meeting of the Ontario Pork marketing board in Guelph recently.
Viet Nam, for example, has little land or ability to produce feed grains, yet is a major consumer of pork and that’s likely to increase as incomes continue to rise, he said.
India is also experiencing improved incomes and with that comes demand for meat protein, he said.
Nigeria, with 240 million people and a rapidly-increasing population, is another market prospect to which Canada should pay attention, he said.
Canada has the land, water and expertise to continue increasing pork exports, he said.
He praised the pork board for taking the initiative to address consumer concerns about animal welfare, the environment and sustainability and urged them to make sure Canadian consumers get the message.
He said competition is coming from plant-based proteins where the technology and costs are likely to keep improving, led by technology-savvy startups that later will be bought by large-scale producers such as Maple Leaf Foods which has built a large plant in Indiana.
That plant is not going to go away, he said, despite a slump in sales.
He also predicted competition will be coming from “cellular” meats produced in fermentation tanks from stem cells harvested from pigs.
He said much will depend on hog these competitors and pork producers position their products.
He urged the pork industry to join with governments and companies to strategize how to open markets in countries such as Viet Nam, India and Nigeria. Africa is the only continent that will continue to experience population growth, he said.
The rest of the world is in a decline in the population of people younger than 15 years, he said.
Axel Ndyisaba of Agriculture and AgriFood Canada briefed the meeting on trade negotiations, including current talks with the United Kingdom, the Trans-Pacific Partnership and countries applying to gain entry into that deal, and with India and the ASEAN association (10 countries) for Asia.
He said Canada’s strategy with the United Kingdom is to wait to see what happens to its application to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership and then to seek increased access for Canada to the U.K.’s agriculture and food markets.
When Stewart Cressman challenged him over the European Union’s ongoing demands that have stifled Canadian pork exports, he said Canada presented a report on carcass disinfection procedures and safety and the E.U. has said it will take it five years to evaluate that information.
He said the difficulty is the strong farmer lobby in member countries in the European Union. Stewart countered that the free trade deal that was signed in 2016 seems to be a “worthless piece of paper.”
He said Canadian imports of beef from Ireland surged as soon as the deal was signed.
He said Canada is maintaining a close watch on U.S. proposals to allow country of origin labeling of meat, eggs and poultry products, but so far it is for voluntary labeling which may not impact Canadian exports or prices.
Ottawa is also keeping a close watch on Proposition 12 in California that could force hog producers all across North America to transition out of confinement housing for sows. •
— By Jim Romahn
Olymel Closes Two Plants
In its ongoing effort to cut costs, Olymel will close two plants in Quebec.
About 170 workers will lose their jobs at the plants in Blainville and Laval.
In November the company said it will close its plant at Saint-Hyacinthe and in October laid off 177 management staff.
“The decision to close our two processing plants in Blainville and Laval is part of the reorganization that began more than a year ago and is due to the ability of other facilities to produce the same products and therefore achieve savings and efficiencies,” said president and chief executive officer Yanick Gervais.
“I know that this is a difficult decision for the affected employees, but I want to reiterate our firm commitment to relocate any who wish to do so in our other Olymel facilities.
“I believe that today’s announcement should enable us to achieve our operational optimization objectives more rapidly in the context of an unfavorable economic conditions, with rising raw material costs, labour shortages and the weakness of certain markets all affecting the company’s profitability.”
The Blainville plant employs 134 workers and Laval 34. They specialized in the production of hams, pâtés and deli meats marketed under various brand names, including La Tour Eiffel and Nostrano. •
— By Jim Romahn
E. Coli Prompts Meat Recall
Elkhorn Valley Packing of Kansas is recalling pork because it may be contaminated with E. coli food-poisoning bacteria.
The recall comes just as research has been published establishing that E. coli in meat can lead to urinary tract infections which are common, especially among women.
It is the first time the cause of urinary tract infections has been pinned to E.coli. •
— By Jim Romahn
Nutrition Partners and FarmHouse Launch Ignite
As swine producers look for new ways to supercharge their success, a powerful new feed additive has arrived to help get the job done.
Nutrition Partners and FarmHouse Consultants have launched Ignite – a functional fatty acid and enhanced yeast supplement designed to deliver next-level results for swine production across Canada and key regions of the US.
Ignite features the latest in bio-based feed technology from CBS Bio Platforms, providing a comprehensive blend of multiple Feed Science Platforms (FSPs) for use in swine.
Farmers today are challenged by high feed costs, restrictions on antimicrobials and rising pressure to shift the production toolbox to natural bio-based solutions increasingly favored by the marketplace. They also face pressure to adopt new approaches to health management that are focused on prevention and upholding high standards of animal care and welfare. Ignite addresses all of these needs in one practical solution.
Ignite includes CBS Enhanced Yeast Technology tailored to leverage unique properties and activities that mitigate threats and optimize key production factors. It also includes CBS Functional Fatty Acids Technology customized to further support the health, well-being and overall performance. Study results and early commercial data show Ignite improves feed conversion ratio (FCR) and average daily gain (ADG), while also promoting feed intake and gut health (intestinal homeostasis, intestinal development, optimal gut barrier function and more). It also provides immune support and reduction in chronic inflammation, and controls pathogen load while promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria.
The overall health-enhancing activity of Ignite is far advanced particularly for a natural feed additive, notes Hague. The solution aids in the judicious use of antimicrobials, by reducing the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and improving gut barrier function. In an additional standout health feature, research shows Ignite provides a unique, antibiotic-free tool for the control of Strep suis in chronic herds. •
Dennis Organ to Head Maple Leaf Pork
Maple Leaf Foods Inc. has made Dennis Organ president of its pork division.
He has 27 years experience in the meat-packing industry including 11 with Smithfield Foods where he was chief operating officer and chief executive officer.
Maple Leaf Foods bought the J.M Schneider business of Kitchener from Smithfield Foods in 2003.
Smithfield was and still is the largest pork producer and packer in North America and is now owned by the W.H. Group of China. •
— By Jim Romahn
Pig Trucker Pleads Guilty
Andrew Blake, driver of a pig-loaded truck that ran over and killed an animal rights protestor in Burlington, has pleaded guilty.
He could face a fine of up to $50,000 and three years in prison.
Regan Russell, a 65-year-old animal rights activist, was run over June 19, 2020, during a demonstration outside of the Sofina Fearmans Pork facility as a semi-trailer pulled into the plant.
Russell was a regular protester at the plant, where trucks are often stopped by protesters and pigs given water. •
— By Jim Romahn
Ontario Preparing for African Swine Fever
A number of farmers quizzed their leaders about how well prepared the pork industry is for an outbreak of African Swine Fever when they met at the annual meeting of the Ontario Pork marketing board.
“Are we 100 per cent prepared?” one asked, noting that he has been hearing about the threat for five years.
The threat is that an outbreak could immediately cut off exports which account for 70 per cent of Ontario hog production. It would also burden farms that are hit with monstrous costs to depopulate, clean and disinfect and resume operations.
General manager Ken Ovington answered it’s “not likely” that the industry will ever be 100 per cent prepared, but said it’s in much better shape now than 10 years ago.
He said euthanasia protocols and slaughter-plant plans are well advanced and there is a system in place to keep producers and industry partners informed.
Ovington said Ontario Pork staff are working with peers in other provincial marketing boards and is preparing requests for funding for four projects under the federal government’s recently-announced funding for ASF preparedness.
Rene Roy, chairman of the Canadian Pork Council, said it has taken the lead on the industry-wide committees established to address the challenges.
He said “we’re better prepared than ever,” but much work remains to be done. The work now is focussed on the immediate response to an outbreak. He said this is something new for government officials who are usually responding to crisis and have not been proactive.
Stephen Heckbert, new executive director, said the council’s top priorities are developing a strategic plan, improving communications and advocating around African Swine Fever.
He said a new producer manual on best practices has passed Stage One approval from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for PigSafe and PigCare.
The deadline retailers had set to have sows out of gestation crates has been delayed from 2025 to 2029.
He said Japanese inspectors recently completed visits in Ontario and Quebec to verify protocols for producing pork that has not been produced with the help of ractopamine growth promotant.
Stacey Ash briefed the meeting on communications and marketing initiatives, including the development of videos featuring farmers. They will soon be aired on a new communications website. •
— By Jim Romahn
Listening to Pigs 24/7
MASCO has developed artificial intelligence audio sensors to provide continuous wellness monitoring of pigs, specifically focusing on respiratory events, or coughing, and pinpointing the location for treatment.
During a case study in Minnesota, the technology was found to have helped decrease mortality rates by half or up to four times, depending on the surveyed barn, validating that the monitoring system helps create faster detection and treatment to decrease pig and economic losses, the company said.
Additionally, the producer reported the MASCO sensors provided consistent, objective alerts that were accurate.
“There was an instance where I asked my employees how their barn was doing, they said it was doing great,” says one of the herd managers from the study.
“That same day I received a message from MACSO saying that there were coughs in that barn. I drove over to the barn to check it out and MACSO was spot on. These pigs happened to be sick enough that I needed to go in and inject medication to keep them alive.”
The company says the system gives producers a “24/7 Herdsman” to help make informed decisions about their herd health management. •
— By Jim Romahn
Canada’s Farmland Values Continued to Climb in 2022, FCC Reports
The average value of Canadian farmland increased by 12.8 per cent in 2022, amid strong farm income, elevated input prices and rising interest rates. The demand for farmland remained robust and the supply of farmland available for sale continues to be limited, according to the latest FCC Farmland Values Report.
Farmland values saw the highest increase since 2014 and follow gains of 8.3 per cent in 2021 and 5.4 percent in 2020.
FCC estimates that receipts of grains, oilseeds and pulses in Canada have increased 18.3 per cent in 2022, and are projected to grow 9.4 per cent in 2023. •
