Saskatchewan Livestock Expo
Saskatchewan Livestock Expo, formally known as Cramer Ag Expo is SOLD OUT. Visit Thursday February 22nd starting at 8:30am at the Kinetic Exhibition Park, featuring a trade show, door prizes, silent and live auction and of course the Cramer Cup series. •
APC Industry Award Nominations
Now is the time to send in your nominations for the Alberta Pork Congress Industry Awards.
Lifetime Achievement Award (Honours individuals who have played an integral role in advancing the pork industry in Alberta and celebrates their long-term commitment and unwavering dedication to the industry).
Farm Team Award (Recognizes the farm unit which operates in an exemplary manner through commitment and longevity of the staff with virtues of hard work and cooperation, celebrating dedication of the team toward working together for the success of the farm).
Pork Industry Ambassador Award (Honours individuals or companies whose efforts reflect a commitment above and beyond the accepted expectation of the pork industry in Alberta. It recognizes individuals or companies whose actions have become a valuable asset to the pork industry and acknowledges those whose actions have become models for peer recognition).
Rising Star Award honours an individual who has been a part of the Alberta pork industry for less than 5 years and planning a career in the industry.
For more information or to nominate either a individual – team, please contact the Alberta Pork Congress office at 403.542.7906 or email info@albertaporkcongress.com. Deadline for nominations is March 1st.
Awards will be presented at the Alberta Pork Congress Banquet Wednesday June 12th. Visit our website to make your nomination online albertaporkcongress.com •
Montana Livestock Expo
The Montana Livestock Expo will return to Great Falls MT Wednesday April 17th for its 4th annual.
For details and registration contact Doug Cramer at 306.520.3553. Registration is now open on website for downloadable form at www.cramereventmanagement.com •
Alberta Pork Regional Meetings
The dates for the Alberta regional meetings have been set. Watch your inbox for more details, times, locations and to register.
March 11th at Pomeroy Hotel in Grand Prairie, March 12th at Radisson Hotel in Red Deer, March 13th at Badlands Community Facility in Drumheller and March 16th at Coast Lethbridge Hotel in Lethbridge. •
Manitoba Pork AGM
Mark Thursday April 11th on your calendar for the 59th Manitoba Pork Annual General Meeting. The meeting will be held at the Fairmont in Winnipeg. Producers, delegates, observers, and media are welcome to attend.
Registration must be done in advance, watch your inboxes for upcoming details. •
Alberta Pork Congress
The 50th annual Alberta Pork Congress will be held at Westerner Park in Red Deer June 12th & 13th.
In addition to the two day trade show Alberta Pork Congress is happy host the awards banquet dinner Wednesday June 12th and a special lunch celebration on Thursday June 13th.
Your Alberta Pork Congress board of directors team is working on a few new exciting things to help show case the 50th Alberta Pork Congress. More details will be shared soon.
Online registration is now open for booths, purchase Wednesday lunch and banquet tickets plus Thursdays lunch celebration in honour of 50th Alberta Pork Congress. Sponsorship opportunities are also listed online check out the website at
albertaporkcongress.com
If anyone is interested in receiving postcards or posters to promote the show please reach out to Kate.
For more details and information contact Kate Kelly, at 403.542.7906 or email her at kate@albertaporkcongress.com •
Alberta Livestock Expo
Keep October 16th and 17th open for the Alberta Livestock Expo in Lethbridge. Booth registration will start in April. •
Saskatchewan Pork Symposium
If marking your calendars for all the events in 2024, another one to pencil in is Saskatchewan Pork Industry Symposium. The two day event is planned for November 5th & 6th. More details will be available in the months and issues to come. •
Prairie Livestock Expo
Save the date, Prairie Livestock Expo will be held Wednesday December 11th at the Victoria Inn & Conference Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba. •
Olymel Layoffs in Alberta
Olymel is cutting 100 jobs at its pork-processing plant at Red Deer, Alta
The company has been struggling with huge losses for a couple of years and has closed a number of plants in Quebec and cut down hog production and purchasing there.
Plant managers at Red Deer said early last month that the plant was 200 people over-staffed.
It has offered early retirement to employees with a decade of service who are more than 60 years old and has issued layoff notices to 50.
Last spring, Olymel shut down six sow units and eliminated 80 jobs to reduce regional production to 40,000 sows from 57,000, the company said at the time.
That move by in late May followed layoffs of 994 employees the previous month and that came after it closed a large facility af Vallée-Jonction in the Beauce region of Quebec. •
— By Jim Romahn
NSERC Swine Welfare Website Launched
The NSERC (Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada) Industrial Research Chair has made its new website in Swine Welfare available. The page will have WCVM and Prairie Swine Centre research at your fingertips for desktop and mobile devices.
The website address is swinewelfare.com
The NSERC in partnership with 14 industry partners (one of the largest partnerships of its kind) and the University of Saskatchewan provided funding for a 5-year research program in swine welfare. The program led by Dr Yolande Seddon the NSERC Industrial Research Chair aims to answer important questions about swine behaviour and welfare that can inform practical solutions for the Canadian Swine Industry while contributing to and supporting a sustainable, ethical, and efficient food production for Canadians. •
PigTRACE Fees Increase 10 per cent
The Canadian Pork Council is increased prices for PigTRACE ear tags and RFID devices by 10 per cent.
The increases took effect Dec. 15.
The council said it needs the increase to carry on. It is facing higher costs to buy the tags and accessories and higher shipping costs. •
— By Jim Romahn
Reporting Made Easier
PigTRACE app now live on Apple App Store and Google Play
The Canadian Pork Council (CPC) has launched a mobile app for its PigTRACE program. The app offers the same functionality as the computer-based interface by allowing users to report pig movements and purchase PigTRACE ear tags. It is also designed to work in areas without internet connection. •
Bill C-234 in Trouble
Bill C-234 to exempt farmers from some carbon taxes is in trouble because the senate has voted 40 to 39 to remove barns and greenhouses from the exemption.
Senator Pierre Dalphond introduced the amendment which was voted down the first time, but now approved when he brought it back in.
Now it will go back to the House of Commons where the Conservatives, who introduced Bill C-234, will probably object to the amendment, prompting further debate and procedural delays.
Farm organizations representing grains and oilseeds growers have given strong support for the bill since the beginning, but the Liberals appear to be waffling after they ran into strong criticism for exempting heating oil from the carbon tax.
Conservative agriculture critic John Barlow, who introduced C-234 as a private member’s bill, accused the Liberals of appointing four new senators to gain passage or the amendment and said they are stalling its progress in hopes it will die. •
— By Jim Romahn
Lacombe Breed Deemed at Risk
In a surprise move, Heritage Livestock Canada has declared the Lacombe breed of pigs in danger of extinction.
It has added that breed to its list of endangered breeds that includes Tamworths, Berkshires and Large Blacks.
There are privately-owned herds of all of these breeds and Heritage Livestock Canada is working with them on preservation initiatives.
“Our goal is to not only save these breeds from the brink but also to establish thriving populations that can be enjoyed by future generations,” the organization said.
It said preservation is important for genetic diversity in maintaining resilient and healthy swine populations.
The Lacombe breed became popular with Canadians in the 1960s and 1970s because of large litters and strong maternal performance.
The Heritage Livestock movement is strong in the United Kingdom where there are herds of all three of the breeds highlighted by the Canadian organization.
The Canadian Swine Breeders Association is responsible for the registration of heritage swine breeds in Canada, through the Canadian Livestock Records Corporation. CSBA offers a special rate of a $25 membership for those who exclusively raise heritage swine breeds.•
— By Jim Romahn
China Sets Pork Production Record
Culling prompted by low hog prices in China pushed up pork production last fall, setting a record annual production of 57.94 million tonnes.
That’s 4.6 per cent more than 2022.
China was still recovering from disastrous outbreaks of African Swine Fever that wiped out between a quarter and a half of hogs several years ago. It also prompted a major restructuring of hog production which is now led by large corporations.
In the fourth quarter, production reached 14.93 million tons, seven per cent more than the same quarter the year before.
Major hog breeders, including Muyuan Foods Co. and Wen’s Foodstuff Group Co, reported increased hog sales in December, with Muyuan selling 6.6 million hogs, an increase of 25 per cent from November. •
— By Jim Romahn
Some Countries Still Allow Antimicrobial as Growth Promotants
The World Organization for Animal Health is dismayed that some countries continue to allow the use of antimicrobials as growth promotants.
This is increasing the risk that diseases and infections will develop resistance that renders the antimicrobials useless. It is of great concern for human health.
The organization reported that:
Almost 20 per cent of members still report using antimicrobials for growth promotion. Of these, it is estimated that 76 per cent have not carried out any preliminary risk analysis.
No less than 11 per cent of WOAH members still use as growth promoters at least one of the highest priority critically important antimicrobials for human medicine such as colistin.
At least 50 per cent of the members using antimicrobials as growth promoters have no regulatory framework in place.
In some countries, the labeling of certain feed additives intended to increase productivity does not mention the presence of low doses of antimicrobials, which are then unknowingly administered to animals by veterinarians and farmers.
“WOAH standards make a clear distinction between veterinary medical use of antimicrobials – which is limited to the treatment, control and, where appropriate, prevention of infectious diseases – and non-veterinary medical use,” the organization said in a release.
“The administration of antimicrobials for growth promotion in animals is a non-veterinary medical use, and it must not be assimilated to disease prevention use, which requires animals to be at proven risk of disease if the medicine is not administered.” •
— By Jim Romahn
Meat Growth is Slowing, says Rabobank
Animal protein production growth will slow as margins remain tight in 2024, forecasts Rabobank analyst Justin Sherrard.
It means producers and processors will need to adapt to sustain success, he wrote in the bank’s annual forecast for the sector.
Higher production costs and tighter supplies will push animal protein prices up and constrain global consumption in 2024, he said.
Input costs and inflation are likely to fall but will remain at a higher level than pre-pandemic. There are also signs that consumers are growing used to higher prices and, in some markets, willing to pay a quality premium. But they will continue to reduce purchases of plant protein alternatives, he wrote.
Demographic shifts will see the labour market tighten and raise production costs, while reduced population growth will slow consumption.
Elsewhere, there will be pressure to invest in upgrading production systems to serve emerging market needs, meet regulatory requirements and cater to changing consumer preferences around sustainability. Adverse weather conditions and disease also present challenges.
Sherrard said “for companies to sustain the success of the past few years, it’s essential that they adapt to the structural changes in the market. Instead of simply riding out the storm, animal protein businesses need to take stock of their strengths and prepare to transition their supply chains to operating in an environment with high costs and tight margins.
“Companies should double-down on improving their productivity, review their existing portfolios, strengthen supply chain partnerships, increase investment in new product development and adjust their pricing strategies to navigate the challenges of the coming year.”
Poultry and aquaculture will be the only two species groups to see production grow in 2024, predicts Rabobank, though it will be slower than in 2023. Beef will continue the decline seen in 2023, moving with changes in cattle cycles in North America, while pork production will also contract modestly. •
— By Jim Romahn
Merck Wins Top Award
Merck Animal Health announces Circumvent® CML takes top S&P Global Award as the 2023 Best New Food Animal Product
Merck Animal Health, known as MSD Animal Health outside of the United States and Canada, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (NYSE:MRK), recently announced Circumvent® CML has been awarded the Best New Food Animal Product from S&P Global Animal Health. It is the first and only ready-to-use, single-dose intramuscular injectable vaccine against disease caused by Porcine Circovirus Types 2a and 2d, Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and Lawsonia intracellularis in pigs, three weeks of age or older.
The award marks the sixth straight year for Merck Animal Health to be honored in this category. Past Merck Animal Health products that have been honored include the Idal® portfolio technology, Porcilis® Lawsonia intramuscular vaccine for piglets, Nobilis® Salenvac Etc, Whisper® on Arrival and Sensehub® Feedlot. Additionally, Merck Animal Health was named Best Animal Health Company, North America in 2021.
For the development of this novel vaccine, Merck Animal Health sought to understand the needs of the swine industry and then shape its research and development efforts over 10 years to provide effective solutions to meet those unmet needs. •
Canadian Agriculture’s $30 Billion Opportunity
Released back in December Farm Credit Canada’s (FCC) economics team says rekindling productivity growth in Canadian agriculture is a $30 billion opportunity over 10 years according to a new report.
“If the agriculture industry can return productivity growth to where it was two decades ago, FCC estimates it would add as much as $30 billion in net cash income over ten years,” says J.P. Gervais, FCC’s chief economist. “Developing innovative solutions, adopting new technology and leveraging data and insights can boost productivity growth and pay off in a big way for Canadian farms.”
Canada’s agricultural productivity growth has slowed since 2011 which is consistent with global agricultural productivity trends.
Agricultural productivity evaluates how inputs such as labour, capital, land, fertilizer and feed are efficiently transformed into outputs such as crops, livestock and aquaculture products. Productivity growth happens when producers increase their output using the same or smaller quantities of inputs.
Total factor productivity measures the combined effects of new technologies, efficiency improvements and economies of scale. It is a key metric for assessing trends in agricultural productivity.
“Between 1971 and 2000 there was steady productivity growth on Canadian farms before hitting a plateau,” explains Gervais. “We are now seeing declining growth with a further decline projected for the next ten years. While that is the current projection, the entire agrifood supply chain can rally around the innovation spirit of farm input manufacturers and suppliers, farm operators, researchers and food processors to restore growth in agricultural productivity towards its peak.”
As a global leader in growing, processing and exporting safe and reliable food, Canadian producers have a long history of adopting new technology and production practices that feed the world and protect the environment.
“The world’s population is expected to reach nearly 10 billion people by 2050. The Canadian agriculture industry is well positioned to be a leader in the technology and innovation that will meet that demand for food,” says Justine Hendricks, FCC president and CEO. “At FCC we offer a full complement of financing services and resources to support the industry in sustainably increasing its productivity and maximizing the resulting economic gains.”
The $30 billion opportunity that exists for the industry by restoring productivity growth to its historical peak is calculated using a framework that takes into account the relationship between total factor productivity, farm product prices and farm input prices.
“I have confidence in the agriculture industry’s ability to enhance productivity growth,” said Hendricks. “FCC is dedicated to supporting our customers as they meet these new demands and pursue productivity improvements through a variety of operational shifts designed to reduce input costs and maximize efficiencies.” •
Bangladesh Grains Face Import Restrictions
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has tightened import restrictions on feeds, grains and plant materials from Bangladesh because of concerns about African Swine Fever there.
Research, mainly by Dr. Scott Dee of Pipestone Veterinary Services of Pipestone, Iowa, has demonstrated that the virus can survive in feed ingredients.
Once that was proven, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency imposed trade restrictions on countries with outbreaks of African Swine Fever which is highly contagious and deadly to pigs. •
— By Jim Romahn
Farm Health Guardian Now Integrated with Motive GPS System
Farm Health Guardian recently announced it has added to its growing list of fleet management system integrations. Motive is the latest leading GPS system that Farm Health Guardian’s biosecurity software now links with to give customers easy access to real-time data that will help strengthen biosecurity.
Research shows that trucks and other vehicles are a major contributor to the spread of many animal diseases. When Farm Health Guardian integrates with a client’s existing GPS system, it helps to reduce the risk of spread by strengthening transport biosecurity.
Customers can get real-time alerts if biosecurity protocols are breached, validate adherence to downtime requirements and confirm truck wash visits. The integration also allows managers to check adherence to health pyramid flows or groups and receive notifications if a truck visits a farm outside of their assigned properties.
Movement data from multiple truck GPS systems can also be viewed on a single dashboard, increasing efficiencies, and allowing the animal health team to quickly determine which other properties are at risk if you suspect a disease outbreak at a farm. •
Hunger Again on the Increase
After years of substantial gains against global hunger, last year saw an increase, especially in nine countries.
The United Nations set a goal to eliminate global hunger by 2030, but now the Global Hunger Index report estimates that 58 countries will not reach that goal. The index for 2023 was 18.3, less than one point better than 2015 when the score was 19.1.
The number of undernourished people has climbed to 735 million from 572 million in 2017, according to the report published by Concern Worldwide and Welthungerlife.
Nine countries have “alarming” rates of hunger: Burundi, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lesotho, Madagascar, Niger, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen. In another 34 the situation is deemed serious.
“The fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, climate disasters around the world and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict have combined to stall progress in the fight against hunger,” said the report.
Andy Harrington, executive director of the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, said gains were registered in the 36 countries where it provided aid to 1.1 million people.
The federal government gave it $47.2 million towards its total spending of $79.9 million.Christians donated $21.6 million through the broadest coalition of denominations involved in a single organization in Canada.
Harrington said there was a temporary bump in government funding due to the pandemic, along with a “real outpouring” of support from Canadian citizens.
“In the midst of this global hunger crisis, Canadians stood firm. They were incredibly generous to us.” •
— By Jim Romahn
Consultant Wants ok for Natural Medicines
Consultants at Paul Dick and Associates are lobbying to change Canadian regulations to allow the sale and use of natural medicines for animals.
”These products are often readily available to farmers in other countries that either have reduced regulatory burden or a large enough market to justify a high regulatory burden, the consultants said.
Farmers there have access to innovative products that optimize the health of animals, allowing them to better resist disease. Importantly, these products will not contribute to antimicrobial resistance which the World Health Organization says is the greatest threat to human and animal health, said Paul Dick and Associates.
“There are significant regulatory challenges for non-drug products in Canada,” sad Lauren Carde, vice president of operations and regulatory affairs for Paul Dick & Associates, a full-service consulting firm for the human and animal health industries.
“If they don’t meet all the requirements for a veterinary health product or a feed, they are pushed into the drug category, which is really problematic because these products are not drugs and the drug regulations don’t make sense for non-drug products,” she said..
The regulations do not permit products lacking a long history of use, which prevents new and innovative products from pursuing registration this way, she said. New feed ingredients take up to three years to gain approval under the Animal Feed Program because of long regulatory review periods and a lack of service standards.
Canada is a small player and represents only two to three per cent of the total global animal health market.
“We have a high regulatory burden and a small market,” said Carde. “Our small market size combined with stringent regulatory requirements mean that even our homegrown companies are choosing to skip Canada and are taking their products to other countries instead.”
Several years ago the Canadian Food inspection Agency de-regulated the marketing of soil amendments and crop-promotion products, leaving farmers to judge whether they are worth the expense. Before de-regulation, marketers had to prove they work as advertised and are safe.
That Is the basic standard for animal health products. •
— By Jim Romahn
Spanish Researchers Find Three Anti-PRRS Molecules
Researchers at the University of Córdoba have identified three molecules that fight PRRS (Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Virus).
The molecules trigger three different immune responses. One activates microphages, another prevents inflammation and the third activates lymphocytes responsible for inducing the death of cells infected with the virus.
The study was conducted at Spain’s University of Córdoba.
Much work remains to be done to translate the findings into practical measures to counter PRRS. •
— By Jim Romahn
