Dr. John Carr, a world livestock consultant, veterinarian, and lecturer living in Brisbane, Australia, was in Manitoba recently to enjoy himself and because the price of pigs was decent.
“I believe Canada continues to be one of the best pig producers globally, so being here is a great opportunity to walk around, engage with the industry, and appreciate what’s happening on the ground,” said Dr. Carr in a short interview with Prairie Hog Country.
He said Canada is one of the best pig producers in the world due to its excellent hogs, dedicated people, and reliable results. Unlike in Europe, where high pig numbers are often the focus, he values pigs that are easier to raise, which Manitoba consistently produces.
Dr. Carr appreciates Manitoba’s approach to pig welfare, which prioritizes better management and production. This care and attention to the animals further solidifies Manitoba’s reputation in the hog industry.
He said that in tough times, such as in the UK where they were losing money for a while, the priority shifted to filling financial gaps rather than focusing on the pigs. The industry recently started recovering in the UK, but Canada is still behind by about six months. While making money is essential for survival, he emphasized that the love of pigs often takes a backseat for farm owners facing financial pressures. They stress the importance of balancing both, as neglecting care for pigs could harm long-term success.
Dr. Carr shared a conversation with a client about the future of pig farming. When discussing the possibility of leaving the industry due to financial pressures, the client admitted that while their primary focus is making money, they depend on Dr. Carr to care for and love the pigs. The client explained that they view their role as converting their land into cash through pigs or alternative ventures like solar or wind farming, but Dr. Carr’s responsibility is to train the staff to care for the pigs genuinely.
He said every farm needs someone who truly loves pigs, and finding and educating the next generation of passionate pig caretakers is essential.
“In the hog industry, having individuals who genuinely care for the animals is key to successful operations.”
Looking at the industry’s challenges, he notes the financial pressures, disease management, and changing global markets. With his experience consulting across various countries, the need for innovation and dedicated individuals to tackle these issues and sustain the hog industry is essential.
The biggest challenge in the hog industry is people, or rather, the lack of them. He shared a story about someone who once predicted that farming would eventually need to function without stock people. Over the years, fewer individuals are willing to work with pigs, leading him to design systems where pigs essentially “farm themselves.” He highlights the importance of using the few people who genuinely care for pigs while developing systems that minimize the need for human labour.
Dr. Carr said there is a need to minimize manual labour in hog farming, particularly in farrowing houses, through automation. He stresses the importance of automatic feeders that allow sows to eat when they want, often at night. This shift reduces the physical demands on workers, allowing them to focus on caring for the pigs. Instead of carting feed, workers can ensure the sows are comfortable, well-fed, hydrated, and in good health.
“It’s important to also pay attention to the pigs’ well-being rather than just manual tasks.”
He emphasized the importance of focusing on sow care in the farrowing house, not the piglets, as it’s the sow’s job to care for them. His role is to ensure the sow’s well-being, not act as the mother. Carr acknowledges the growing challenge of having fewer people on farms and highlights the need to maximize resources. While African Swine Fever and other diseases are concerns, he believes the industry’s biggest issue is a lack of people who genuinely care about the animals, stressing the importance of valuing stockmanship. •
— By Harry Siemens