Saskatchewan Livestock Expo
Saskatchewan Livestock Expo, formally known as Cramer Ag Expo is SOLD OUT. Visit Thursday February 20th starting at 8:30am at the Kinetic Exhibition Park, featuring a trade show, door prizes, live auction and of course the Cramer Cup series. •
On-farm Emergency Plans
Sask Pork has been working with our provincial ministry of Agriculture and the Animal Health Emergency Management (AHEM) project to develop a process and template for each farm to develop a site-specific plan.
While we hope these plans will never be used, thinking though your options in advance and documenting your strategy to deal with animal inventories is important.
Contact Sask Pork to Register for the upcoming February 27, Online course. •
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 3rd.
Awards will be presented at the Alberta Pork Congress Banquet Wednesday June 11th. 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 30th for its 5th 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 in Grand Prairie, March 12th in Red Deer, March 13th in Drumheller and March 14th in Lethbridge. •
H@ms Spring Meetings
The dates for the h@ms regional meetings have been set. Saskatchewan, Mar. 12th @ Coast Hotels in Swift Current; 12pm-3pm with hot lunch served.
Alberta, Mar. 18th @ Travelodge in Strathmore; 12pm-3pm with hot lunch served.
Manitoba, Mar. 20th @ Oakville Community Centre in Oakville; 3pm-6pm with BBQ to follow.
Watch your inbox for more details. •
Manitoba Pork AGM
Mark Thursday April 10th on your calendar for the 60th 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. •
Prairie Swine Centre Spring Producer Meetings
Prairie Swine Centre along with Zoetis and PIC are sharing the dates for the spring producer meetings. Exact locations as of press time were not available. However, you can add the dates and cities to your schedules.
Alberta will host two meetings April 8th in Lethbridge and April 9th in Red Deer. Saskatoon on April 10th. Followed up by Portage la Prairie on May2nd.
Registration for all meetings opens at 9:30am program from 10am – 3pm, lunch is provided.
You must pre register for these meetings, please contact one of the following:
Donna.VanGorp@zoetis.com
Steffen.Klenk@genusplc.com or
Ken.Engele@usask.ca •
Alberta Pork Congress
The 51st annual Alberta Pork Congress will be held at Westerner Park in Red Deer June 11th & 12th.
In addition to the two day trade show Alberta Pork Congress is happy host the awards banquet dinner Wednesday June 11th and plus join us for lunch before we depart on Thursday June 12th.
Your Alberta Pork Congress board of directors team is finalizing the particulars for the upcoming trade show. More details will be shared soon.
Online registration is now open for booths, to purchase Wednesday and Thursday lunch tickets plus Wednesdays banquet tickets. 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 •
Animal Health Canada Fall Forum Date
The annual Animal Health Canada Forum is a vibrant meeting place for stakeholders in Canada’s animal health and welfare system. It provides an opportunity for them to collaborate in the work of animal health and welfare in Canada.
Participants engage to learn more about AHC’s activities and priorities, hear from thought leaders on topical issues and to share actions and initiatives in relation to animal health and welfare.
Our AHC Forum 2025 will be taking place on September 23 and 24, 2025 at the Infinity Convention Centre in Ottawa. Stay tuned for registration details in the coming months. •
Red Deer Swine Technology Workshop
Save the date for Red Deer Swine Technology Workshop which will be held Wednesday October 8th. Location, agenda and speakers will be confirmed in future issues. •
Alberta Livestock Expo
Keep October 15th and 16th open for the Alberta Livestock Expo in Lethbridge. Booth registration will open in April. •
Saskatchewan Pork Symposium
If marking your calendars for all the events in 2025, another one to pencil in is Saskatchewan Pork Industry Symposium. The two day event is planned for November 4th & 5th. More details will be available in the months and issues to come. •
Brandon Hog & Livestock Expo
The committee for the Brandon Hog & Livestock Expo will be meeting soon to verify the date for the 2025 trade show. Tentative date is December 10th. More details will be confirmed in the April edition. •
Canadian Pork Council Launches New Website
The Canadian Pork Council has launched a new website it can be found at
www.pork-porc.ca •
Trump’s Proposed 25% Tariff on Canada and Mexico is Raising Concerns
President Donald Trump’s consideration of a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, announced Monday January 20th, has sparked concerns across North America, particularly for agriculture and trade-dependent industries. Trump indicated the tariffs could take effect as early as February 1, citing concerns over illegal immigration and fentanyl trafficking.
The tariffs would likely have significant implications for the pork industry, given the interconnected trade between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Canada and Mexico are vital export markets for U.S. pork, while both countries supply critical inputs to American agriculture, including feed and livestock.
In a statement, Canadian officials expressed readiness to respond. Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly said Canada is working to prevent the tariffs but has prepared retaliatory measures if necessary. Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc noted, “None of this should be surprising… Canada is absolutely ready to respond to any one of these scenarios.”
Canada is one of the most trade-dependent countries globally, with 75% of its exports going to the U.S. The automotive and agricultural sectors could be particularly affected, and retaliatory tariffs on U.S. agricultural goods could disrupt the supply chain further.
Mexico, another critical trade partner for U.S. agriculture, has not yet announced its plans but is expected to follow a similar path to Canada. Both countries are part of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), and this tariff proposal challenges the spirit of the trade pact.
Beyond North America, President Trump also hinted at broader trade measures, including potential tariffs on China and countries within the BRICS grouping. He stated that he would be “in meetings and calls” with global leaders, reflecting a shift toward negotiation rather than immediate action.
Pork Industry Concerns
For U.S. pork producers, any tariff escalation with Canada and Mexico could have severe repercussions. The North American supply chain is tightly integrated, with live animals, feed ingredients, and pork products frequently crossing borders. Retaliatory measures could increase costs, disrupt exports, and limit access to critical inputs.
Canada, the third-largest importer of U.S. pork, and Mexico, the second-largest market, represent billions of dollars in trade annually. Producers fear that higher tariffs could reduce competitiveness and open doors for other global pork exporters, like Brazil and the EU, to take market share in these key regions.
The pork industry has weathered many trade challenges in recent years, from retaliatory tariffs to supply chain disruptions. While these proposed tariffs are a new obstacle, the industry’s resilience and ability to adapt will be critical as the situation unfolds. •
— swineweb
Ottawa has Plans to Tax U.S. Products
The Globe and Mail reports that the federal government is preparing a list of United States products which it will tax if president-elect Donald Trump imposes a 25 per cent tariff on all Canadian exports to the U.S.
On that list are orange juice, ceramics such as toilets and sinks, and some steel products, the Globe and Mail said it learned from an un-named “senior government source”.
The Globe reported earlier reported that the federal government is considering an early release of the full proposed target list to alert American businesses to the extra costs they would bear should the United States start a trade war with Canada.
Trump said he will impose tariffs if Canada fails to stop illegal border crossings of drugs and people.
Ottawa has announced $1.3-billion in new border security spending over six years but Trump has so far not signalled he’s satisfied. On Tuesday he said he still plans to impose substantial tariffs on Canada – while suggesting he could compel the country with “economic force” to join the United States.
Other possible targets for retaliatory Canadian tariffs include American glassware, flowers and certain plastics, the source said.
Ottawa is trying to carefully select American goods in a manner that minimizes, where possible, the impact on Canadian consumers but maximizes political pain for U.S. decision-makers.
In 2018, for instance, Ottawa chose products that were manufactured in districts home to leaders in the U.S. Congress. One example was Kentucky whiskey to catch the attention of Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell.
The Canadian Meat Council has been in Washington to meet with politicians whose constituents would suffer if Trump imposes tariffs on Canadian exports of weaner pigs, feeder cattle, pork and beef. •
— By Jim Romahn
Grocers Overcharge For Meats
CBC News reported recently that Loblaws has over-charged customers for meats by including the packaging in the weight for which they pay.
A woman in Manitoba sicked the Canadian Food Inspection Agency on Loblaws and determined that it had gone on for years.
But the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has levied no fines and has been satisfied when Loblaws and other retailers promised to fix the problems.
CBC did its own checking late last year and found Loblaws, Sobeys and Walmart all included packaging weights in the price of meats, typically increasing costs by four to 11 per cent.
And CBC found a retired Canadian Food Inspection Agency employee who said she knows the practice went on for decades.
Lawyer and consumer advocate Daniel Tsai told CBC News that even a small weight discrepancy could amount to big profits for grocers over time.
“That’s going to add up into a very large number, potentially into millions and millions of dollars,” he said. “There’s definitely a need here for some kind of rectification that consumers get compensated.” •
— By Jim Romahn
Canadian Meat Council and Canadian Pork Council on Canada-Indonesia
Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
The Canadian Meat Council (CMC) welcomed the full conclusion of negotiations in early December for the Canada-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in early December. This landmark agreement represents a significant opportunity for Canada’s meat industry to expand its presence in one of the largest and fastest-growing markets in the Indo-Pacific region.
CMC has long supported securing meaningful market access in the Indo-Pacific, including Indonesia and Southeast Asian Nations FTAs. Since Canada’s exclusion from China, CMC’s CEO has proactively advocated for new beef market access, leading engagements with Indonesian government officials and key stakeholders in Jakarta since 2022.
This agreement will enhance our industry’s competitiveness and open new avenues for growth. Indonesia, with its population of 279 million and GDP of nearly $1.9 trillion, offers significant potential for Canadian meat exporters.
We commend the inclusion of a robust Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Chapter, which is enforced by the Agreement’s dispute settlement mechanism and the creation of an ongoing SPS Dialogue to allow transparency and prevent SPS requirement from becoming non-tariff barriers.
Moving forward, it will be essential to ensure that market access requirements, including halal certifications, and industry food safety audits are addressed promptly to facilitate commercially viable access. The Canadian Pork Council remains eager to find ways to serve this market as well with high-quality Canadian pork, all while respecting cultural traditions.
The CEPA includes provisions that align with our industry’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth. By fostering more trade and better trade, the CEPA will contribute to building resilient supply chains, which are crucial in today’s volatile global market.
The CMC looks forward to the swift implementation of the CEPA and remains committed to supporting the government of Canada in ensuring this agreement delivers tangible benefits for businesses and communities. We look forward to working alongside like-minded partners to drive the success of this ambitious partnership. •
Merger of Hypor and Danish Genetics Officially Closed
Hendrix Genetics proudly announces the successful closing of the merger between Hypor, its swine genetics division, and Danish Genetics. This strategic combination unites two industry-leading swine genetics organizations under the Hendrix Genetics umbrella, creating a value proposition that sets a new benchmark for the swine industry.
Together, Hypor and Danish Genetics, supported by Hendrix Genetics’ multispecies expertise and cutting-edge R&D capabilities, are committed to delivering unmatched value and innovation to the pork value chain.
The merger represents a powerful synergy of expertise, resources, and a shared vision for the future of swine genetics. By combining the strengths of Hypor and Danish Genetics, the new entity offers a differentiated and compelling value proposition for pig producers worldwide. Customers can expect
- Innovative R&D: World-class research and development capabilities to stay ahead of genetic advancements.
•Comprehensive Genetics Portfolio: A range of solutions tailored to diverse customer needs in global markets. - Global Reach with Local Proximity: Reliable partnerships and long-term support close to the customer.
To reflect the combined strengths of Hypor and Danish Genetics, the new entity will operate under the name Hendrix Genetics Swine.
This name underscores the collective expertise and resources of the two organizations while highlighting Hendrix Genetics’ commitment to empowering the swine industry. The headquarters for Hendrix Genetics Swine will be based in Denmark, further solidifying its proximity to key markets and customers.
The official closing of the merger marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for Hypor, Danish Genetics, and Hendrix Genetics. This collaboration positions Hendrix Genetics Swine as a global leader dedicated to advancing sustainable performance and empowering the pork value chain through continuous improvement. •
Upcoming Deadlines for Funding Programs
Contact the SASK Pork office for details on and about both of these programs. Eligible applicants can receive a rebate for more than one project or application but cannot exceed the maximum program payment of $15,000 over the five-year program term of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2028. The deadline for rebate applications is March 31, 2028.
Livestock Facility Emissions Program
The Livestock Facility Emissions Program supports intensive hog facilities to adopt practices and technologies or complete facility modifications that will improve their environmental performance, including adaptation to climate change and reduction of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions.
Animal Health and Biosecurity Program
The Animal Health and Biosecurity Program is designed to provide support to producers in the swine sector. The purpose of the program is to increase participation in biosecurity and animal welfare initiatives.
Approved Eligible expenses and equipment costs are funded at 50 per cent to a maximum program payment of $15,000. •
Brazil Pork Exports Could Climb 6.6% in 2025
After registering a strong year in 2024, with record exports and domestic prices at the highest nominal levels, the Brazilian pork sector maintains positive perspectives for 2025, according to a recent market report from Cepea.
Both domestic and international demands are expected to continue firm. Concerning the supply, Cepea estimates an increase in production.
The Brazilian pork sector may continue betting on the foreign market, aiming to strengthen and/or improve its position in the ranking of the largest international players. According to Secex (Foreign Trade Secretariat), pork meat exports totalled more than 1 million tons of product in 2024, up more than 9% compared to the volume of 2023.
This excellent performance of Brazilian exports is linked to the sector’s efforts to increase meat destinations. China has gradually reduced its purchases since 2022. Cepea data show that, in 2025, Brazilian pork meat exports may increase up to 6.6% compared to the volume of 2024, reaching 1.22 million tons.
In the domestic market, the demand for pork meat should continue firm in 2025, mainly considering the high levels of beef prices. The US Department of Agriculture projects and increase of 1.8% in per capita consumption for pork meat in Brazil in 2025.
In order to attend the domestic and international demands throughout the new year, Cepea indicates that the production of pork meat needs to hit approximately 5.53 million tons, 2.8% more than the volume estimated for 2024. •
— The Pig Site
Significance of Canada’s Agriculture Day
The celebration is a chance for Canadians to reflect on the significance of agriculture and the people behind it. Farmers and agri-food workers contribute not only to the nation’s food supply but also to its economic strength.
This year Canada Agriculture Day is Tuesday February 11th.
Canada’s agricultural industry generates billions in GDP annually and supports millions of jobs. By acknowledging this sector, the day encourages a deeper understanding and connection between consumers and producers, fostering greater appreciation for the journey of food from farm to table.
Canada’s Agriculture Day also promotes sustainable farming practices. Many Canadian farmers adopt innovative techniques to minimize environmental impact and ensure the long-term health of the land. Through precision agriculture, crop rotation, and conservation efforts, farmers work towards a more sustainable future.
History of Canada’s Agriculture Day
Canada’s Agriculture Day began in 2017, and it was founded by the Agriculture More Than Ever initiative. This event celebrates the hard work of Canadian farmers and agricultural professionals.
It aims to highlight the vital role agriculture plays in our daily lives and foster a stronger connection between consumers and the agricultural community.
The Canadian Centre for Food Integrity (CCFI) now leads the celebration. This group focuses on improving public trust in Canada’s food system.
By launching Canada’s Agriculture Day, CCFI wanted to create a national conversation about agriculture and food production. It encourages people to share their stories and experiences with farming, promoting a better understanding of the sector’s importance.
Canada’s Agriculture Day has grown each year, engaging more Canadians and raising awareness about the agricultural industry. The event features various activities, including social media campaigns, farm tours, and community events.
These efforts aim to celebrate the contributions of those who work in agriculture and to inspire future generations to appreciate and support this essential industry. •
Viterra Continues Partnership with Canadian Foodgrains Bank for 9th Year
Announced in late 2024.
In a world where one in 11 people globally are experiencing hunger, Canadian Foodgrains Bank, Viterra, and its volunteer farmers are celebrating nine years of partnership to help thousands of families become food-secure.
In 2024, about 267 acres of land were provided at five Viterra facilities in Balgonie, Grenfell and Raymore in Saskatchewan, as well as Trochu and Lethbridge in Alberta.
Volunteer farmers working at these terminals gave their time and efforts to plant and harvest crops on the acres designated for Foodgrains Bank use, raising funds to help respond to hunger around the world through the Foodgrains Bank network.
“For the ninth consecutive year, we’re grateful to be partnering with Viterra, and with the volunteer farmers in Alberta and Saskatchewan who remain dedicated to harvesting crops and raising funds to help end hunger around the world,” says Foodgrains Bank executive director Andy Harrington.
“With many places around the world grappling with severe levels of hunger, such as Haiti, Sudan, and Gaza, this support is more important than ever as we work together to see a world where families do not have to experience the painful reality of hunger.”
“As a global industry leader, we recognize the importance of food security and moving food ingredients to areas of need safely and efficiently,” said Kyle Jeworski, CEO of Viterra Canada. “I would like to thank the Foodgrains Bank for the great work they do to help fight hunger globally, our farmers for their time and effort in supporting these growing projects, and our employees who have been helping to facilitate our efforts with the Foodgrains Bank for the last nine years.”
In addition to providing the land, Viterra is also providing the Foodgrains Bank with a donation of $5 for each tonne of crops donated to the organization through its grain elevators in Western Canada.
Foodgrains Bank projects funded through this partnership include humanitarian responses to help people affected by conflict and natural disasters, as well as development projects that help people lift themselves out of poverty in the longer-term, often by providing agricultural training. •
Vaccines Counter Greasy Pig Syndrome
Autogenous vaccines can control greasy pig syndrome, said Dr. Marty Misener, a veterinarian at Millbank.
It’s usually not a problem in established herd since immunity passes from sows to piglets, but it can be problematic in new herds stocked with gilts, he said.
It is caused by bacteria that shed toxins that develop into skin infections that can cover the entire body.
Infected pigs become dehydrated, lose weight and may die.
The autogenous vaccines are administered to pregnant gilts who develop immunity which is passed to offspring.
Misener cited successful use of autogenous vaccine in Germany where the disease was resulting in 10 per cent mortality.
His report is published on the swineweb website. •
— By Jim Romahn
