Brandon Hog & Livestock Expo
The one day Brandon Hog & Livestock Expo will take place Wednesday December 13th at the Keystone Centre in Brandon from 10am – 5pm. The show will include a Pork Quality competition. •

Banff Pork Seminar
Banff Pork Seminar will return to the Castle in the Rockies January 9 – 11, 2024. The committee has worked hard on finalizing the agendas of breakouts sessions and keynote speakers.
Some of the breakout topics sessions include: Feed & Nutrition – Food & Fuel Industry co-products, Amino Acids as Functional Nutrients; Piglet Management – Nutrition & Management of Weaned pigs, Considerations for Weaning age; Technology – Point of Care using real time data, ProHog Management; Genomics – What Genomics has done for pigs, Indicators of Disease Resilience, Application & Benefits of Disease Resilience; Grow Finish Management – Taking Care of Basics, Stocking & Density; Sow Management – Where have all the Gilts Gone?, Prop 12; Swine Health – Internal Biosecurity, Saporvirus, Strep Zoo, Seneca Valley Virus plus the Innovators session on Wednesday feutring winning innovation for FX Aherne prize and finalist presentations for the RO Ball young scientist grad student competition.
Keynote speakers include: Joe Kerns, Arnold Drung, Sylvain Charlebois and Marty Seymour.
Online registration is now open.
Latest updates are found on the website, banffpork.ca For more information contact Ashley Steeple, Conference Coordinator, PH: 780.492.3651 or Email: pork@ualberta.ca •

Manitoba Swine Seminar
Save the date, the 36th Manitoba Swine Seminar will be held February 7th & 8th 2024. maintaining the theme of Sharing Ideas and Information for Efficient Pork Production. Earlybird registration will open January 2nd until January 16th.
For more information contact Patti Clement MSS conference manager at 204.981.8042 or
E: info@manitobaswineseminar.com check out the Website manitobaswineseminar.com for all the latest details and online registration.•

Saskatchewan Livestock Expo
Saskatchewan Livestock Expo, formally known as Cramer Ag Expo, will return to its regular timeslot in February in 2024. Mark Thursday February 22nd, 2024 down for the 14th annual show in Swift Current, SK. The one day show will be held at the Kinetic Exhibition Park, featuring a trade show, door prizes, silent and live auction and of course the Cramer Cup series.
As of press time the show is sold out. Check the website for all the latest details at
cramereventmanagement.com
A block of rooms are on hold at the Days Inn, 105 George Street. Contact the hotel direct at 306.773.4660 and mention attending the Saskatchewan Livestock Expo.
For more information please contact Doug Cramer at 306.520.3553 •

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 •

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 •

Manitoba Pork AGM
Mark Thursday April 11th on your calendar for the Manitoba Pork Annual General Meeting. The meeting will be held at the Fairmont in Winnipeg, watch your inboxes for upcoming details. •

Swine Compartment Program Launched
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the pork industry are launching a compartment program to deal with any outbreak of African Swine Fever.
It will establish heightened bio-security around pig populations to contain any outbreak.
It is designed to assure trading partners that Canada has an outbreak under control. It is in addition to a zoning protocol that geographically divides the country into regions that remain free of the disease so exports from those regions can continue.
It is one piece of a bigger program called the African Swine Fever Industry Preparedness Program which has $23.4 million available to provinces, territories and academic institutions, associations and Indigenous groups. It is, in turn, part of an international program to contain and prevent spread of the disease.
In August the Manitoba Pork Council got $944,450 under this program.
It is using that money to “enhance efforts to control wild pigs in the province, develop an integrated response plan that focuses on animal welfare, disease response and sector recovery, and encourage the adoption of best management practices to improve bio-security measures through targeted awareness campaigns.”
The CFIA said about the new compartment program that “a compartment or part of a compartment can be present within an infected zone.
“It is the bio-security and surveillance practices of the compartment that maintain the ASF-free status of the pigs within the compartment, not the location of the premises.
“This makes continued trade of pigs and pork products from a compartment free of ASF theoretically possible even when a premises is located within an infected zone.”
“The Canadian pork industry is unwavering in its dedication to the health of our swine herds and the prosperity of our industry. The Canadian ASF Compartment Program offers a robust tool to manage ASF risks, ensuring our continued success in the global market,” said René Roy, Chairman of the Canadian Pork Council.
“The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is taking every precaution to protect swine herds and the pork industry from African swine fever,” said Dr. Harpreet Kochhar, president of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
“The Canadian ASF Compartment Program underscores our commitment to proactive bio-security and disease management and strengthens Canada’s position as a global leader in swine health.”
The CFIA sets national standards and provincial governments and members of the Canadian Pork Council handle administration.
Bio-security and traceability programs are key elements of the program. •
— By Jim Romahn

African Swine Fever in Hong Kong
African Swine Fever has broken out on a farm in Hong Kong, prompting a culling of 5,600 pigs.
There have been no reports of the disease outside of a three-kilometre quarantine zone.
China has notified the World Organization for Animal Health and will likely result in a ban on pork and pig exports.
The licensed pig farm at Lau Fau Shan, rural Yuen Long area is near the mainland China border. •
— By Jim Romahn

Despite Trying Times, Pig Exports Continue
Despite trying times in the global hog industry, Canadian purebred hogs continue to have export customers.
Carla Dusick, executive director of the Canadian Swine Export Association, said there have been orders from South Korea.
“Most of the rest of Asia is suffering from negative margins which limits buying.
We have had some orders to Taiwan, Thailand and Viet Nam.
“There is limited activity in Mexico and Central America and next to no activity to Europe.”
There is a steady business from buyers in the United States, but that is also down from the usual demand. •
— By Jim Romahn

Manitoba Pork/Harvest Manitoba Freezer Program
As part of Manitoba Pork’s ongoing commitment to Harvest Manitoba, two brand new commercial freezers full of nutritious ground pork were delivered to two food banks in Winnipeg in October.
Harvest Manitoba feeds more than 90,000 Manitobans per month, including hungry children, hardworking families, and struggling adults. Harvest collects healthy and nutritious food for Manitobans who need support, is the fourth largest distributor of its kind in Canada, and the only provincial food network in the province.
Manitoba Pork’s commitment to Harvest Manitoba is over three years, and is worth $150,000. This includes freezer and pork donations across the province. •

Second Pig Heart Transplant to a Man
Laurence Faucette’s blood is being pumped by a pig’s heart in early October after doctors at the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) performed a transplant operation.
He is the second man to receive a pig’s heart. The first was David Bennett in January of 2022, also at the same medical centre.
In a research paper that described the first transplant, they demonstrated that the pig heart functioned well in the patient for several weeks with no signs of acute rejection.
His death from heart failure was likely caused by a multitude of factors including his poor state of health that left him hospitalized on a heart-lung bypass machine for six weeks prior to the transplant, the report said.
Faucette is a 58-year-old patient with terminal heart disease. He is recovering and communicating with his loved ones. According to reports, he is said to be stable and doing well after the operation on Sept. 20.
Faucette was deemed ineligible for a traditional transplant with a human heart due to his pre-existing peripheral vascular disease and complications with internal bleeding.“My only real hope left is to go with the pig heart, the xenotransplant,” said Mr. Faucette, who lives at Frederick, Maryland. “Dr. Bartley Griffith, Dr. Nuhammad Mohiuddin and their entire staff have been incredible, but nobody knows from this point forward. At least now I have hope, and I have a chance.”
United Therapeutics has funded a $22 million research program to test their genetically-modified pig hearts from Revivicor in baboon studies conducted at UMSOM.
Three genes — responsible for a rapid antibody-mediated rejection of pig organs by humans — were “knocked out” in the donor pig. Six human genes responsible for immune acceptance of the pig heart were inserted into the genome. One additional gene in the pig was knocked out to prevent excessive growth of the pig heart tissue, for a total of 10 unique gene edits made in the donor pig.
United Therapeutics Corporation, through its xenotransplantation subsidiary Revivicor, based in Blacksburg, VA, provided the genetically-modified pig to the xenotransplantation laboratory at UMSOM. •
— By Jim Romahn

Labour Shortage Costing Agriculture Billions
Research by the Conference Board of Canada concluded that the Canadian ag industry lost about $3.5 billion in sales last year because of a shortage of workers.
That’s up from a lost of $2.8 billion in 2020.
Agriculture has a job vacancy rate of 7.4 per cent which is more than the Canadian average.
About 25 per cent of the Canadian agriculture labour force was foreign workers.
Shedding light on the overall ag labour situation will help stakeholders identify ways to manage the issue, said Jennifer Wright, executive director of the Canadian Agriculture Human Resources Council.
“We cannot solve the issues facing our sector if we do not know exactly what they are and where they exist. That is why this new data is so important,” she said in a statement.
“The information tells us there is an urgent need to boost labour supply and empower domestic and foreign workers to secure the industry’s future viability.” •
— By Jim Romahn

Genetic Defence to PRRS Might Work
Research with a Genesus herd of PRRS-infected pigs is sparking hope that there could be some genetic defence against the disease.
A research team has discovered there is genetic variance within the traits measured in the herd and that presents an opportunity to make breeding selections based on the varying responses.
Now Genesus will try to develop genomic breeding values on animals not exposed to PRRS-challenged environments to determine how well offspring perform in a PRRS-challenged environment.
The report by Genesus geneticist Dr. Chad Bierman has been posted online. •
— By Jim Romahn

Loblaws Says Conduct Code Too Costly
Loblaws is saying that a code of conduct requiring supermarket chains to deal fairly with suppliers would be too costly.
In a statement, Loblaw spokeswoman Catherine Thomas said the draft code has “a number of challenges,” which the grocer believes could risk product availability and increasing food prices.
The Loblaw statement also mentioned the potential “$1 billion in costs,” which Thomas said refers to extra costs for Loblaw customers. This code is under discussion by a steering committee. The federal, provincial and territorial ministers of agriculture are also involved after setting up a task force on the issue more than a year ago.
The chains have said they can work with a code that is voluntary, but object to one that has teeth to back it up.
Walmart and Loblaws are both on record now saying the code would be too costly. Metro and Empire, which owns Sobey’s, said they will comply.
Michael Graydon, chief executive officer of the Food, Health & Consumer Products of Canada association and co-chair of the steering committee developing the code, said there is no evidence to back Loblaws’ claim that it would cost consumers $1 billion.
He said the two companies should give the code a chance. Without them on board, the code will be less effective, he said.
“Sign on, be active participants, be engaged,” Graydon said.
“But to just continue to sit on the sidelines and throw rocks at the process … it’s not in the best interest of the industry.”
The code is near completion, Graydon said, with plans to have it and the non-profit organization overseeing it up and running by the end of the first quarter of 2024.
“In July, federal, provincial, and territorial ministers (of agriculture) were briefed on the significant progress made during industry consultations held in May 2023, and remain united in calling for all key players in the industry, including large retailers, to participate in and support the operation of the code,” said federal Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay in an e-mail to the Globe and Mail. •
— By Jim Romahn

Beyond Meat Nose-diving
Beyond Meat announced it will be laying off 19 per cent of its workforce and will soon be unveiling a disappointing news about its third quarter financials.
It also said it is having second thoughts about a planned production facility in China. Construction is underway.
Chief executive officer Ethan Brown said revenues will dive by about 31 per cent from the first quarter to about $75 million, leading to a loss of $7 to $8 million compared with a profit of $2.3 million in the second quarter.
Maple Leaf Foods said when it released its quarterly report this week that it lost $2.2 million, has trimmed costs in its plant proteins business, and that sales declined by 16.4 per cent to $36.4 million compared with $43 million the same quarter last year. •
— By Jim Romahn

CBS Bio Platforms Introduces New Enhanced Feed Ingredient Bags
CBS Bio Platforms has introduced new feed ingredient bags for the complete lineup of signature Feed Science Platforms (FSPs).
The new bags bring enhanced technology and features for CBS customers, helping to ensure product arrives in top condition every time – whether short or long distance, domestic or international – and stays airtight.
The new bags were introduced in October 2023 aim to seamlessly blend sleek design and handling with enhanced product protection for customers. New features include:

• One-way degassing valve allows air to flow out of the bag, but not back in, eliminating ‘pillowing’ and ‘mushrooming’ to provide brick-like handling and stable palletization.
• Built-in vent chamber creates an elaborate path that prevents contaminants from plugging the valve’s mechanisms and compromising its sealing efficacy.
• Durable, high-barrier film construction prevents moisture ingress, oxidation, infestation and dehydration, ensuring your contents remain top quality and free-flowing when they reach customers.
• Enhanced capabilities protecting the design from fading or scratching by enclosing the ink between material layers, to preserve easy identification. •

Jefo Nutrition Closer to Brazilian Customers
As of November 1st, to strengthen its presence in the local market the company has established its own sales and technical support teams to provide better customer service and counseling. All Jefo products, previously marketed by Safeeds, are now available directly through Jefo Brazil.
With over 4 decades of experience in animal nutrition, Jefo has developed a pioneering micro-encapsulation protection called Jefo Matrix Technology, which integrates the nutrients in a specific triglycerides and fatty acids matrix for slow, targeted release of active ingredients directly in the intestine for optimal absorption. •

Canadian Foodgrains Bank and Viterra Mark Eighth Consecutive Year of Working Together to End Global Hunger
As the hunger crisis persists in many places around the world, Canadian Foodgrains Bank, Viterra, and its volunteer farmers are celebrating their eighth consecutive year of working together toward ending global hunger.
In 2023, about 172 acres of land were provided at Viterra facilities in Balgonie, Grenfell and Raymore in Saskatchewan, as well as Trochu in Alberta.
Volunteer farmers working at these terminals gave their time and effort 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.
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. •

Design Concrete Expands Team
Mark Eaton, Sales Manager and Paul Dolmage, Agricultural Sales and Service Manager for Design Concrete Inc., are pleased to announce that Andrew Beusekom of Magnum Swine Genetics will join Jim Haggins as sales representatives for western Canada.
Andrew has worked in the hog industry for 35 years and in 1996 he started Magnum Swine Genetics located at Fort Macleod, AB. Magnum currently markets to producers in Alberta and Saskatchewan and British Columbia. At the present time he has 200 boars in his system and is completing an addition to his stud that will take his capacity to 300 boars early in 2024.
Andrew is looking forward to working with producers in concrete slat supply for replacement of old slats as well as producers doing larger renovations or building new production facilities. •

CASV Names New President
Dr Kurt Preugschas has recently been named President of the Canadian Association of Swine Veterinarians (CASV).
The CASV was founded in 2003 to bring together veterinarians from across Canada who have a special interest in swine. Membership now includes those in private practice, industry, academia and government. •

SASK Pork Welcomes New Team Member
I, Steve Seto, would like to take the brief moment to introduce myself as the new Communications & Marketing Coordinator for Sask Pork. I have spent the past 6 years in broadcast media working at CityNews in Calgary and 650 CKOM in Saskatoon. I’m thrilled to be part of this amazing team and started in early October.
I am here to help communicate any messages and information that you will need. I’m excited to push the amazing work all of our producers do and create higher visibility for our consumers. •

CPC Acknowledges Directors
The Canadian Pork Council recently presented awards to board of directors Casey Smit (SK) and Claude Vielfaure (MB) for their passion, dedication and leadership in the Canadian pork industry. •