Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) can have a huge economic impact on a hog operation.So finding better vaccines against the disease would be a huge boost to the hog sector.That’s why a long-term, international collaboration between researchers at the University of Manitoba and the Leiden University Medical Centre in the Netherlands uncovering
Brent Bushell, just laying out the facts
A hog marketing group based in Edmonton is asking producers across Canada to join together in developing a fair pricing system for their hogs.Spearheaded by the Western Hog Exchange, a new partnership has been formed, the Fair Priced Pork Alliance, to update Western Canada’s pricing formula to something
Damage from wild boar wallowing
The Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) uses cell phone cameras and remote trapping technology to locate and capture feral pigs roaming the province. SCIC oversees efforts to eradicate escaped or released feral pig populations from Saskatchewan.Dale Knouse, the manager of strategic operations with SCIC, explains their approach:“We’ve been doing this
Foreign-trained swine veterinarians working through the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) to qualify for veterinary certification in Canada will focus on reducing swine mortality from birth to market. These veterinarians will undertake research projects to improve swine health and well-being as part of their SMART Swine Residency Certification Program training.Dr. John Harding, a
The Canadian pork market is experiencing notable changes in hog flows and slaughter rates, particularly in Western Canada. Key players such as Olymel, Donald’s Fine Foods, and Maple Leaf are making strategic moves that are impacting these dynamics.Kevin Grier, who owns Market Analysis and Consulting Inc. of Guelph, ON. said Olymel’s downsizing has reduced
Greetings on a cooler, smoke filled afternoon. The heat wave we have been having has taken a back seat for some much needed moisture. As I am typing this my heart aches for all those affect by the wildfires, makes you appreciate the countless blessings we each have in our lives.This issue is jam
In an industry dominated by intensive, large scale operations, most with a fairly similar genetic base, there are still those who choose a different path in the swine industry.Hogs and Horns Homestead, located at Lavoy, Alta. – about an hour east of Edmonton – is one such operation.They are a smaller operation, raising their
The Animal Agriculture Alliance’s Stakeholder Summit, themed “Ready, Set, Solve! Advancing Animal Agriculture,” united a diverse group of participants to shape the future of animal agriculture collectively. Echoing the spirit of the year of the Olympics, the conference underscored the shared responsibility of all sectors, from farmers and veterinarians to processors and allied industries,
Imagine in the future – perhaps the not so distance future – when humans need an organ transplant they turn to pigs as the donors.It might sound like science fiction, but researchers at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) are working to make it a reality by exploring xenotransplantation – the transplantation of organs from
Keep the faith and stop foolish rules and regulations.
Like other professions, careers, and life choices, farming presents challenges. Yet, farming is also a primary industry that builds communities, feeds the world, and provides an excellent rural living standard.In today’s highly regulated world, government officials decide about things they know little about. Very little thought
