Better Pork

Photo by Chris Burgett on Unsplash AgScape, headquartered in Milton, Ontario, has announced it will be receiving up to $3 million from the governments of Canada and Ontario to help it continue bringing innovative agriculture and food education across the province and hopefully inspire people to consider a career in the sector. AgScape is a charitable organization providing factual, balanced, and curriculum-linked agriculture and food literacy programs and resources to Ontario’s educators and students. As one of 10 provincial members of Agriculture in the Classroom Canada (AITC-C), AgScape collaborates with AITC-C to ensure every youth in Ontario has an agriculture and food education experience. AgScape is receiving up to $1.6 million in funding under the () over the next four years for our project titled “Engaging Youth in Growing a Sustainable Future.” Project initiatives include curriculum-linked lessons delivered in classrooms, engaging students in hands-on activities with industry partners, Virtual Field Trips, adult professional development, and resource development and distribution. These activities will empower Ontario youth and educators to understand their relationship with Ontario’s agriculture and food system and inspire interest in related careers while stimulating critical thinking and dialogue. AgScape is also partnering with the governments of Canada and Ontario on a new initiative to increase awareness of the importance and diversity of career opportunities in the agriculture and agri-food sector across Ontario with up to $1.4 million in funding. With a focus on attracting young, innovative talent, this initiative seeks to revolutionize perceptions and promote the vast array of career pathways available in Ontario's agriculture, food, and food processing industries. One project will ensure that agricultural society fairs across Ontario have the opportunity to receive resources for a dedicated booth with engaging resources to showcase the breadth and depth of career opportunities in the agriculture and agri-food sectors. A second project will be centered around an interactive installation at select fairs and career events that will engage individuals interested in exploring careers in the agriculture and agri-food industry. Participants will explore career paths based on their interests and skills, empowering young people to make informed decisions about their future. “Our young people are the future of the agriculture and agri-food sector, but many don’t get the chance to see all the types of jobs that are available to them. Thanks to this funding, AgScape is helping them explore the diverse career opportunities in the agriculture and agri-food sector, ensuring a bright and sustainable future for Canada's agricultural industry,' stated the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. Added Lisa Thompson, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OM

Graphic courtesy of Ascenso Tires North America Ascenso Tires North America is an off-highway tire brand that caters to the needs of the global segments of agriculture, industrial and construction, earth mover, material handling, and agro-forestry. It is also now taking submissions for agriculture and construction service truck technicians for the . Ascenso Tires North America is asking agriculture and construction tire dealers, end users, or colleagues to nominate exceptional Farm Service Truck Technicians through September 31, 2024, for agriculture, construction, and industrial tire technicians with at least five years of service, and who currently work in the US. One nominee will be chosen for a grand prize trip for two to the in Las Vegas, Nevada, on November 5-8. Eligible nominees will receive a pair of Ascenso super grip mechanic gloves and a certificate to celebrate their commitment to the tire industry, according to Ascenso. Eligible nominees with 15 years or more of service on a farm service truck will receive a certificate and an Ascenso soft shell jacket. “Farm Service Truck Technicians are critical to the success of any dealership and invaluable to the customers they serve. Dealer owners know their importance, but Ascenso Tires North America wants to bring their service efforts to the greater public and recognize them,” explained Nick Phillippi, Product Development and Technical Support for Ascenso Tires North America. He continued: “These people are well trained, safety oriented and work extremely hard in sometimes difficult situations and are often overlooked by the public, and Ascenso hopes this is a big step to correct that.” More details about the program and the company may be found at www.AscensoTiresNA.com.

Daniel Stansbury, AgRevolution’s General Service Manager, recently explained to Farms.com how farmers can improve their operations and get better returns on their investments without buying brand new equipment. AgRevolution retrofitting services can upgrade existing planters, sprayers, and tractors with the latest precision agriculture technology. This approach allows you to address specific needs and stay within your budget. AgRevolution's team of Precision Ag Advisors can assess your farm's needs and recommend compatible technology from various manufacturers. Stansbury explains that retrofitting a planter can involve adding features like new seed meters and advanced monitors for improved seed placement and data collection. Upgrading a sprayer can include precision spray systems and automatic boom control for more efficient application and reduced waste. Tractor upgrades can involve integrating technology from different brands to allow implementation from various manufacturers according to Stansbury. Importantly, retrofitting can also include adding auto-steer technology, which can significantly reduce fatigue and improve overall farm safety. By helping farmers become more efficient and productive, AgRevolution's retrofitting services contribute to a more successful and sustainable agricultural industry. Watch the video below to learn more about AgRevolution’s precision ag solutions.

ByDevin Lashley Farms.com Risk Management Intern It's been no secret that since the spring of 2022 wheat prices have essentially been in a freefall despite the war in Ukraine with Russia. After a grain deal was signed, providing some relief, western sanctions on Russia had no impact, Ukraine production has fallen but Russian wheat supplies have grown and have flooded the market at lower prices, undercutting other suppliers. As a result, global wheat prices have declined, putting pressure on wheat values. This has been much to wheat farmers' chagrin as many in the industry struggle to make a profit when trying to sell their crop on a market flooded with cheap Russian wheat just ready to undercut them. Recently, however signs have been pointing to relief for Canadian wheat farmers as global events have begun to push the price of wheat significantly higher for the first time in a long while. Farmers may be asking will this trend continue and, if so, to what extent? The price of wheat has been rising thanks to a fund short covering rally where global funds have may been buying back their short positions from growing dry/frost weather concerns in the U.S. HRW country, Europe, Western Canada (the lack of moisture maybe getting more attention as planting season nears) and Southern Russia where most of the wheat is grown. The other stress on crops has been from too much rain in Western Europe. This in turn sent European milling wheat prices higher supporting higher U.S. pieces. In the U.S., winter wheat crops got a small taste of frost in the Southwestern Plains on April 21 (Europe was worse) but a portion of the U.S. winter crop was headed and likely suffered some loss. In the last 3 months Russia has seen very little moisture with some at 0% of normal. Concerns over crop prospects in Russia's southern Caucasus region have heightened. This area serves as a vital source of wheat exports for Russia. Weather forecasts indicating prolonged dry conditions until early May have exacerbated worries about crop yields in this region. The lack of adequate rainfall poses a significant threat to wheat production, potentially impacting global supply, but now the weather forecast is calling for rain in the next few weeks just as the crop is being made. With a production hiccup in Russian the worlds largest producer and exporter we could have a wheat rally. Some in the trade think that a 20 mmt hiccup is coming, which would reduce exports and drive demand up somewhere else and prices would need to rally to ration that demand. On top of this potentially bullish news, India, one of the world's largest wheat producers and consumers, saw wheat stocks hit a 16-year low, down 25 percent vs. last year. Any imports from India to rebuild reserves would only add more fuel to the fire but talk of India buying wheat has been around since last year. This unusual situation may lead to increased demand for wheat on the international market. Historically, India has been self-sufficient in wheat production and has not required substantial imports. However, poor harvests and dwindling stocks could prompt India to import large quantities of wheat, potentially driving up demand and prices worldwide. Remember, India is the second largest consumer of wheat worldwide, beating out the U.S. by a wide margin. Should the country need to start importing wheat, it will likely be enough to push up global prices by itself.

By: Farms.com The Canadian and Manitoba governments have announced a significant investment in Manitoba's Livestock Predation Prevention Program. This collaboration aims to fortify farms against wildlife threats by funding proactive measures that deter predator attacks on livestock. The program is part of the broader Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, under which both governments will provide $500,000 to support Manitoba farmers. Agricultural and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay, together with Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn, stated that this initiative is vital for reducing the economic burden on farmers caused by wildlife predation. This funding will allow for the purchase of essential equipment and the construction of predator-resistant fencing, ensuring that farmers can continue their operations without the looming threat of predator attacks. The program offers two funding streams. One stream allows for the purchase of predation prevention equipment and guardian dogs, while the other supports the construction of specialized fencing to protect calving and lambing areas, pastures, and other sensitive sites. Eligible livestock producers, particularly those with previous predation claims, can receive up to 75% cost coverage for protective measures, with a cap of $5,000 for equipment and dogs, and $10,000 for fencing. The Manitoba Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources department is increasing its funding for the Manitoba Targeted Predator Removal Program by $90,000, reaching $150,000. This increase will enhance the program's capacity to address livestock predation effectively. Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) and the Manitoba Sheep Association (MSA) have played significant roles in developing and piloting these predator management strategies. Their efforts, along with governmental support, underscore a commitment to sustainable agriculture and livestock safety. For more information or to apply for the Livestock Predation Prevention Program, visit www.manitoba.ca/scap/resiliency/livestock.html. This program not only supports farmers' immediate needs but also contributes to the long-term sustainability and safety of agriculture in Manitoba.

Viterra, a leader in the agricultural sector, has partnered with the Canadian Foodgrains Bank for the ninth year, continuing their commitment to tackle global hunger. This year, Viterra has dedicated 267 acres of land around its Alberta and Saskatchewan terminals for crop cultivation. These lands, located near terminals in Lethbridge, Trochu, Balgonie, Grenfell, and Raymore, are part of a community-led initiative where local farmers grow crops voluntarily. The proceeds from these crops are then donated to help feed the hungry across the globe. Andy Harrington, executive director of the Foodgrains Bank, emphasized the importance of such initiatives at a time when 783 million people worldwide suffer from hunger, with acute crises in regions like Sudan. He expressed gratitude towards Viterra for their ongoing support and pivotal role in these efforts. Viterra's CEO, Kyle Jeworski, highlighted the dedicated efforts of their employees and the participating farmers whose contributions are crucial to the project's success. He reaffirmed Viterra’s commitment to fighting food insecurity, particularly in areas severely affected by conflict and natural disasters. The collaboration not only involves growing and donating crops but also includes a financial aspect where Viterra donates $5 for every tonne of crop processed through their Western Canadian grain elevators. This fund further supports the Foodgrains Bank in implementing food security projects. These projects range from immediate humanitarian response to long-term developmental initiatives that enhance agricultural practices and resilience among vulnerable communities. The Canadian Foodgrains Bank, supported by 15 church organizations and the Government of Canada, works globally to alleviate hunger. In the last budget year, they provided substantial aid, supporting over a million people in 36 countries through various programs aimed at reducing hunger. As global challenges such as climate change, economic instability, and conflicts exacerbate food crises, partnerships like the one between Viterra and the Canadian Foodgrains Bank play a vital role in providing sustainable solutions to combat hunger effectively. Together, they leverage agriculture to create pathways out of food insecurity, demonstrating the power of collaboration in tackling global issues.

Farms.com spoke with Nathan Stein, Co-Founder of Pegasus Robotics about the company’s offerings of XAG drones. These drones provide farmers with unparalleled capabilities in precision crop management and efficient operations. The XAG P-100 Pro drones, exclusively distributed by Pegasus Robotics in the US and Canada, boast impressive features. With a carrying capacity of up to 110 lbs (50 kg) in their dry hopper and a flying speed of 31 miles per hour (50 km per hour) when dispensing product, the XAG drones cover vast acres in a single day. The drone’s wet tank, the largest in the market at 13.5 gallons (50 l), ensures extended flight durations and increased operational efficiency. Stein said that a farmer can expect to cover 50 acres an hour, or up to 500 acres per day when using the drones to apply product. He explained that the drones are equipped with rotary atomizer applicators – a little bit different than most people are used to. But the atomizer applicators allow the XAG drones to deliver precise product dispersion, maximizing the effectiveness of crop treatments while minimizing chemical usage. The drones' compatibility with imaging solutions and mapping software further enhances its utility, allowing farmers to generate field maps and plan routes with ease. A unique feature of the XAG drones is its automated mixing station with MixMate, which Stein says ensures accurate chemical application and maintaining batch quality throughout operations. With the ability to fill a drone in just 44 seconds and recharge batteries in approximately 10 minutes, the XAG drones offer unmatched efficiency and uptime in the field. Batteries are easily changed too. The trailer has a diesel generator to charge the batteries in water–yes that is correct–in water. It is a unique feature of the XAG that the batters are charged in water, and it only takes about 10 minutes and makes the batteries long-lasting. Pegasus Robotics provides comprehensive support for XAG drones as well, including dealer distribution and technical assistance, ensuring farmers can maximize the benefits of this advanced technology.

Certain barns that switched to antibiotic-free production observed increased prevalence of pathogens after a few years on the program. Developing improved sanitization and disinfection procedures is animportant step to reduce the pathogen load in antibiotic-free barns, which was the goal of this study. This project identified and screened various disinfection strategies comprised of conventional and non-conventional disinfection measures. The screening phase determined calcium oxide, peracetic acid (PAA), quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), electrolyzed water (SAEW) and alkaline electrolyzed water (AW), and silver nanoparticles as the most promising alternative measures. During laboratory-scale evaluations, the application of SAEW and PAA were identified as the most promising disinfection strategies, which were investigated further in in-barn tests. The performance of PAA and SAEW was comparable to conventional disinfectants (Virkon) and showed longer effectivity than Virkon at 4 to 24 hours after its application. Economic analysis showed that SAEW reduced the overall cost of disinfectant used per pig while PAA costs a bit more than conventional disinfectants. This study indicates that SAEW and PAA solutions could be a better alternative to conventional disinfectants.

Olymel, a key player in the meat processing industry, has unveiled a strategic restructuring plan aimed at optimizing its operational footprint amidst evolving production trends. This initiative follows the recent announcement of the closure of its Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu plant in Quebec, Canada. The Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu facility, primarily focused on poultry processing with additional pork products, is set to cease operations on July 19 due to declining production volumes, operating at only 40% capacity. The closure will directly impact 135 employees, including both non-regulated and temporary foreign workers. Recognizing the expertise and dedication of its workforce, Olymel is committed to facilitating the transition for affected employees. A comprehensive relocation plan is being implemented, offering opportunities for relocation to neighboring plants with labor demands. These include facilities in Saint-Jean-Baptiste, Saint-Damase, Ange-Gardien, and Boucherville. Employees opting for relocation will have their years of seniority acknowledged for compensation and benefits, subject to union approval at the respective plants. Additionally, measures will be taken to assist temporary foreign workers in applying for relocation to alternative Olymel facilities in coordination with federal and provincial authorities. Yanick Gervais, President and CEO of Olymel, expressed regret over the closure while emphasizing the necessity of adapting to market dynamics. He underscored the company’s commitment to retaining as many employees as possible within the Olymel family, underscoring the implementation of a robust relocation plan to support career continuity for those choosing to remain with the organization. This strategic realignment underscores Olymel’s proactive approach in navigating industry challenges, ensuring long-term sustainability and efficiency in its operations.

The 2024 Canadian industry outlook is looking more positive for profitability each week. The projected profits by month for the 2024 calendar year currently show highs of $90+ a hog through the summer months and projected losses at the end of the year that are low. The Canada pork industry like the USA has been beaten and battered over the last number of years, a year of largely sustained profitability is beyond necessary. After a reduction of the overall pig herd across Canada it was inevitable that profitability would return but it sure has taken a long time. It is unfortunate that for our industry to be profitable we have to lose for sustained periods or for some producers just go out of business altogether. As an industry it would be logical to look at different ways for sustainable business to exist going forward rather than repeating the same cycle. Producing better tasting pork that will result in us not continuously losing market share when all consumer studies show that taste is the primary reason for consumers buying a product. Rather than getting caught up on irrelevant details about what some consumer study says is important like having grass fed pigs we need to focus on what matters. Taste. As an industry it’s not complicated at all – produce better tasting pork on a mass scale is one way to a more sustainable business.

Some European producers have elected to formulate relatively low crude protein diets in an effort to reduce environmental nitrogen excretion (pollution). In addition. lowering crude protein is believed to reduce hind gut fermentation of undigested protein that can increase the risk of post-weaning scour. Pigs that are fed low protein diets may spend increased amounts of time investigating their environment and foraging for food in an effort to find what they are lacking. When environmental enrichment is very poor the pigs may increasingly redirect their behaviours towards pen mates. If the act of “nibbling” on a penmate should happen to produce some blood the pigs will become very interested in the blood since it can be an easy source of amino acids and other nutrients that are missing from the diet. These Dutch researchers investigated the effect of supplementing a low protein diet with indispensable (essential) amino acids (IAA)orproviding additional environmental enrichment on tail biting. Undocked pigs (n = 48 groups of 12) received either a normal protein diet (NP), a low protein diet (LP), an LP diet with supplemented IAA (LP+), or LP diet withextraenvironmental enrichment (LP-E+) during the starter, grower, and finisher phase. All treatments in the nursery phase had a jute bag (1.1 × 0.6 m) and a rope (2.85 m in length) that was standard enrichment. Theextraenvironmental enrichment consisted of a rope (2.85 m in length, with three nodes), a wooden beam (1 × 0.095 × 0.045 m) hanging from the pen walls with metal chains, and a provision of 350 g of chopped straw (approximately 15 cm long) per day.

Just a three-minute drive west of Zurich, you’ll find the sprawling Cedar Villa Farms, a mixed farming operation now entering seven generations of family ownership. “Past generations focused on Angus beef,” said Huron Country pork farmer TJ Klopp. “When my dad Paul started farming, he decided he wanted pigs, so growing up, we started with 50 sows, farrow to finish.” TJ and his wife Jocelyn have taken their love for agriculture and the family farm to new heights, recently built a new barn, housing 3500 sows, while still selling cattle and cash cropping. “I really love the challenge of growing the business,” said TJ. “We went with the loose sow housing, it was costly yes, but it's the way the industry is going, so we adapted.” Jocelyn who manages the sow barn says the 117,000 square foot building is equipped with the latest RFID feeding systems, which has made a huge difference i show they work in their barn. “Its become harder to find employees, so going automatic was key,” said Jocelyn Klopp. “We have the Nedap Feeding System, it really has modernized our farm.” Jocelyn says while the expansion has added many responsibilities, knowing their farm is feeding so many people makes all the extra work worthwhile. “We get a great sense of pride knowing that what we do is not only feeding our community, our province but also our country and the world.” Despite fluctuating markets, TJ is hopeful they’ve laid the groundwork so the Klopp family name will continue to be successful in farming. “We have three kids, so we’re trying to leave something for the next generation, I want them have everything in place to make it work in the future, as that’s what my ancestors did for me.”

The Associate Director of the Swine Health Information Center suggests, as the global threat of African Swine Fever continues to expand, controlling the U.S. feral swine population will need to be a priority. The Swine Health Information Center's global swine disease monitoring report, released as part of its April eNewsletter, updates the African Swine Fever situation.SHIC Associate Director Dr. Lisa Becton says ASF remains one of the predominant diseases being reported across all regions globally. Quote-Dr. Lisa Becton-Swine Health Information Center: There's still cases occurring in India, in Vietnam, in Indonesia but also in Europe both in domestic pigs and in wild boar populations.That is one of the components that the U.S. needs to monitor over time, is how other countries are dealing with their wild boar populations and how do they reduce the risk and the threat that those populations of animals pose to domestic farms. The USDA Wildlife Services tracks that population.We know we've got a very large population, especially in the southeast and across Texas and some of the southern states, however a lot of our states in the U.S. are impacted by these populations of pigs.They're very prolific, they're very adaptable to different environments so many states are trying to develop plans and maintaining plans to keep these populations at bay. This is a problem that USDA nationally is aware of and is trying to combat.But, as we look at our farms every day and travel it's always important to note, if you see feral pig activity to report that to your state animal health official and then they can figure out what additional steps are needed to control that population.It's something that's going to have to be considered for the U.S. and we just hope that we do not get ASF into this country because that just adds a whole other dimension of control. The Swine Health Information Center's full domestic and global swine disease monitoring reports can be accessed through the SHIC website at swinehealth.org.

The Director of the Emergency Management Division of Animal Health Canada is encouraging the public to become aware of and involved in the effort to eradicate wild pigs from the environment.Animal Health Canada chairs the African Swine Fever Executive Management Board, a body which includes representation from the federal, provincial and territorial governments and the swine sector and that was created to support the development and delivery of strategies that will enhance African Swine Fever prevention, response planning and preparedness. As part of the effort to build awareness of the risks posed by wild pigs and to bring together those involved in dealing with wild pigs, Animal Health Canada in partnership with Assiniboine Community College, Squeal on Pigs Manitoba and Manitoba Pork is hosting the Wild Pig Summit this week in Brandon. Erica Charlton, the Director of the Emergency Management Division of Animal Health Canada, says wild pigs are present across Canada but the hot spots are the prairie provinces. Quote-Erica Charlton-Animal Health Canada: They cause a lot of ground damage with the rooting that they do and the foraging and disturbing crops and things like that but the real risk is they're carriers of African Swine Fever more than anything.The World Organization of Animal Health says that, if you find a case of African Swine Fever in the country, regardless of if it's in domestic pigs or feral then you'll have trade implications and borders are closed. So there's a real concern from the commercial side that the risks that these animals pose as well as the risk of potential wildlife and domestic interface and somehow those pigs transferring it to the commercial side as well so disease risk and then environment impacts as well, more than anything. Charlton suggests, if you google "squeal on pigs", you'll find information on efforts in the various jurisdictions to address wild pigs and information on how to report sightings.

A researcher with the Western College of Veterinary Medicine says improving animal welfare management will result in healthier more productive animals that will cost less to bring to market."What the Chair in Swine Welfare is doing for you" will be discussed as part of the Prairie Swine Centre's spring producer meetings planned for Strathmore April 30th, Swift Current May 1st and Niverville May 3rd. Dr. Martyna Lagoda, a Post-doctoral Fellow Swine Behavior and Welfare with the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, explains ensuring high welfare standards involves taking into account the natural needs of the animal including behavior, mental stimulation and ensuring good health. Quote-Dr. Martyna Lagoda-Western College of Veterinary Medicine: All of this helps to support the animals' biological function and with positive effects on its performance and these considerations can be accommodated with management and care of the animals on farm.For example, providing animals with enrichment that allows them to express natural behaviors and maintaining positive relationships with your pigs to reduce their fear of humans are just some examples of how management and care can help improve the welfare on farm. There is much work that exists to show positive associations between improved welfare and productivity. This, in particular is facilitated by the beneficial effects of welfare on for example stress levels, immunity and health and the animals’ resilience in the face of challenges.Pigs regarded to have better welfare can still have lower stress levels and improved health which then means that they use resources such as feed more efficiently because they don't need to redirect these resources to activate their immune system thanks to their resilience to infection challenges.This not only means more productive animals but also reduces the need for antibiotic treatment for example and that leads to reduced costs. To register for the spring producer meetings, contact Donna.VanGorp@zoetis.com, Steffen.Klenk@genusplc.com or Ken.Engele@usask.ca.

The coordinator of the Western Canadian Animal Health Network says keeping H5N1 out of Canada is the priority but animal health officials are prepared if a suspect case is reported.Last month USDA reported Influenza A type H5N1 virus, known as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, was detected in milk and in dairy cattle in Texas and Kansas and, since then, detections have been confirmed in 33 dairy herds in eight states, in baby goats in one herd in Minnesota and one dairy farm worker has tested positive for the virus. Dr. Barbara Wilhelm, the coordinator of the Western Canadian Animal Health Network, says there have been no cases identified in mammals in Canada and the goal is to keep it out of Canada. Quote-Dr. Barbara Wilhelm-Western Canadian Animal Health Network: Industry, the provinces, the federal government, veterinarians, regional surveillance networks like WeCAHN, we're all planning for how to, as much as possible, prevent the opportunity for Avian Influenza to come into the country and come onto Canadian farms and planning for, should that happen, what to do if a producer or a veterinarian suspects a case. All of these groups are sharing information on how to prevent introduction of H5N1 or Avian Influenza in Canadian farms.The practitioners have been pretty busy.They're learning as much as they can about what the virus could look like in cattle and what to do if, in the future, they see a suspect case, again remembering that so far there have been no detections in Canada to date. They're hearing lots of questions from their clients mostly about the risk to their animals or to their workers and their families.They are also reviewing with their clients biosecurity plans and procedures with the aim of keeping Avian Influenza and other pathogens for that matter out of their farms and their herds. For the diagnostic labs, it's important to realize that they were already very accustomed to testing samples from poultry and wild birds for Avian Influenza and in some cases in testing wild mammals as well.Veterinary diagnostic labs have a test that can detect the virus and so they're ready should the need arise. The western veterinary colleges both have outbreak investigation units and those folks are also ready to support western veterinarians if the need arises. Updates on the High Path Avian Influenza situation and links to various resources can be found at wecahn.ca.

A series of swine medicine surveys conducted by the Western College of Veterinary Medicine suggests, as increasing numbers of swine veterinarians reach retirement, efforts to attract new veterinary students need to be stepped up. Researchers with the Western College of Veterinary Medicine conducted a series of five surveys from November 2022 to February 2023 in which swine veterinarians in private or corporate practice and allied industry vets in western Canada and Ontario were asked such things as how long they have been in practice, their educational background and what attracted them to the profession. Dr. John Harding, a professor of swine medicine with the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, observes there's a shortage of veterinarians across North America. Quote-Dr. John Harding-Western College of Veterinary Medicine: For food animal veterinarians this is even more complex and for swine it's even more acute because it's a very highly specialized industry and there are very few veterinary students that have any exposure to it.So, I think the take home message is, at least for me, there are more swine veterinarians retiring from the profession in the next ten years than I anticipated and I think this all really speaks to the fact that we are all getting older. Whether we like it or not, we're all getting older, many are now mid-stage.We do have a good group of young veterinarians started but we need to ramp up recruitment.The second take home message is that DVM students may not have the swine industry on their radar but having some experience in the industry is really important for recruitment and that should happen either before they get into their university education or during their university education. It's very difficult to attract veterinary students to become swine veterinarians if they have no exposure to or no experience in the industry.We have to work on that piece.Thirdly, the other thing that's very important is the most influential factors attracting us are what we do daily, good mentorship that's provided after graduation and then our desire to work in agriculture.I think a lot of that stems from we like feeding the world and we like helping producers. Publication of the results is pending but until that time anyone wanting further information can contact Dr. Harding at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine.

Brandon, Manitoba – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada The governments of Canada and Manitoba are providing financial support to Manitoba Pork’s Squeal on Pigs campaign, part of Manitoba’s commitment under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, and provincial Minister of Agriculture, Ron Kostyshyn, announced today. As part of ongoing efforts by the Manitoba government to address invasive swine, the program will receive over $2.6 million of funding through Sustainable CAP. The Squeal on Pigs campaign is designed to help spread awareness of the significant issue of invasive wild pigs on Manitoba’s landscape and empowers Manitobans to spot wild pigs and report their movement. The goal of the Squeal on Pigs campaign is to identify where wild pigs are in Manitoba, control their spread and remove as many pigs as possible from the landscape. This campaign is a collaborative program between Manitoba Pork, Manitoba Agriculture, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Manitoba Economic Development, Industry, Trade and Natural Resources, as well as with other local and national organizations who have a stake in this issue. It is an important part of government and industry’s efforts to reduce transmission of animal diseases that could cause significant economic damage to Manitoba’s livestock industry. Manitobans are asked to report evidence of wild pig sightings or any signs of activity so that movements can be better tracked. Manitobans should not hunt wild pigs on their own, as hunting disperses wild pig populations over wider areas, changing movement patterns and harming control efforts, the ministers added.

Byline: Braxten Breen, Farms.com Intern Every farm has diverse landscapes, from uneven terrain, muddy fields, to gravel roads. The uneven terrain can often present challenges when transporting heavy loads, equipment, and supplies. In the farm industry, farmers have found the need for an all-terrain cart is paramount, with versatility, durability, reduced physical strain, all-terrain carts optimize productivity. The Rhino Cart by All Terrain Mover will ensure your productivity is optimized. Assembled with poly resin blend as the deck, two cross bars of steel, and eight urethane wheels, The Rhino cart offers one of the most rugged all-terrain carts on the market. With the ability to carry 2,000lbs, the Rhino Cart can conquer thresholds, uneven surfaces, hard pack dirt, and gravel roads at its maximum capacity. The length of the Rhino Cart can be adjusted, and the sides can be completely separated allowing for maximum flexibility when moving items on the farm. Farmers will be able to reduce physical strain by transporting anything up to 2,000lbs over any terrain with the Rhino Cart from All Terrain Mover.

Risk Management Intern 1. USDA’s Crop progress report will be released Monday April 29th which may show that 2024 U.S. corn and soybean planting may fall behind last year as the 10–14-day weather forecast remains too wet. But it will help both topsoil and subsoil moisture conditions as many regions remained too dry from the last three years. U.S. HRW country may miss out on the rains, and this is one reason why wheat futures have begun to surge. The 5-year average for next week for U.S. corn planting is 26 percent, soybeans 11 percent, cotton 14 percent, oats 52 percent and spring wheat 22 percent. Funds with their big grain and oilseed short positions will become concerned if the U.S. cannot plant 50 percent of the 2024 corn crop by May 13th and it could result in a lower U.S. corn and soybean yield in the June USDA crop report! 2. The U.S. Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting is scheduled for May 1, 2024 and the U.S. Federal Reserveis expected to keep U.S. interest rates unchanged; but Q1 U.S. GDP came in at 1.6 percent below expectations and inflation remained sticky. In fact, the personal consumption expenditures price index, a key inflation variable for the Federal Reserve, rose at a 3.4 percent annualized pace for the quarter, its biggest gain in a year and up from 1.8 percent in the fourth quarter. Excluding food and energy, core PCE prices rose at a 3.7 percent rate, both well above the Federal Reserve’s 2 percent target. Central bank officials tend to focus on core inflation as a stronger indicator of long-term trends. Lower than expected growth and higher than expected inflation is the worst of both worlds! 3. The U.S. Drought Monitor is scheduled for release on Thursday, May 2nd. The outlook for next week's drought monitor anticipates further positive developments as topsoil and subsoil moisture conditions continue to improve with additional precipitation expected across the Midwest in the next two weeks. Dryness will vanish in Michigan and the extreme drought in Iowa will be significantly reduced. Additionally, dryness and moderate droughts are diminishing across Wisconsin and Minnesota. Welcome news for very dry regions. 4. Keep an eye on the price of wheat as a surge in prices from fund short covering is hitting the headlines. Growing concerns over dry conditions in U.S. HRW country, frost and dry weather in Europe and Southern Russia and India wheat stocks dropping to a 16-year low down 25 percent year over year is waking up the wheat bulls. India is a “wildcard” but any wheat imports from India in 2024 could add to an already tightening global wheat balance sheet down for the fifth straight year not seen since the 2015/16 marketing year. 5. Keep an eye out for any spikes in crude oil prices on any headline news that the Middle East war has escalated again as Israel promises to attach Iran again. For daily information and updates on agriculture commodity marketing and price risk management for North American farmers, producers, and agribusiness visit the