15 The Trusted Source for Canada’s Pork Producers Better Pork | December 2023 they will give back to you, so it only makes sense to provide them the best treatment possible. How do you define success? For me, success means maintaining the business, keeping the animals healthy, paying the bills and finding a good balance that lets me pursue hobbies outside of farming when possible. Dad likes to do woodworking, while I enjoy reading, especially fantasy novels. It’s a nice escape to read something that is unrelated to what’s going on in the world. I also hang out with friends if time permits and play card games or something on the computer. If you weren’t a farmer, what do you think you’d do for a living? I have no idea! I guess if I wasn’t farming, I would be involved in the trades in some capacity. How do you support your mental health during challenging times? I think pursuing my hobbies, such as reading or being with friends, is my best approach to mental health. What’s your top goal personally and professionally? Personally, I want to ensure that my family is comfortable and happy, and professionally, I just want to keep on farming. Any professional development? I listen to a few podcasts, such as Agritalk and The Real P3. The latter interviews producers and support personnel from around the world about pork production. It’s a chance to hear how other producers are finding success and how they overcame certain challenges. I also follow the swine it podcast, which features some of the brightest minds in the sector talking about various topics of interest. Other podcasts that I follow include Topigs, Popular Pig, The Pig Edge, Inside the Helix and Pig X. What’s it like to work with family? We don’t have to worry too much about staff turnover, and everyone is really invested in the business and trying to keep everything flowing smoothly. We try not to get mad at each other, and usually it works. What is the biggest misconception about pig farming? People often think pigs are dirty, when actually they like to be clean. If you keep the barn clean, they will do the same. BP For more information or to contact your local sales representative, scan the QR code or call us toll-free 1-833-578-2740. hypor.com MOST EFFICIENT SOW HIGHEST QUALITY PIGLETS VALUABLE FINISHERS Hypor Libra UP CLOSE GEOFF GEDDES Geoff is a freelance writer and editor specializing in agriculture. He is based in Edmonton and has written for farm magazines, blogs, websites and social media.
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