9 The Trusted Source for Canada’s Pork Producers Better Pork | December 2024 “There is research coming out all the time in the pork sector, as well as new production management systems, welfare guidelines and technology,” says Ashley Steeple, Banff Pork Seminar coordinator. “Having a place where we can showcase all of that is invaluable for producers.” Stirring swine seminars Then there is the Manitoba version, a joint effort among government, industry, and academia known as the Manitoba Swine Seminars. “When you look back, some of the topics today are the same as our first seminars in 1988,” says Harte. “That said, knowledge in areas like production, animal welfare, housing and feed is constantly being refined and expanded.” Marching ahead One province over, the new kid on the block, known as the Ontario Swine Conference, debuts in March of 2025 in London, Ont. “It’s a collaboration between the former London Swine Conference and Ontario Pork’s Annual General Meeting,” says Julie Kuiack, manager, communications & marketing with Ontario Pork. “The conference offers two days of discussions, networking and learning focused on innovation, sustainability and the future of swine production. Participants will also be invited to celebrate the Ontario swine industry at a gala on the first evening of the event.” Such events might garner the most attention, but there are many ways to stay current. Opportunities include blogs, podcasts, websites like Farms.com/Swine, publications such as Better Pork, Facebook groups like Small Pig Farmers of Canada, and information sessions held by provincial pork boards across the country. “I also encourage pork producers to form their own learning circles,” says Harte. “These groups cover everything from feed ingredients and production data to how to handle difficult workers. Especially in this business, peerto-peer learning can be a great resource.” Though he has managed hogs for 22 years, Sam Hofer at Wheatland Hutterite Colony near Shackleton, Sask. is still adding to his expertise. “I don’t have time to attend seminars, so I rely heavily on our vet, nutritionist, equipment dealer and feed supplier,” says Hofer. “I’m also part of a WhatsApp group to share ideas with colleagues. Being a 700sow farrow- to-finish operation producing RWA (raised without antibiotics) hogs, it's really important for us to be up to speed in areas like nutrition. The pork sector is always improving, whether that is through enhanced genetics, better feed conversion or fewer days to market. With hog prices being what they are, you must stay on the cutting edge of technology at all times.” Continuous learning may sound like hard work, but that has never phased a pig farmer. “It’s vital that producers stay in the know about everything that can help run a farm efficiently,” says Seto. “While this is not always easy, it really pays off in the end.” BP CONTINUOUS LEARNING Ashley Steeple Sam Hofer Julie Kuiack Let her robust genetic nature nurture more pigs and profits for you. NATUREVS.& Camborough® Learn how PIC is strengthening the natural mothering ability of the Camborough® with cutting-edge technologies. PIC.com | 800-661-1543 PIC.ca.info@genusplc.com ©PIC 2024. 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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