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3 The Trusted Source for Canada’s Pork Producers Better Pork | October 2024 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR PAY ATTENTION TO ‘THE LITTLE THINGS’ Feed costs get lots of attention, and rightly so. However, we should not lose focus on those things that we do on-farm daily to ensure we are optimizing each phase of our farm operations. That was the reasoning provided by Ken Engele of the Prairie Swine Centre in his recent Centred on Swine article that looks at best-management practices, and how we are doing as an industry. “Day-to-day activities can be lost in all the noise of everything going on in the barn,” writes Engele. “Ensuring we are doing all the little things right everyday add up to bigger savings than you might think possible.” As reported in Better Pork last year, Swine Innovation Porc funded a recent Canada-wide survey that was managed by the PSC and the Centre de développement du porc du Québec, which looked at biosecurity/ herd health, feed/feeder management, and personal protection, water use/management, in addition to each phase of production (breeding, gestation, farrowing, nursery, and grow-finish. According to Engele, “audit results indicate that dust masks, hearing protection and hydrogen sulphide (H2S) monitors are being used to varying degrees in on farms across Canada. “Approximately 90 per cent of farms indicate that they provide creep feed.” Results from the audit indicate that about half of farms sort pigs when transferred into the finishing barn. And some 66 per cent of producers adjust feeders as required. “Just over 50 per cent of measured feeders achieved an ideal feeder adjustment, while 30 per cent and 14 per cent of feeders were over or under adjusted respectively.” As Engele says, “based on some of the results we can see that little changes can make a big impact on the overall profitability of your operation. “Currently there seems to be a margin for improvement as we achieve a 40 to 50 per cent of measured and surveyed best management practices.” INSIGHT FROM THE INSIDE INSIGHT FROM THE INSIDE INSIGHT FROM THE INSIDE INSIGHT FROM THE INSIDE INSIGHT FROM THE INSIDE INSIGHT FROM THE INSIDE “With the unprecedented challenges that have faced the pork industry, and market conditions starting to normalize, now is the time to unleash the pork business.” - Dennis Organ, Page 10 “While the management of manure can be demanding and expensive for swine operations, it may also be viewed as an opportunity for GHG mitigation, as manure storage is an emission source built and managed by swine producers.” - Dr. Rajinikanth Rajagopal, Page 8 “Approach all situations with empathy. It’s okay to have expectations, but understand that some days are better than others, and everyone has something different on their plate for that day. It’s about improving and growing together.” - Jessica Bickle, Page 21 Better Pork is published six times a year by AgMedia Inc. 1-888-248-4893 ext 281 Subscriptions@BetterFarming.com ISSN 1497-2271 (Printed) Canadian one-year subscriptions: $22 (six issues; includes $2.53 HST). Two-year: $40 (12 issues; includes $4.60 HST). Single-copy back issues are $12 (including $1.38 HST). U.S. subscriptions: $39.30 annually. International: $66. GST Registration #868959347RT0001 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to AgMedia Inc. 90 Woodlawn Road West, Guelph, ON N1H 1B2 Publications Mail Registration No. 1156 Publications Mail Agreement No. 40037298 Copyright © 2024 by AgMedia Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any content without written permission of the publisher is strictly forbidden. Acceptance of advertising does not constitute endorsement of the advertiser, its products or services, nor do Better Pork, AgMedia or Farms.com endorse any advertiser claims. The publisher shall have no liability for the omission of any scheduled advertising. 1-888-248-4893 90 Woodlawn Road West Guelph, ON N1H 1B2 PUBLISHER & EDITORIAL DIRECTOR PAUL NOLAN ext 202 Paul.Nolan@Farms.com ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER & EDITORIAL DIRECTOR LESLIE STEWART ext 265 Leslie.Stewart@Farms.com EDITORIAL TEAM MARY LOGGAN GEOFF GEDDES CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS EDITION MOE AGOSTINO ABHINESH GOPAL MATT JONES JEANINE MOYER LAURENCE NANTEL LILIAN SCHAER HOOMAN DERAKHSHANI ADVERTISING TEAM GLENN RUEGG JENNY LONGSTREET DESIGN & PRODUCTION TEAM TANYA MYERS GREG MARLOW SHAUN CLARK ANDREA WILLIAMS www.BetterFarming.com We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada. Cover: Bickle Family photo, Jodie Aldred photo
4 The Business of Canadian Hog Farming Better Pork | October 2024 national pork HEADLINES CFIA APPROVES ENZYME TO FIX MYCOTOXINS The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has approved the use of a novel enzyme which helps hog and poultry producers manage mycotoxins in feed. Company dsm-firmenich Animal Nutrition and Health (DSM) announced recently that the CFIA’s approval paves the way for it to offer a new product, Mycofix FUMzyme, which contains the enzyme fumonisin esterase. “Fumonisin esterase is for the degradation of fumonisins present in swine and poultry feed,” Dr. Paige Gott, DSM’s strategic product manager, said in a statement. This approval expands dsm-firmenich’s commitment to innovation in mycotoxin risk management.” Fumonisins are mycotoxins produced by fungi that infect corn, corn by-products and other cereals like wheat, barley and oats. This means that fumonisins can remain in finished feed products, potentially transferring toxins to animals and impacting their health. DSM surveys since 2014 in the U.S. found 80 per cent of its sampled corn contained fumonisins. The presence of these toxins can lead to various adverse effects in livestock, including poor feed conversion, liver damage, and reduced weight gain. About 25 per cent of global grain production is contaminated with mycotoxins, a CFIA fact sheet says. These mycotoxins can reduce livestock productivity and efficiency. And because fumonisins are heat stable, standard food-processing methods don’t destroy them. This means the toxins are transferred to products manufactured with contaminated raw grain, Penn State University says. The fumonisin esterase enzyme helps break up mycotoxin chemical bonds with water molecules through hydrolysis, the CFIA said. BP - Diego Flammini The Canadian Meat Council (CMC) and the Canadian Pork Council (CPC) both applauded the federal government for employing section 107 of the Canada Labour Code and imposing binding arbitration in the recent dispute between Canadian National Railway and Canadian Pacific Kansas City and the Teamsters union. The CPC and CMC had urged the government to step in, “to mitigate the unprecedented damage to industry this disruption to service was causing. “This move provided needed certainty to Canadian farmers and processors, and their customers around the world.” “Canada’s red meat processors need stable, reliable supply chains to run their businesses. The action taken by the Minister of Labour will prevent millions of dollars in losses, irreversible reputational damage, environmental disposal challenges, and enormous waste,” said CMC CEO Chris White. Last summer’s Port of Vancouver strike disrupted $10.7 billion worth of trade during the 35 days of strike action. The impacts of two Class 1 railways striking at once would have had even worse, unprecedented ramifications. “The Canadian pork industry relies on the seamless operation of our transportation networks to feed our animals and deliver high-quality products to global markets. “Ongoing transportation disruptions would threaten the livelihood of our producers, the welfare of our animals, and Canada’s reputation as a reliable trading partner,” said CPC chair René Roy. “Actions like the ones the federal government just took are crucial to ensure the movement of perishable goods like pork and essential supplies like animal feed. The feed our pigs rely on to survive is shipped by rail, and without a reliable and steady supply, their welfare would be at risk. The stakes are simply too high to allow these disruptions to go unaddressed.” BP - Based on Canadian Pork Council release CPC APPLAUDS FEDS’ INVOLVEMENT Bruce Leighty - stock.adobe.com
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SPOTLIGHT ON PORK RESEARCH Andrew VanderZaag photo NEW PROJECTS TARGET A GREENER PLANET AND BLACK INK FOR PRODUCERS PORK RESEARCH: THE MORE YOU LEARN, THE MORE YOU EARN BY GEOFF GEDDES Sensors used to measure methane emissions year-round from barns and manure storage.
7 Story Idea? Contact Paul.Nolan@Farms.com Better Pork | October 2024 SPOTLIGHT ON PORK RESEARCH Today, science is tasked with making pork production faster, easier, cheaper and greener – so, no pressure! Fortunately, researchers are good at rising to the challenge, and for proof, look no further than two current projects aimed at safeguarding pigs and the planet. Infection protection As most farmers know, PED (Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea) is a highly contagious viral disease of swine, causing diarrhea and vomiting in pigs and significant mortality in nursing piglets. At its worst, the virus can result in up to 100 per cent of nursing piglets dying over three to five weeks. In the absence of an effective PED vaccine, the industry requires one that is affordable, efficient and easy to apply, and that’s the focus of the project “Development of an oral vaccine to protect piglets against infection with Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus.” “For this study, we’re trying two different approaches in developing a PED vaccine, both using a plant-based delivery system,” says Dr. Doug Cossar, vice-president of research for PlantForm Corporation. “One involves harnessing the power of VLPs – virus-like particles that are versatile, safe, and highly effective vaccine platforms – to battle PED. The other approach uses a PED virus spike protein, which plays an important role in limiting virus attachment and fusion to target cells.” Of course, to claim success in a project like this, there is one small requirement: the vaccine must be usable. For pork producers, that means it is affordable and easy to apply. Scientists aim to cover both bases by creating a vaccine at the lowest possible cost. Because it is contained in plant tissue, we need only to dry the plant and add it to the sows' feed. By giving one application a month before the sow gives birth and a second one two weeks later, farmers should achieve a high level of protection in the milk that sows are feeding to their piglets. If the project succeeds, it could save producers a bundle in the event of a worst-case scenario. “At the moment, PED infection of a swine operation forces farmers to shut the facility down, sterilize it and essentially start again from scratch,” says Cossar. “This is quite expensive, so it has a major economic impact on the business.” In addition, the new approach would preclude the need for staff to inject every single animal in a swine operation, which is both expensive for the producer and unpleasant for the worker. Perhaps most importantly, though some producers haven’t seen PED in years, the strategy devised by this study could apply to other pathogens that infect pigs orally, such as rotavirus. In other words, it’s not just about dealing with the present; it’s about preparing for the future. “Our method for creating this antigen is fast. If someone spots a potential problem with another pathogen onfarm, we can likely develop a vaccine for it in two to three months. If it’s a disease that could devastate the pork industry in Canada, we can produce something even sooner, which may represent a lifesaver for the industry. The approach we are taking also improves specificity, so you don’t need to vaccinate against all viruses all of the time. Instead, you can immunize against the particular threat that exists today. In essence, producers will be responding in real-time to what is actually happening on their farm rather than what they think might be there.” Like most good research studies, this one involves collaboration. “Dr. Rima Menassa (research scientist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada [AAFC] at the London Research and Development Centre in London, Ont.) has played a critical role in this project. Without her participation, the study would never have occurred.” It’s not easy being green A livable planet is like your soon-tobe-ex-spouse: You only value them when they’re gone. At present, Canadian agriculture A potential PED vaccine for sows could protect their piglets from the virus. Jodie Aldred photo Doug Cossar
8 The Trusted Source for Canada’s Pork Producers Better Pork | October 2024 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. accounts for about 8.1 per cent of Canada’s total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Nationally, swine manure in Canada is estimated to emit 1,700 kilotonnes CO2-equivalent of methane annually, which exceeds emissions from cattle or dairy manure. Clouding the picture, though, is the uncertainty around these emission estimates, thanks largely to the lack of precise Canadian-specific data. Since you can only address what you know to be true, scientists are seeking more precise information with the project “Improving Swine ManureDigestate Management Practices Towards Carbon Neutrality With Net Zero Emission Concepts.” “While the management of manure can be demanding and expensive for swine operations, it may also be viewed as an opportunity for GHG mitigation, as manure storage is an emission source built and managed by swine producers,” says Dr. Rajinikanth Rajagopal, research scientist with AAFC at the Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre in Sherbrooke, Que. Rajagopal’s co-lead on the study is Dr. Andrew VanderZaag, research scientist with AAFC at the Central Experimental Farm in Ottawa, Ont. Moreover, the majority of methane emissions from manure occur during a short period in the summer, which could potentially be mitigated with targeted intervention. Also, the methane potential of manure can be harnessed through anaerobic digestion (AD) systems (also known as biodiSPOTLIGHT ON PORK RESEARCH Information is plentiful in today’s modern world. But as a pork producer, your valuable time is more limited than ever. As much as you might need new information, Better Pork also gives you insight and understanding. We put the information into context, give it theoretical framing and suggest ways to act on it. Better Pork is the discerning farmer’s trusted source for insight, analysis and investigative reporting about Canada’s pork industry. We believe we need to earn your trust, with every magazine. It’s our solemn vow to Canada’s pork producers and ag community. VENTILATION 2020 PRODUCTION AGMANIFEST HOG BARN MANAGERS PRECISION FEEDING Gestation Programs IMPROVING RESILIENCE Research Efforts 16 50 HIGH-FIBRE SOW DIETS *GTF $GPGƓVU PIGLET MORTALITY Preventing Losses 30 34 6 FEBRUARY 2020 $8 Rajinikanth Rajagopal Andrew VanderZaag
9 The Trusted Source for Canada’s Pork Producers Better Pork | October 2024 gesters) to produce renewable energy that will displace fossil fuels and further reduce the carbon footprint of pork production. AD is a process where microorganisms break down organic materials in the absence of oxygen, producing biogas as a renewable energy source and nutrient-rich digestate (digested material after the AD process) for use in fertilizer. In the course of their work, scientists will quantify baseline emissions from Canadian commercial swine operations. To do so, they plan to select 10 representative farms and manure storage tanks in Manitoba and Quebec, calculating the methane emitted from each tank. They will also determine the efficiency of manure additives in reducing methane emissions from swine manure and digestate. Ultimately, researchers hope to identify and develop manure management strategies adapted to Canadian swine farms, helping to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 and net-zero emission targets by 2050. “This project allows the Canadian swine sector to assess the actual baseline emissions and furnish a scientific assessment of technologies that offer numerous benefits,” says Rajagopal. “These include reduced emissions from manure storage throughout the manure utilization chain through treatment (primarily by AD, digestate storage and spreading), ensured sustainability, and improved resource utilization and recycling.” In the first year, instrumentation was installed at swine facilities in Manitoba to measure methane emissions and temperature. At the same time, researchers are collecting realworld emission data from in-barn and outdoor storages to understand actual baseline emissions and influencing factors. Laboratory analyses are ongoing, and the results will be available at the end of a 20-week study in 2024-25. While the technology behind anaerobic digestion systems is not new, and is currently popular in tropical countries such as India, China and Brazil, as well as in parts of Europe, scientists want to see it closer to home. “Canada currently has 60 to 65 biodigesters, and a lot of potential in terms of best management practices to reduce GHG emissions. If other nations are making the most of these opportunities, why shouldn’t we?” Helping to tap that potential are the Swine Innovation Porc cluster that funded this project and Maple Leaf, which gave access to 10 of its farms for the study. Given the razor-thin margins in the pork sector, researchers will continue to be pressed for results that aid producers and industry. Of course, given that pressure plays a key role in making diamonds, maybe that’s a good thing. BP Make it a REALITY Does the future of your operation feel unclear? Let’s connect the dots. Per m . The PIC®800 is proven to sire robust pigs built to thrive against any challenge. His easy-to-handle, efficient offspring deliver a clear economic advantage. Choose PIC®800 to make continuous improvement a reality in your operation. Contact your PIC representative today or visit pic.com. 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. SPOTLIGHT ON PORK RESEARCH Biodigesters produce renewable energy and lower the carbon footprint of the pork industry. Rajinikanth Rajagopal photo
10 The Business of Canadian Hog Farming Better Pork | October 2024 MAPLE LEAF SPLIT Maple Leaf Foods announced in July that it would spin off its pork business into a separate independent company. The as-of-yet unnamed business (referred to in the meantime simply as ‘the new Pork Company’ in Maple Leaf’s press materials) is expected to be launched properly in 2025. Dennis Organ, who had previously been president of the ‘Pork Complex’ for Maple Leaf Foods and will serve as CEO for the new enterprise, explains that the decision to split the company was intended to take advantage of their unique business model. He also states that the new Pork Company will be a world-leading organization producing sustainable meat “the right way” to unlock its own significant growth potential. “We’ve been thinking about this transaction for a while,” says Organ. “With the unprecedented challenges that have faced the pork industry, and market conditions starting to normalize, now is the time to unleash the pork business. It is about creating a win-win situation for both companies – building on the natural synergies where each can benefit from the other, while also allowing each to pursue their individual growth strategies going forward.” Industry reaction Reaction to the news from the pork sector has largely been positive, says Cam Dahl, general manager for Manitoba Pork. “There is a view that this will increase the ability of the new pork organization to really concentrate on production and efficiencies at the plant in Brandon,” says Dahl, referring to Maple Leaf Foods’ 650,000-squarefoot processing facility. “That is going to be good for producers in Manitoba, as well as the Canadian pork industry as a whole. So I would say, overall, there has been a positive response to the announcement.” In Manitoba, Maple Leaf runs both its own sites, such as the aforementioned processing facility and other farm operations and also purchases from individual pork producers in the province. Those partnerships with individual producers look as though they will continue with little disruption. “Maple Leaf has been quite communicative on this,” says Dahl, when asked whether Maple Leaf had been in touch with the producers they work with in the province. “I know they have held meetings with producers, and that’s good to hear.” “Our pork producers are important partners in our growth plans going forward and the new Pork Company will continue to maintain and build valued relationships,” added Organ. While Maple Leaf is a national (and international) brand, their operations have been limited in certain areas. JHVEPhoto - stock.adobe.com ‘WE’VE BEEN THINKING ABOUT THIS FOR A WHILE.’ MAPLE LEAF TO SEPARATE PORK BUSINESS BY MATT JONES
11 The Business of Canadian Hog Farming Better Pork | October 2024 Denise Cassidy, executive director with both the PEI Hog Commodity Marketing Board and NB Pork, notes that Maple Leaf purchased Hub Meat Packers in June of 2001 and then stopped slaughtering hogs in New Brunswick in August 2003. A facility in Prince Edward Island was closed in 2008 and a processing facility in Berwick, N.S. was closed in April 2011. The company has had few interactions with the region since. “So basically, (pork producers in N.B. and P.E.I.) are fairly indifferent towards these choices,” says Cassidy. “Maple Leaf has certainly not been active in the Maritimes for a significant amount of years and they would not be at all on anyone’s radar at this time.” Cassidy notes that while Maple Leaf is a national brand, their production has been more focused in Western Canada. Maple Leaf’s products are easily found in Maritime grocery stores but the Maritime pork industry – which relies heavily on exports to Quebec and Ontario – doesn’t perceive them as competition. Further details While the companies will be separate from each other, Maple Leaf Foods will retain a 19.9 per cent ownership share of the new pork company, and there will be an evergreen pork supply agreement between the two businesses. The company says that connected-but-separate approach will deliver value for both businesses while also allowing them to pursue their individual value-creation opportunities. “Under this agreement, the new Pork Company will continue to provide Maple Leaf Foods with a secure supply of high-quality, sustainable pork at market prices, to meet the needs of its Prepared Foods business, providing the new Pork Company a strong anchor customer while allowing it to grow its already material business with customers around the world,” says Maple Leaf promotional materials. Organ is quoted in the same news release as saying that the new company would be a keen investment opportunity, providing access to a premium, value-added pork producer with a clear vision. “We are already setting the standard for best practices in sustainability, animal welfare and high-quality pork production,” said Organ. “We have seen positive momentum in the business in recent quarters as pork markets continue to normalize following several years of market disruption, and we are extremely well-positioned as a standalone company to leverage our unique advantages to drive growth and generate value.” BP Specialty pellets designed with your sows and bottom line in mind! Great for Electronic Sow Feeders • Pellets that Flow Excellent • Don’t Break up Easily • Stay Similar Load after Load Quality • Very Few Fines • Sows Love Them! Price • Very Competitive Sow Pellets CONTACT KENPAL TODAY! Kenpal Farm Products Inc., 69819 London Rd, RR #1 Centralia, ON, N0M 1K0 Tel: 519-228-6444 • Toll Free: 1-800-265-2904 • Fax: 519-228-6560 kpalen@kenpal.on.ca • www.kenpal.on.ca Lactation Gestation MATT JONES Matt Jones is a freelance writer with a specialization in trade publications. He lives in Fredericton, N.B. MAPLE LEAF SPLIT
12 Story Idea? Contact Paul.Nolan@Farms.com Better Pork | October 2024 ENGINEERING A BETTER FARM There are many big issues facing the livestock industry, from climate change and emerging diseases to changing societal expectations and an evolving regulatory environment. It’s a topic that Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC) is working to tackle on behalf of Ontario’s livestock sector – and the answers require big ideas and new thinking, says Mike McMorris, who just recently retired as the organization’s CEO. “The issues facing livestock now are bigger and more complex than ever before. It’s not just about better or more efficient production, although that, of course, is still important, but finding solutions to climate change adaptation or reducing antimicrobial use go beyond the research capacity of a single commodity,” McMorris says. “We need to involve experts from automation, engineering, computer science and other fields and use their skills and knowledge to support the betterment of the livestock sector,” he adds. According to McMorris, the key to making this happen is fostering cross-sectoral research approaches and building relationships with scientists and experts not traditionally linked to agriculture who can bring new perspectives to the table, like engineering or computer science, for example. This has evolved into the Engineering a Better Farm initiative, with LRIC working to learn what on-farm challenges could be solved with engineering while also starting to make connections with some of Ontario’s engineering schools to introduce them to possibilities offered by the agriculture sector. It’s attracted the interest of Dr. Mary Wells, Dean of Engineering at the University of Waterloo, Canada’s largest engineering school with over 10,500 students and ranked in the top 50 globally for engineering and technology. “The Engineering a Better Farm initiative aligns well with Waterloo Engineering priorities and expertise in teaching, experiential education, research and innovation,” she notes. “We’re interested in growing our connections with the livestock sector; there is good interest among our researchers to work more closely with agriculture, and key to this is building connections and networks.” She was the keynote speaker at a panel discussion LRIC hosted in Elora, Ont. in June that explored how research from outside the agriculture sector could be used for the benefit of the livestock industry. She was joined on the panel by Drumbo, Ont.-area dairy producer Chris McLaren, Ontario Agricultural College Associate Dean Rebecca Hallett, and Darrell Petras, CEO of the Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network. “In some cases, technologies have already been developed at Waterloo that could apply to livestock and agriculture and could be targeted and modified to fit the needs of the farming sector. It would be fantastic to see some of this work we do translate into livestock applications.” This includes work in areas like robotics and automation, vision and imaging, data capture, wireless communications, sensors, artificial intelligence and explainable decision-making, cyber security, logistics and supply chain management, remote monitoring, climate change and environmental sustainability, energy, air quality, biomedical devices, biomanufacturing, epidemiology and more. Wearable devices can provide real-time monitoring of health indicators and could be expanded to include wearable medication delivery systems. Innovations in robotics will replace repetitive tasks to reduce labour costs and ensure consistent quality or delivUniversity of Waterloo photo BUILDING BRIDGES OUTSIDE OF TRADITIONAL LIVESTOCK RESEARCH FIELDS ENGINEERING A BETTER FARM BY LILIAN SCHAER, FOR LIVESTOCK RESEARCH INNOVATION CORPORATION
13 Story Idea? Contact Paul.Nolan@Farms.com Better Pork | October 2024 ery – such as of feed, for example. Computer vision, video analytics and image analysis can support remote sensing by drones and satellites to assess field conditions and land use. Remote and wireless monitoring enables RFID tags and innovation in movement detection. Sensors can detect water leaks or monitor gas emissions. And work in circular economy applications can convert plastic, crop and livestock waste into green bioplastics and biofuels like ethanol, hydrogen or biodiesel. All panelists emphasized the need for researchers to work closely with end users – in this case farmers – to understand and evaluate approaches and solutions in the context of modern livestock farming environments. Wells was impressed by the audience’s readiness and eagerness to implement and engage in new ideas and technologies, particularly in areas linked to animal welfare and comfort, farmer and worker welfare and environmental considerations as well as business goals. For McLaren, having producers in the room that day was important to keeping the discussion grounded to practical solutions that can be applied immediately as well as longer-term, more blue-sky thinking – and he came away impressed with what could be possible. “It’s important to make sure that we keep farm technology affordable, accurate and durable,” he says. “But what stands out in my mind from the day was Mary Wells asking how engineering students can be engaged and encouraged to look at agriculture as a career. I think there are so many opportunities with technology in agriculture that could encourage young people to consider careers in our sector.” In terms of next steps, both McLaren and Wells believe it’s important that the industry continue to show engineering students the opportunities and technology in agriculture. One way to do that is for businesses in the sector with technology-based solutions to offer co-op placements. ENGINEERING A BETTER FARM Robotics students at the University of Waterloo. University of Waterloo photo
14 The Trusted Source for Canada’s Pork Producers Better Pork | October 2024 Another is to host challenge competitions for engineering students focused on solving on-farm issues faced by livestock farms to introduce them to the opportunities in the sector. The industry can also offer topics and mentorship for the fourth-year immersive design projects that all undergraduate engineering students at Waterloo have to complete by applying what they’ve learned in class and through their co-op placements to a real-world problem. And finally, notes McLaren, nothing beats farm tours for students and researchers to show them the integration of technology and agriculture first-hand. “We look forward to continuing to engage with LRIC and its members to build new networks, determine needs and create new partnership opportunities so we ensure that research results are practical and useful,” says Wells. It’s a relationship McMorris says LRIC will continue to foster, along with outreach to other engineering schools, as part of its ongoing mandate to drive innovation in Ontario’s livestock sector. “The future is rife with possibility, and new approaches and initiatives like Engineering a Better Farm will help us unlock its potential,” he believes. BP Livestock Research Innovation Corporation is funded in part by the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), a five-year, federal-provincial-territorial initiative. This article is provided by LRIC as part of its ongoing efforts to report on research, innovation, and issues affecting the Canadian livestock industry. A student works with a 3D printer. University of Waterloo photo Engineering a Better Farm LILIAN SCHAER Lilian Schaer is an agricultural journalist with over two decades of experience in the Canadian agri-food industry. Growing up on a dairy farm, she began her career with Ontario Pork and specializes in writing about farming for audiences of all kinds.
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16 The Business of Canadian Hog Farming Better Pork | October 2024 Sustainability As the world’s population grows, there is an increasing need to produce more food. The pork industry is conscious of the environmental impact that results from feeding global consumers. Moreover, consumers are increasingly demanding more sustainable agricultural practices. As such, food production is more and more challenged by environmental concerns. Societal pressure and producer concern for more sustainable agricultural production has forced the pork industry to develop new sustainable strategies, with a particular focus on reducing carbon emissions. To reduce the carbon footprint of a farm, we must first analyze the carbon life cycle of the business; by assessing this, we can establish a benchmark to evaluate carbon intensity. Thanks to the development of new technical tools, assessing the carbon life cycle of a farm is now feasible. For years, Watson, an integrated swine model tool, has been used to help producers make decisions about their operations, such as diet formulations, the use of feed additives or antibiotics, and transportation. More recently, sustainability has been incorporated into the software, which enables a calculation of the carbon budget of a farm. Carbon budget is measured as kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent; this is a universal unit of measurement, which permits comparisons across various emission sources (e.g., methane, nitrous oxide). The sustainability feature within Watson can predict the quantity of environmental pollutants associated with all parts of the pork chain, incorporating everything from crop production to transportation, and all the steps in between, such as feed milling, feed intake, and manure management. The reports produced by Watson illustrate and break down the impact of each segment of the swine operation; this can identify areas of focus for reducing the carbon impact of the farm. This tool can also compare scenarios to assess the impact of other changes to an operation, such as varying the genetics, health status, and management practices. To fully assess carbon intensity, the business must be thoroughly examined to account for the impact of management practices, feeding programs, and animal performance. Of all factors, feed has the largest contribution to the carbon footprint of a farm. For example, the transportation distance of each feed ingredient from field to mill, and then mill to farm, can have a large impact on the carbon footprint. As such, farms that produce their own feed crops can decrease their carbon footprint by reducing feed transportation. The second-largest impact on carbon intensity is related to the management of manure. The process through which pigs digest feed (enteric fermentation) forms methane, which is released via manure. Although other industries may have a larger comparative impact on emissions, it is still important to reduce carbon emissions in agriculture. Again, many strategies can be implemented to reduce emissions. With respect to manure management, manure pits can be covered, whereas responsible energy use can also be implemented. Jodie Aldred photo LEVERAGING MODELS TO MEASURE PERFORMANCE, ECONOMICS & SUSTAINABILITY ADVANCING SUSTAINABLE PORK PRODUCTION BY LAURENCE NANTEL, SWINE NUTRITION ADVISOR, TROUW NUTRITION CANADA
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18 Story Idea? Contact Paul.Nolan@Farms.com Better Pork | October 2024 Improving animal performance may also reduce the environmental impact of pork production. In other words, improving feed efficiency can increase profitability, while also decreasing the environmental impact of the farm; Watson can quantify this impact. For example, in a simulation, we were able to calculate that improving feed conversion by five per cent reduces the carbon intensity of a farm by three per cent (above). Altogether, improving animal performance can be a win-win for both the farm and the planet. Both economic and ecological sustainability can simultaneously be improved by assessing the carbon intensity of a farm; by assessing this, we can improve the overall performance of a farm. Moreover, the Watson tool can also rank the position of pork producers relative to other types of livestock production worldwide. Overall, a product with a smaller carbon footprint is more appealing for the consumer and the swine market. The future of pork production involves measuring the ecological impacts of the operation to improve both animal performance and public trust. BP Sustainability 2,76 2,74 2,72 2,7 2,68 2,66 2,64 2,62 2,6 2,73 2,71 2,67 2,59 Adjusted feed e ciency Ecological Footprint (kg CO2 eq) Potential Margin ($) 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 CORRELATION BETWEEN FEED EFFICIENCY AND ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT PERFORMANCE ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY Courtesy of Trouw Nutrition Canada LAURENCE NANTEL Laurence Nantel is a swine nutrition advisor with Trouw Nutrition Canada.
REGISTER NOW leporcshow.com present the pork industry event QUEBEC CITY CONVENTION CENTRE BILINGUAL EVENT PROGRAM All conferences will be presented in simultaneous translation. The letter F indicates that this conference will be presented in french by the speaker. Visit the website for more information on the lectures DECEMBER 10 3:00 pm LE PORC SHOW OPENING EVENING AND VISIT OF THE BOOTHS 4:00 pm PANEL | PORK IN A CHANGING WORLD: WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD? F 5:30 pm EXHIBITORS’ OPENING COCKTAIL DECEMBER 11 7:00 am NETWORKING BREAKFAST AND VISIT OF THE BOOTHS 9:15 am POLITICS, MARKETS AND CONSUMERS: GLOBAL PORK INTO 2025 Brett Stuart, MBA, President, Global AgriTrends 10:05 am ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN SWINE PRODUCTION: WHERE DO WE STAND IN 2024? F Jacquelin Labrecque, Eng., M. Sc., Chief Executive Officer, Ro-Main 10:55 am CAN WE WITHSTAND CHINA’S PRESSURES? F Guy Saint-Jacques, B. Sc., Consultant, Speaker and Administrator 11:45 am LUNCH AND VISIT OF THE BOOTHS WORKSHOP ANIMAL HEALTH 2:05 pm EMERGING DISEASES, CURRENT AND FUTURE CHALLENGES IN SWINE PRODUCTION F Luc Dufresne, DVM, Consultant veterinary, Demeter Services Vétérinaires, Swine Veterinary Partners 2:50 pm WASHING IS NOT ONLY SOAP AND RINSE! F Yves Garceau, Agr., Senior agronomy advisor, Les Éleveurs de porcs du Québec FARM MANAGEMENT 2:05 pm IMMUNOCASTRATION: USERS’ GUIDE - 10 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE RECAP F Karine Talbot, DVM, Senior Director of Animal Health, Nutrition and R&D, HyLife 2:50 pm DECIDING WHERE TO PUT MORE EFFORT TO DO BETTER IN FARROWING? F Emmanuelle Lewis, Agr., M. Sc., Swine nutrition, Olymel S.E.C./L.P. MARKETING 2:05 pm FINDING PORK IN THE GROCERY CART, CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN THE RETAIL TRADE F Stéphane Bergeron, Quebec Director, produce merchandising and meat group replenishment, Sobeys/IGA 2:50 pm CHOICE CUTS OF PORK DECLINED IN DIFFERENT FLAVOURS F Christian Blais, Agr., General Manager, Isoporc inc./Gène Alliance Pierre-Paul Martin, Consultant 3:55 pm MANAGE CRISIS OR BE MANAGED BY THEM! F Jean-François Lisée, Journalist, author and former leader of the Parti Québécois 5:00 pm EXHIBITORS’ COCKTAIL Starting at 6:15 pm CELEBRATIONS COME CELEBRATE THE EXCELLENCE OF OUR SECTOR REDUCED RATE FOR BREEDERS 10-11 DECEMBER 2024
20 The Trusted Source for Canada’s Pork Producers Better Pork | October 2024 GOOD-HUMOURED PAIR LAUGHS LAST Couple has fun ’til the day is done. By Geoff Geddes UP CLOSE When you date an electrician, there’s bound to be a spark. That was the case for Jessica Bickle and Scott Nyenhuis, who met at a St. Paddy’s Day dance when they were 20 and have been laughing like leprechauns ever since. While he learned a trade, she studied agriculture and environmental management at the University of Guelph. Since building a 300-head organic contract sow barn in 2012 (oh, and also getting married), they have evolved to their current 600-sow farrow-to-wean operation in Grey County, Ont. Today, their three children – Nathan (10 years old), Ryan (9) and Grace (6) – all help out in the barn. “Whether it’s feeding, moving gilts or catching pigs, everyone pitches in,” says Bickle. What is your role on the farm? Scott: I am responsible for overseeing everything on the farm: The day-to-day operations, checking in with employees, repair and maintenance, and moving animals. You name it, I do it! Jessica: I like to call myself Scott’s right-hand man. I do a lot of the office work, but I truly love working with the animals and doing a little bit of everything. I seem to be his “go-to” for pressure washing and hauling manure. I’ll take it as a compliment. How many people do you employ? Scott: We employ one full-time worker in our sow barn, and one part-time employee who floats between barn work and general repair/maintenance. The right employees make all the difference, and we are very fortunate to have the people we do. What’s your favourite thing about working with pigs? Scott: I love seeing all the different personalities of the animals. I like the constant challenge of trying to be better and do better every day. Jessica: Every day is something new, and I am constantly proving to myself that I can do hard things. What do you like least about farming? Scott: The startup costs, for sure. The initial overhead that it takes to start farming can be prohibitive, especially when you’re starting a new operation. It can even be tough with new projects/renovations. Jessica: I struggle to shut it off. The farm is such a large part of our lives, so even when I’m away from the farm, it’s always in the back of my mind. How do you protect your herd’s health? Scott: After our herd broke with S. zooepidemicus in 2020, we took a hard look at our biosecurity prior to repopulation in 2021. After we repopulated, we started our own in-house multiplication to make our own gilts, and cut another chunk of risk out of the equation. We’ve also installed gates on all laneways, and have made an honest effort to inform all service providers about our specific biosecurity expectations. Jessica Bickle and Scott Nyenhuis operate a 600-sow farrow-to-wean operation in Grey County, Ont. Bickle Family photo
21 The Trusted Source for Canada’s Pork Producers Better Pork | October 2024 What livestock technology do you use in your barn? Scott: We have the Maximus controller, which handles the ventilation and feed. When we renovated our barn, we took it upon ourselves to convert our gestating barn to loose sow housing. We installed eight Nedap feeding stations in our gestating barn to supply food and water to all gestating sows. The Nedap is equipped with heat detection as well, and that has been a useful tool for our operation. We’re always amazed at how everything can be pulled up on our phone, so even when we’re not in the barn, we can still check on things. What is the most important lesson you’ve learned? Scott: Don’t be intimated by automation, as it has freed us up to focus more on animal care and perform the tasks a machine can’t do. Automation has allowed for a consistent feeding schedule for the sows and facilitated a better work/ life balance for all employees. It was definitely a learning curve, but once we got through that first year, we’ve seen the benefits. What is your guiding management principle? Scott: Communication and honesty go a long way with everyone and everything. Jessica: Approach all situations with empathy. It’s okay to have expectations, but understand that some days are better than others, and everyone has something different on their plate for that day. It’s about improving and growing together. What are the biggest farming challenges you face? Scott: The biggest challenge we have faced to date has definitely been breaking with S. zooepidemicus. Because the disease was relatively new when we broke, there wasn’t much information, so it seemed everyone was learning in UP CLOSE Reliable Inputs, Sustainable Outlook Contact your Trouw Nutrition representative to learn how Watson can help you make sustainable management decisions on your farm www.trouwnutrition.ca Jessica and Scott met at a St. Paddy's Day dance. Bickle Family photo
22 The Business of Canadian Hog Farming Better Pork | October 2024 real-time. After coming out of the repopulation, the packing plant where we were selling our hogs was no longer accepting organic hogs due to market loss, and we had to pivot quite quickly. What are some exciting opportunities in the industry? Scott: I recently became a delegate for Grey Bruce Pork Producers, and that has been exciting getting involved with our industry on a grassroots level. Jessica: I was fortunate enough to help with the Pig Mobile at a school-age agricultural event in Walkerton, Ont. It was a truly rewarding experience to meet the parents and children and be their first source of information regarding the swine industry. It’s satisfying to give the public a safe space to learn and ask questions. How do you define success? Scott: Success to us is being able to work hard and continue doing what we love every day, knowing that each negative is an opportunity to improve. How do you support your mental health? Scott: We’ve dealt with some significant challenges that have affected my sleep, but I’ve always managed to keep going. I find a lot of comfort in spending time with my kids and meeting up with friends. Jessica: Every Sunday I plan out my next week, and I’m constantly making lists of what I need to do. I feel like we have a lot of balls in the air, and writing it down brings me comfort. After our challenging years, I got back into figure skating. I currently spend one and a half hours every week on the ice, and it is the only place where I can truly clock out from the farm. What was your most memorable production year? Scott: In 2016, we took the leap from being an organic contract sow producer to running our own organic sow herd. This move propelled our business forward and allowed us to buy another farm and expand to become organic farrow-to-finish. What’s your top goal? Scott: Our top goal personally is for our children to have the opportunity to succeed in whatever they do. Whether that is farming or another career, we aim to help them start their adventure, the same way our parents helped us. Our professional goal is always the same: Consistently grow and maintain a healthy operation and business. What's your message to non-farmers? We would like non-farmers to know how hard we work to produce sustainable, quality Ontario pork. We take pride in what we do, and we’re fortunate to work with educated and talented professionals in the industry who help us every step of the way! BP UP CLOSE Nathan, Grace, and Ryan like to help out on the farm. Bickle Family photo % WEANED % BORN ALIVE TOTAL BORN BIRTH WEIGHT VARIATION IN BIRTH WEIGHT RUNT PIGLETS WEANED PIGS Figure 2. Hypor’s maternal selection strategy is to increase the number of weaned pigs. CORRECTION NOTICE In our August 2024 issue in the "Balancing Litter Size" article on Pg. 15, be advised that Hypor's maternal selection strategy is to decrease variation in birth weight and the number of runt piglets, not increase as was implied by the arrows.
If you are a woman in farm operations, an entrepreneur in ag and food, a student, or working in agri-business, join us at AWC! AWC EAST 2024 November 17, 18 & 19, 2024 at the Sheraton Fallsview, Niagara Falls, ON AWC WEST 2025 March 2025 at the Hyatt Regency Calgary, AB Hear expert speakers that will motivate and inspire, and network with women passionate about ag. § Learn new skills to help you excel § Manage your well-being and build resiliency § Nurture and grow your passions § Meet, network and support other women Stay informed. Be inspired. Get growing. Listen, learn, network and grow! Call Iris Meck for details: (403) 686-8407 • AdvancingWomenConference.ca/2024east REGISTER TODAY!
24 Story Idea? Contact Paul.Nolan@Farms.com Better Pork | October 2024 DISEASE SURVEILLANCE PROGRAM PAYS OFF ‘This is a good news story for the industry.’ By Jeanine Moyer SWINE HEALTH ONTARIO Ontario swine veterinarians are reporting a cautiously optimistic outlook for this year’s upcoming flu season. Thanks to South West Ontario Veterinary Services’ (South West Vet Services) diligent influenza surveillance system, they have good reason to believe the approaching fall and winter months will be easier compared to previous years. For five years, industry partners including the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, the Animal Health Lab at the University of Guelph, and South West Vet Services, have been working together to monitor, test and report influenza cases in swine herds. The information collected is used to develop and update the regional flu vaccine that is administered by South West Vet Services. In April 2023, the H3N2 virus was first detected in Ontario, began to spread rapidly, and presented a serious concern for hog farmers as it was previously identified as a dominant and endemic viral strain among pig populations across the U.S. The provincial hog influenza surveillance system quickly identified the H3N2 strain. This swift identification enabled South West Vet Services to work alongside herd health teams, proactively manage the virus by adding H3N2 to the regional swine flu vaccine in September 2023, and get ahead of prime flu season outbreaks. “This is a good news story for the industry,” says Dr. Kevin Vilaca, swine veterinarian with South West Vet Services. “While we now have to manage a new virus circulating in our herds, this break turned out to be a good news story for our industry because we now have an effective tool to reduce the impact of H3N2 within barns and across the province. This also demonstrates that not only does the flu surveillance program work, but the program benefits the entire industry.” Managing H3N2 Sow herds across Ontario began receiving the new regional vaccine in September 2023. Dr. Vilaca credits the speed at which the approvals and manufacturing of the updated vaccine were accomplished as a key factor in avoiding what could have otherwise been a more severe disease outbreak across the province. “It only took five months for the first administration of the updated regional flu vaccine from the time the H3N2 strain was detected,” he says. “Our ability to get such a large number of sow herds vaccinated in such a short period of time has been significant in mitigating the impact of this disease.” The current South West Vet Services regional flu vaccine now contains six strains, including the most recent addition of H3N2, and is designed to help animals build immunity to the specific strains. The majority of sow herds in Ontario have now been vaccinated, which puts the industry in a proactive position ahead of the upcoming flu season. Now that the H3N2 virus has been established in Ontario herds, symptoms of the H3N2 virus may still exist, especially in growing and finishing hogs. Administration of the vaccine at these stages is less likely to be effective, however, thanks to the vaccine, the overall virus load and severity has been reduced. Dr. Vilaca explains that H3N2 symptoms can be like any other flu virus in hogs. He suggests farmers watch for coughing, respiratory challenges, fevers or elevated temperatures, abortions and reduced appetite. “Like any virus, H3N2 can also make underlying conditions worse,” says Dr. Vilaca, explaining that any illnesses or bugs already circulating within a herd could be intensified with an H3N2 infection. “That’s just another reason to prevent the strain Watch for coughing, respiratory challenges, fevers or elevated temperatures, abortions, and reduced appetite. Jodie Aldred photo
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