Search
Better Farming OntarioBetter PorkBetter Farming Prairies

Better Pork Featured Articles

Better Pork magazine is published bimonthly. After each edition is published, we share featured articles online.


Behind the Lines - October 2008

Thursday, October 9, 2008

The online dictionary Wikipedia defines a false economy as "an action which saves money at the beginning but which, over a longer period of time, results in more money being wasted than being saved." It gives many instances.

This issue of Better Pork carries several stories devoted to dealing with false economies – short cuts which producers may be tempted to take as they cut costs to survive the current downturn in markets. In our cover story, "The key to preventing barn fires," Don Stoneman reports on concerns that pig barns built in the construction boom that began a little more than10 years ago may be more susceptible to corrosion from gases and require more maintenance of electrical and copper than barns in the past. The result of lack of maintenance can be a devastating fire. Such fires have already taken place in Ontario's hog belt, costing tens of millions of dollars in damages and lost income. This story starts on page 6 and offers some economical ways by which producers can assure that electricity in their barns is safe.

On page 22, nutritionist Janice Murphy writes that the positive effects of antibiotics in pig diets appear to be short-lived and feeding potato protein may be a better bet in the long term. And on page 28, Ontario Pork's environmental specialist Sam Bradshaw reports on steps to maintain outstanding barn air quality. 

Finally, agricultural engineer Ron MacDonald writes about the dangers of moisture buildup in pig barn attics. Failure to remove moisture, and keep it out, can have serious consequences.

As Better Pork goes to press, a late summer rally in pork prices appears to be over and prices are trending downward. There will be more and more pressure for farmers to ignore routine maintenance on barns. Please remember the unintended consequences that can result.

And finally you'll notice a change in our Second Look column. Ever since we launched Better Pork in February 2000 to fill the large void left by the bankruptcy of Farm & Country Pork, Richard Smelski has graced our back page with his thoughts on the state of the industry. He has, in his inimitable style, prodded, provoked and challenged. Now Richard has suggested that we open the back page up to others in the industry and I'm pleased to report that Mary Jane Quinn has taken up the challenge in this issue with some timely thoughts on food recalls. We have an impressive lineup of other industry thinkers to follow in Smelski's tradition.

Let us know how you like the change.

ROBERT IRWIN

Current Issue

April 2025

Better Pork Magazine

Farms.com Swine News

Market Movers to Watch for the Week of April 6

Thursday, April 3, 2025

Key USDA reports, oil price shifts, and economic indicators set to shape commodity markets this week. By Aleah Harle, Farms.com Risk Management Intern . 1. The monthly USDA WASDE Report is scheduled for release on April 10th, 2025. The previous report was a “kick the can... Read this article online

Man. farmhouse finalist in Next Great Save competition

Thursday, April 3, 2025

A farmhouse in Portage la Prairie, Man., is in the running to receive financial support to help with its restoration. The Hourie House at the Fort la Reine Museum is one of 12 finalists in the 2025 Next Great Save competition. “The Hourie home is an example of an early Canadian farm... Read this article online

U of G Students win Branded Farms.com Chairs

Thursday, April 3, 2025

Farms.com was pleased to support the University of Guelph’s annual College Royal which was held March 15th & 16th, 2025 – it was the 101st edition. Every March, the University of Guelph hosts College Royal, the largest university open house event in North America. This annual... Read this article online

BF logo

It's farming. And it's better.

 

a Farms.com Company

Subscriptions

Subscriber inquiries, change of address, or USA and international orders, please email: subscriptions@betterfarming.com or call 888-248-4893 x 281.


Article Ideas & Media Releases

Have a story idea or media release? If you want coverage of an ag issue, trend, or company news, please email us.

Follow us on Social Media

 

Sign up to a Farms.com Newsletter

 

DisclaimerPrivacy Policy2025 ©AgMedia Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Back To Top