'Healthy pork' worth $100,000 Wednesday, April 6, 2011 by BETTER FARMING STAFF A couple who produce Omega-3 enriched pork are this year’s recipients of a $100,000 provincial award that recognizes innovation in agriculture. Three years ago Paul and Rosie Hill shifted from commodity pork production to marketing what Paul describes in a recent presentation at the London Swine Conference as “healthy” pork. The product is DHA/EPA or fish oil based Omega-3 pork. Their product is the only one on the market in the world “that is able to make a health claim,” Paul Hill writes in a paper accompanying his presentation. The pork also contains Selenium, a trace mineral studied by researchers for its potential as an anti-cancer agent. The couple had anticipated the health benefits of their product would easily generate a large demand. “Were we ever wrong,” Paul says, describing the process of marketing the product as a huge challenge. However, interest is growing and Paul says he hopes to eventually scale up production. The Hills received their Premier’s Award for Agri-food Innovation Excellence on Monday in Toronto. Also on hand for the awards ceremony were Arie and Lisa Duizer of Burford, Oxford Brant County. The couple received the $50,000 Minister's Award for the innovative design of their robotic dairy barn. Arie Duizer says it’s exciting to receive the award. “We hope that we make dairy farming attractive for the next generation by being innovative.” Duizer says what makes the barn innovative is that the robotic milkers occupy its centre and feed alleys run along the edge. The cows – the Duizers have 220 stock in total and 120 cows currently milking – occupy the area in between. “It’s nice and easy handling for me for the cattle,” Arie says, noting he can automatically separate cows. “The whole barn is set up that everything can be done by one person.” The innovation has made their lifestyle more flexible, he says. “With a young family that’s nice.” A provincial news release notes that 55 regional winners will be recognized at ceremonies throughout the province this spring. BF Jeffray begins third term at Ontario Pork with new challenges Now is the time for young farmers to join the industry
USMEF: February Pork and Beef Exports Below Year-Ago Thursday, April 10, 2025 February exports of U.S. pork were moderately lower than a year ago, despite continued success in Mexico and Central America, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). February beef exports were also below last year after trending higher in... Read this article online
That Sinking Feeling: Proposed Port Fees Threaten U.S. Meat Exports Thursday, April 10, 2025 A new study commissioned by a coalition of agriculture and export groups warns that proposed U.S. port fees targeting Chinese-built or operated cargo ships could deliver a heavy blow to American meat exports, including pork. The recommendations, currently under review by the U.S. Trade... Read this article online
APAS releases federal election priorities Thursday, April 10, 2025 The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) is the latest ag organization to publish its priorities for the upcoming federal election. The group’s document, titled Unleashing Agriculture for Canada’s Growth, highlights five important areas APAS would like to see included... Read this article online
C-Merak Innovations receives grain company license Thursday, April 10, 2025 A Saskatchewan company recently received a grain company license from the Canadian Grain Commission (CGC). C-Merak Innovations in Tisdale, Sask., got its primary elevator designation on April 9, the CGC’s website says. A primary elevator license goes to “an operator of an elevator... Read this article online
Brady and Lindsay Funk named Saskatchewan Outstanding Young Farmers for 2025 Thursday, April 10, 2025 Farmers from Wymark, Sask., are Saskatchewan’s Outstanding Young Farmers for 2025. “It’s a very prestigious award to win and we’re grateful for the opportunity to have this experience,” Brady Funk told Farms.com. Brady and his wife Lindsay own and operate Braylin Acres in Lucky Lake... Read this article online