'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
Prairie Swine Centre celebrates 35 years of driving innovation Friday, April 17, 2026 Over that time, the centre has evolved into one of Canada's premier swine research facilities, delivering practical, industry-focused research that strengthens the financial position of pork producers while advancing animal welfare and environmental sustainability across the Saskatchewan and... Read this article online
Claas Expands Midwest Presence to Support Farmers Friday, April 17, 2026 Global equipment maker grows dealer and service network across the Dakotas Claas, a global agricultural equipment company, is expanding its operations in the Midwest to better serve farmers and ranchers. Although the brand is not always part of common “red or green” equipment... Read this article online
Canadian Farmland Values Rise Faster Than US Thursday, April 16, 2026 FCC analysis highlights rising land costs and growing affordability pressure Farm Credit Canada has released a new economic analysis that sheds light on changing farmland value trends in Canada and the United States. The study shows that cultivated farmland values in Canada are... Read this article online
Conservative MP wants faster ag product approvals Thursday, April 16, 2026 An Alberta Conservative MP introduced a bill designed to speed up approvals to give farmers access to the tools they need. David Bexte, the MP for Bow River, introduced Bill C-273, the Facilitating Agricultural Regulatory Modernization (FARM) Act on April 14. If passed, the law would... Read this article online
Bill 21 Pause Sparks Rural Water Debate in Manitoba Thursday, April 16, 2026 Opposition requests more consultation on water rules affecting farms Manitoba Progressive Conservatives have decided to delay consideration of Bill 21 a provincial proposal focused on water systems and safety. The decision keeps the bill from moving forward until the fall legislative... Read this article online