Dr. Brockhoff Named Food
Animal Veterinarian of the Year
In recognition for his veterinary career, Dr. Egan Brockhoff was presented with the Merck Veterinary Award by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.
As a veterinarian he has contributed significantly to the advancement of food animal medicine and surgery, including herd health management. Dr. Brockhoff has brought his skills and knowledge to the Canadian pork sector and contributed greatly to its global success.
He plays an instrumental role in the ongoing development of the Canadian Pork Council’s (CPC) on-farm food safety and animal care quality assurance programs. He provides both scientific and practical advice related to codes of practice, research priorities, the CPC’s drug use policy and its national biosecurity standard.
Dr. Brockhoff’s expertise has been critical in the identification of measures designed to prevent and, if necessary, respond to an outbreak of African swine fever. His work in this space includes contributing to the creation and implementation of the industry government pan-Canadian ASF strategy. He has also made a substantive contribution at the international level working closely with colleagues around the world and with individual producers in Asian countries, where his expertise is highly valued.
He has also fostered a closer working relationship between the Canadian Pork Council and the veterinary community. The Canadian Swine Health Intelligence Network, a partnership between the Canadian Pork Council and the Canadian Association of Swine Veterinarians, is one example. This initiative ensures the veterinary community and pork producers are working closely to improve Canada’s swine health surveillance program.
“The Canadian pork sector would quickly notice Egan’s absence were he not so willing to help,” said John Ross, CPC’s executive director. “His contribution makes a great difference, and the pork sector is thankful for the role he plays in keeping the pigs safe and healthy.”. •

Friesen Livestock Nutrition Expands Team
Friesen Livestock is happy to announce and welcome our newest member to our team Doug Cramer.
Doug was born and raised in Southern Manitoba on a hog and broiler farms. With a desire to continue in the livestock industry, Doug attended the U of Manitoba and attained his Ag Diploma. Doug then continued pursuing his passion in the agricultural industry in Western Canada, bringing 29 years of experience with him to Friesen Livestock.
Intending on helping Saskatchewan livestock producers, Doug founded Cramer Livestock when he opened in 2009. Doug entered his next venture Cramer Expo and Event Management in 2010.
Doug has founded and planned many events, the two that he is most excited about are Cramer Ag Expo in Swift Current and the Montan Livestock Expo in Great Falls, where he teamed up with Friesen Nutrition to host this successful event. Unfortunate because of COVID 19, the Great Falls show was cancelled.
Doug is looking foward to seeing many old and new faces in the Saskatchewan area and looks forward to bringing his many years of knowledge and experience to work for Friesen’s customers. •

Carlo Genetics Welcomes
New AGM
Carlo Genetics would like to welcome and introduce Katrin Braasch as Assistant General Manager. “Katrin comes to us with a deep background in cellular research and project management which will serve her very well within our AI Centres at Carlo Genetics. As we constantly strive to incorporate the most recent detailed analysis formats and monitor internal statistics to achieve a high standard of consistency in production, Katrin’s ability to organize and analyze multi-variable control points is a great asset.” said Kyla Ripley, General Manager for Carlo Genetics Inc.
Katrin holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology from the University of Manitoba and B.Sc. (Hons) in Biochemistry from the University of Winnipeg. At the University of British Columbia, Katrin completed a Post Doctoral Fellowship, planning and executing a project to develop a novel scale-down approach for clonal cell selection with integrated protein analysis, using cell culture techniques to improve a critical step in bioprocess development. Incorporation of image-based analysis in these disciplines has direct cross over benefits to understanding and working with the CASA and cell count programming in place at Carlo Genetics.
“After several years of research in biotechnology and experiencing different sectors of Manitoba’s agriculture industry, I am excited to become a part of the Carlo family. As a leader in science for swine genetics both inside and outside of Manitoba, Carlo’s constant dedication to quality, customer service, and especially innovative technologies makes this position very attractive to me,” said Katrin. •

Transportation at its Finest
The transportation of live breeding stock is a critical part of the swine genetics business. Although it can be a challenge during the cold and hot times of the year, the movement of breeding stock can still be accomplished in a very safe, humane, and biosecure manner.
At Topigs Norsvin Canada we have taken the movement of live breeding animals to the next level with the purchase of a new customized Cuppers trailer. Cuppers, based in The Netherlands, is a premiere manufacturer of livestock trailers.
Our new trailer is designed with two decks and can deliver up to 48 individually penned boars. Once loaded, the entire upper deck lifts up, allowing the bottom deck to be loaded. While delivery of boars to AI studs and customers is the focus, the trailer will also accommodate 140 full-size gilts in group pens.
The aluminum trailer features a fully insulated fiberglass sandwich wall body for climate control. Twenty-four fans on the passenger side force air into the trailer while twelve fans exhaust the inside air from the driver’s side. This creates a positive pressure environment within the trailer. The ventilation system allows for the use of pleated air filters which prevent any pathogens from entering the trailer.
The animals have access to water at all times via the on-board water tank and pump system. Nipple type drinkers are located on the side wall in each pen and fold into the wall when the deck is being raised or lowered. An on-board automatic start diesel generator can keep batteries fully charged to ensure all features of the trailer continue operating even when not connected to a highway tractor. All operating features of the trailer are fully alarmed, notifying the driver of any malfunctions.
With all of these added features, this trailer is the first of its kind in North America, and with the continued growth of Topigs Norsvin in Canada and the USA, it is likely you will see this rig rolling down the highway somewhere near you. •
Canadian Agricultural Safety Association
Executive Director, Announces Retirement
Announced recently, After leading the team at the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) for the past 16 years, Marcel Hacault has notified the Board of Directors of his plans to retire March 2021.
The CASA Board will immediately undertake a search for Hacault’s replacement.
Hacault has lead CASA since 2004, spearheading the organization’s transformation from a safety grant administrator, to an organization that leads national efforts to improve agricultural safety across Canada.
“CASA has evolved into an organization that works with both provincial safety groups and private industry. Marcel’s leadership has resulted in the establishment of provincial safety groups that directly support farmers. His influence can be seen in initiatives such as the BeGrainSafe program, Back to Ag program, and the Canadian partnership with Progressive Ag Foundation in the delivery of Safety Days,” said Carolyn Van Den Heuvel, Chair of CASA. “Marcel has been a great ambassador for agricultural health and safety.”
“Having served more than 16 years as Executive Director, it is time for me to step aside. CASA has been a wonderful organization to help lead and grow. I have enjoyed this job and the terrific people I have had the chance to work with.” said Hacault.
Hacault will remain in his position until March 2021, providing ongoing leadership and direction to the CASA staff while assisting with the transition planning as required. •