Saskatchewan Livestock Expo
The 16th annual Saskatchewan Livestock Expo will take place Thursday February 19th, 2026 in Swift Current, SK. The one day show will be held at the Kinetic Exhibition Park, featuring a trade show, door prizes, live auction and of course the Cramer Cup series.
The one day trade show is sold out, doors open at 8:30am, Cramer Cup series starts after 4pm, followed by Sale of Champions.
Any questions contact Doug Cramer 306.520.3553 or email sklivestockexpo@gmail.com •

H@ms District Meeting Schedule
The h@ms district meetings will take place thought Western Canada. Wednesday March 11th at the Travel Lodge in Strathmore starting at noon.Tuesday March 17th in Swift Current also starting at noon, at the Coast Hotel. Followed by Thursday March 19th at the Oakville Community Centre starting at 3pm. Please contact the h@mas office to pre register. 204.233.4991 •

Alberta Pork Spring Meetings
The Alberta Pork regional spring meetings will take place in mid March. March 16th in Grande Prairie, March 17th in Red Deer, Drumheller on March 18th concluding in Lethbridge on March 19th. •

APC Industry Award Nominations
Now is the time to send in your nominations for the Alberta Pork Congress Industry Awards.
Lifetime Achievement Award (Honours individuals who have played an integral role in advancing the pork industry in Alberta and celebrates their long-term commitment and unwavering dedication to the industry).
Farm Team Award (Recognizes the farm unit which operates in an exemplary manner through commitment and longevity of the staff with virtues of hard work and cooperation, celebrating dedication of the team toward working together for the success of the farm).
Industry Innovation Award (Honours individuals or companies whose efforts reflect a commitment above and beyond the accepted expectation of the pork industry in Alberta. It recognizes individuals or companies whose actions have become a valuable asset to the pork industry and acknowledges those whose actions have become models for peer recognition).
Rising Star Award (Honours an individual who has been a part of the Alberta pork industry for less than 5 years and planning a career in the industry.)

Producers of the Future Award ***NEW*** 

Multiple recipients may be selected

This award recognizes young and emerging pork producers and support staff who are demonstrating passion, commitment, and leadership within Alberta’s pork industry. This award celebrates individuals who are actively involved in the daily operations and who show a willingness to learn, grow and develop from the many experts around them. Recipients of this award exemplify innovation, responsibility, and a genuine dedication to animal care, and farm sustainability. Whether contributing fresh ideas, or taking on increasing roles within their operations, these young producers are already making a meaningful impact on their farms and communities. These young individuals WILL be the leaders of our industry in the future, and we are proud to recognize their efforts.

For more information or to nominate either a individual – team, please contact the Alberta Pork Congress office at 403.542.7906 or email info@albertaporkcongress.com. Deadline for nominations is March 15h.
Awards will be presented at the Alberta Pork Congress Banquet Wednesday June 10th. Visit our website to make your nomination online albertaporkcongress.com •

Manitoba Pork AGM
Mark your calendars for the Manitoba Pork Annual General Meeting Thursday April 9th, at the RBC Convention Centre in Winnipeg. More details will be available once closer. •

Montana Livestock Expo
The one day Montana Livestock Expo will take place on April 29th in Great Falls MT. For details, registration contact Doug Cramer at 306.520.3553 •

Prairie Swine Centre Spring Producer Meetings
Prairie Swine Centre along with Zoetis and PIC are sharing the dates for the spring producer meetings.
Saskatoon on April 15th. Alberta will host two meetings April 22nd in Lethbridge and April 23rd in Red Deer. Followed up by Portage la Prairie on April 29th.
Registration for all meetings opens at 10:30am program from 11am – 4pm, lunch is provided.
You must pre register for these meetings, please contact one of the following:
Donna.VanGorp@zoetis.com
Steffen.Klenk@genusplc.com or
Ken.Engele@usask.ca •

Alberta Pork Congress
The 52nd annual Alberta Pork Congress will be held at Westerner Park in Red Deer June 10th & 11th.
In addition to the two day trade show Alberta Pork Congress is happy host the awards banquet dinner Wednesday June 10th and plus join us for lunch before we depart on Thursday June 11th.
Your Alberta Pork Congress board of directors team is finalizing the particulars for the upcoming trade show. More details will be shared soon.
Online registration is now open for booths, to purchase Wednesday and Thursday lunch tickets plus Wednesdays banquet tickets. Sponsorship opportunities are also listed online check out the website at
albertaporkcongress.com
If anyone is interested in receiving postcards or posters to promote the show please reach out to Kate.
For more details and information contact Kate Kelly, at 403.542.7906 or email her at kate@albertaporkcongress.com •

Hutterite Manufacturing & Associate Expo
The Hutterite Manufacturing & Associate Expo is a unique shopping experience where you can find a variety of household, farming, and building supplies made with unbeatable quality.
From farming supplies including kitchen and bath cabinets, metal fabrication, metal roofing and siding, and so much more! This is a must-visit event for DIY enthusiasts, contractors, and homeowners alike.
Will take place at the Red River Exhibition Park in Winnipeg August 13th & 14th, 2026. For details contact Alana Fehr at 204.888.6990 ext 109 or C: 204.383.0040 or
email: alana@redriverex.com •

Red Deer Swine Technology Workshop
Save the date for Red Deer Swine Technology Workshop which will be held Wednesday October 7th at Westerner Park. Agenda and speakers will be confirmed in future issues. •

Alberta Livestock Expo
Keep October 14th and 15th open for the Alberta Livestock Expo in Lethbridge. Booth registration will open in April. •

Saskatchewan Pork Symposium
If marking your calendars for all the events in 2026, another one to pencil in is Saskatchewan Pork Industry Symposium. The two day event is planned for November 3rd & 4th. More details will be available in the months and issues to come. •

Alberta Pork AGM
Save the date for the Alberta Pork Congress Annual General Meeting Thursday November 19th, at the Double Tree by Hilton in Calgary. More details will be available once date is closer. •

Prairie Livestock Expo
The Prairie Livestock Expo will take place at the Victoria Inn & Conference Centre Wednesday December 16th. More details will be confirmed in the April edition. •

Swine Innovation Porc Announces First
Projects Under National “Advancing Swine
Research” Initiative
Swine Innovation Porc (SIP) is pleased to announce four research projects under its Advancing Swine Research Call for Proposals, a national initiative designed to strengthen the resiliency, sustainability, and competitiveness of Canada’s pork sector.
Supported by the Pork Promotion and Research Agency (PPRA), the projects announced represent the first set of approved investments under a highly competitive, industry-guided research call. Additional approved projects will be announced as partner co-funding decisions are finalized.
The projects will explore innovations such as alternative lactation housing systems, vaccine development for PEDV and PDCoV, passive barn-cooling technologies to reduce heat stress, and advanced food-safety interventions to improve pork quality.
For these four projects, SIP will invest up to $488,347, leveraging up to $1.18 million in total project funding across priority areas including housing systems, animal health, energy efficiency, and product quality. This milestone reflects the value of a nationally coordinated, producer-driven approach to research and underscores SIP’s commitment to delivering practical, high-impact innovation for producers and processors across the Canadian pork sector. •

Canada, United Kingdom, Make Vet Medicine Deal
Back in mid December,Canada and the U.K. agreed to work together to streamline the regulation of veterinary medicines and vaccines.
The agreements was announced by Canada’s chief veterinary officer Mary Jane Ireland and the United Kingdom’s Veterinary Medicines Directorate deputy chief executive officer, Gavin Hall.
They said Canada and the U.K. will co-operate to streamline the pre-market assessment and approval process for veterinary medicines and vaccines.
This will include sharing scientific expertise and information, discussing common priorities and looking at joint reviews of veterinary products.
In June, Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer also committed to partnering on several issues related to economic grow, including trade, semiconductors, artificial intelligence and biomanufacturing. •
— By Jim Romahn

AFSC and Ag for Life – A Continued Partnership Supporting Agriculture Education and Careers
Agriculture for Life (Ag for Life) is proud to announce its continued partnership with Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC), reinforcing a shared commitment to advancing agriculture education and inspiring the next generation of industry leaders across Alberta.
Since its inception in 2011, Ag for Life has worked with valued partners like AFSC to deliver impactful programs and resources that connect youth and communities to agriculture. Together, the organizations are empowering students to explore the diverse opportunities within the agriculture and agri-food sectors – helping them see agriculture not just as an industry, but as a meaningful and rewarding career path.
Thanks to AFSC’s continued commitment, Ag for Life is expanding its educational programming and bringing agriculture to life in classrooms, community events and through digital learning initiatives that reach thousands of students across Alberta each year.

Together, Ag for Life and AFSC remain dedicated to highlighting the impact of agriculture on everyday life, showcasing the wide variety of careers the industry offers and building connections that ensure a strong and prosperous future for Alberta’s agriculture sector. •

The Relevant Role of Canada Pork
Global trade is complex and fast-moving – there are many moving pieces, and things can change overnight. One update to a requirement, a new rule, a shift in contacts, or sudden political changes can quickly impact shipments, pricing, and buyer timelines.
Traders live in that constant reality, often carrying real commercial risks to keep business moving forward and maintain momentum in key markets. We know this is never a one-person or one-category effort.
Success comes from strong collaboration across the value chain, and we want to recognize the effort, agility, and commitment of our producers, packers, retailers, trading companies – and of course, the consumers who choose Canadian pork.
We are proud to support your initiatives through market access strategies, timely and practical communications, a continual focus on emerging opportunities, and the identification of new tradeshows or platforms that help build connections and drive business growth.
Thank you for championing the premium quality of Canadian pork around the world! •

Spain’s Pork Exports to China Resume
Spain’s pork exports to China resumed after a brief stop because a couple of wild boars tested positive for African Swine Fever.
The resumption is based on a November agreement that Chin will honour the European Union’s sanitary regionalization system.
Police and soldiers have been participating in efforts to find and remove sick animals in the affected region, including using drones in the search.
Since the initial discovery of two dead pigs, seven more have been discovered, also infected with African Swine Fever.
Spain is China’s biggest source of imported pork.
Mexico also cut off pork from Spain. •
— By Jim Romahn

Ban on Farrowing Crates in 10 Years in New Zealand
Swine producers in New Zealand have 10 more years to convert to systems without farrowing crates. That is the outcome of legislation that was approved in the New Zealand parliament early in December. The deadline for the transition is now 18 December 2035.
The legislation is the outcome of a long process in which the country had to find a way out of an animal welfare challenge. On 13 November 2020, the country’s High Court ruled that both mating stalls as well as farrowing crates were “unlawful and invalid” as they would be incompatible with the country’s existing animal welfare act. One month later, the government at the time agreed to phase out existing systems within 5 years – a period that would come to an end on 18 December 2025.
In the meantime, a National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (Nawac) had time to review the country’s Pigs’ Code.
In October 2025, the associate minister of agriculture Andrew Hoggard came up with a detailed proposal on how to move ahead, which included both legislation as well as more leeway for producers. Pig producers would have 10 more years to convert in the case of both farrowing crates and mating stalls. It was this proposal that got approved earlier this month to be in time before 18 December 2025.
In essence the new regulations include the following:

• Minimum space requirements for grower pigs will increase by 13.3%.
• The time sows are confined in farrowing crates will be reduced from a maximum of 33 to 7 days (3 days prior to farrowing and 4 days post-farrowing).
• The provision of “manipulable and deformable materials” to farrowing sows.
  • The use of mating stalls will be limited from 7 days to 3 hours, and sows cannot be confined again for at least 3 hours once they are released.
  The changes come after 5 years of consultation with industry, stakeholders, veterinarians and the public, with Hoggard saying they had listened to and considered a “broad range of perspectives.” •
  — Source Pig Progress

Philippines has Officially Recognized Canada’s African Swine Fever Zoning System
December 9th marked an important milestone for the Canadian pork industry.
The Philippines has officially recognized Canada’s African Swine Fever zoning system, opening the door to continued exports of live swine, pork, and by-products under Canada’s ASF regionalization framework. This decision helps keep Canadian hogs and pork products moving into a significant and growing market.

It also reflects the strength of Canada’s animal-health controls and the everyday efforts of producers who implement strong biosecurity and traceability practices. Their commitment continues to reinforce international confidence in Canada’s pork sector and livestock health systems.
This recognition benefits both countries by supporting stable trade, expanding market access and ensuring Philippine consumers and processors can rely on safe, high-quality Canadian pork.
The Canadian Pork Council welcomes this news and will continue working with both national and international partners to maintain world-class standards that protect animal health and support resilient global trade. •

CPC Joins Others for Renewal of CUSMA Agreement
The Canadian Pork Council was pleased on December 8th, to join nearly 100 agriculture and agri-food organizations in calling on the Prime Minister and key federal ministers to secure a full renewal of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).
A stable, predictable trade framework is vital to the competitiveness of Canada’s agriculture sector and the strength of our national and North American economies. •

New App to Enhance On-farm Biosecurity
Farm Health Guardian has launched the Protocol® Farm Visits app, a powerful new tool designed to make on-farm biosecurity faster, easier, and more consistent for farm workers and operations of all sizes.
The Protocol Farm Visits app streamlines biosecurity by providing instant access to key property information, visit records, health status, downtime, pyramid, and other biosecurity requirements. The app makes it easy for farm workers to know and follow biosecurity requirements for any property within their system by automatically confirming whether a user meets biosecurity requirements based on their previously recorded visits.
The Protocol Farm Visits app simplifies managing people movements according to health status and other requirements, which experts agree is critical when it comes to protecting animal health and preventing disease spread.
A key feature of the new app is a link to Google maps for any farm property within a system, making it easier to navigate directly to a farm location. The app also includes pertinent property information such as key contacts. •

Rabobank Says Meat Prices to Remain High
Rabobank is predicting that meat prices will remain high next year, especially beef prices
Production will continue to decrease, it said. An increase for poultry will be offset by declines in beef and pork, it said, resulting in the first annual decline in six years.
While we expect feed costs to remain steady, lower protein supplies, rising volatility and trade costs, and disease pressure will weigh on margins, it said.
Processors may face ongoing challenges around capacity utilization, as well as trade disruptions resulting from tariffs and other protectionist measures, it said.
All of this could raise costs, pressure demand, and ultimately squeeze margins. In both mature and developing markets, a focus on increasing efficiency and productivity will be critical at the farm and processor level.
Yet, substitution is not always straightforward, as some proteins are not always considered direct substitutes for more premium products, it said. •
— By Jim Romahn

China Drops Ban on Canadian Beef, Not Pork
China has suddenly dropped its ban on Canadian beef, opening the possibility that exports will return to 2021 volumes when Canada shipped more than 20,000 tonnes to China. The ban was imposed after the Canadian Food Inspection Agency confirmed its tests revealed atypical bovine spongiform encephalopathy infected a cow.
Federal Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald said the first export of Canadian beef to China could come as early as February.
Macdonald said the news that China would lift its ban on Canadian beef came abruptly.
“When the door opened, it opened,” he said.
MacDonald also said Chinese tariffs on Canadian pork were on the agenda in Beijing despite no movement on the levies.
“One of the issues we face with pork in China is that they produce over 90 per cent themselves,” the minister added. “There still is a market there for us, and we’ll continue to pursue that.” •
— By Jim Romahn

Canadian Regulators Determine PIC’s PRRS -Resistant Pigs are Safe For Consumption and Approved for Manufacturing and Importing
Announced on January 23rd, Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) approved PIC’s PRRS – resistant pigs for sale as food in Canada after rigorous and thorough review. Additionally, Environment & Climate Change Canada (ECCC) conducted its own review of the research and data and concluded that PRRS – resistant pigs may now be manufactured or imported in Canada.
Health Canada and CFIA conducted scientific assessments that ensured the pigs are safe for consumption and do not differ from other pigs available on the market. Their evaluation led them to conclude that aside from the precise deletion of a small part of a gene involved in PRRS infection, the PRRS – resistant pigs are no different than other pigs.
Health Canada and CFIA further concluded that there are no differences in the nutritional value of the pork from PRRS – resistant pigs compared to other pork available for consumption.

Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) is one of the most devastating, global swine diseases. It causes needless suffering and premature death for pigs, negatively impacts animal welfare, exacerbates the need for antibiotics and increases the environmental impact of raising pigs.
Canada joins a growing list of countries that have deemed the gene edit safe and effective. The U.S. FDA approved the gene edit in April 2025, while Colombia, Brazil, Dominican Republic and Argentina have issued positive determinations for PRRS-resistant pigs, meaning those countries have recognized that the pigs are not GMO and should be treated the same as any other pigs.
Research conducted by Circana and commissioned by PIC in late 2025 found that there is an above average likelihood that Canadian consumers will purchase pork from gene-edited pigs.
The research polled more than 5,000 pork consumers from eight key countries, representative across genders and ages 18 to 70.
Circana found that 90% of Canadian consumers are open to purchasing pork from gene-edited pigs and that responsibly reducing the need for antibiotics ranked as the top motivator.•

Fed’s Research Centres to Close
The federal agriculture department said a research center in Guelph is one of seven research centres across Canada that intends to close.
Other main research centers on the hit list are at Quebec City and Lacombe, Alta.
Satellite research farms at Nappan, N.S., Scott, Sask., Indian Head, Sask. and Portage la Prairie, Man., will also close.
The AAFC said it will remain Canada’s largest agricultural research organization, with 17 research centres nationwide and research farmland in every province.
There are no imminent site closures, and any wind-down of scientific operations would follow a careful decision process that could take up to 12 months. Many employees may be retained, reassigned, or relocated. It is too early to determine final workforce impacts.
Keith Currie, President of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) called the cutbacks a “necessary evil”. •
— By Jim Romahn

Swine Vets Say New Vaccines Could Help
Vaccines to control bacterial diseases would bring major benefits, a survey of 19 swine veterinarians across the United States has found.
The results identified Streptococcus suis, Escherichia coli, Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, and Glaesserella parasuis as the most critical pathogens needing improved vaccines.
Veterinarians anticipated significant improvements in vaccine efficacy for S. suis and E. coli during the nursery stage and expressed a willingness to pay almost two per cent more than current prices.
While expectations for M. hyo vaccine improvements were not significant, veterinarians expressed the willingness to 4.2 times the current price because it could eradicate this disease.
One of the major benefits would be reduction of antibiotics to control these diseases. •
— By Jim Romahn