For George Goossen, president of Carlo Genetics in St. Anne, Manitoba, attending World Pork Expo in Des Moines, Iowa, remains one of the most valuable investments he makes each year.
As he approaches 38 years in the pork industry this August, Goossen says the annual event continues to provide insights, connections and ideas that help him stay current in a rapidly evolving business.
“I’ve been going to World Pork for as long as I can remember,” he said. “Every single year, I come away with something valuable.”
This year’s mood at the expo reflected a cautious outlook in the pork industry.
“Last year I would have said cautiously optimistic,” Goossen observed. “This year, I would say cautious.”
One of the biggest concerns on both sides of the border is the high cost of building a new barn.
Goossen spoke with several builders who estimated a feeder pig space in the United States now costs about $500 U.S. per head, roughly $700 Canadian. In Canada, comparable construction can cost up to $1,000 per pig space.
“At those numbers, it doesn’t really make a lot of sense,” he said.
As a result, he sees relatively little new construction. Instead, producers are focusing on renovations, upgrades and rebuilding facilities damaged by fire or age.
“I wouldn’t say it’s a booming industry right now. It’s kind of at a standstill,” he said.
One of the most important discussions Goossen had during the expo involved Manitoba pork production and productivity.
He spoke with Manitoba Pork Vice – Chair Rick Bergmann about how the industry continues to increase production not through major expansion but through improved performance.
“Our production has gone up because our sows are doing so much better,” Goossen said.
He remembers when achieving 30 pigs per sow per year seemed ambitious. Today, leading producers are approaching 34 pigs per sow annually, and some industry experts are already talking about reaching 40.
“Five years ago I wouldn’t have believed it, but now I do,” he said.
While productivity gains are impressive, Goossen questions whether major industry expansion makes sense at this stage.
“If we increase production too much, we’re going to swamp the market,” he said. “If we have the export sales, great. Otherwise, prices drop, and that doesn’t help anybody.”
Another trend he noticed was the growing presence of Asian companies on the trade show floor.
“There are a lot more Asian booths than there used to be,” he said. “Everything from feed equipment to electronics.”
Many are offering products similar to those of North American suppliers, reflecting increased global competition and innovation.
The most valuable conversation Goossen had involved automation.
He met with a supplier who previously operated a boar stud and now markets semi-automated systems. The technology allows one employee to manage two to three times as many animals as was previously possible.
“That was probably one of the most outstanding discussions I had,” Goossen said.
Despite advances in technology, Goossen believes personal relationships remain the most important reason for attending World Pork Expo.
In an era dominated by emails, text messages and virtual meetings, he still values face-to-face conversations.
“You can send emails and leave voicemails, but I personally like to see people face-to-face and talk to them,” he said.
As the face of Carlo Genetics, Goossen believes customers, suppliers and industry partners appreciate personal contact.
“A handshake and discussing things face-to-face is still by far the best way,” he said.
For Goossen, World Pork Expo remains much more than a trade show. It is a place to gather information, evaluate new technologies, strengthen relationships and stay connected to an industry he has helped build for nearly four decades. •
— By Harry Siemens