Topigs Norsvin Canada recognized outstanding production results for 2025, celebrating continuous improvement and strong leadership among pork producers across Western Canada and the U.S. The annual event drew a record attendance of more than 360 producers, managers, and industry partners, reflecting the sector’s strength and momentum.
Russ Penner, Business Development Specialist with Topigs Norsvin Canada, said the 2025 results highlight the steady progress that producers continue to achieve. “What stood out this year wasn’t one big surprise,” Penner said. “It’s the consistency. Year after year, farmers refine their management, and the results keep trending higher.”
Topigs Norsvin’s benchmarking program plays a central role in helping producers measure and improve performance. Each participating farm receives a detailed report outlining its ranking in key production areas, such as farrowing rate, pigs born alive, and pigs weaned per sow per year. “Producers can see where they’re strong and where to improve,” Penner said. “It’s not about competition; it’s about learning and continuous growth.”
That steady growth was evident again this year. In the 32+ Platinum Club, 36 herds with over 42,000 sows weaned an average of 33.5 pigs per sow per year, while the 28+ Gold Club – featuring 79 herds and 113,000 sows – averaged just over 30 pigs per sow per year. Together, 115 herds, or 83 percent of all participants, achieved top-tier results. “These numbers show that hard work and good management pay off,” said Penner.
Penner credited both genetics and management for the sector’s upward trend. “Genetic progress is a huge part of what drives higher productivity, but excellent management makes those genetics work,” he said. “Farmers are applying the right practices every day, and it shows.”
He also noted that a new generation of managers, particularly within the colonies, is helping push results higher. “We’re seeing a lot of young, ambitious leaders who understand data, technology, and precision management,” Penner said. “They’re eager to learn and determined to keep improving.”
Collaboration between colonies, family farms, and integrators also continues to strengthen. “Everyone’s focused on the same goal – better performance,” said Penner. “With tight margins, efficiency matters, and working together helps everyone stay competitive.”

Among the evening’s highlights was the Best New Startup Award, presented to Pro Rock Genetics. The farm achieved 30.48 pigs weaned per sow per year in its first year of operation, an impressive accomplishment for a new facility. “A good start is everything,” Penner said. “When farms have solid planning, strong management, and good training, everything flows from that foundation.”
Topigs Norsvin’s long-term strategy remains steady despite political and regulatory uncertainty. “Our breeding objectives haven’t changed,” said Penner. “We maintain a balanced focus on productivity, animal welfare, and sustainability. That’s what keeps us moving forward.”
The company has also been proactive in preparing for changing housing and welfare standards, including Proposition 12 requirements that will take effect by 2029. “Being a European company, we’re focusing on group housing systems for years,” Penner said. “Most of our herds already use them, and many more are in the process of conversion. Our producers are well ahead of the curve.”
As the evening wrapped up, Penner praised the dedication of farmers and their teams. “These results reflect discipline, teamwork, and a drive to keep getting better,” he said. “Every farm that improves raises the bar for everyone else.”
The 2025 awards night was not just about numbers – it was a celebration of the people who make progress possible. “The atmosphere was incredible,” Penner added. “Producers, families, and industry partners all came together to celebrate success. These events used to be small, but now they’re major gatherings. It shows how strong and united this industry has become.”
The steady rise in productivity and collaboration proves one thing: Manitoba’s and Western Canada’s pork sector continues to evolve with purpose. As Penner put it, “Continuous improvement is what drives our industry – and the results speak for themselves.” •
— By Harry Siemens