Manitoba pork producers sent a clear signal about the future of their industry on February 12 in Portage la Prairie.At a Special Meeting of registered producers held at Canad Inns, all six districts – Hutter Schwine, North Star Producers, East, West, HyLife, and Canada Packers – voted in favour of increasing Manitoba Pork Council
A single PED outbreak in southern Alberta in February is testament to how following disease protocol can limit the spread of disease, said Alberta Pork’s Quality Assurance and Production manager.“It was caught very early,” said Javier Bahamon, of the confirmed case of porcine epidemic diarrhea. At the end of March, it continued to be
Karina Mikkelsen
Danish swine consultant Karina Mikkelsen delivered a clear message to producers at the 2026 Manitoba Swine Seminar in Winnipeg: focus on the sow first.“The sow is a princess,” Mikkelsen said. “If you take good care of the sow, you take good care of the piglets.”Mikkelsen brings more than 20 years of experience in
Michael Fitzgerald
Speaking at the Manitoba Swine Seminar in Winnipeg, Michael Fitzgerald, Professional Ag Marketing’s risk manager, told producers that U.S. livestock and grain markets continue to support profitability, but those margins depend on tight supply balances and uncertain demand.Fitzgerald brings more than 15 years of industry experience and a strong family-farming background to his
Cam Dahl
Speaking at the Manitoba Swine Seminar in Winnipeg, Cam Dahl, general manager of Manitoba Pork, told producers that 2025 delivered profitability, but uncertainty now defines the outlook for 2026.Dahl described the past year as one of sharp contrasts. Strong demand for pork and pigs supported margins. Feed costs stayed manageable. Consumers continued to
Kevin Kurbis
Canada’s Pig Code of Practice is undergoing a major update, with completion expected in spring 2028 and full influence on barn design and management by 2029. The National Farm Animal Care Council is leading the process, reviewing scientific research and priority welfare issues to shape new standards for sow housing, space, enrichment, and
Dr. Leanne Huber
Dr. Leanne Huber of the University of Guelph delivered a technical and practical presentation at the Manitoba Swine Seminar, focusing on precision feeding strategies for modern sows producing larger litters.Huber, an Associate Professor in the Department of Animal Bio-sciences, leads research in swine nutrition with emphasis on improving productivity and sustainability through
Dr. Jette Christensen
Dr. Jette Christensen of the Swine Health Information Network (SWSHIN) delivered a technical and timely presentation at the Manitoba Swine Seminar held February 4–5, 2026, outlining the progress and purpose of the Outbreak Support Network.The project operates in two phases. Phase one began in December 2023 with the hiring of Betty Althaus
Dr. Chantel Farmer
Modern pork genetics has delivered remarkable gains in productivity, with larger litters now common across many farms. But that success has also created a challenge producers are increasingly aware of: ensuring the sow produces enough milk to support all her piglets.Research by Dr. Chantel Farmer, a scientist at the Sherbrooke Research and
As I am penning this, the snow continues to come down outside. While looks pretty all white, fresh and clean. Was starting to enjoy the tease of an early spring, we all know still time for more snow to fall.This issue has follow up coverage from many of the events & meetings already happening this
