Rick Bergmann of Steinbach, Manitoba, knows a thing or two about navigating harsh agricultural climates. As president of Buckingham Ag, a Canadian wholesale distributor focused on livestock and poultry production, and as past president of the Canadian Pork Council, he brings a broad view of the industry’s pressures, from farmgate to global trade tables.“Things
Dr. Lisa Becton
In its latest domestic surveillance update, the Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) reports increased porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) activity, regional spikes in porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED), and declining cases of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae.As part of its May 8 newsletter, SHIC released its monthly domestic and global swine disease monitoring reports. “This
Canada begins a new political chapter with a new government, a new prime minister, and a new agriculture minister. Farm leaders hope this change brings fresh direction and better results for agriculture. When Donald Trump shook up U.S. trade policy, Canadian farmers felt the pressure. Under then-Prime Minister Trudeau, Ottawa failed to respond with
When you think of swine breeds Kunekune may not be the first breed that comes to mind.But it is for Whispering Wind Farms near Didsbury, Alta.“We have 25 sows and approximately 10 breeding boars. We are happy with the size of our herd so no desire to expand any farther,” related Kelly Worthington who
Imagine if the pigs in your barn had immune systems better able to fight off disease without vaccines and antibiotics?Such animals may seem like fantasy, but a recent research discovery suggests it may well be possible.And, if such animals are bred it could dramatically impact swine disease management.What is creating the prospect of what
Experts from across Canada gathered virtually on April 29, 2025, for the second Canadian Wild Pig Summit, hosted by Animal Health Canada in partnership with Squeal on Pigs Manitoba and Manitoba Pork. The summit highlighted national efforts to control and remove invasive wild pigs and provided updates on surveillance strategies, including remote camera research
Producers and industry partners gather for PSC spring meetings
Hog barn temperature controlWhen you put the thermostat controls into the hooves of the pigs they will tap it down five to eight degrees.Instead of the normal, cozy 16.5 C in group sow housing, the pigs adjusted the temperature down to 8C without any noticeable side
Karolina Steinerova
Karolina Steinerova, Producer Services Manager with the Saskatchewan Pork Development Board, says Saskatchewan pork producers are now better prepared to deal with a potential foreign animal disease outbreak or emergency requiring mass euthanasia and disposal.“We released a mass euthanasia and disposal producer’s guide and hosted both in-person and online workshops,” said Steinerova. “We
Diedrah Kelly
The Indo-Pacific region continues to offer major growth opportunities for Canada’s beef and pork industries, as government, industry associations, and trade commissioners collaborate to expand market share and tackle access barriers in Southeast Asia.At an online market briefing hosted by the Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office (IPAAO) on May 13, Canadian officials and
Cam Dahl
Reflecting on Manitoba Pork’s 60-year history, one can’t help but think back to the early 1970s, when the industry looked very different—smaller farms, simpler systems, and a less integrated market. Over the decades, people have watched the evolution of the pork sector firsthand: change, progression, and, yes, hardship have all played a role
