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
Yolande Seddon, Gillian Muir (Dean of Western College of Veterinary Medicine), and René Roy
The decision to update the code of practice for the care and handling of pigs is a sign of the pork industry’s commitment to strong animal welfare, said a pork welfare specialist.“The industry has moved the code forward so that is
The Canadian Pork Council (CPC), in partnership with the National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC), has launched the process to update the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Pigs in Canada. The review, guided by NFACC’s structured, science-informed approach, aims to strengthen animal welfare standards while keeping them practical for producers.
At the second Canadian Wild Pig Summit held virtually on April 29, 2025, Gabby Nichols, Programs Manager with Invasives Canada, delivered a detailed presentation on Indigenous engagement and its critical role in Canada’s invasive wild pig strategy. Her talk highlighted national efforts to incorporate Indigenous knowledge and leadership in the fight against invasive wild
