Gerry Friesen
In a candid conversation, Gerry Friesen, a farmer and advocate for mental health in the agricultural community, shed light on the Manitoba Farm Wellness program (MFWP). This initiative offers free counselling services to farmers and their families and now extends its support to employees. Friesen, often known as the Recovering Farmer, shared insights
Dr. Wayne Lees
In the vast expanses of Manitoba, a battle unfolds against an invasive menace – wild pigs. Dr. Wayne Lees, the Coordinator of Squeal on Pigs Manitoba, described the heart of this campaign aimed at eliminating these nocturnal marauders wreaking havoc on crops’ natural habitats and posing disease threats to livestock.Dr. Lees categorically
Darren Bond
Darren Bond, a farm management specialist at Manitoba Agriculture, outlined the 2024 outlook for farmers at the St. Jean Farm Days in early January.Bond, known for his insightful analysis, dove into the challenges awaiting farmers in the coming year.Bond painted a challenging year ahead, with profit margins anticipated to tighten, possibly reverting to
Olymel yard in Red Deer, Alberta
Independent producers will be spared any impact from cutbacks announced in January at Olymel’s Red Deer processing plant, says a company spokesperson.Corporate Communications Director Audrey Giboulet, in a statement to news media on January 4, said the plant was overstaffed by 200 people, anticipating that 100 staff would be
Hannah Thompson-Weeman
In California’s Proposition 12, legislation aiming to reshape the landscape of animal agriculture, Hannah Thompson-Weeman, the president and CEO of the Animal Agriculture Alliance, takes center stage.“Nearly 23 days into its implementation, Proposition 12 has cast a shadow of uncertainty, prompting more questions than answers.”Thompson-Weeman sets the stage by unravelling the reactions from
(L-R) Karolina Steinerová, Carmen Cole and Yolande Seddon
Researchers from the Prairie Swine Centre chose the opening day of the Banff Pork Seminar to showcase their work in improving animal welfare along the pork value chain.Partners in Canada’s swine industry are challenged to increase output and meet animal welfare and environmental sustainability targets, while remaining
A full room listening in to Arnold Drung, during plenary session I
Prairie hog producers have been getting a consistent message since December of 1998, when the entire industry seemed poised on the verge of collapse.During the ensuing 25 years, through crash and recovery, disease threats and political upheaval, industry leaders have stressed the need
Genomics Panel (L-R) Jack Dekkers, Egbert Knol, Pat Charagu and Bob Kemp
Putting the newest products and ideas in front of the people who can use them is a primary function of the awards program at Banff Pork Seminar. The 2024 award, including the George Foxcroft Lectureship, the R.O. Ball Young Scientist Award and the
Banff Springs Hotel Conference Centre, plenary session II
Sylvan Charlebois
Frozen digits and dismal markets did little to deter the distinct aura of optimism among the 739 people who attended Banff Pork Seminar early in January.Delegates, sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, organizers, staff and volunteers started arriving on Tuesday, January 9, with the mercury dropping below -30C and
Greetings in the first edition of 2024, Prairie Hog Country’s 28th year. I am so excited to be bringing you the latest hog news and information for another calendar year. Thanks so very much for your continued support, encouragement, readership and financial support through advertising which enables me to print and mail out every
