Better Pork

Braxten Breen Farms.com Intern Being a farmer isn’t the cleanest job in the world because working in agriculture means working with grease and dirt. And it is not just grease, farmers are consistently working in messing conditions daily on the farm. Dirt and grease get on your clothes, hands, and even in your house. That is where the Heavy-Duty Cleaning Wipes from Tub O’ Towels will help you clean up almost any surface. Tub O’ Towels have developed cleaning wipes that are designed for tough grease and dirt, but at the same time are safe for your hands and skin. The Tub O’ Towels wipes can be used in interiors & exteriors, leather, tools, lawn/garden equipment, etc. Tough on dirt, gentle on hands. The 10”x12” wipes are oversized and soaked in a special solution. But the solution also contains aloe, vitamin E and lanolin, resulting in safe use for your hands. The Tub O’ Towels vapor lock canister minimizes solution evaporation features a heavy gauge plastic with locking lid. The Tub O’ Towels are great for scrubbing and absorbing dirt, and they are made with a durable fiber weave which wicks up moisture. For more information, watch this Tub O’ Towels video.

Braxten Breen Farms.com Intern What farmer doesn’t need a utility knife? It is an essential tool that sits in a farmer’s pocket until needed. The complaint about many utility knives is that after a while the blade of the utility knife becomes dull. Before a farmer knows it, the blade can no longer make a good, quick cut. Tough Built had the innovative idea to create a quick-reloading blade mechanism, that easily reloads a mag of blades in the flick of a switch. The Reload Utility Knife + 2 Blade Mags is a robust, non-slip grip utility knife that includes the knife, 2 blades magazines, one full of straight blades, and the other full of hook nose blades. This quick-reloading mechanism is operated by the safe release button, allowing blades to be removed with a pinch and pull of the farmers hand, where then the farmer can take the fresh mag and drive it up the knife retracting the safety button back into place. Looking towards the magazine and blades itself, the utility knife comes with 2 fully loaded individual magazines. Each magazine is equipped with 5 action-ready blades in the upper chamber of the mag, where additionally in the lower storage reservoir with a snapshot door, there are 10 extra blades in each magazine. The convenience of this utility knife is a step up from its competitors, and is compatible to operate with hawkbill, German curve, serrated blades as well. For more information, watch this video about this handy utility knife.

Corteva Agriscience has launched a new line of Pioneer soybeans in time for the 2024 growing season. Canadian farmers now have limited access to Z-Series Enlist E3 soybeans and the 20 varieties that are part of the lineup for this season, with full commercial availability planned for 2025. “This is a new class of soybean genetics and is in a class all of its own, delivering more yield than our previous A-Series,” Chad Garrod, eastern seeds portfolio manager with Corteva Agriscience, told Farms.com. The varieties range in maturity from 00 to 3.2. Farmers in northern Ontario may choose to grow a 00.5, whereas producers in southern Ontario might choose a 3.2 variety, Garrod said, adding that with 20 varieties available, farmers will be able to find the right variety for their individual operations. Trials show the Z-Series outperforms Pioneer’s A-Series. IMPACT trials from across North America determined the Z-Series soybeans yielded 2.7 bushels per acre higher than the A-Series, and a provided a $35 per acre return on investment. The varieties also have score improvements of 0.5 for SDS and 0.6 for white mould, as well as an increased lodging resistance and more tolerance to iron deficiency chlorosis.

If Wile. E Coyote had access to the anvil the BC Farm Museum in Fort Langley recently received, he may have had better luck catching the Road Runner. On March 13, George Third & Son, a local steel fabricator, delivered a 25-foot-long, 13-foot tall and nine-foot-wide anvil sculpture to the museum. “This anvil is a welcoming symbol out in front of our farm museum. We’ve applied to Guinness World Records to classify it as ‘World’s Largest Sculptured Anvil’ and we hope lots of people come by to have their photo taken with it,” Syd Pickerell, a member and volunteer with the museum, told the Langley Advance Times. For comparison, traditional anvils can range in height from about four inches to 16 inches, according to OldWorldAnvils.com. Anvils were once common on farms. Prior to welders and other pieces of technology, farmers used anvils and other hand tools to make or repair items.

March is Canadian Agricultural Literacy Month (CALM), a whole month dedicated to celebrating agriculture in classrooms from kindergarten to Grade 12. Agriculture in the Classroom Canada started the celebratory month in 2011. And since then, it and its 10 provincial member organizations have worked to increase ag literacy among students and provide teachers with the supporting resources. With that at top of mind, Farms.com connected with Mathieu Rouleau, who became the organization’s executive director in November 2023, about the state of ag literacy across the country and the challenges the industry faces when it comes to educating the public. Farms.com: How would you summarize ag literacy overall in Canada? Mathieu Rouleau (MR): Public trust in our food systems is something that needs to be prioritized so we can have a healthy relationship with food. There’s lots of work that needs to be done as generations get further away from the farm. Farms.com: What are some of Ag in the Classroom’s challenges when it comes to reaching students? MR: Responding to all of the teachers who want ag literacy activities. We’ve had to turn away teachers this month because we don’t have enough volunteers. Our requests are up but our delivery is slower.

Canadian farmers are paying more for their farmland. Overall, Canadian farmland values increased by about 11.5 per cent in 2023, Farm Credit Canada’s (FCC) Farmland Values Report says. Multiple factors contributed to the rise in farmland values. “Land value increases occurred amidst elevated interest rates and farm input prices, strong farm income and regardless of moisture levels,” FCC says. “The demand for farmland remained robust and the supply of farmland available for sale continued to be limited.” All three Prairie provinces had increases. Saskatchewan had the highest one – a 15.7 per cent jump from 2022. “There remained a lack of available farmland to meet demand, resulting in higher market values,” FCC says in its report. “This demand occurred despite farm revenues constrained by a lack of moisture in many areas of the province.” In terms of regions within the province, farmland values in the East Central region, which includes communities like Melville, Watrous and Kamsack, experienced the highest increase.

A familiar face is back as commissioner of the Canadian Grain Commission (CGC). Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay re-appointed Lonny McKague as the CGC’s commissioner for a three-year term. McKague received his first appointment as commissioner in 2017. He will fill the vacancy left by CGC Chief Commissioner Doug Chorney, who is retiring as chief commissioner on April 30. A team of three commissioners lead the CGC. Together they set the organization’s direction, establish policy and administer and enforce the Canada Grain Act. The CGC works to ensure farmers receive fair compensation for their grain and maintain the country’s science-based grain grading program. McKague, an Ogema, Sask. grain farmer, has been involved in Canadian agriculture for more than 40 years.

Canadian farmers intend to reduce the number of planted canola acres in 2024. Growers are expected to plant about 21.4 million acres of canola this year, down around 3.1 per cent from 2023, March 2024 data from Stats Canada says. Farmers planted 22.1 million acres of canola in 2023. On a provincial level, Saskatchewan farmers are expected to decrease canola acres the most. Farmers there are pulling back canola acres by 4.9 per cent, followed by a 2.4 per cent reduction in each of Alberta and Manitoba. Stats Canada is pointing to two reasons why producers are scaling back canola acres. “The decline in expected seeded area may have been driven by lower prices for canola, in addition to other concerns including soil moisture in Western Canada,” the report says. In terms of prices, at the beginning of 2023, prices for that year’s canola crop were expected to be around $19 per bushel. For comparison, IC

Manitoba Porkresponded to the finalized rule, announcedby United States Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, mandating that all meat products sold with a “Product of the U.S.A.” label be derived from animals raised, slaughtered, and processed in the U.S. The new policy, commonly known as voluntary country of original labelling (V-COOL), will come into effect by January 1, 2026. “Three million pigs are exported to the United States from Manitoba every year, in addition to the over $400 million worth of Manitoba pork products,” said Manitoba Pork chair Rick Préjet. “These changes, like the original mandatory policy successfully challenged at the World Trade Organization, will significantly impact trade in the integrated Canada/U.S. market, and we are extremely disappointed that the final rule did not consider the concerns expressed by Canada.” The original law, which enforced mandatory country of origin labelling, was repealed by the United States Congress in 2015 following a 2014 ruling by the WTO that found the labelling regulations discriminated against Canada and Mexico. Canada and Mexico were granted the authority to impose retaliatory tariffs if the COOL was not removed. “Despite being labelled as “voluntary”, Manitoba Pork is concerned that the same discrimination will occur when these new regulations are implemented,” Préjet added. “We call on Canada to consider all potential options to correct the protectionist nature of these proposed regulations, and we ask the Government of Manitoba to support a strong response to protect our market access.”

By Farms.com In response to evolving markets and environmental cues, Canada's farmers are strategically pivoting their crop choices for 2024. This shift reflects a complex balancing act, aiming to meet global demands while navigating local challenges. The wheat sector is seeing a nuanced adjustment, with overall acreage slightly up to 27.0 million acres. This includes a notable uptick in durum wheat by 5.1%, despite slight declines in other wheat varieties, signaling a targeted approach to crop selection. On the other hand, canola is facing a 3.1% cutback to 21.4 million acres. This decision is influenced by lower canola prices and concerns over soil moisture, especially in Western Canada, hinting at the farmers' sensitivity to both market signals and environmental health. Soybean areas are also contracting slightly on a national level, though Ontario's farmers are bucking the trend with an increase. This mixed picture reflects regional variations in market optimism and agricultural practices. Grains like barley and oats are telling tales of competition and recovery, respectively. Barley is losing ground, potentially due to export challenges and crop competition, while oats are rebounding strongly with a 21.6% increase in planting area, likely driven by low stock levels from the previous year's poor harvest. Corn's footprint is expanding by 1.6%, supported by solid demand across key Canadian provinces. This growth underscores corn's robust position in Canada's agricultural matrix. In the legume corner, lentils and dry peas are gaining ground, with lentil acreage expected to jump by 4.4% and dry peas by 2.4%. Saskatchewan leads in lentil expansion, illustrating the province's key role in pulse production. These strategic crop adjustments by Canadian farmers illustrate a responsive and thoughtful approach to agriculture. Balancing economic, environmental, and societal demands, Canada's agricultural sector continues to evolve, aiming to secure a sustainable and prosperous future for farming in the country.

rldvet.org/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">World Veterinary Association (WVA)andCeva Santé Animale(Ceva) are pleased to announce the winner of thein the forthcoming WVA Global Veterinary Awards, asDr. Shane Renwick, based in Ontario, Canada. Dr. Renwick was nominated by theCanadian Veterinary Medical Association(CVMA) for his active role in the field of antimicrobial stewardship, as well as other issues of national importance, including One Health and the role of the Canadian Veterinary Profession in addressing the challenges of Climate Change. Dr. Renwick spearheaded the development of the Stewardship of Antimicrobials by Veterinarians Initiative (SAVI) as well as a mobile app calledFirstline. These tools help veterinarians working with many species to select the most appropriate antibiotic, if indicated, as well as dosage and withdrawal times. Dr. Renwick is the second category winner to be announced in the run up to the Awards ceremony which will take place on the 17thof April during the 39thWorld Veterinary Association Congress (WVAC), in Cape Town, South Africa.

izes important role veterinary technicians play in providing care Today, the Ontario government introduced legislation designed to enhance access to professional animal care. Thewould, if passed, pave the way to formalizing the broad scope of practice for veterinary technicians that could result in an expanded role. The legislation would also streamline the complaints resolution process and increase penalties for actions that intentionally harm an animal. “Continued access to safe and professional care is critical for pet owners and farmers which is why we are proposing to modernize the 35-year-old legislative framework regulating the veterinary profession,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “This bill is designed to enable better access to veterinary services, recognize the important role of veterinary technicians, improve oversight of the profession and increase quality assurance through measures like continuing education.” Following extensive public consultations with stakeholders and partners on ways to modernize the laws governing veterinarians and improve access to care in Ontario, the proposed new legislation would provide a number of important benefits, including: Enabling the creation of a formal scope of practice for veterinary technicians that would allow them to perform to the full potential of their training and expertise. New requirements for continuing education similar to other regulated professions. An improved complaints resolution process to allow disputes to be addressed more quickly. Increased penalties to better reflect the seriousness of actions that could harm animals. Ensuring more public representation on the council of the regulatory college overseeing veterinary professionals to bring broader perspectives. If passed, the new legislation would better align oversight of Ontario’s veterinary profession with other self-regulated health professions in the province.

The newborn piglet is very dependent on adequate colostrum intake (CI) as a source of passive immunity including antibodies and white blood cells. Colostrum is also an important source of nutrition that helps to maintain body temperature. The amount of CI can differ between piglets within the litters of hyperprolific sows. These Danish researchers wanted to study the impact of individual piglet characteristics such as birth weight, birth order and neonatal asphyxia (measured via blood lactate) at birth on CI. They wanted to further determine the relationship between the CI and the passive immunity transfer (IgA IgG, IgM) and the growth performance of piglets prior to weaning. The study was carried out on twenty-four Danbred sows of the second-parity and their progeny (n = 460) were used. Piglet weight gain and the duration of colostrum suckling of the piglets was also assessed.

Researchers with VIDO are confident modified yeast added to the diets of piglets can promote growth in the same manner as adding antibiotics to the feed but without the risk of antibiotic resistance. As part of research funded by the Saskatchewan Agriculture Development Fund, researchers with VIDO in partnership with B.C. based Renaissance Bioscience are examining the potential of adding modified baker’s yeast to the rations of piglets to deliver antimicrobial peptides and essential amino acids directly to the gut. Dr. Heather Wilson, a Research Scientist with VIDO and an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Veterinary Microbiology and the School of Public Health at the University of Saskatchewan, says the intent is to create feed supplements that will attack bacteria and viruses in the gut without the risk of antimicrobial resistance. Quote-Dr. Heather Wilson-Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization: Yeast is already used as a feed supplement so what we’re doing is using yeast as a feed supplement but we’re also putting in a protein on the surface of the yeast so that the yeast, once it travels from the mouth to the stomach to the small intestine it will attach itself to the wall of the small intestine and it’ll stay there for a couple of hours. It’ll eventually be degraded but in the meantime it’s localised to the small intestine and it’ll secrete these antimicrobial peptides which we hope will improve the piglet health, keep them nice and healthy, especially during the stressful time when the piglets are going from having mother’s milk to weaning. It tends to be a very stressful time for pigs so if we can give them a little something extra to help their intestines to remain healthy it can increase their growth which will eventually lead to their better well being and hopefully they’ll gain weight faster and so it’ll be better for the producers as well. Dr. Wilson says the work is in its early days but researchers believe that adding simple modified baker’s yeast to diets of piglets will boost their growth and improve their well being.

By protecting Canadian livestock through proactive prevention and preparedness measures for diseases, we’re supporting the resilience of Canada’s rural communities and the agricultural sector. Today the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced an investment of up to $1,697,850 to Animal Health Canada to support their role in foreign animal disease prevention and preparedness efforts in Canada, including for African swine fever (ASF) and Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). Animal Health Canada brings together the agriculture industry, and federal, provincial and territorial partners to provide input on a cohesive, functional and responsive farmed animal health and welfare system in Canada. With an investment of $999,900 from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s (AAFC) African Swine Fever Industry Preparedness Program (ASFIPP), Animal Health Canada will continue its coordination role in prevention efforts while working to minimize the potential impact of an ASF outbreak on Canada’s swine industry. This includes providing the African swine fever Executive Management Board (ASF EMB) with support for the prevention and control of ASF through coordination of wild pig management activities, industry stop-movement protocols, partner roles and responsibilities, Indigenous engagement and the development of ASF resources and plans. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is providing a contribution of $697,950 to Animal Health Canada through its Federal Assistance Program (FAP) to support ongoing efforts over the next two years aimed at advancing preparedness for ASF and FMD. This funding will facilitate the analysis of surveillance data, critical training, further definition of stakeholder roles and responsibilities in responding to outbreaks, and the development of a vaccine strategy in the event of an FMD outbreak in Canada. Additionally, it will enable preparations and exercises in advance of potential ASF or FMD outbreak. The Government of Canada takes the threat of foreign animal diseases seriously and continues to make strategic investments to bolster mitigation and preparedness efforts to protect the livestock industry and the vitality of rural communities.

The General Manager of Swine Innovation Porc says Swine Cluster 4 brings together over 50 researchers from 13 institutions working collaboratively on 18 pork sector research and knowledge transfer priorities. Swine Cluster 4, a five year just over 20-million-dollar research initiative funded by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the provincial pork organizations and industry partners, was officially launched in late February.Swine Innovation Porc General Manager Daniel Ramage says a large-scale program like this really does start by looking at what are the priority areas for the industry? Quote-Daniel Ramage-Swine Innovation Porc: Through the swine cluster program, we have had the benefit of focussing on a wide range of priorities, things from animal health to nutrition, animal care, meat quality.Then, of course environmental sustainability is of increasing interest to both consumers and regulators and then to producers as well. The swine cluster really is looking at strengthening all of those areas through targeted research projects.What the swine cluster does through this collaborative investment is that it really does facilitate collaborati on among researchers from leading institutions and universities across Canada and it focusses that research around targeted industry priorities, things that are going to drive forward meaningful advancements for the pork sector. It's bringing together over 50 researchers from across Canada and that's researchers from across 13 institutions working across 18 research and knowledge transfer activities. We're really excited about that, both the scope of the research that's being put forward but also the level of collaboration and the level of cooperation that we're able to advance through this type of investment. Full details on Swine Innovation Porc and its Swine Cluster 4 activities can be found at swineinnovationporc.ca.

A researcher with the Western College of Veterinary Medicine says information gathered at the abattoir through the use of artificial intelligence can be used by the producer to improve animal welfare management back on the farm. Researchers with the Western College of Veterinary Medicine and the University of Saskatchewan's Department of Computer Engineering, in partnership with 14 industry partners with support from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, have developed a computer based automated system through which skin lesions on the carcasses are documented and assessed at slaughter. Dr. Martyna Lagoda, a Post-doctoral Fellow Swine Behavior and Welfare with the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, says AI technology is becoming more widespread and can be used to track animal welfare. Quote-Dr. Martyna Lagoda-Western College of Veterinary Medicine: Measuring these indicators can really give an accurate insight into the experiences of the animal as it passes through the production system therefore reflecting their welfare. For example, skin lesions are one of the animal-based indicators we use to measure welfare retrospectively and these inform on the level of aggression the pig was involved in throughout its life. If the lesions visible on the carcass at slaughter are fresh, we can infer that this pig was involved in aggression shortly before slaughter, likely during transport and then, if the lesions are older and scabs have already formed, we can tell based on this that the aggression likely happened when the animal was still on the farm. We can also use animal-based indicators to inform on the effectiveness of management practices on farm. For example, by looking at tail lengths at the time of slaughter, we can say something about tail docking practices on farm and this is a strategy used to curb the risk of tail biting. We can look at this indicator in relation to tail bite lesions for example and, based on their presence or absence, provide feedback on whether tail docking is an effective tool against tail biting or not and we can advise producers whether perhaps additional management is needed to curb the risk of tail biting. Dr. Lagoda says these indicators tell a story of welfare retrospectively and can be tracked back to different stages of the production chain. Information on this research can be accessed at swinewelfare.com.

A researcher with the Western College of Veterinary Medicine is encouraging pork producers to step up personnel biosecurity procedures in the face of the risk of human to pig transfer of Streptococcus zooepidemicus. Streptococcus zooepidemicus or Strep zoo, a bacterial infection first identified as causing disease in pigs in 2019, can result in dramatic symptoms similar to reportable diseases such as African Swine Fever, Classical Swine Fever or Pseudorabies. Dr. Matheus Costa, an Assistant Professor with the Western College of Veterinary Medicine and an Adjunct Professor at Utrecht University, says we're still learning about the impact of Strep zoo on different species but we have evidence that it can jump from one to another and back so biosecurity should begin with what we are already doing well. Quote-Dr. Matheus Costa-Western College of Veterinary Medicine: Make sure there is dedicated clothing, make sure anyone coming in is aware of the biosecurity measures.They should be changing cloths; they should be showering but what we're doing differently now or may start seeing more frequently is questions about any potential travel. We know that, because this bacteria can survive in humans for a very long period of time, even if you happen to visit a pet farm or happen to see a wild boar somewhere, who knows what was the animal, but if you happen to be in contact with the animal and be colonised, it helps to track down where it could have been if we have a travel log. We're hoping that sometime in the future we might have a quick easy to use test for detecting Strep zoo in swabs, just like the ones we had for COVID during the pandemic because that would really help from a practical perspective if we could test people as they come in and out. Animals as well if suspected. That would definitely make life a little bit easier, rather than trying to submit samples to a lab and wait.That doesn't seem practical. Dr. Costa says overall it doesn't change much from what we are already doing other than to be aware that not just animals, but humans could be carrying Strep zoo so every step that can be taken to minimise the risk will be helpful.

The Director of Swine Health with Manitoba Pork credits a coordinated response from all pork sectors stakeholders for the elimination of PED from the province. Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea affects pigs at all stages of development but it is particularly devastating to piglets from seven to ten days of age, resulting in mortality rates of over 95 percent. The latest major outbreak in Manitoba began in October 2021 and peaked in January of 2022 resulting in 129 farms infected, predominantly in the high-risk southeastern region.Jenelle Hamblin, the Director of Swine Health with Manitoba Pork, says Manitoba Agriculture and Manitoba Pork led the response and the entire sector was involved. Quote-Jenelle Hamblin-Manitoba Pork: From the overall disease response, I would suggest it was quite successful.We managed to eliminate the disease fully and the 2021-2022 outbreak was declared over in late 2023, eliminating all cases of PED on farm in Manitoba.To me that's a great measure of success. Currently I'm very happy to say we have no active cases of PED on farm in Manitoba.However, I do say that knowing that producers and industry people across the board are on high alert coming into the spring of 2024.Many are working hard on preparations for the potential of new cases of PED coming in this spring and focusing a lot on the prevention of PED, especially in that high-risk area where we have seen infections begin in the past. As well, coming out of this response in particular was the formation of the Future of PED Working Group.That brought together stakeholders from across the sector to discuss PED management moving forward.This group primarily led the development and the creation of the Manitoba PED elimination plan, which is the plan that we are now looking at utilizing for managing PED, moving forward in the province. Hamblin says the take home message to producers is to be alert and heighten biosecurity, especially heading into the spring manure application season.

An ag industry group has launched a program to reward Canadians for purchasing products made with Canadian dairy. Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) introduced its “More Goodness” program on March 5 to thank shoppers who buy products featuring the organization’s Blue Cow milk logo. Products with this logo on the packaging mean it’s made with 100 per cent Canadian milk and milk ingredients. “At Dairy Farmers of Canada, we want to reward Canadian shoppers for supporting local farmers and at the same time further educate them on dairy farming practices,” Pamela Nalewajek, chief marketing officer with DFC, said in a statement. “More Goodness is how we are doing more for our loyal consumers who choose Canadian dairy.” Consumers who sign up for the program can receive access to special offers, contests, recipes and other materials. Thousands of products in Canadian stores feature DFC’s Blue Cow logo. Consumers can be confident that it represents high quality standards.