Better Pork

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash The Migrant Community Worker Program will be holding its annual this Sunday, February 25, 2024, in Leamington, Ontario. The primary goal is to bring together diverse organizations and companies in Windsor-Essex County to collectively share vital information and resources that meet the needs of local migrant workers, and conversely, to bring together migrant workers to the services and support available to them and ensure they have barrier-free access to any other resources they would need. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by the migrant population, the mission of the Migrant Community Worker Program is to create a collaborative platform that promotes a supportive and informed environment. The one-day event will provide free services, such as general information, legal assistance, and much more. Date: Sunday, February 25, 2024; Time: 3–6 PM; Location: Portuguese Club, 217 Talbot Street West, Leamington, Ontario. The Migrant Worker Community Program (MWCP) seeks to build a stronger community support system for the approximately 20,000 migrant workers who come each year to live and work on Windsor-Essex County farms. The MWCP mission provides information and support to migrant workers by helping them gain educational, social, cultural, and recreational opportunities, while also helping them navigate available support services such as health and wellness, legal aid, and travel and immigration support in Spanish, English, and Tagalog. Funded by Employment and Social Development Canada, is a project under the Migrant Worker Support Program (MWSP), providing migrant workers with accurate information and access to available services and support, and assisting them in learning about and exercising their rights while in Canada. To learn about the MWCP, visit www.migrantworkercommunityprogram.com. To learn more about the TeaMWork Project, visit www.TeaMWorkProject.ca.

By Jean-Paul McDonald Canada's agricultural sector has taken a significant step forward with the opening of the Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office (IPAAO) in Manila, Philippines. The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced the launch during his trade mission, marking a pivotal moment for Canada's engagement with the Indo-Pacific markets, including Malaysia and the Philippines. Minister MacAulay expressed enthusiasm about the office's potential, stating, "I'm so pleased to be in Manila to open Canada's first-ever Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office. We export nearly half of what we produce in Canada and the global demand continues to grow. I have no doubt this office will play a central role in growing export markets for our world-class Canadian farmers and increasing collaboration and cooperation in this important region. " The IPAAO introduces a novel approach to regional collaboration, with a mobile team based in Manila poised to foster strategic partnerships that promise to expand export opportunities for Canadian products. By combining Canada's renowned expertise in food safety and sustainability with the rich potential of the Indo-Pacific region, the office aims to address common challenges and spur growth in agriculture and agri-food exports. The IPAAO team is working on the ground, advancing mutual priorities like food security and enhancing technical cooperation, market access, and trade with partners across the region. This initiative is not just about expanding markets but also about reinforcing Canada's commitment to its Indo-Pacific partnerships and the broader strategy of economic engagement in the region. In 2023, Canada's agriculture and agri-food exports to the Indo-Pacific amounted to $22.8 billion, signifying the region's importance to Canada's economy and the global agricultural landscape. The IPAAO is poised to play a crucial role in furthering these economic ties and ensuring continued growth and collaboration. Dave Carey, Vice-President of the CCGA highlighted the importance of trade for Canada's canola farmers, with 90% of canola exported. He stated that the new IPAAO demonstrates Canada's commitment to enhancing market access in the Indo-Pacific, crucial for diversifying export markets and building enduring partnerships. Industry leader Kevin Auch of Pulse Canada stated "The Indo-Pacific provides a unique opportunity for growth and diversification for Canadian pulses. This office demonstrates the Government of Canada's support for our sector proactively brea

By Jean-Paul McDonald In a move to secure Canada's standing as a leader in the global pork market, the government has announced a substantial investment aimed at advancing the pork industry into the future. This strategic infusion of funds, totalling up to $10.6 million, is earmarked for Swine Innovation Porc (SIP) under the AgriScience Program’s Clusters Component of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, representing the government, highlighted the initiative's focus on research that will bolster the sector's sustainability, resilience, and growth. The funding will support a range of critical areas, including environmental performance, greenhouse gas reduction, productivity enhancements, disease management, and the fight against antimicrobial resistance. This initiative not only aims to improve the pork sector's environmental footprint but also to enhance product quality and animal welfare standards. Past Swine Clusters have significantly improved feeding strategies, reduced antibiotic usage, and enhanced pork quality, demonstrating the program's potential to foster innovation and maintain Canada's high-quality pork product reputation. Complementing the Swine Cluster's funding, an additional $1 million from the Greening Government Fund (GGF) will be invested in updating the Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre's facilities. This includes installing high-efficiency heat recovery fans and transitioning the Normandin Research Farm to a more sustainable pellet biomass heating system, further underscoring the commitment to reducing the agricultural sector's carbon footprint. The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, emphasized the importance of this funding, stating, "With this funding, we're making sure our pork producers have the tools they need to continue to be leaders in the agriculture sector. This will create opportunities for innovation so we can meet the growing global demand for our world-renowned Canadian pork." This investment reflects Canada's proactive approach to meeting the challenges of modern agriculture, ensuring the pork industry remains competitive and sustainable for years to come.

Canada officially opened its Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office (IPAAO). Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay and other ag representatives attended an opening ceremony in Manila, Philippines on Feb. 21. “The office will open doors for Canadian producers right across the Indo-Pacific, and help us create connections, share our expertise, and make our regional partnerships even stronger,” MacAulay said in an X post. The Liberal government announced in November 2022 it was investing almost $32 million over five years to establish the IPAAO. “This initiative will increase and diversify Canada’s agriculture and agri-food exports to the Indo-Pacific by establishing our first agriculture office in the region,” a government statement said at the time. This new office will position Canada as a preferred agriculture and agri-food supplier to the region, strengthening trade on both sides of the Pacific. The Indo-Pacific region accounts for more than 1/3 of the world’s economic activity. And in 2023, Canada exported almost $23 billion of ag products to this part of the world.

Canada’s pork sector has joined a movement opposing Britain’s involvement into a trade deal. The Canadian Pork Council (CPC) recently announced its participation in the “Say No to a Bad Deal” coalition, which is against Britain’s ascension into the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). “Fair trade is not a buzzword; it is the cornerstone of sustainable economic growth and prosperity. For Canadian farmers, particularly pork producers, fair trade means access to global markets under mutually beneficial terms,” Rene Roy, chair of the CPC, said in a statement. “It guarantees that our products can compete fairly, fostering growth and stability in our industry and for the country.” Members of the livestock sector including the Canadian Cattle Association, Canadian Meat Council and National Cattle Feeders’ Association, launched the campaign in September 2023 to raise awareness about how Canadian producers are being treated unfairly. The main hurdle is Britain’s refusal to accept some Canadian production practices. These include the use of growth hormones and the use of antimicrobial livestock carcass washes in processing facilities. And Britain appears steadfast in its approach.

Chart via BonusFinder Canada Would you believe us if we said that the ag industry has the fifth highest incidence of liars, according to an industry survey? It’s no lie, although we should state that the numbers involving the ag industry are also lumped in with forestry, fishing, and hunting. We’re not talking about the camper who claimed to have seen Bigfoot rummaging through the garbage cans behind the local A&W Restaurant in Nelson, BC. Neither are we talking about regular folk talking about how they hunted and shot a 24-point buck when it was their pick-up truck that did the killing. And neither are we talking about the fisherman who claimed to have caught a fish “this big.” No, this one is about industry personnel who sometimes offer up a little white lie to the whopper, to the full-on baldfaced lie with regards to their salary. According to BonusFinder Canada—a Canadian online gambling business that has no affiliation with Farms.com—the average person lies four times a day. Sure, it could be to promote oneself, perhaps to protect someone’s feelings, or maybe to just not have to answer a telephone spammer’s questions. The gambling site asked some 3,000 Canadians for their take on lying. By the way, for all sectors, Canadians were more likely to lie or avoid discussing salary. Here are some of the highlights: According to the survey, the hospitality industry lies the most about their salary, at 66.3 percent. 6.0 percent of Canadians have lied about their salary. 37.7 percent have said their salary is lower than it is, and only 28.0 percent have inflated their salary. Folks from Ottawa lie the most about their salary, at 63.4 percent - more on that below, because it's not necessarily all a bad thing. People said that negotiating leverage is the most common reason for inflating salaries, according to 37.8 percent of the respondents. 28.4 percent said that they deflated their salary to others to avoid jealousy or resentment in the workplace. Interesting. The best way to avoid lying about salary is to not have such discussions. If a person chooses to reveal their salary, that’s one thing, but asking others seems... wrong. Unless that’s something Gen Z and the Millennials seem more comfortable with. Other reasons why people said they inflated their salary included: social status and image; family and social expectations; business or networking reasons; comparisons with peers (and the need to fit in); fear of judgement or discrimination; and insecurities (feelings of inadequacy). Yes, Ottawa had the most people lie about their salary (63.4 percent), but to be fair, of the Top 10 cities, Ottawa’s population was more likely to state that their salary was lower than it was (40.6 percent), but the second-most likely to inflate their salary (33 percent). The next biggest liar about salary—again, based on a total of 3,000 people surveyed—was Saskatoon (60.4 percent), with 37.6 percent lying low

By Farms.com Alberta's Open Farm Days, an event that bridges the gap between farmers and consumers, marked another year of impressive growth and community engagement in 2023. According to Tim Carson, CEO of the Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies, the event attracted fewer visitors than the previous year but saw a significant increase in on-farm sales, jumping from $224,000 in 2022 to almost $299,000. This not only reflects a growing consumer trust in Alberta's agriculture but also a deeper appreciation for it. The event boasted an expansion in both the number of culinary experiences offered and the diversity of host farms, with about 35% of the 133 participating farms being new entrants. Despite challenges such as flooding and wildfires, the event was on the verge of surpassing its goal of 150 host farms. Efforts to enhance the event included the provision of 10 training sessions aimed at assisting farms with early planning and permitting acquisition. In addition to the host farms, 10 agricultural societies across Alberta participated, underscoring their crucial role in community support and local food promotion. Feedback from the host farms underscored the importance of direct engagement with consumers, offering insights into farming practices and the significance of agriculture in Alberta. With Open Farm Days generating over $1.4 million in on-farm sales since its inception, the event continues to be a vital platform for promoting Alberta agriculture. Looking forward to 2024, registration is already open, with anticipation for another successful year of showcasing the province's agriculture and food sectors. Mark your calendars for August 17 and 18 for the 12th annual Alberta Open Farm Days, a testament to the enduring spirit and resilience of Alberta's agricultural community

By farms.com The agricultural sector in northern Alberta celebrates a significant milestone with the opening of SARDA Ag Research's new $2 million facility in Donnelly, marking a new chapter in agricultural research and community involvement. This development was sparked by a generous donation of 15 acres of land and $750,000 in funding from the Western Grains Research Foundation (WGRF), under its Accelerating Capacity Initiative. Previously limited by an aging infrastructure, SARDA Ag Research now enjoys a modern 10,000 square foot building strategically located along Highway 2. This location not only increases visibility but also facilitates easier access for farmers and researchers alike. Executive Director Vance Yaremko highlighted the community's excitement, noting the impressive turnout at the grand opening despite inclement weather. This new facility represents not just a physical upgrade but also a leap forward in research capabilities, allowing for the establishment of long-term trials crucial for the region's agricultural development. Simon Lavoie, chair of SARDA Ag Research and local farmer, highlighted the importance of a research center that enables farmers to directly observe trial progress, highlighting its value as a crucial resource for the agricultural community. The facility's impact extends beyond research; it's envisioned as an educational hub for local students to learn about agriculture. Plans for school tours and a comprehensive program are in the works, aiming to connect the next generation with agriculture. Looking ahead, SARDA Ag Research seeks additional funding to further enhance the facility, create new jobs, and expand its programming. A second phase, including the construction of a cold storage facility, is also planned. SARDA Ag Research, directed by producers from the region, is dedicated to providing unbiased research on various agricultural aspects. The organization's efforts are supported by the WGRF, a farmer-funded body investing in research to benefit western Canadian producers. With over $240 million already invested in crop research and a $32 million commitment to expanding research capacity, the future of agricultural research in northern Alberta looks promising.

; Image courtesy of the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association. The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (OFVGA) has named Don Brubacher as its deserving winner of the . The retired long-time General Manager of the Ontario Potato Board was presented with the award at the annual OFVGA industry banquet in Niagara Falls, Ontario, on February 20, 2024. “As a potato grower and current chair of the Ontario Potato Board, it is a particular honour for me to see Don receive this year’s Industry Award of Merit,” exalted Shawn Brenn, the Chair of the OFVGA. He continued: “Don devoted his entire working life to the potato industry and was respected by growers for his knowledge, dedication, and commitment to working on their behalf to make things better for the industry. He always enjoyed the people this industry brought together and was passionate about the work being done.” &

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) found no traces of potato wart in its 2023 National Survey for Potato Wart. The CFIA collected more than 2,000 soil samples from every province except Newfoundland and Labrador, and found no evidence of the potato wart pathogen, Synchytrium endobioticum. The CFIA does sample seed potato fields in Newfoundland and Labrador as part of its ongoing surveillance. Clean fields are crucial to the success of Canada’s potato sector, which is the fifth largest primary ag crop in the country, and worth about $3.4 billion in exports. “These results are good news for potato growers across Canada. The continued collaboration between the CFIA and industry is vitally important to contain, control, and prevent the spread of potato wart, and we will do everything we can to keep the potato sector strong and maintain our key export markets,” Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay said in a statement. This is the second consecutive year the survey yielded no potato wart results. The 2022 survey didn’t include P.E.I. though, as farmers there were managing cases of potato wart. The most recent outbreak of potato wart caused the U.S. to temporarily shut its borders to Canadian potatoes.

Image by Ariel Núñez Guzmán from Pixabay Beans, beans, good for the wallet. Dry beans, such as pinto, navy, and kidney beans, are big business in Canada and around the world. Adzuki beans were Ontario’s top moneymaker per acre in 2023. Last year, Ontario farmers planted a record 23,000 acres of the niche crop, which was up from the 19,000 acres planted in 2022. Even still, those numbers paled in comparison to the almost three million acres of soybeans grown in Ontario last year. Then again, dry beans such as adzuki, pinto, navy, and kidney do cost more to produce. While some dry bean farmers will grow these beans every year, some only grow dry beans when prices are strong and they are likely to fit into their crop rotation. One of the biggest concerns for dry bean farmers, however, is weeds. Because the dry bean is a short-stature crop—and one that does not form a full canopy until mid-July—weeds tend to have free reign, which is one reason farmers must only grow it on fields that are already relatively weed-free. Other issues for dry beans include seedling diseases, where they suffer seed rot, and seedling blight diseases caused by , , and . And then there’s viral diseases such as bean common mosaic virus or yellow mosaic virus. Oh, and we all know that rust never sleeps. And bacterial blight. White mould. . Grasshoppers. Cutworm. It’s a wonder anyone can grow any type of dry bean sometimes. And it’s because there is a real need to grow these dry beans more efficiently and sustainably that money has been donated by Ontario Bean Growers (OBG) and an anonymous donor to the University of Guelph’s (U of G’s) Ontario Agricultural College (OAC). This $2 million donation will also be used to support the OBG Assistant Professorship in Weed Sciences faculty position at U of G’s Ridgetown Campus. Additionally, the U of G has announced the renewal of the Dry Bean Agronomy and Pest Management faculty position at Ridgetown Campus. Collectively, these faculty hires will better ensure that the University of Guelph will continue to be among the world’s best in dry bean agronomy and weed management research. The new OBG Professorship in Weed Management and the Professorship in Dry Bean Agronomy and Pest Management fill the vacancies left by Dr. Peter Sikkema, who recently retired, and OAC’s Chris Gillard, who will retire later in 2024. “Peter and Chris have had an immense impact on the Ontario bean industry for years,” stated Dr. Rene Van Acker, the interim Vice President (Research) at U of G. “This renewal of these professorships will ensure their legacy continues and

The number of Canadians needed to fulfill vacant positions in the country’s ag industry is growing. A new report from the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) titled Sowing Seeds of Change estimates that by 2030, Canada’s agriculture sector will be short about 101,000 people. For context, that’s roughly the populations of Red Deer, Alta., or Clarington, Ont., as reported in the 2021 census. This kind of data is important to help the industry understand where the gaps are and how to address them. “Research like this is critical to understand the project the current labour needs of the sector, as we collectively look to advance measures that will mitigate the impacts of these vacancies,” the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) told Farms.com in an emailed statement. The CAHRC’s report cites multiple reasons for the forecasted labour shortage. One is looming retirements. “Canada’s agriculture industries will see over 85,300 retirements over the next 8 years, which is almost 30 per cent of the current Canadian workforce in the sector,” the report says.

Conservative Ag Critic John Barlow wants the federal government to stop playing political games and pass Bill C-234. The bill “would give a carbon tax carve out for farmers and lower the price of food,” he told the House on Feb. 13 – Canada’s Agriculture Day. Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland answered but didn’t address the carbon tax, instead highlighting job growth and wages. In his follow-up question, Barlow highlighted how not passing the bill affects producers. “We now know that the amendments to Bill C-234, pushed through by Liberal-appointed senators, would increase costs on farmers by $200 million,” he said. “This Conservative common-sense bill in its original form would save farmers a billion dollars by 2030.” Federal Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay fielded Barlow’s question. His response acknowledged farmers for their work to take care of the land, and reminded the house that Tyler McCann of the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute “indicated to the committee members that there was no data to support the idea that carbon pricing is resulting in an increase in food prices.” Len Webber, the Conservative MP for Calgary confederation, brought up Bill C-234 and how it affects the food supply chain.

Two new representatives from the Alberta pork industry have joined our board of directors, by acclamation: Alastair Bratton and Sandra Spruit, who will replace Brent Moen and Craig Thompson, both of whom have completed two consecutive three-year terms. Board director nominations were accepted starting in November 2023, ending in January 2024, and each director will begin his and her first term in April 2024. Alberta Pork's fellow directors, staff and producers would like to thank Brent and Craig for their service. Alastair is the head of production for Sunterra Farms. He has previously managed farms and oversaw multiplier sites for Maple Leaf Farms, Verus Alliance and, more recently, Olymel. Originally from the U.K., his first experience was as a part-time worker on a 600-sow multiplier farm. This is where his interest in animal science and husbandry began, leading him to complete a Degree in Animal Science at Harper Adams Agricultural University. After graduating, he worked on a variety of farms covering both indoor and outdoor production, including organic units. Alastair has served as Chair of the Red Deer Swine Technology Workshop since 2016, is President of Alberta Pork Congress and serves on the Pork committee for the Calgary Stampede. Sandra and her husband own and operate Spruit farms, a 2,100-sow unit in Red Deer County, with several grow-to-finish locations in central Alberta. With her previous experience of other board positions and being a hog farmer for more than two decades, she brings a lot of knowledge to the table and is looking forward to even more learning opportunities. Originally from the Netherlands, she and her husband have raised five kids, and now that they have become more independent, she is ready to take the next steps to make a positive difference in the industry. She is passionate about engaging younger generations interested in hog farming, not only within the agriculture community, but along with other non-farming populations in Alberta.

The Canadian Pork Council (CPC) will join the "Say No to a Bad Deal" coalition, advocating for negotiations of the United Kingdom's ascension to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP),according to a press release from the council. This move comes in response to Great Britain's stance toward Canada, a signal to Canadian farmers, ranchers and producers that the United Kingdom is not interested in free and fair trade in agricultural products, according to CPC. Say No to a Bad Deal is a coalition of agriculture industry leaders and stakeholders advocating for fair and equitable trade agreements that benefit everyone. With Great Britain showing not signs of altering its approach to trade negotiations, the Council aims to remind the Government of Canada of its responsibility to prioritise the best interests of Canadian farmers and ranchers. “The CPC is proud to join the Say No to a Bad Deal coalition, and we are calling for renegotiations of theCPTPP before Canada approves the United Kingdom’s ascension," said Rene Roy, chair of the Canadian Pork Council. "We have been patient and proposed solutions to safeguard the interests of Canadianfarmers and ranchers, yet our concerns remain unaddressed. Setting a precedent for non-tariff tradebarriers within the CPTPP must be avoided to protect our industry.” “Great Britain's refusal to truly engage Canada in the current negotiations poses significant risks toCanada’s agricultural sector, and it is crucial we address these concerns head-on before the UK joins atrade deal of which we are a founding member." The CPC supports fair trade terms that uphold the principles of reciprocity and mutual benefit. Theorganisation remains committed to advocating for the interests of Canadian pork producers andsafeguarding the industry's long-term viability. "Fair trade is not a buzzword; it is the cornerstone of sustainable economic growth and prosperity," saidRoy. "For Canadian farmers, particularly pork producers, fair trade means access to global markets undermutually beneficial terms. It guarantees that our products can compete fairly, fostering growth andstability in our industry and for the country." Canadian pork producers rely heavily on international markets for their livelihoods, with 70% ofproduction destined for export markets. Fair trade agreements provide producers with the opportunityto access new markets, diversify their customer base and increase profitability. "By joining forces with the Say No to a Bad Deal coalition, we are sending a clear message: Canadianfarmers demand nothing short of fair and just trade agreements that set them up for success andsupport our industry's growth and prosperity," Roy concluded.

The pork industry provides people across different cultures a considerable source of protein, essential nutrients and a versatile ingredient for diverse culinary traditions. So, when the problem of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infection in the pork industry results in an economic loss of $650 million annually in the United States, finding a solution is of critical significance. A diverse group of researchers at the Faculty of Science and Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands, recently published a paper sharing their discovery on better understanding and managing PRRSV. The following interview is with Dr. Brian Mark, professor at the department of microbiology and dean of the Faculty of Science, who leads a laboratory focused on understanding the molecular basis of diseases.

In a joint effort to enhance the meat processing industry in Ontario, the Canadian and Ontario governments are channeling over $13 million through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP). The initiative, aimed at supporting independent meat processors and abattoirs, seeks to elevate productivity, efficiency, and food safety standards within the province. This financial injection builds upon previous investments exceeding $14 million since 2020 under the Meat Processors Capacity Improvement Initiative, a component of the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP). The Sustainable CAP, a comprehensive 5-year, $3.5-billion investment, is designed to fortify competitiveness, foster innovation, and enhance resilience in the agriculture sector, with a significant focus on federal-provincial collaborations. Under Sustainable CAP, this funding will back 151 projects dedicated to improving meat handling and processing equipment, adopting advanced technologies, and refining industry practices. Notable beneficiaries of this support include Penokean Hills Farms, Sikorski Sausages, and Townsend Butchers, which will utilize the funds for equipment upgrades aimed at augmenting production capacity. The initiative extends beyond equipment upgrades, also encompassing training and engineering costs. Applications for project proposals were accepted from August to September 2023, and the slated completion for the 151 projects is March 2024, as outlined in the news release. This collaborative effort underscores the commitment of both governments to fortify and modernize the meat processing sector, ensuring its sustainability and competitiveness in the evolving agricultural landscape.

The Canadian Pork Council (CPC) has joined the ‘Say No to a Bad Deal’ coalition in pushing for renegotiations of the UK’s ascension to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Sask Pork, alongside other provincial pork offices across the country, stand behind and support this decision.This move comes in response to Great Britain’s stance toward Canada, a signal to Canadian farmers, ranchers and producers that the United Kingdom is not interested in free and fair trade in agricultural products.

KITCHENER–Pork producers joined Ontario Pork staff to celebrateCanada’s Agriculture Day at theKitchener Rangersgame on Tuesday, February 13. On the ice the Rangers defeated the Guelph Storm 4-3, but it was off the ice where the biggest win happened, with a record-setting food and fund drive to help restock food bank shelves. "The Food Bank of Waterloo Region was the real winner," said Ontario Pork Board Chair John de Bruyn. "With help from the community we were able to do a great job collecting cash and food donations that will really go a long way to help those facing food insecurity."  In total 1,071 pounds of food was collected, along with $4,643.90 in cash donations. The food and funds collected will go toThe Food Bank of Waterloo Region and will provide 10,125 mealsto those in need.  “Seeing the food donation bins overflow, seeing people make financial donations, it really warms my heart." said Kim Wilhelm, CEO at The Food Bank of Waterloo Region. "We often think about donating at the holidays, but the reality is food insecurity happens 365 days a year, so all year-round events like these are important to help remember the more than 58,000 people living right here in Waterloo Region who are struggling to put food on the table."  This food and fund drive is the second of the season the Rangers have held at the Kitchener Auditorium. In December the food and funds collected resulted in 8,567 meals. The 10,125 meals that will be provided from the Canada's Ag Day event, is a newseason record.Organizers are hopeful this will encourage other organizations to take up the food drive challenge. "This is an initiative that we would love to continue to do with Ontario Pork," said Sawyer Hume, Ticketing and Sponsorship Coordinator for the Kitchener Rangers. "With this success, if there are any other organizations that want to compete with Ontario Pork a little bit to see if they can get the donations up near the same level, we would very much welcome that positive competition.”   Fans at the game were also able to purchase copies of the Ontario Pork book The Whole Hog. The book features recipes, stories, and tips on how to cook pork that come directly from people who work across the pork supply chain.  All proceeds from its sale will go toFeed Ontario.  "Our partnership with Ontario Pork really means the world to us," said Feed O

The Associate Director of the Swine Health Information Centre reports statistics on the monitoring and detection of Influenza A virus have been added to the monthly domestic swine disease monitoring report.As part of its February eNewsletter the Swine Health Information Center has released its monthly domestic and global swine disease surveillance reports. This month’s Domestic Swine Disease Monitoring Report, compiled through the Swine Disease Reporting System on behalf of the Swine Health Information Center, brings a new chart for weekly monitoring of Influenza A virus PCR detection.SHIC Associate Director Dr. Lisa Becton says the newly implemented monitoring capability provides information about Influenza A detection enabling comparison to the historical trends. Quote-Dr. Lisa Becton-Swine Health Information Centre: Influenza A is one of the top viral and health challenges that pig producers face.This was actually a request from stakeholders to be added to the reporting. This is going to be looking at case submissions for Influenza A but also looking at different types over time of what is being submitted. This can be used by veterinarians and producers to track, what is Influenza doing in their systems?Does it respond to vaccines or are vaccines appropriate and what age group is this occurring in?This is a very good addition of a pathogen that is still very active out in the industry and a lot of people will benefit from the continued monitoring. Dr. Becton notes, the full domestic and global swine disease surveillance reports as well as archived reports and other swine health information can be accessed through the Swine Health Information Center's website at swinehealth.org. She also encourages stakeholders to sign up for SHIC's eNewsletter to receive monthly swine health information directly to their inboxes.