Better Pork is published bimonthly. After each edition is published, we share two feature articles online. Each magazine includes much more content. If you enjoy reading the Better Pork articles below, be sure to subscribe to the magazine!
The bad, the worse and the deadly.
By Jackie Clark
Scouring is an unpleasant reality that pork producers around the world face. Diarrhea in piglets can be caused by a variety of pathogens and can lead to consequences for the individual piglet’s growth and productivity, survivability, as well as general herd health.
Better Pork connects with veterinarians and researchers to examine how farmers are preventing and treating scours and current research working to improve and expand those options.
Genetic advances will get us there.
By Geoff Geddes
While “faster, higher, stronger” is the Olympic motto, it is “leaner, healthier and more efficient” that serves as the gold standard for the pork sector. In a business where margins are thin and progress is essential, the role of genetics to fuel that progress is a critical one. Though genetic technology is complex and fraught with challenges, it holds the key to keeping producers competitive both at home and abroad.
New hybrid rye lowers risk of ergot in feed rations.
By Michelle Jones
Rye isn’t used a lot in pig rations, mostly because there isn’t a lot of it grown in Canada due to its susceptibility to ergot. While other grains such as wheat and barley are also prone to the disease, ergot seems to affect rye more often, so farmers have been hesitant to grow it or use it as feed because of the risk involved. However, research was still conducted on the nutritional value of rye, even if it wasn’t widely used as feed.
Industry stakeholders explore options to help curb rising feed expenses.
By Geoff Geddes
Unlike a barn upgrade or enhanced ventilation, feed for your pigs is not an optional expense. The right quantity and quality of feed is essential to proper growth, but as feed prices rise, so does the blood pressure of producers when trying to balance the books.
Transitioning from weekly farrowing to batches could benefit pig health, workflow and biosecurity.
By Jackie Clark
Most pig farms across Canada run on a continuous schedule: breeding, farrowing, processing piglets, and weaning all happen each week. Many producers find success and satisfaction in this steady rhythm of work.
Breeding targets are the basis for profitability in reproductive herds. Learn how to achieve optimal productivity on your farm.
by Kate Ayers
Swine reproductive herd management can be challenging yet rewarding work. Helping a sow produce a large healthy litter of piglets can be accompanied by a demanding and frustrating process of successfully bringing a gilt into her first breeding season.
The Canadian pork industry hopes to avert the prospect of a large volume of dead pigs, but officials are preparing in the event of a major disease outbreak.
by Jackie Clark
Disposing of dead livestock is an unpleasant task at best. However, being able to do so safely and efficiently is a reality for swine producers across Canada. The task requires technical knowledge and access to resources such as deadstock bins or composting materials.
By setting SMART goals, producers can grow business success and realize personal satisfaction.
by Jackie Clark
Producers are always thinking about the future. As we move from one season to the next, our thoughts shift from the activities behind us to the opportunities available in the future. Often, people might take a moment to think of, or even record, a few resolutions for the future.
Your goals can focus on the farm business but can also be personal or family-related.
Entering the nursery can be a stressful period for young pigs. Industry experts provide insight on how to get your herd off to a strong start.
By Kate Ayers
Meeting new people, trying new food, and exploring a new destination can be exciting but daunting experiences that we encounter. Now imagine combining all three experiences into one day.
Escaped pigs have managed to hybridize and proliferate in Canada, with disastrous consequences for agriculture.
by Jackie Clark
Bob Brickley first encountered wild pigs two decades ago. He farms in southeast Saskatchewan, growing grain, raising cattle and keeping a large purebred-based quarter-horse herd.
“About 20 years ago, some pigs escaped from a domestic farm and started invading our premises and upsetting our whole operation,” he tells Better Pork.
