26 The Trusted Source for Canada’s Pork Producers Better Pork | February 2024 NAVIGATING TODAY'S TROUBLED ECONOMY ‘Making the time to evaluate now can pay off in the months ahead’ By Jeanine Moyer SWINE HEALTH ONTARIO Navigating the current economic climate isn’t easy. While some producers have weathered industry downturns in the past, others may be braving these challenges for the first time. Dr. Ed Metzger, swine veterinarian with South West Vets, addressed this topic head-on at the latest Swine Health Ontario Big Bug Day in December. He offered more than 150 attendees some practical economic considerations for herd health and areas to focus on that can help producers maximize their return on investment. “Hog producers are historically price takers, and while these are chaotic times in the pig business, herd health and performance optimization must still be a high priority,” explained Metzger. “At this time, producers may want to review all areas of health and production input to uncover extra margin per animal.” Metzger started by explaining that evaluating practices and making changes is important to ensure the profitability and sustainability of an operation. “Today’s cash flow crunch is, in part, affected by a multitude of decisions made in the previous six months, so start by making data-driven and informed decisions today that can increase your margin when market prices improve.” Economic considerations for herd health According to Metzger, maximizing production is the area where a producer has the most control and influence over economic success at the farm level. So, that’s where a producer should start. He suggests two areas producers should explore – identifying opportunities to maximize return on investment and from a health standpoint, reviewing all health inputs to ensure maximum benefit. Here are six areas hog producers can review to help enhance production efficiencies, reduce costs or save expenses while maintaining herd health and performance. Reduce feed waste Ask yourself, how much are you losing to feed waste? Make the time to take a close look at each feeder, checking to see if it is overflowing, has holes or has damage that is causing waste and lost dollars. Be sure to make adjustments as necessary. Jessica Fox photo Conference goers enjoy a meal at Swine Health Ontario's recent Big Bug Day. The advertisers you see in this magazine are the top companies in our farming community. They appreciate your business! WE LOVE OUR ADVERTISERS
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