Behind the Lines - February 2015

Saturday, January 31, 2015

A theme of challenging producers to renew and rethink runs through several stories in this issue of Better Pork.

In our cover story, "It pays to pay attention to the structural soundness of your barn," senior staff editor Don Stoneman writes about the structures that producers work in every day.

We've discussed the dangers associated with electrical shortcomings in barns before. ("The key to preventing barn fires; ventilation, ventilation, ventilation – and a $40 infrared measuring gun," October, 2008.) This month's story outlines the advice of a number of swine structure experts, including a key builder here in Ontario, and warns farmers to look overhead – to the damage that may be occurring in the attics of their barns, threatening their very physical structure.

On the same theme, CEO Lee Whittington took a walk through the Prairie Swine Centre's barns with a new employee and made note of what "fresh eyes" saw. Whittington's column starts on page 26.  

Both stories reflect the need to rethink the short cuts that were made in barn maintenance and management now that the pork industry is on a better financial footing. It's not about making big expenditures, but rather about making those small expenditures and management changes now that will result in better income and sustainability in the future.

I really appreciate John de Bruyn's Second Look column in this issue. The Salford-area farrow-to-finish operator and his family have been pork industry and community leaders for many years. Over the past year, they have waged a courageous battle with PEDV in their barns. Here, he shares the important factors he is considering as he looks ahead. BP

ROBERT IRWIN