Search
Better Farming OntarioBetter PorkBetter Farming Prairies

Better Pork Featured Articles

Better Pork magazine is published bimonthly. After each edition is published, we share featured articles online.


Behind the Lines - December 2009

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

This issue of Better Pork might best be summarized by a simple phrase commonly heard in rural households: "What's old is new."

With pork prices stuck in the cellar, producers used to a high level of specialization are looking to diversify to other enterprises they can rely on for income in either the long or the short term. Field editor Mary Baxter writes about this trend in Ontario pork production and that story starts on page 6.

Some of the producers featured took a lesson on the dangers built into commodity pork production more than a decade ago and acted upon them then. The current consumer trend favouring locally produced food is benefiting them now. The logical conclusion is that their businesses are already based upon sound principles or they wouldn't have made it this far.

Other producers are moving in this direction as the industry appears to be downsizing in the face of high feed costs, a high Canadian dollar and growing imports from the south.

It's interesting to note, however, that a Farm Credit Canada spokesman expects that pork production will recover, with some adjustments.

In other "what's old is new" trends, erysipelas, a skin disease that went out when pigs went indoors, is making a comeback in some parts of North America, according to herd health columnist Dr. Ernie Sanford. This disease has some nasty health implications for pigs. The good news Sanford has for us is that there are new tools which make diagnosis easier. That story begins on page 30.

Finally, our European columnist Norman Dunn looks at differing trends in weaning dates in Europe. While German producers favour short weaning periods, the Scandinavians are letting piglets stay with their mothers for more than a week longer. Part of this is because of perceived welfare implications. The reasoning, and other trends in European pork production, are covered on page 41.

As we write this, there is a frenzy of concern across Canada about receiving H1N1 vaccinations. While barn workers are not a priority group, they are being urged by the Ontario Veterinary College to get their shots. At this date of writing, months after concerns about the virus arose, there have been no accounts of pigs passing the virus to people, nor to birds for that matter. BP 

ROBERT IRWIN

Current Issue

October 2025

Better Pork Magazine

Farms.com Swine News

Winter Rules For Spreading Manure in Alberta

Monday, October 13, 2025

As winter approaches, Alberta farmers are reminded to review the rules for spreading manure on frozen or snow-covered ground. Under the Agricultural Operation Practices Act (AOPA), farms with nine months or more of manure storage are not permitted to spread manure during the winter unless... Read this article online

AITC SK launches third Acres for Education campaign

Monday, October 13, 2025

Agriculture in the Classroom Saskatchewan (AITC-SK) is encouraging farmers, ranchers, and agri-businesses across the province to participate in the third annual Acres for Education fundraising campaign. This initiative helps bring agriculture to life for thousands of students by connecting... Read this article online

Alberta Harvest Surges Ahead with Warm Dry Weather

Monday, October 13, 2025

According to the AFSC and Alberta Government Crop Reporting Survey, Alberta’s 2025 harvest has made strong progress under warm and dry conditions. As of September 23, 77 percent of major crops were harvested — an 18 percent increase over the previous week. The pace is well ahead of the... Read this article online

Precision Harvesting with HeadSight and TrueSight

Monday, October 13, 2025

Modern harvesting relies heavily on precision and smart technology, and new systems for head height control and steering are making sure you are not leaving bushels in the field. These innovations ensure efficient crop collection, protect equipment, and reduce operator fatigue during... Read this article online

Boost Farm Yields with Better Residue Control

Monday, October 13, 2025

Effective crop residue management begins with the combine and continues through planting the next crop. Properly managing residues in corn, soybean, and wheat fields helps maintain soil structure, reduce erosion, and promote higher yields. The FieldCropNews.com Team from OMAFA have shared... Read this article online

BF logo

It's farming. And it's better.

 

a Farms.com Company

Subscriptions

Subscriber inquiries, change of address, or USA and international orders, please email: subscriptions@betterfarming.com or call 888-248-4893 x 281.


Article Ideas & Media Releases

Have a story idea or media release? If you want coverage of an ag issue, trend, or company news, please email us.

Follow us on Social Media

 

Sign up to a Farms.com Newsletter

 

DisclaimerPrivacy Policy2025 ©AgMedia Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Back To Top