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 - February 2012

Monday, February 20, 2012

This month's cover story is based on research conducted by University of Guelph Ridgetown campus economists Randy Duffy and Ken

McEwan. Their study, financed by the Agricultural Management Institute and Ontario Pork, compares the financial fitness of Ontario's swine industry to its counterparts in other jurisdictions.

After the ongoing and continuous production and financial crises of the last few years, one might bill this as the industry's financial stock-taking. Some might consider it navel-gazing.

The economists conclude that, while pig farms generally are carrying more debt than before the crises starting in 2006, their debts have been offset to some degree at least by increases in farmland equity.

They also point out that their analyses show that not all farms lost money during the downturns and that some are ready to expand while others may be past the brink of a successful financial recovery. Such is the wide breadth of success and failure in the province's industry. That story starts on page 6.

The humane euthanizing of young animals that can't be saved is often a challenge for barn workers who are trained to raise them, not to destroy them.  Starting on page 12, staff writer Mike Mulhern looks at the air-powered Zephyr stun gun, which might become the instrument of choice for livestock workers facing that unpleasant task.

Among our regular columnists, nutrition writer Janice Murphy explores the role of dietary clay in reducing diarrhea in newly weaned pigs. Dr. Ernest Sanford reports on PCV2 research. And European writer Norman Dunn tells us that tranquilized sows produce piglets that perform better than the offspring of females that suffered birthing pains. BP

ROBERT IRWIN
 

Current Issue

June 2025

Better Pork Magazine

Farms.com Swine News

2025 Canadian Ag Hall of Fame Inductees

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Six trailblazers join the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame for their lifelong impact on farming, food, and policy. The Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame has revealed the names of the distinguished agricultural ambassadors set to be inducted in 2025. These individuals have made... Read this article online

Damien Kurek officially resigns Alberta seat

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Damien Kurek is no longer the MP for the Alberta riding of Battle River-Crowfoot. He announced his resignation on social media on June 17. “Today, I sent a letter to the Speaker of the House of Commons informing him of my resignation at the end of the day as the Member of Parliament... Read this article online

Ag in the House: June 9 – 13

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

New Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald faced his first questions during question period on June 12. Jeremy Patzer, the Conservative MP for Swift Current-Grasslands-Kindersley in Saskatchewan, asked about the government’s response to China’s 100 per cent tariffs on canola oil and... Read this article online

Ontario crops face mixed spring conditions

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

According to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Field Crop News, variable spring weather has created mixed crop conditions across the province. Rain, wind, and cool nighttime temperatures have delayed planting, slowed growth, and limited spraying windows for corn, soybeans, and... 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