Ontario pork industry focused on the future Tuesday, March 9, 2010 by BETTER FARMING STAFFIdeal pork production in the future and probing changes in managing the highly prolific sow are two highlights of this year’s London Swine Conference.“There’s lots of good stuff on there,” says Jaydee Smith, the conference’s chair of the presentations that will take place over the two-day conference.This year marks the tenth anniversary of the conference, a joint effort by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Ontario Pork, University of Guelph and the Ontario Pork Industry Council.The milestone is recognized with a new logo and a “jazzed up” conference proceedings publication in full colour. But don’t expect any special celebrations — other than, as usual, a high quality program, says Smith. “We had discussed that but given what the industry has been through in the last few years and the fact that we depend so much on industry sponsorship to put the thing on, we decided that it wouldn’t be appropriate to spend a lot of money on a celebration.” Many presentations reflect the conference’s theme of focusing on the future, including swine consultant Dennis DiPietre’s presentation on the ideal pork production system in the future and sessions on: alternative farrowing systems, green initiatives available to the swine sector, new approaches to the elimination of boar taint and an examination of the shift to later weaning. Rudolf Wiedmann, who invented Kistenstall, a double-row barn with natural ventilation and Pigport 1, 2 and 3, a housing system common in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, will tackle changes in managing the highly prolific sow. Wiedmann is with the National Institute for Pig Breeding LSZ in Baden-Württemberg, Germany.“There is a future for the industry and the conference program provides perspective and knowledge that the industry can use to shape its own future within the constraints of national and international events and economic forces,” Smith states in the conference chair’s message.Organizers envision the annual event as a way to encourage the adoption of new technologies in commercial pork production in Ontario and create an exchange of ideas within the industry. It takes place March 31 and April 1 at the London Convention Centre. Conference details can be found on the event’s website. BF Complaint filed over Boulay pork bankruptcy Quebec pork failure hits Ontario producers
Pre Harvest Glyphosate Timing Protects Crop Markets Wednesday, July 29, 2026 As harvest season approaches, growers are being reminded that proper timing is essential when applying pre-harvest glyphosate for weed control. Following recommended staging guidelines can help protect crop quality, reduce residue concerns, and support continued access to domestic and... Read this article online
Grain Safety is Literally a Matter of Life and Death Wednesday, July 29, 2026 The Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) is encouraging farmers, workers, and rural communities to make safety a priority during the sixth annualBeGrainSafeWeek, taking place from August 10 to 16. The awareness campaign is part of theBeGrainSafeprogram, which was launchedto... Read this article online
Medicine Hat College receives ag funding Wednesday, July 29, 2026 A post-secondary school in Alberta received funding to support ag research and studies. Medicine Hat College (MHC) is the recipient of $25,000 from the Alberta Real Estate Foundation (AREF). The money will support a new project through the school’s Centre for Innovation (C4i), a... Read this article online
Bayer’s Battle of the Bushels Wednesday, July 29, 2026 A new ag competition is pitting farmers against one another. Bayer’s Battle of the Bushels sees 15 selected canola growers (14 from Saskatchewan and one from Alberta) seed a 40-acre plot with either DK401TL or DK400TL, plus a BUTEO start seed treatment. Bayer reps visit the... Read this article online
How Busch turned bales into advertising dollars for farmers Wednesday, July 29, 2026 Busch is taking a different approach to advertising in rural Canada by moving marketing dollars from city billboards directly into farmers’ fields. The brand’s new “Baleboard” campaign transforms hay bales into oversized six-pack displays inspired by Busch’s limited-edition Farmer’s Pack.... Read this article online