Posts in Industry News
New survey shows increased pork productivity and decreased environmental footprint

An analysis of Canadian pork production over the past 30 years shows a continued increase in efficiency and productivity and a shrinking of the sector's environmental footprint. Dr. Mario Tenuta, the Senior Industrial Research Chair in 4R Nutrient Stewardship and a Professor of Soil Ecology with the University of Manitoba, said the study shows from 1990 to 2020 the efficiency of producing pork improved by a good eight to 10 percent.

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Farmers and consumers urged to encourage senate support of Bill C-234 to help preserve competitiveness of Canadian agriculture

The General Manager of Sask Pork is suggesting that the passage of Bill C-234 is critical to preserving the ability of Canadian farmers to compete in an international market place. Bill C-234, a private member's bill that will create specific exemptions for farmers to Canada's carbon pricing scheme has passed in the House of Commons and is now awaiting passage in the Senate.

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Saskatchewan pork producers applaud passage of Bill C-234 by House of Commons

Sask Pork is applauding the passage of Bill C-234 in the House of Commons and hopes for quick ratification in the Senate. The private member's bill that will create specific exemptions for farmers to Canada's carbon pricing scheme has passed in the House of Commons and will now move to Senate. Mark Ferguson, the General Manager of Sask Pork, said the carbon tax has added an estimated one to three dollars per pig and the impact will only go up.

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Sask Pork webinar offers timely advice how to keep pigs safe during transport in warm weather

An animal welfare and handling specialist with Olymel says that when the weather turns warm, swine handlers need to step up their preplanning, slow things down and avoid overexertion to minimize stress and maximize comfort of the pigs. "What You Need to Know About Warm Weather Transport" was the focus of the third installment of Sask Pork’s spring seminar series yesterday

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Survey of small-scale pig producers results in improved educational resources

A survey of the needs of small-scale pig producers is leading to the development of improved educational resources for the entire pork sector. Scientists with Prairie Swine Centre, in collaboration with Swine Innovation Porc, the Canadian Pork Council and the provincial pork organizations, including Sask Pork, conducted a study of small-scale swine producers on their knowledge and application of biosecurity practices to prevent disease.

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Public encouraged to help eradicate feral pigs by reporting sightings

The General Manager of Sask Pork says the biggest contribution the public can make to the effort to eliminate feral pigs from the environment is to report sightings. Mark Ferguson, General Manager of Sask Pork, noted wild boar have been identified as major problem, not just in Canada but around the world.

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Sask research finds pea starch makes excellent feed ingredient if flow issues can be resolved

A swine nutritionist with the University of Saskatchewan says, if flow issues can be resolved, pea starch can provide an excellent source of energy in swine rations. Research conducted by the University of Saskatchewan in partnership with the Prairie Swine Center and the Canadian Feed Research Centre in North Battleford showed pigs fed pelleted rations containing 40 percent pea starch grew really well with great feed efficiency.

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Long-time Saskatchewan hog farmer says U.S. Supreme Court ruling expected to pressure all North American pork producers

Last week's U.S. Supreme Court ruling on California’s Proposition 12 is expected to result in higher pork prices in that state while placing added financial pressure on pork producers throughout North America. Florian Possberg, a partner with Polar Pork Farms, said that California accounts for about 15 to 20 percent of U.S. pork consumption and California tends to set the standard for other states in terms of animal welfare.

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CWSHIN unveils new five-year strategic plan, emphasizing swine health threats close to home

The Manager of the Canada West Swine Health Intelligence Network (CWSHIN) says its new five-year strategic plan will place a greater emphasis on diseases that are causing challenges closer to home. CWSHIN is putting the finishing touches on a new strategic plan that will guide activities over the next five years, until the end of March 2028.

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Saskatchewan research explores benefits of play and time spent with humans on pig welfare and productivity

Researchers with the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) are evaluating the long-term effects on welfare and productivity of providing environmental enhancements to piglets during their first weeks of life. In an effort to improve the lifetime productivity of pigs, researchers with WCVM are exploring the effect of early life management strategies on longer term welfare outcomes.

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New swine research cluster expected to focus on pork sector sustainability, competitiveness, productivity, and resilience

The General Manager of Swine Innovation Porc says the pork sector's planned next swine cluster research program will focus on pork sector sustainability, competitiveness, productivity and resiliency. Swine Innovation Porc, the national organization for research in the pork sector, submitted its application to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in January for funding for 19 projects being proposed under Swine Cluster-4.

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Sask Pork consumer promotions supporter Dorothy Long inducted into Sask Ag Hall of Fame

One of the driving forces behind Sask Pork’s consumer promotions is being recognized for her exceptional efforts in agriculture. Dorothy Long is being formally inducted into the Saskatchewan Agricultural Hall of Fame tomorrow. Long is a lifelong champion of Canadian food and farming, having worked for nearly 30 years to promote Canadian-grown foods and the industry that produces them.

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