Ontario Pork Congress: A Pupil’s Perspective
For OMAFA summer time scholar Maya Tucker, attending the Ontario Pork Congress (OPC) in Stratford was extra than simply an trade occasion — it was an immersion into the folks, concepts, and improvements driving the pork sector. Over two days, she related with producers, engineers, nutritionists, and trade suppliers, labored the OMAFA sales space sharing sources on feed protection and enrichment, and took half within the “Style the Finest” competitors and the charity Hog Jog. Highlights included significant profession recommendation, interactive occasions just like the Bacon Maker Traditional for youth, and seeing firsthand the teamwork and fervour that make the pork trade thrive.
Making the Powerful Name: Figuring out When to Cull
On the inaugural Ontario Swine Convention, veterinarian Dr. Luc Dufresne and producer Travis Jansen tackled the complicated decision-making course of behind culling and euthanasia. Their recommendation: begin by measuring breeding efficiency targets, prioritize sound conformation and udder high quality in gilt choice, and establish underperforming pigs early in nursery and grow-finish phases. Each emphasised that “no resolution continues to be a call” — avoiding motion can create welfare points and harm productiveness. Instruments just like the Canadian Pork Council’s culling circulation charts, mixed with good communication and coaching, could make these powerful calls extra structured and efficient.
Elevate Crates: Elevating the Bar for Piglet Survival
Elevate crates, an evolution of conventional farrowing crates, are gaining traction amongst Ontario producers. By mechanically lifting sows after they stand and reducing them as soon as totally mendacity down, these techniques shield piglets from crushing — lowering pre-weaning mortality by as much as 55% in some research. Whereas set up prices are increased, many farms report payback in as little as 18 months by means of improved survival charges and productiveness. In addition they supply area efficiencies and preserve the administration advantages of conventional crates, making them a promising possibility for farms balancing welfare and effectivity.
Producer-Led Deadstock Administration: The Fallen Inventory Initiative
Perth County pork producers have launched the Fallen Inventory Initiative to enhance deadstock bin administration, strengthen communication with rendering companions, and preserve trade picture. The group is selling finest practices comparable to screened bin placement, odour and leachate prevention, and scavenger-proof designs. By working collectively, producers intention to keep away from regulatory intervention whereas assembly each environmental and public notion requirements.
Biosecurity Focus: New World Screwworm Preparedness
Whereas Canada stays freed from New World Screwworm (NWS), current detections in Mexico have moved the pest nearer to U.S. borders. This parasitic fly, which assaults dwelling tissue, poses critical welfare and financial dangers. OMAFA swine specialist Maggie Henry reminds producers to remain vigilant: preserve strict wound care, monitor animals often, implement pest management, and comply with CFIA reporting protocols for suspicious circumstances. Early detection and prevention stay the very best protection to maintain Canadian herds secure.
Market Snapshot – June 2025
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100% Components Worth: $258.23/ckg
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Common Carcass Weight: 104.53 kg
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Internet Return (Farrow-to-End): $70.76 per pig
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Corn (Farm Worth): $233.53/tonne
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Soybean Meal: $464.62/tonne
For detailed swine market details and budgets, go to OMAFRA’s Swine Economics Sources.
