Dairy in Ontario Talk (14)

Progress You Can Measure: Driving Results Across Every Stage of Pork Production

At Topigs Norsvin, measurable progress is more than a tagline; it’s a commitment to delivering tangible improvements for pork producers. Through science-driven genetic advancements, we’ve made significant strides in key areas that directly impact productivity, efficiency, and profitability. Here’s how we’re helping producers succeed: Birth Weight, Litter Size, and Number of Teats: Building Strong Foundations for Productivity In the last decade, we’ve achieved a +1.3-ounce increase in piglet birth weight. This improvement isn’t just about heavier piglets; it’s about producing healthier, more uniform litters. By reducing birth weight variation, we’ve ensured more predictable and manageable outcomes for producers. These gains, driven by our Piglet Weighing Protocol, also translate to heavier weaning weights and improved finishing pig performance. We have not only increased piglet birth weight, but we’ve also increased the average litter size by 0.7 piglets total born and 1.1 piglets we

Juergens Named President of Iowa Pork Producers Association

Carroll County pig farmer Aaron Juergens has been named the new president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA). He assumed the role during the organization’s annual meeting in Des Moines on January 21. Juergens manages over 100,000 nursery and finishing pig spaces for Sunburst Valley Farms near Carroll. “It’s an incredible honor to lead this outstanding organization and work alongside such a dedicated board of directors,” Juergens said. “This group has always been a source of inspiration for me. I never imagined being elected to serve on the board, let alone as president. It’s truly overwhelming.” Juergens previously served as IPPA’s president-elect in 2024. He succeeds Matt Gent, a Wellman pig farmer who now holds the position of past president on the IPPA Board of Directors. Juergens expressed his gratitude for Gent’s leadership, noting his ability to navigate the association through a challenging year. Both Juergens and Gent will serve one-year terms in their respective r

Iowa's Master Pork Award Winners Honored

The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) announced the 2024 Master Pork Producers at the Iowa Pork Congress banquet on January 22 in Des Moines. This prestigious award recognizes individuals and families who excel in pork production, as demonstrated by outstanding production practices, commitment to We Care® principles, and meaningful contributions to their communities. The We Care principles emphasize the responsibilities of pig farmers to uphold the highest standards in animal care, food safety, environmental stewardship, and ethical practices. The Master Pork Producers program, co-sponsored by IPPA and Iowa State University Extension, highlights the diverse expertise and dedication within Iowa’s pork industry.Now in its 83rd year, this program welcomes a new class of honorees who join the ranks of Iowa’s most accomplished pork producers, representing eight decades of excellence and innovation in the field. Through this award, IPPA and Iowa State University celebrate the character

USDA did no favors with the September Hogs and Pigs report

I may be wrong, but I am consistent. That line was given to me by a whistle-happy referee during an intramural basketball game in college who thought my wrestling-derived form of defense was a bit too aggressive. The same less-than-flattering assessment could be said of the USDA who is seemingly and equal opportunity offender to both the livestock industry as well as the agronomic interests. Readers of this column do not need a reminder of the magnitude of the miss on the September Hogs and Pigs report last year. It was wildly misinforming and cost our industry millions of dollars with the projection of significantly more market-ready animals than what the eventual numbers revealed. Any hedges placed on faith in the USDA report’s accuracy were under water to the detriment of the pork producer.  The crop guys now have a similar situation with the release of the January WASDE. The USDA report out Friday, Jan. 10 was not of the mundane check-the-box variety. Similar to the treatment of

2025 FFAR Vet Fellows now accepting applications

As producers grapple with devastating diseases like H5N1 influenza, African swine fever and foot-and-mouth disease, alongside growing demands for improved animal welfare and sustainable practices, the need for skilled veterinarians to safeguard the nation’s food supply has never been more urgent. However, the United States is experiencing a critical shortage of veterinarians specializing in livestock and poultry, threatening public health, food safety and the economic vitality of agricultural communities.  To support the development of future veterinary researchers, the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research and the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges established the FFAR Veterinary Student Research Fellowship in 2018. This year, the fellowship features several updates to expand its scope, eligibility and impact. The program is accepting applications for the 2025 cohort.  “This year’s new Vet Fellows program updates offer expanded opportunities for veterinary st