Banff Pork Seminar
January 20 - 23, 2009

Hedging the prices of pigs and feed - does it work in today's market? How can I maximize profit on upturn of the cycle; how can I prepare to maximize net revenue on the next downturn of the cycle? Two speakers discuss how to mitigate risk by using the futures markets. This is a practical look at using the markets to survive the poor markets and capture value during the periods of profitability.

Session sponsored by Cargill

An update on the implications that current COOL (Country of Origin Labeling) legislation has on pork production and marketing north & south of the US-Canada border. Also what is the Choose Canadian Awareness Program? How is it working? How can producers support it?

Session sponsored by Farm Credit Canada

Competition for labour is a struggle for the agricultural sector. How do you attract and keep skilled workers in your production units? One solution is the recruitment of foreign workers. Hear about the experiences of overseas workers in Canada and how to improve the experience for both the worker & the employer.

Session sponsored by Novus International, Inc

Sow feed costs are a largely overlooked factor in improving a farm's bottom line. Hear the latest research into reducing cost of energy in sow diets and amino acid supplementation to reduce protein supplements. Should we be formulating to reduce feed cost/piglet produced or simply provide the least cost feed for sows?

Session sponsored by Minitube Canada

Recent meat recalls have serious ramifications for pork producers and the processing industry. Major public confidence and regulatory consequences from this event should concern the whole meat industry. Learn what is being done to regain consumer confidence in meat products and to promote a safe food industry in Canada.

Session sponsored by National Bank of Canada

This comparative analysis of partial production costs of hog finishing operations will discuss the relative costs and profitability of each region of Canada and the US Midwest in order to understand the weaknesses and the strengths of each area. Learn with an interactive spreadsheet the true effect that "brag figures/benchmarks" have on a farm's bottom line. For example, pigs per sow per year, FCR or ADG do not have the same dollar value meaning on every farm.

Session sponsored by Génétiporc Inc

Matching HR Policies to Corporate Objectives: How progressive HR can save you money in labour costs. Employment Standards: Where are we heading? Are farm owners liable if workers become injured or sick? This session will discuss potential liability and due diligence, and review major sources of risk on pig farms.

Session sponsored by RBC Royal Bank

PRRS control and cost of outbreaks are important issues for pork producers. Discuss advanced air filtration methods to prevent PRRS introduction. Learn the risk factors in the spread of PRRS and how to control them.

Session sponsored by Champion Alstoe Animal Health

Antibiotic resistance is becoming more of a concern for producers and the general public. What are the results of CIPARS survey? Discuss risks to pigs, barn staff and the community. Can antibiotic-free production be accomplished? How does Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, known as MRSA, affect pork producers? Learn how to reduce health care costs for your herd.

Session sponsored by Alltech Canada, Inc

What can we learn from recent animal welfare research? What are Canadian pork producers' attitudes and are we providing leadership for positive changes? Hear how excellent animal care can maintain our pork markets. Learn about the Animal Care Assessment Tool & CQA (Canadian Quality Assurance) and why producers should sign on; should it be mandatory. As a pro-active group, what does AFAC see as industry successes & future challenges? How can the pork industry influence mainstream animal welfare organizations?

Session sponsored by Western Hog Exchange

Alternative ingredients and products can be used to reduce herd feed cost / kg. gain. What are "opportunity feeds"? How do you formulate to include them in swine diets? Get more out of what we already have in ingredients. Formulate for nutrients, not feedstuffs. Reducing feed costs may reduce performance, but will lower cost compensate? Ingredient purchasing and local sourcing of feeds - what can be "legally" used in swine diets?

Session sponsored by MetaFarms, Inc