Welcome to this year's Banff Pork Seminar "Keeping Canada Competitive".
The pig industry in Western Canada is experiencing a time of unprecedented challenges. The recent Western Canadian crop failures and US farm bill has caused the import of US grain, putting us at a disadvantage in feed costs. The country of origin labelling threatens our markets. Over production has caused the price cycle to shift down to where the profitable times are no longer high enough and strong enough to cover the losses in the down markets. Kyoto threatens to force cut backs in production. In addition, a myriad of social and environmental pressures have become all too commonplace in our industry.
In order to survive and prosper in this environment, we must understand the pressures and challenges and grasp opportunities presented in the form of new ideas and innovations. Information is fundamental to making sound decisions about the future of our industry and our own businesses and organizations.
I truly believe that the organizing committee this year has done a great job of identifying the challenges and an impressive array of speakers from around the world to address the issues we so desperately need to understand. At a time when cash is scarce, our sponsors have once again stepped up to the plate and ensured the financial stability of the conference. Our heartfelt thanks go out to each and every one of them.
Ron Ball as Director has worked tirelessly in persuading speakers of the highest calibre that Banff is the place they need to be expounding their wisdom. I can assure you that his task is not always made easier by the people he has to deal with, myself included. In addition, I once again can only marvel at the yeoman's job that Ruth has done of turning the ideas of the Advisory Committee into reality.
We continue to try new and innovative ideas to improve your opportunities to gather information and enhance your enjoyment at the conference. Your feedback to us is essential for us to determine whether these ideas are achieving their aim or not. Remember, it is your conference.
Welcome to Banff 2003!
Ben Woolley
Chair, on behalf of the BPS Advisory Committee