'Adapting and Evolving' the theme for Banff Pork Seminar 2015

Date posted: November 10, 2014

It is a powerful lineup of speakers for an industry ripe with opportunity.

The 2015 Banff Pork Seminar (BPS), Jan. 20 to 22 has selected a theme of "Adapting and Evolving." How can the pork industry adapt to the challenges faced today as part of an ever-changing industry while evolving to meet the pressing needs of tomorrow?

"The Seminar has built an international reputation for providing the knowledge, expertise, forward thinking and networking opportunities to meet those challenges head on," says Bob Kemp, BPS advisory committee chair. "And thanks to industry support, it does all of this in a way that provides excellent value to delegates."

The plenary sessions tackle the industry's big picture issues. Wednesday's session looks at the rapidly rising issue of "Animal welfare in the supply chain." Charlie Arnot of the U.S. based Centre for Food Integrity looks at restoring and maintaining trust of pork consumers. And Glynn Tonsor, Kansas State University answers the question "What will consumers pay for happier pigs?"

Thursday's plenary focuses on domestic supply and import markets. Well known market analyst Kevin Grier of the George Morris Centre will speak on the "State and future of domestic pork producers and processors." As well, Howard Hill of the U.S. National Pork Producers looks at international pork trade.

Then nine breakout sessions with speakers from North America and Europe get at the meat and potatoes of knowledge to improve pork production.

There's a session on the pressing issue today of effective staff training, specifically how to handle language and cultural differences and still train effectively. Another breakout session takes on swine genetics of the future. A third looks at optimizing herd efficiency. Another focuses on emerging production systems.

The lead afternoon session on Wednesday looks at "Novel research and application," an always popular session that includes graduate students presentations and the awarding of the R. O. Ball Young Scientist Award. It also includes presentation of the F. X. Aherne Award for Innovative Pork Production.

There's an update on PED which has been a major disease challenge for the industry during the past year.

The "Feed cost and net income" session looks at one of the biggest input costs for the industry and how to win the profitability battle. A strong set of speakers look at "Implementing the Canadian Code of Practice" in animal welfare. A final session looks at problem solving in pork production, comparing Canadian and global production.

BPS registration is open now, says Seminar coordinator, Marliss Wolfe Lafreniere. There are real cost savings to registering early, she says. And group registration options are offered as well.

Full registration information including program details is available at the Banff Pork Seminar website www.banffpork.ca or by phone at (780) 492-3651.