Banff Pork Seminar 2017 launches a powerful, progressive program

Date posted: October 20, 2016

Registrations are already flowing in for the 46th Banff Pork Seminar Jan. 10 to 12, 2017 at the Banff Springs Hotel in Banff, Alta.

"We've built a powerful program that tackles the big issues of the day and balances that with the very best production information that producers can implement immediately," says Seminar program co-chair, Dr. Ruurd Zijlstra of the University of Alberta.

"The North American pork industry is innovative, building on the latest technologies and innovations," adds program co-chair Dr. Michael Dyck. "Banff Pork Seminar brings together the latest knowledge and great networking opportunities, all in beautiful Banff."

Wednesday plenary sessions include Sandra Vijn of the World Wildlife Fund on "Feeding the planet." Dr. Frank Mitloehner of University of California Davis tackles "How to satisfy the rising demand for animal protein without depleting natural resources."

On Thursday, Terry O' Reilly of CBC Radio One fame tackles "Changing the conversation", and the popular Dr. Joe Schwarcz of McGill University speaks on "Countering public misconceptions of agriculture."

A new closing plenary session on Thursday afternoon at 4PM features two well-known industry specialists Steve Meyer of Express Markets Inc. Analytics and Kevin Grier of Kevin Grier Market Analysis and Consulting. They'll send delegates home with fresh thinking on a tough subject that's on everyone's mind: "Is the re-tooling over or just beginning?"

A selection of breakout sessions each morning and afternoon tackle topics that most directly affect production. Topics include swine health, animal transport issues, sow productivity, labour management, breeding technologies, sow housing conversions and reduced antibiotic use. Wednesday also features a special innovators' breakout session.

Full program details and registration information is available at the Seminar website.

Follow on Twitter @banffpork. Connect on Facebook /BanffPork. Get complete coverage in a Special Meeting Report of the 2017 Banff Pork Seminar, presented by communications partner Meristem. Find the special report link on the Seminar site home page www.banffpork.ca or directly on the www.meristem.com home page.