Inside BPS Blog

Summit of Cascade Mountain in Town of Banff: 2023 Banff Pork Seminar Special Meeting Report

News from the BPS Communications from inside the 2023 Banff Pork Seminar.


That's a wrap: See you in 2024

Date posted: January 13, 2023

Ruurd Zijlstra

Ruurd Zijlstra


The 2023 Banff Pork Seminar started with fresh energy and ended much the same way. After a couple of years of pandemic disarray delegates were clearly anxious to get back to more normal business. That energy showed up in registration numbers.

In a somewhat different twist, presentations were videotaped and will be offered to registered delegates for viewing on demand. BPS program co-chair Ruurd Zijlstra thanked the more than 700 delegates attending for their support as he closed the 2023 Seminar. He reminded them that with their input and guidance this Seminar is well positioned to continue to provide a leadership role for the pork industry.

As delegates head home BPS coordinator, Ashley Steeple, adds a quick wrap-up of things for all to note.

Presentations will be available soon. All delegates registered for BPS 2023 will be able to access 2023 presentations online soon by using the conference app. Delegates will be sent a reminder email when presentations are available.

Tell us how we did. An important part of hosting a successful Seminar each year is for delegates to rate their experience. Delegates can help organizers make Banff Pork Seminar the best it can be by completing the conference evaluations accessible in the event app under survey section.

Tell your network. As in past years, the blog and feature articles on the Inside BPS Special Report are available free of charge for media and industry use. That report link is available from the home page of www.banffpork.ca.

Follow BPS on social media. Use the hashtag #banffpork to help share the stories this year's speakers have shared.

Come back next year. Mark your calendar to be in Banff January 9 to 11, 2024.

Maple Leaf sets goal to 'Raise the good in food"

Date posted: January 13, 2023

Mauricio Alanis

Mauricio Alanis


"To be the most sustainable protein company on earth."

A straightforward if ambitious objective. Some might say lofty.

Maple Leaf Foods' manager Mauricio Alanis told the 2023 Banff Pork Seminar that his company is doing more than talk about this goal. They are well down the road to reaching it, and to being able to prove what they've done.

The four pillars Maple Leaf uses are not surprising: Better food, better animal care, better planet, better people and community. Want to see how they're doing? Check out the company website, says Alanis, who is personally on the management frontlines of sustainability in Maple Leaf Foods.

His words come with pride of confident transparency. Everything the company has to say is available on that page available for all to see, he says.

Of particular pride is the Coller FAIRR ranking. FAIRR stands for Farm Animal Investment Risk and Return. Alanis says is the world's only assessment of meat, dairy and farmed fish producers on the material environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks. "We were ranked as the top pork and poultry producer in North America from a risk and opportunity perspective," he says.

A purpose driven company

Our purpose is to "Raise the Good in Food", says Alanis. Raise is an aspirational statement; it means to move forward and constantly improve. The "Good in Food" represents everything that is good about our business from what our food can deliver to society to what's in the food and what that means to the people that consume it.

Our purpose is why we exist as an organization, says Alanis. The Maple Leaf view is that the intersection between society's needs and who you are creates big bold opportunities. What the world needs and what your company is able to provide provides your purpose.

The backdrop to the Maple Leaf decision is the information much of society sees and believes. Rather than focus on debating the validity of that information Alanis made it clear this is the realty Maple Leaf considers. Agriculture accounts for 20 to 30 percent of the globe's greenhouse gas emissions. In the U.S. 80 percent of antibiotics used are for farm animals. There are 800 million people who do not have proper nutrition but 2 billion people are overweight. Of food produced 33 percent goes to waste. Fifteen of the 16 hottest years on record have happened in the 21 Century.

Better food

"We are actively addressing the most pressing diet-related health issues we face as a society, including reducing artificial ingredients, antibiotics use and continually advancing leadership in food safety," says Alanis.

Maple Leaf's sustainable meat principles are a clear indication of the new company. Goal is food that is nutritious, healthy and safe, produced through a resilient, fair and efficient food system that makes optimal use of land and natural resources.

It comes from animals raised with care, with minimal use of antibiotics and to standards that respect the five freedoms of animal welfare. Is produced with environmental standards that measurably reduce impacts across the cycle, limiting greenhouse emissions and impacts on water quality and quantity, avoiding loss of biodiversity and eliminating waste.

Maple Leaf has developed a sophisticated carbon tracking system, doing a deep dive into understanding their carbon inventory. Leadership in the highest standard of animal care is a social and ethical priority. For example, in 2007, Maple Leaf was the first major company in Canada to commit to converting sows from gestation crates to open sow housing. By 2021, all owned sow spaces had been converted.

Strengthening communities.

How that value is captured in communities is a key part of the Maple Leaf strategy.

There are 5.8 million Canadians or roughly16 percent of households facing food insecurity, Alanis told Seminar delegates. One in five children lives in food-insecure households.

Maple Leaf has a comprehensive plan for leadership within and outside the company and Alanis believes company performance showcases their success. They have donated more than $3 million of healthy products and food relief and committed over $8 million to 24 initiatives across Canada to-date to advance food security.

Inside the company, they now have 39 percent women representation at the manager level and above, and company safety record is strong.

Looking ahead

One of the greatest challenges for the agricultural industry is to meet the increasing global demand for food while dramatically decreasing the environmental footprint of food production, says Alanis. Two major spotlights for the future for Maple Leaf Foods are anaerobic and regenerative agriculture.

All of the manure produced at company operations is applied to the land as fertilizer but Alanis says the company realized how much methane was being produced from manure in storage lagoons.

They are now aggressively investing in anaerobic digesters to reduce emissions and capture advances in their operations and supply chains. It's an undeveloped market in North America, which has fewer than 500 digesters across the continent while Germany alone, by comparison, has 10,000.

In 2019 Maple Leaf became the world's first carbon neutral food company. Organizations managing carbon emissions typically start by avoiding intensive activities, then reducing or replacing carbon sources, and finally offsetting emissions that cannot be reduced.

Alanis believes the company has solid growth ahead based on these principles.

BPS delegates had some questions for Alanis about the company goals and what it means for the pork industry. They and all of society interested will follow the company journey with interest.

Speak up or pay the consequences: Andrew Campbell

Date posted: January 13, 2023

Andrew Campbell

Andrew Campbell


There are 40,000 items for consumers to choose in an average grocery store. If you want to have a say in how people make those choices, you have two options. Speak up yourself or write a cheque for somebody who is.

That was the Reader's Digest version of Andrew Campbell's message as he closed the 2023 Banff Pork Seminar Jan. 12. An engaging young farmer and communicator Campbell has carved out a solid market position in Canada as the "Fresh Air Farmer", a thinker and speaker with a strong following around a simple message: "Your story matters."

People are interested in where their food comes from more than ever in history, says Campbell. By and large we are all proud of what we do in agriculture, but we are not always at the table when conversations about food are going on. And if we are not at the table our side of the story doesn't exist.

"What happens if we don't have that trust? What do we do? What happens if we do nothing?" he asked.

So much of communications around food is packaged as black or white. Consumers are made to feel good or bad about choices. But as anyone in any part of the industry knows, agriculture and food involves a lot of grey.

Animal activists connect with people and they are good at it. They understand emotion is how people make decisions. The other thing about passionate people is that they actually do something about it. They will get in a car and drive a few hours to take part in a demonstration.

So farmers have to step up their game. Messaging is important. Facts don't matter. It is a positive that agriculture has a lot of research that verifies its position. But that alone won't win over many people.

Emotion drives more decisions than we like to think. At the end of the day we all just want to feel good about our decisions. It is human nature for people always want to win the argument but seek first to understand, then be understood.

The bottom line is farmers and the agricultural industry has to tell their story.

"If you are waiting for somebody to do that, you will be waiting a long time," says Campbell.

"If you don't want to do that talking yourself, then write a cheque to someone who will."

And make it a good one. Think as a percentage of your bottom line rather than simply a $50 or $100 cheque.

It's a big job that needs to be done.

The role of genetics in a more sustainable pork industry

Date posted: January 13, 2023

Banks Baker

Banks Baker


No matter your stance on climate change, greenhouse gas emissions or the role agriculture plays in the issue, one thing is certain. The clock is ticking for all of agriculture to build their own solution because consumers, industry stakeholders, corporations and governments are all lining up to do it for us.

Banks Baker with the Pig Improvement Company (PIC) started his presentation to the delegates at Banff Pork Seminar 2023 with a look at the increasing focus globally on reducing emissions levels, the use of taxes and levies on imports, and the direction retailers are heading when it comes to the sustainability of the products they sell.

"Agriculture is being asked to do a lot - animal health and welfare, antimicrobial stewardship, food affordability, positive climate action," says Baker. For example over 1,400 companies are working with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)- think McDonalds, Target, Cargill, Tyson, Walmart, Maple Leaf Foods, JBS - to set their own corporate goals and targets. Now SBTi companies represent over a third of global market capitalization, worth $38 trillion USD.

Governments including Canada and the United States are enacting policy for stretch targets for the next seven to 30 years with net zero being the goal by 2050. These policies could mean billions in lost value for farm and food investors if they do not meet these targets.

Measure what matters

To truly understand what role genetics can play in improving the environmental footprint of something like PRRS (Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome) a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is conducted. An LCA is a cradle-to-grave method of assessing environmental impacts associated with all stages of a product's life.

"Historically, the impact of genetic improvements on sustainability have been undervalued," says Baker. "PIC and the National Pork Board are investing in a framework that will allow producers to quantify and claim credit for the value they create through genetic improvement.

The framework being developed should demonstrate how genetic improvements support sustainable pork production and can deliver on climate pledges. Once completed the framework will be shared with other swine genetics companies, and will allow them all to build standards and a pathway to achieving the claim that could be replicated around the world.

The current LCA has four deliverables. First it will credibly model GHG reductions and provide defensible quantification of these reductions. Next, in collaboration with industry partners, it will define and create a pathway to the claimed reductions. Third, a pilot will be run to test the framework and claims of improvements using genetic improvements. And finally it will be codified as an industry standard and replicated in pork markets globally.

The focus of the current LCA work is on PRRS-resistant pigs and the impact that advancement could have not just on the environmental footprint but also on animal health, and the economic and emotional well-being of pork producers.

If successful, this technology is a possible solution to animal health issues in other species as well such as Avian influenza, Bovine Respiratory Disease, and of course African Swine Fever.

Quadruple bottom line: People, Pigs, Planet, Profit

For 60 years PIC has been working on genetic improvements in pigs. These improvements lead to benefits for people (producers), the pigs, the planet and for profit.

For people these genetic improvements have supported food security; improved animal health and welfare which leads to less physical labour and reduced emotional stress; and more sustainable farms.

For the pigs, genetic improvements lead to improved disease resistance, vitality; improved health and welfare; reduced need for antibiotics; and reduced morbidity and mortality.

For the planet, more efficient feeding reduces GHG emissions; lower levels of feed waste, water usage and manure production; and it supports corporate environmental social and governance commitments.

For profit, improved feed efficiency, lower productions costs, and reduced overall input costs improve the bottom line for the producer.

The next step is to build trust with the consumer. PIC is engaging stakeholders and investing in research to further quantify the benefits gene editing will provide the entire value chain to earn market acceptance for the PRRS-resistant pig.

Finally, Baker shared four critical roles of genetic improvements in a sustainable food system.

  1. Genetic improvement address problems and reduce impacts before they occur
  2. Raising the right animal is critical to the sustainability of protein production
  3. PIC has 60-years of experience in improving animal genetics leading to healthier, more robust and efficient animals
  4. Gene editing is a part of the future of animal health, delivering value and supporting advancement across the full value chain.

One of the most important issues says Baker: "We need to make sure the people who are making the positive change are being rewarded."

That is sentiment pork producers will likely applaud.

Two student science winners announced at Banff Pork Seminar 2023
Jessica Vehof (left), Ben Willing, BPS Awards Committee chair, and Tausha Prisnee

Jessica Vehof (left), Ben Willing, BPS Awards Committee chair, and Tausha Prisnee

Date posted: January 12, 2023


It was a great day for two young scientists. They were awarded the R. O. Ball Young Scientist Award at the 2023 Banff Pork Seminar (BPS) held in Banff, Alta. Jan. 10 to 12.

The award honors graduate students who provide a best overall combination of good and relevant science, well-written abstract and excellent presentation. It is named after Dr. Ron Ball, a long-time University of Alberta researcher and former BPS program director.

"There is a lot to celebrate in the presenting of this award," says Ben Willing, University of Alberta researcher and awards chair for BPS 2023. "Not only does is recognize individual success for students, but it demonstrates the quality of research being done at Canadian universities and promises excellent future leaders for the industry."

First prize was awarded to Jessica Vehof of the University of Saskatchewan. Her paper is "Effects of sow grouping practices on mixing aggression and production."

Second prize went to Tausha Prisnee, University of Alberta for the paper "Kazachstania slooffiae alters immune system function and promotes an anerobic environment."

First place winner receives a $500 cheque and second place receives a $250 cheque.

HyLife weaning ramp wins Aherne Prize at 2023 Banff Pork Seminar

Date posted: January 12, 2023

Barak Doell (left), Ben Willing BPS Awards Committee Chair, and Robert Lafrenière

Barak Doell (left), Ben Willing BPS Awards Committee Chair, and Robert Lafrenière


Two employees of HyLife sow farms in La Broquerie Manitoba have won the F. X. Aherne Prize for Innovative Pork Production at the 2023 Banff Pork Seminar (BPS).

Robert Lafrenière and Barak Doell developed what they have called the "HyLife weaning ramp", an innovation that improves working conditions, animal well-being and productivity. They were presented with their award in front of conference delegates by Ben Willing chair of the Seminar awards committee.

"Each year our committee is impressed by the innovation of people in our industry who enter our competition," says Willing. "The award can be for any innovation and it comes with financial reward in the form of a ticket to the Seminar for two people and support for travel costs to attend. However, the biggest prize for many is the recognition by industry peers for their efforts."

The weaning ramp designed by Lafrenière and Doell is a solid example of the goals of this competition, says Willing. "Grassroots innovation built with team support and an idea that helps others in the industry in their daily work. Frank Aherne, who was a professor at the University of Alberta and a major force for science-based progress in the Canadian pork industry, would be proud."

In their own words Robert Lafrenière and Barak Doell describe the invention. They say it is an extension of the fact that HyLife is deeply committed to animal welfare. Respecting both pigs and employees is a company core value. This is an innovative improvement in company farm operations.

In most sow farms, the weaning process typically involves picking up piglets, vaccinating them and separating by male and female.

To accomplish this, staff will pick up piglets from the floor, bring them to the person performing the vaccination, and finally, put them on the appropriate side of the hallway depending on their sex.

Repeatedly collecting and picking up piglets places strain on a worker's body, especially their back and arms, as most of these piglets are either 12 lbs. or heavier. Staff often consider this process one of the most labor-intensive and strenuous tasks at a sow farm, with some farms weaning 3,000 piglets per week.

To improve this method and reduce worker strain and stress for piglets, HyLife designed an innovative weaning ramp that eliminates the need to pick up piglets off the floor. The process is as follows:

  1. Initially, piglets exit the farrowing crate by opening the sow gate while staff use noise shakers to move them into the alleyway and towards the ramp.
  2. Piglets are moved up the ramp in groups of 20 to 25 depending on the ramp size (bigger farms have larger ramps).
  3. Once up the ramp, a gate using a pulley system is lowered behind the piglets and staff can begin picking the piglets from waist height to be vaccinated and then place them on a slide depending on their sex.
  4. Gradual sloping slides off each side of the station bring the piglet back down slowly and gently to ground level.

HyLife has implemented weaning ramps at multiple sow farms, all of which have been received very positively by staff due to the significant ergonomic improvement. Of equal importance, the weaning ramp reduces stress on the joints of the piglets by minimizing the amount and degree they are handled by workers.

Most of HyLife's sow farms have different layouts and space available; our team has developed assorted ramp designs depending on what works best for a specific location. HyLife is in the process of successfully implementing the weaning ramp in all its sow barns.

Perhaps the best indication of the value of this innovation are comments that come from HyLife barns. This one is from a HyLife manager on a larger operation. "Using the weaning ramp saves your back! It is a big improvement on health and safety for the workers because it eliminates bending to pick up piglets off the ground. It also improves the quality of vaccination for the piglets."

And another site manager adds, "Teammates are very happy with the ramp. Less stress for both piglets and workers."

HyLife weaning ramp 1

HyLife weaning ramp 1

HyLife weaning ramp 2

HyLife weaning ramp 2

HyLife weaning ramp 3

HyLife weaning ramp 3

Kara Stewart, Purdue University receives 2023 Foxcroft Honorary Lectureship

Date posted: January 12, 2023

Michael Dyck, (left) and Kara Stewart

Michael Dyck, (left) and Kara Stewart


There was no doubt some extra emotion in the room as researcher Kara Stewart of Purdue University presented her paper on "Colostrum management and pig survival" to Breakout Session 5 at the 2023 Banff Pork Seminar (BPS).

Stewart is the recipient of the George Foxcroft Honorary Lectureship at BPS 2023. It was only a year ago that Foxcroft died suddenly just prior to the 2022 Seminar. The former professor emeritus at the University of Alberta was an iconic industry figure and a warmly enjoyed regular attendee at BPS which honored him some years ago with this lectureship in his name.

"We set up this award to facilitate the Banff Pork Seminar working with the University of Alberta to bring leading researchers doing work directly applicable to the pork production industry with the potential to improve production efficiency," says Michael Dyck, co-program chair for BPS.

"Kara Stewart's research definitely meets the criteria of this award which is quality of the research and contribution to the pork industry," says Dyck. "Her presentation sheds important light on the role of colostrum and its importance in piglet survival and performance."

Stewart's presentation outlines how colostrum's role is multifactorial and contributes to thermoregulation, immune function, nutrition and final maturation of body organs. Therefore, she says, its role in the piglet goes beyond the farrowing house and must be optimized in the first day of life.

She believes a goal of the swine industry must be to figure out methods how to identify piglets that have not received enough colostrum and methods to increase colostrum ingestion by these piglets.

Stewart is a solid example of the research pathway to success that Foxcoft appreciated, says Dyck. With a bachelor's degree from Purdue, Master's and Ph.D. from NC State, Stewart taught in the Animal Science department at NC State before returning to Indiana to work in industry.

She returned to Purdue in a faculty position in reproductive physiology in the Animal Science department. She carries a majority extension appointment working across several species, predominantly swine, and teaches a reproductive management and a reproductive physiology course for undergraduates. Her recent research has focused on mitigation strategies for heat stress in boars and sows, and the role of colostrum in piglet survival.

"We are proud and George would be proud to have her receive this award," says Dyck.

How to access Banff Pork Seminar 2023 proceedings

How to access Banff Pork Seminar 2023 proceedings

Date posted: January 12, 2023


An important part of each Banff Pork Seminar (BPS) is the proceedings from the event. They are produced each year as the publication "Advances in Pork Production" and are considered by many delegates to be a valuable resource.

"The 2023 proceedings are again free of charge to all delegates as part of the Seminar delegate registration package," says Ashley Steeple, seminar coordinator. "They are available by download only via the BPS App. You must be registered to access them."

Limited quantities of proceedings from previous years are available and can be requested by contacting the BPS office.

Decent year ahead for pork industry: Market analyst Brett Stuart

Date posted: January 11, 2023

Brett Stuart

Brett Stuart


It's a good indication of the kind of guest you are when you get invited back. Well-known U.S.-based protein industry analyst and market commentator, Brett Stuart warmed up his audience at the 2023 Banff Pork Seminar (BPS) with a little anecdote about spending a couple of years living in Western Canada and when he left, bringing back to the United States the woman who would be his wife.

The fact is he didn't need that story to convince the audience he speaks their language. They know that. He is a popular analyst and solid speaker who has been in Banff before. He gets invited back because he is clear, informed and comfortable providing useful market analysis based on his solid network.

Here are six key predictions from his presentation.

Cycle peaked. The commodity cycle has peaked; but we will not return to pre-pandemic price levels in commodities or inputs. The recession risk remains globally but Stuart sees a soft landing for the United States and Canada.

Tightening global hog supplies. Stuart predicts a smaller U.S. hog herd and a steady Canadian herd while the EU herd will continue its decline. North America now produces the most affordable pork.

The China factor. COVID waves will pass allowing economic recovery. The hog cycle has been disrupted temporarily. China can live without U.S. pork but can the United States live without China?

The answer is yes as long as Mexico continues to be a strong customer, he says. Mexico is growing in all phases of pork from production, export, import and consumption. It's the only country to do that and it is a major opportunity for the United States.

Back to China. Stuart gave two indications of Chinese central policy impact. One is the massive hog hotels that have been China's response to modern disease management and have garnered worldwide attention as a curiosity and business model. Stuart says based on his feedback he believes they have proven to be a massive failure at managing disease and may well be pushed to the wastebin of history.

A second was the government's decision to ban swill feeding. It immediately meant they were in the market for 30 million tonnes of feedgrain. A huge impact.

The big wildcard ahead: Feedgrain prices. While he was quick to point out he is not a meteorologist, Stuart says he has he access to good ones and he says they are forecasting a weather shift from dry years seen recently to wetter years ahead.

Decent year ahead. Stuart says 2023 should be a decent year for hog farmers based on supply/demand, but it may be a tougher year for processors.

The activist challenge. One big unknown is California's Prop 12 court case. The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in October and is expected to offer a ruling in the next 60 days, Stuart says. California has moved the implementation date to mid-2023.

This case has big implications far beyond pork, he says. It has mass-following far beyond agriculture and it could trigger a cascade of similar regulations in other states. No one knows which way this will go. An estimated three percent of U.S. hogs are compliant. California consumes an estimated 12 percent of U.S. pork.

The other challenge is activist versus data driven climate policies, says Stuart. It is moving quickly globally. Dutch farmers are protesting plans to halve the nation's livestock. New Zealand plans to tax farmers for emissions, beginning in 2025. Ireland plans to cut emissions by 25 percent by 2030; Denmark to cut livestock emissions by 65 percent.

Canada's Prime Minster Trudeau is suggesting a 30 percent cut in fertilizer emissions costing around 160 mmt of grain, and proposing tripling the carbon tax (to $150,000 for a 5,000 ac. farm).

It's all about methane from livestock, fossil fuels, landfills and biomass burning and it will have a big impact on the pork industry.

BPS chair welcomes delegates with "A Sustainable Pork Journey" message

Date posted: January 11, 2023

Dan Bussieres

Dan Bussieres


Banff Pork Seminar (BPS) chair Dan Bussieres welcomed delegates to the 2023 event with a simple opening message of thanks and a look ahead to the coming year.

"Another year has gone by since some of us met in a smaller format for the Banff Seminar in January 2022," he says. "Although we were a small group in Banff, your support has allowed the Banff Pork Seminar to stay alive and be back this year for an event as we use to know it."

Sustainability is a pretty common theme in a lot of areas in society and our industry is well aware of what it means, says Bussieres. The pork sector, like other sectors of agriculture, has evolved tremendously over the years. "There has been a diversification of ways to raise and produce pork and as an industry we have to embrace and support all of these," he says.

Being sustainable has a strong meaning in the environmental aspect of our production. Although agriculture is still often blamed, the industry has to be proud of the progress made in terms of being much more efficient in producing food for the world.

"The inputs needed to produce 1 kg of pork today is much better than it was years ago," he says. "This is something we need to talk about and let people know. Although, there is still progress to be made, we are committed to always do better."

Sustainability also mean being economically viable and this applies to all the sectors in our industry, he adds. Since spring 2020, there have been a lot of challenges. The year 2022 has seen feed costs remain high, while prices have been good for the most part of the year.

The packing industry has still seen a lot of challenges, which lead to more pressure on the entire pork sector. "We need to have all factors of our industry do well if we want to remain strong and sustainable. It is impossible to have a perfect economics alignment of all sectors, but by working more closely together, we should be able to do better," he reminded delegates.

As always, this year's seminar will cover many areas of our industry. The economic picture, the environmental aspect, new technologies and others. "Mostly, we wanted to be closer to the producer and farm by presenting subjects that would matter to the day-to-day work in the farm," says Bussieres. "The committee worked hard to find quality speakers from around the globe which can bring value to our participants.

"As always, we are thankful for the continuous support of our sponsors which year after year are here to help us to provide a quality program and event. Again, a big thanks to all the advisory committee members, to Ashley Steeple and her team and our two long-time program directors, Ruurd Zijlstra and Michael Dyck.

"This is my last year on the committee and as the advisory committee chair. I really enjoyed my time and the collaboration with the group. I'm sure the group will remain in good hands for the future.

"Thanks again all for being here and enjoy your time at the seminar and in beautiful Banff."

Fresh enthusiasm brings delegates back in numbers to Banff Pork Seminar 2023

Date posted: January 10, 2023

Ashley Steeple

Ashley Steeple


If the energy in the room at the opening reception at the 2023 Banff Pork Seminar (BPS) translates into industry progress, it is a sign of good things. After years of pandemic pressure cut participation in all aspects of life, delegates signed up in numbers and hotel rooms and meeting areas for related industry events were booked up quickly.

"We are pleased to have well over 700 delegates signed up as we opened the 2023 Seminar today," Ashley Steeple, BPS coordinator reported. "We take that as a sign of interest in our program but we also know it is a sign of the readiness of people to get out and enjoy this beautiful community and world famous mountain resort."

Having attendance return to pre-pandemic numbers is a reinforcement of the reasoning why BPS renewed its agreement with the iconic Banff Springs Hotel, says Steeple. "Our delegates tell us there are many benefits to being here including easy access to all meeting rooms and the trade show area.

"Networking with so many people is a major reason delegates attend. In addition to the program, people enjoy the social side of things, like the special hotel rates, so they often arrive early and stay after the event. There are just so many things to do in this area and that appeals to delegates.

"More and more industry players are lining up events that run in and around the Seminar," adds Steeple. "It is just such an opportunity to have all those people that are important to them to be in one place."

All of that combines to bring a good feeling to the BPS organizing committee.

"Those people from industry and other organizations from across Canada work throughout the year to being the best speakers in and provide the best atmosphere we can," says Steeple.

"It is nice when they see good results from that effort. We want everyone leave at the end of the week with an enjoyable experience under their belt and we are confident they will this year.

"As always, the organizing committee looks forward to feedback throughout the seminar about any aspect of the event," she says. "Completing conference evaluations is particularly important."


Download BPS App for easy 2023 Seminar management

Date posted: January 9, 2023

Download BPS App

It's the simplest way to have a smooth Banff Pork Seminar (BPS) 2023 experience. Download the BPS App.

"We introduced this feature to our seminars a few years back but it is one that has grown in significance each year," says Ashley Steeple, BPS coordinator. "This year delegates can track all aspects of their seminar experience on location. For example, it shows details of all sessions, such as location of Breakout Sessions.

"During or following the Seminar the App is where session recordings can be accessed, and also where Seminar proceedings can be downloaded. It's also where a link to Seminar evaluations will be located."

The App is available only to registered delegates. They can access the App from the link on their registration.

The annual last minute tips for BPS delegates

Date posted: December 21, 2022

Ashley Steeple

Ashley Steeple


If you are heading for Banff Pork Seminar (BPS) 2023 here's a quick last-minute checklist for delegates that Seminar coordinator Ashley Steeple provides each year.

The venue. The Banff Springs Hotel is a special place for BPS and delegates. It's where the Seminar began more than 50 years ago. There are several restaurants and lounges right in the hotel so check out which best fit your needs. Don't want to wait? Make your reservation ahead of time at www.fairmont.com/banff-springs/dining. BPS delegates receives a 10 percent discount on dinners at all Fairmont Banff Springs Restaurants Jan. 10-13, 2023.

Registration payment. If BPS has not received payment for your registration or your group's registration, delegates will not be able to check in and pick up their kits until payment is received. Please ensure the first person to check in from your group is prepared to settle the invoice. Payment by credit card, cheque or cash is accepted.

Breakout Sessions. The Breakout Sessions delegates have selected are printed on their name tags. If you did not choose sessions, the person who registered your group may have chosen for you.

Note that Breakout Sessions have limited seating and once a session is full, fire regulations prevent BPS from allowing more people in. Please arrive at least five minutes before the session to avoid disrupting speakers and other delegates and to ensure you get to see sessions you want.

Wednesday evening is open. There is no formal event planned for Wednesday evening. Delegates can meet after the day's breakout sessions and enjoy a refreshment from the cash bar in the tradeshow area, then head out on their own to enjoy the best of Banff.

Wear your nametag. Name badges will be required for entry into sessions, functions and meals.

Free wireless. There is free Wi-Fi in the hotel and meeting rooms. Password is "Pork2023".

Check the BPS app. It will have all the program details delegates need for quick, easy access to program details such as breakout locations. App download details will be sent to each delegate. This is also where video recordings of each session will be posted for viewing.

Banff Airporter Shuttle discount. Anyone arriving by air and wishing to book on the Banff Airporter Shuttle can get a 15 percent discount by booking online. Check under the Hotel and Travel button, Airport and Shuttle tab for booking link, promo code and details.

Free downtown shuttles. These will be running between downtown and the Banff Springs during the evening. See the program or the conference app for times and pickup locations.

Find the latest news at the Inside BPS 2023 Special Report. Get news, photos and the Inside BPS blog in this Special Meeting Report from the 2023 Banff Pork Seminar. Find the special report link on the BPS website home page. Inside BPS Report articles are available with credit for reprint for individual, industry or media use.

Follow BPS on Twitter. Follow us @BanffPork or with the #BanffPork hashtag for the latest news and highlights during the conference.

Seminar evaluations. These are critically important to planning future seminars so please fill them out.

The BPS team looks forward to meeting you in Banff.

Acuity & Fast Genetics: Coming Together

Date posted: December 12, 2022

Acuity & Fast Genetics

2022 has been a year full of getting back together post-covid. Our team has been happy to see trade shows, conferences, symposiums, and seminars ramping back up. With that, Acuity and Fast Genetics are grateful to the BPS team behind the scenes that puts together such an amazing event and provides us the opportunity to come together.

Acuity and Fast Genetics have also had their own year of coming together. Earlier this year, Acuity and Fast Genetics joined forces to continue leading the swine genetics industry by providing superior products and solutions. As sister swine genetics brands making up the swine division of STgenetics, they are positioned to provide unique products and a proprietary suite of technology to the industry.

We can't wait to see everyone again and enjoy two days full of learning and meaningful conversations in beautiful Banff.

Learn more about Fast Genetics' and Acuity's partnership: https://fastgenetics.com/en/acuity-fast-genetics.

Thanks to 2023 BPS Sponsors

Date posted: December 12, 2022

Banff Springs Hotel

Banff Pork Seminar (BPS) 2023 is fortunate to attract strong industry sponsorship.

Sponsors are the backbone of the conference say BPS program co-directors Michael Dyck and Ruurd Zijlstra.

The many sponsors that provide funding support means the registration costs are only about half of the actual cost of putting on the event. Our sponsors also provide support by bringing people to the conference and this broad group of industry people bring knowledge, energy and personal connections to the networking experience that has become a huge part of Banff Pork Seminar week.

The 2023 Seminar sponsors are listed below in order of sponsorship category starting with the highest, say Dyck and Zijlstra. All are thanked heartily for their contribution.

Select Sponsors

Supporting Sponsors



We want you! Join us in person and online

Date posted: December 11, 2022


The Banff Pork Seminar will again be in-person and in the Rockies, January 10-12, 2023. And the #BanffPork social media hashtag and channels will be the place to find the latest information, deadlines, highlights and exclusive content from the Seminar.

"Our social media audiences, particularly on Twitter, continue to grow and I think that is directly related to the prestige of the event and the excitement that builds during the week," says Annemarie Pedersen, social media lead for the conference. Some of the most popular posts have been of conference delegates enjoying the beautiful facilities at the hotel and the magnificent scenery.

By using the conference hashtag #BanffPork on LinkedIn and Twitter, anyone interested in the hog industry can join the conversation and benefit from the discussions.

"I encourage everyone to share their thoughts, photos, screen shots and comments as the conference progresses and use the hashtags so we can follow along and share your posts with the BPS community on Twitter," says Pedersen.

Banff Pork Seminar runs January 10 to 12, 2023. Find all the details on the website at: www.banffpork.ca.

Aherne and Ball

New science, new inventions at BPS 2023 Breakout Session 4

Date posted: December 8, 2022

Innovation and science are tantalizing words. They are words that bring delegates to the Banff Pork Seminar (BPS) every year with the promise of learning profitable examples.

While many sessions feature science and innovation developments, if past years are any indication one of the most popular sessions will be Breakout Session 4 on innovation on Wednesday Jan 11. It showcases grad student finalists for the R. O. Ball Young Scientist Award and also a presentation by the winner of the F. X. Aherne Award for Innovative Pork Production.

"The young scientists who present are selected from what is usually a strong field of competitors," says Ben Willing, chair of the BPS awards committee. "They will give presentations on their work. Poster boards in the common area of the meeting area will feature posters of all other young scientist entries.

"You will see delegates reading these posters throughout the seminar and there is typically strong attendance to hear the winning grad student. That session is interesting for a couple of reasons. One is there is often information that is useful in decision-making, but equally it is nice to see the promise of these young minds who will be active in research and fill the positions in our industry in the future."

The Aherne Prize winner features practical innovation, produced on farm. "This award always draws strong interest in part because these are ideas that can often be adopted in operations quickly and easily," says Willing. "It is also popular because it is industry peers who have created the innovation."

Attending the actual session allows delegates the opportunity to be able to ask direct questions of Aherne winners and of young scientists, says Willing.

The F. X. Aherne Prize and the R. O. Ball Young Scientist Award will be awarded officially on Thursday morning prior to the opening plenary session, says Willing.

Full program details are available at www.banffpork.ca.

Media are links to the world in pork production

Date posted: December 8, 2022

Andrew Hecht, editor of Canadian Hog Journal, (second from left), visits with delegates.

Andrew Hecht, editor of Canadian Hog Journal, (second from left), visits with delegates.


Trust and transparency.

Those two words are heard frequently as the world of agricultural production and pork production is discussed anywhere in the world these days. "In fact they likely will come up in many presentations at the 2023 Banff Pork Seminar," says Seminar coordinator, Ashley Steeple.

"Each year we appreciate having media attend our Seminar. Their work listening and talking to our speakers about those presentations and then sharing that knowledge through media channels is an important part of how the world learns about the developments and issues of the day in the industry.

Brenda Kossowan, (left) Prairie Hog Country is a regular BPS media delegate.

Brenda Kossowan, (left) Prairie Hog Country is a regular BPS media delegate.

"Media are welcome to attend in 2023 once again," says Steeple. "We ask that they register and they can do that by contacting me in the BPS office."

Direct contacts for assistance are available under the "Media Assistance" button on the Special Report page. The Inside BPS Special Report available by link from the BPS website www.banffpork.ca includes a blog, feature articles and photos. These are available for media support and industry use. Media can also follow BPS @BanffPork on Twitter.

Topigs Norsvin: sustainable genetic solutions

Date posted: December 8, 2022

Topigs Norsvin

Farmer-owned Topigs Norsvin is renowned for its innovative approach in implementing new technologies and its continuous focus on cost-efficient pig production. With an annual production of more than 2.5 million crossbred gilts and over 15 million doses of semen, Topigs Norsvin is one of the largest swine genetics companies in the world.

Our genetic improvement is based on two major cornerstones: sustainability and efficiency. We have the ambition to be the world's best when it comes to translating market needs into desired products through genetic solutions for integrated chains.

Our genetics enable efficient and high-quality production with an eye for animals, people, environment and the economy. This way we contribute on a sustainable way in meeting world's rising demand for animal protein.

Our unique approach creates extra added value and new possibilities for our partners.

Next to top-shelf future oriented genetic solutions Topigs Norsvin provides the best service and support. A team of local and global support specialists advise and help our partners. This enables producers to capture the full potential of Topigs Norsvin genetics.

All this makes Topigs Norsvin the world's most innovative swine genetics company.

More info at: www.topigsnorsvin.ca / topigsnorsvin.us / www.topigsnorsvin.com

BO Session 8: How building engineering connects with sustainability

Date posted: December 1, 2022

Sustainability and the search for carbon neutral production is a big part of the program at Banff Pork Seminar (BPS) 2023, Jan. 10 to 12.

In Breakout Session 8, delegates get a clear look at how building engineering ties in with sustainability on the farm.

"We've brought in three excellent speakers who will build on the morning plenary discussions looking at sustainability and carbon neutral production in a broad sense but in the Breakout Session bringing it to more of an on-farm in the barn level," says Michael Dyck, BPS program co-chair.

Stephen Clarke, a professional engineer is on board to talk "Farm building energy savings."

Buildings require energy, and there is an economic component to that but also an environmental component, says Dyck. Stephen will discuss that connection.

Then Sebastien Fournel of Laval University talks on "Swine heaven in 2050: Building the future of pig housing". That discussion is based on research coming out of Laval University on pig housing.

"When you look at pig housing there is economic and practical aspects to consider," says Dyck. "That includes energy usage but also animal welfare, space allocations and trying to use that as efficiently as possible.

"What the expectations of the future? For example, are we going to see changes in farrowing rooms like the changes we have seen in gestating sows?"

The session finishes off with manure management. Stephane Godbout of IRDA talks on the state of knowledge in manure management and treatment.

"There is an environmental component to manure management but also a practical one," says Dyck. "We need to be aware of potential environmental impacts and how to mitigate those. Are weather patterns changing and is that going to affect exterior management of manure lagoons, those sorts of things."

Practical knowledge from three industry leaders that delegates can take home and apply. Full program details on the BPS website www.banffpork.ca.

Stephen Clarke

Stephen Clarke

Sebastien Fournel

Sebastien Fournel

Stephane Godbout

Stephane Godbout

Finding new value in feed and nutrition

Date posted: December 1, 2022

Pork producers don't have to be told how big a factor feed costs are to pork profits. Delegates to Banff Pork Seminar (BPS) 2023 Jan. 10 to 12 will find good payback for their time at Breakout Session 7: "Feed and nutrition".

"The three speakers in this session have been selected because they deal with both practical and leading edge knowledge," says Ruurd Zijlstra.

"Francesc Molist of Schothorst Feed Research talked a couple of years back at BPS about how to reduce feed costs in the nursery," says Zijlstra. "This time he talks about reducing feed costs in grow finish pigs; basically a look at all modern aspects of feed formulation.

"Schothorst is one of the leading organizations in Europe for feed research."

Malachy Young from Gowans Feed Consulting will deal with on-farm feed milling efficiency.

"A lot of groups that Gowans works with use on-farm milling and Malachy Young will look at how to optimize on-farm feed milling to get better feed quality and an opportunity to reduce feed cost. That will include things like proper particle size, proper mixing and proper feed flow."

Finally Laura Greiner, Iowa State University, looks at the nutritional aspect of how to prevent some sow morbidities and mortality in her presentation "Feeding to improve sow livability."

Details on this session and how it fits into the BPS 2023 program are available at www.banffpork.ca.

Francesc Molist

Francesc Molist

Malachy Young

Malachy Young

Laura Greiner

Laura Greiner

Alberta Pork returns as Sustaining Sponsor for BPS 2023

Date posted: December 1, 2022

Alberta Pork

Alberta Pork is excited to sponsor the Banff Pork Seminar once again.

We are a non-profit organization representing the province's more than 1,000 registered hog producers before government, industry partners, media, the general public and other interest groups. Alberta Pork is guided by the goals of providing services that give the best value to producers, improving relationships and trust, and being proactive in our focus on the three main business areas for producers: Revenue, Expense and Image.

The Alberta pork industry is measured on how we address the 4-Ps of sustainability: Pigs, People, Planet and Progress.

We hope you enjoy the 2023 Banff Pork Seminar!

Active analysis of grow-finish production in BPS Breakout 6

Date posted: November 21, 2022

In sports, winners know they need to play a full game to be successful. In pork production, success at the grow-finish stage, the last production stage, is critical to operation and industry success. Information on this important stage will be covered in Banff Pork Seminar 2023 Breakout Session 6.

"We have three breakout sessions that cover all stages of pig production and the last one on the program is grow-finish," says Ruurd Zijlstra, BPS program co-chair. "We want our BPS program to interact well with all aspects of the pork production system and Breakout Session 6 deals with grow-finish management starting at 25 kg of weight.

"We have three strong speakers to do that."

Nat Stas of PIC talks on how wean-to-finish can become more efficient in his presentation "Wean-Finish Efficiencies - The Often Overlooked Areas." He will look at some things that may be overlooked, like unique housing systems or pig flow systems, says Zijlstra.

Kurt Stoess from HyLife will look at optimizing management of feed costs. Rather than deal with nutrition, which is in a separate breakout, he will get into how you actually manage feed, specifically at the finisher stage.

Then in his presentation "Late finishers" Matt Ritter of Provimi North America, will look at unique aspects of how to manage late finisher pigs, perhaps including how you market them properly. Do we need to change diets, how do you transport them properly; in other words how do you get the most bang for your buck when you market these pigs.

"The end of this session may prove to be the most valuable in a practical sense," says Zijlstra. "That will be a panel discussion with all three presenters discussing practical tips."

All program details are available at www.banffpork.ca.

Nat Stas

Nat Stas

Kurt Stoess

Kurt Stoess

Matt Ritter

Matt Ritter

Capturing the potential in piglets in BO Session 5

Date posted: November 21, 2022

The best sow management may result in more piglets but unless those piglets survive and grow efficiently the benefits aren't captured. Banff Pork Seminar (BPS) 2023 Breakout Session 5 tackles the latest in piglet survival.

"We made a conscious effort to look at the full production cycle of pork production," says Michael Dyck, BPS program co-chair. "We are seeing a lot of discussion around piglet survival in the industry. Breakout Session 5 builds on the morning session on sow management to bring in three speakers with some critically important and new information."

Kara Stewart from Purdue University and Lee Schulz from Iowa State University are from different institutions but are part of a fairly large piglet survival project in the U.S. funded by the National Pork Board. So BPS delegates will get some insight from this project.

Stewart talks on colostrum management and piglet survival. Schulz addresses the economics of mortality with a look at decision tools to help improve it.

"Part of that survivability is properly cross fostering when you need to," says Dyck. "We have John Sonderman from DNA Genetics talking on 'Effects of fostering strategies on piglet performance.' He will also talk about some of the work they are doing from a technical services point of view with their clients."

Full program information at www.banffpork.ca.

Kara Stewart

Kara Stewart

Lee Schulz

Lee Schulz

John Sonderman

John Sonderman

Industry leaders talk fast moving world of smart farming

Date posted: November 21, 2022

David Speller

David Speller


How do pork producers use technology to stay in business? Two industry leaders, one from North America, one from the United Kingdom, share their knowledge in Breakout Session 3 at Banff Pork Seminar (BPS) 2023, Jan. 10 to 12.

"There is a lot happening in the world of smart farming and pork producers want to know what is happening with people who actually have experience with it," says Ruurd Zijlstra, BPS program co-chair.

David Speller with OPTIfarm talks smart farming in his presentation "Digital farm and technology insight."

OPTIfarm is a unique data driven support service founded by Speller, for swine and poultry to assess real time farm data against animal behavioural knowledge and human considerations to increase productivity and welfare globally.

"David searches for opportunities of data and digital solutions in farming and he has a passion for creating tangible value from digital solutions," says Zijlstra. "Delegates will learn about real developments for the pork industry."

David Rosero
David Rosero

The second presentation is by David Rosero of the Hanor Company, a large pig producing company in the US. He will talk on how they are evaluating new technology options and also how they are adopting them into their production systems.

"What Hanor does in their systems is to make that adoption as easy as possible," says Zijlstra. "For example, think about color coding or well thought-through scenarios so that if a specific situation arises feed formulations can be switched quickly.

"The formulations are ready to go, and it's really about how do you use technologies to create an advantage. It's basically asking ourselves how do we get prepared in advance to make a decision when different situations arise."

A session that all those involved in daily pig production will find useful.

More information on the BPS website www.banffpork.ca.

Putting the power in pork ambassadors

Date posted: November 18, 2022

Andrew Campbell

Andrew Campbell


The closing speaker at the Banff Pork Seminar (BPS) is designed to send delegates home thinking and in a positive mood.

BPS 2023 ends its session with a dynamic young communicator who has built a solid reputation as a farmer, writer and speaker, says Ruurd Zijlstra, BPS program co-chair.

Andrew Campbell will bring his message of why "Your story matters" to delegates.

"That message is that we all need to be good ambassadors, and as delegates, we need to talk about our industry when we meet with friends, neighbors or anyone. We need to tell the story of pork production," says Zijlstra.

"Andrew is a positive and thoughtful speaker and we are expecting this to be a powerful conclusion to a strong seminar."

BO Session 2: The latest on sow management and reproduction

Date posted: November 18, 2022

Casey Neill

Casey Neill


Champion sports teams talk about success in all phases of the game. One of the things delegates signing up for Banff Pork Seminar (BPS) 2023 will see is that's how the planning committee has selected speakers for the 2023 event.

The Breakout Sessions, where meat and potatoes issues are discussed are tackling all phases of pork production, says Michael Dyck, BPS program co-chair. Breakout 2 starts at the beginning with "Sow management and reproduction."

"It's always beneficial to come to come back to these topics in a basic way," says Dyck, "not just looking at feeding the sow but what is going on around farrowing.

"We have people speaking to that work, what they are seeing and how they are managing during gestation and into the farrowing environment. Obviously that's a huge investment and once you get the piglets on the ground, how do we manage them so that you get as many weaned as possible?

"While managing the sow during gestation is a big investment, managing the sire side is sometimes forgotten a bit. Managing AI, semen and managing the insemination process effectively. These factors can have a significant impact on the efficiency of the breeding herd."

Kyla Ripley

Kyla Ripley

BO Session 2 has brought in speakers who will build on their experiences. Kyla Ripley of Carlo Genetics will describe pitfalls that can occur if you don't manage semen and AI properly in her presentation "What to expect from an AI dose and best practices on-farm."

And Casey Neill, Carthage Veterinary Services will talk on "Feeding the sow and managing the farrowing experience to improve nursery pig performance."

Fresh thoughts on winning the battle on day-to-day herd health

Date posted: November 18, 2022

Brooke Smith

Brooke Smith


The big disease names like African Swine Fever and PED are powerful headline topics in the swine world. The day-to-day health issues may not get headline attention but they get bottom line coverage. They are just as critical to production success and Breakout Session 1 at Banff Pork Seminar (BPS) 2023, Jan. 10 to 12 brings fresh thinking on that front.

"We plan our BPS programs based on our advisory committee's experience and networks," says Michael Dyck, BPS program co-chair. "It is always interesting to hear veterinarians discuss topics such major diseases but this year our committee members kept coming back to the things they face on a regular basis, health issues like circovirus, Strep Suis and E.coli etc.

"All these are challenges that we sort of assume are around but we are seeing new things associated with them. So we thought it was important to circle back to some of the health challenges that we are seeing in the barn on a regular basis. That brings the discussion back to what the primary delegates we are targeting at BPS are seeing, the people in the barn and overseeing production systems."

An example is E.coli in Europe adds Ruurd Zijlstra, BPS program co-chair. "There is a lot changing, starting with the removal of dietary antibiotics and now high dosing of zinc oxide has been banned too. So a lot is happening and the questions are how to manage E.coli without those tools."

"There is always two things in play in health, the way we manage animals and the animal themselves," says Dyck. "Is the disease changing? Where do those two meet and how is that being allowed to happen. How are we seeing more issues around these diseases even though they been around for a while? "Breakout Session 1 will have that kind of fresh health information."

Ryan Tenbergen of Demeter Veterinary Service will talk on "Circovirus: A practitioner's perspective of present and future." And Brooke Smith of Cargill Animal Health and Nutrition will talk on "Strep Suis and E.coli in the nursery – a health by nutrition approach."

Leading speakers outline progress in sustainability, carbon neutral production

Date posted: November 18, 2022

Leading speakers outline progress in sustainability, carbon neutral production

Livestock producers around the world know there is increased pressure on agriculture for environmental sustainability. The question on everyone's mind is how best to respond.

Banff Pork Seminar (BPS) 2023 brings two industry leaders who have tackled this issue head on and their presentations at Thursday's morning plenary will include real and current analysis of progress.

"As we planned this year's program there was a lot of discussion around environmental considerations, carbon credits and trying to meet expectations around sustainability," says Michael Dyck, BPS program co-chair. "So we looked for people who were actively involved on the leading edge of this new world of sustainability to share their experiences.

"The two Thursday morning speakers both represent companies that are very active in this area. Banks Baker of PIC and Mauricio Alanis of Maple Leaf Foods will bring knowledge based on actual experience and we believe all delegates will benefit from their perspective."

Baker will look at "Sustainable food production." Alanis will look at "Carbon neutral pork production" from the Maple Leaf Foods perspective.

When livestock sustainability is discussed the ruminant production industry has often been highlighted because of CO2 emissions, says Dyck. However, pig production faces a challenge when the feed going into these animals and the waste products they produce are considered.

"Learning how people are trying to lead in this area in pork, what perspective they are taking and options for a multi-pronged approach is the kind of practical information Banff Pork Seminar has a reputation for providing," he says.

BPS plenary speakers target pathways to industry success amidst global turmoil

Date posted: November 10, 2022

Brett Stuart
Brett Stuart

The Banff Pork Seminar (BPS) has built a reputation for thinking big and small. Big as in the world. Small as in the individual.

The 2023 Seminar starts off with two speakers who bring those worlds together. The two plenary session speakers on Wed. Jan 11 have built their careers and business reputation at looking globally and bringing that back to the individual producer or industry player. Theirs is a dynamic world and 2023 brings plenty to consider.

"Each year our delegates arrive against a backdrop of world and industry events that bring opportunities and challenges," says Ruurd Zijlstra, BPS program co-chair. "They come looking for fresh perspective. But it would be hard for anyone to have predicted the events of the past few years and the challenges that came from that, from COVID to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. They have brought a seismic shift in challenges and opportunities.

"When you have big challenges you want people who have been in those battles for success and survived. We lead off 2023 BPS with two speakers who have proven success in the past and a firm understanding of the current situation."

Brett Stuart of Global AgriTrends is a veteran North American industry analyst and a popular industry speaker. He gets invited back as a speaker across North America because he has an open and direct speaking style, deep knowledge and a willingness to take delegates inside the issues of the day.

Stuart opens Wednesday's plenary session with his "Global pork: Update and Outlook."

Then Steve Weiss of NutriQuest looks at Pork Production Trends and Outlook: Opportunities."

Steve Weiss
Steve Weiss

NutriQuest describes itself as a company that through its comprehensive strategy improves the way that producers succeed and flourish.

"Banff Pork Seminar has always brought together the technical side with pork production and Steve Weiss, president and co-founder is exactly the kind of person who represents that," says Zijlstra. "That company operates in swine, poultry and dairy and has built a leadership role around stewardship and a strong collaboration with industry, technology providers and customers."

The company's main focus is developing value for clients and industry and that is why Weiss will be of real interest to BPS 2023 delegates, says Zijlstra.

The people behind BPS 2023

Date posted: November 10, 2022

Dan Bussières, (right) Levis, Que. Committee Chair.
Dan Bussières, (right) Levis, Que. Committee Chair.

The success of the current seminar is a testament to the vision or the founders of the Seminar of bringing all sectors of the industry together. That's why the organizing committee which plays an important part in Banff Pork Seminar (BPS) planning is made up of people from across the industry and across Canada. They bring valuable experience and perspective from industry, government and academia.

The BPS 2023 Advisory Committee is as follows:

  • Chair: Dan Bussières, Groupe Cérès Inc., Levis, Que.
  • Program Co-chairs: Michael Dyck and Ruurd Zijlstra, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.
  • Conference Coordinator: Ashley Steeple, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.
  • Eric Aubin, DNA Genetics, St-Lazare, Que.
  • Javier Bahamon, Alberta Pork, Edmonton, Alta.
  • Jason Brandt, Steve's Livestock Transport, Red Deer, Alta.
  • Maaike Campbell, Birnam Pork, Warwick Township, Ont.
  • Melissa Da Costa, Baseline Pork, Harley, Ont.
  • Steve Davies, Maple Leaf Agri-Farms, Carman, Man.
  • Jen Demare, Swine Heath Professionals, Steinbach, Man.
  • Heather Ferguson, Cargill Animal Nutrition, Puslinch, Ont.
  • Jennifer Hannesson, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, Edmonton, Alta.
  • Michel Larivière, PIC, St. Malo, Man.
  • Rick Prejet, Porcherie Lac du Onze, Notre Dame de Lourdes, Man.
  • Ben Willing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.
  • Cordell Young, Precision Veterinary Services, Lethbridge, Alta.

BPS appreciates the input and vision of these people. BPS organizers would remind everyone that the Advisory Committee is an open process. Anyone interested in serving on it or learning more about its role is invited to contact a current member.

Key deadlines and information for registering for BPS 2023
Ruurd Zijlstra

Ruurd Zijlstra

Date posted: November 10, 2022

There are good reasons to register early for Banff Pork Seminar (BPS) Jan. 10 to 12, 2023. The best one is to get in on the substantial savings of an early registration deadline rate.

In-person registration. BPS 2023 will only be offering registration for in-person attendance for 2023. Early registration deadline is Nov. 15, 2022. Regular registration rates will apply Nov. 16 to Dec. 20. Late registration rates will apply after Dec 20, 2022. Group discounts are offered until Dec 20.

Session recordings. All registered delegates will have access to the recordings of Seminar sessions to watch on-demand after the conference as part of their registration.

Student discounts. BPS offers free registration for undergrads and grad students attending a Canadian institution. Undergrad and grad students attending an international institution outside Canada receive a 50 percent discount. Students must register by Dec. 20 to receive the discounts.

"There is much interest attending in-person and we hope to see a strong turnout," says BPS program co-chair Ruurd Zijlstra.

Follow the latest news on Inside BPS 2023

Date posted: November 10, 2022

Ashley Steeple
Ashley Steeple

Welcome to the Inside BPS Special Meeting Report for Banff Pork Seminar (BPS) 2023.

Each year this Special Report takes delegates and their industry "inside" the developments of the annual Banff Pork Seminar. It's produced by the BPS Communications Team.

BPS 2023 will be back to in-person format. Some things will stay the same says long-time Seminar Coordinator, Ashley Steeple. One is that the BPS organizing committee has, as usual, attracted an outstanding group of speakers. As well, the seminar design of plenaries and breakout sessions will continue. In a new twist this year the presentations will be recorded for registered delegates to watch on-demand following the conference.

Once again this year, the information in this Special Report – blog items and news features – will be a good place to follow developments, says Steeple. The information is designed to be available for use by media and industry, with credit to the source.

Here are key things Steeple wants delegates to know as they plan for this event.

The BPS hub. The Seminar website www.banffpork.ca will have the latest program, registration and participation details for the 2023 Seminar. You can also sign up for e-news advisories from Seminar coordinator Steeple.

Inside BPS blog. These blog items will provide key information and perspective prior to, during and immediately following the 2023 seminar. Blog items are designed for use by media, industry communications specialists, producers and others in the industry. Simply provide a credit line to the Inside BPS Special Report and a live link to the Report.

News releases and news features. Designed primarily for media and industry communications specialists, they are available for anyone to use and are available for reprint for their own use or in corporate or organization media. News releases can be used without a requirement to provide credit. News features should be credited to the Banff Pork Seminar 2023 and where possible linked to the Special Report.

Social media. Information and links to stories on BPS 2023 will also be featured on social media. Watch for regular updates under the #BanffPork hashtag. Follow the Banff Pork Seminar at Twitter handle @BanffPork and on the BPS Facebook Page.