Last minute tips for BPS delegates

Date posted: December 12, 2024


Before heading to Banff conference coordinator Ashley Steeple recommends delegates review the checklist below to be informed on everything happening during the Banff Pork Seminar (BPS).

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. 7-9, 2025.

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.

Production Sessions. The Production 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. 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 production 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.

Free wireless. There is free Wi-Fi in the hotel and meeting rooms. Password is "Pork2025".

Check the BPS app. It will have all the program details delegates need for quick, easy access to program details such as agenda, production locations and maps.

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 2025 Special Report. Get news, photos and the Inside BPS blog in this Special Meeting Report from the 2025 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.

Seminar evaluations. These are critically important to planning future seminars so please fill them out. Evaluations will be sent out to delegates at end of conference.

The BPS team looks forward to seeing you in Banff.


Day Two Plenary Gets the Crystal Ball Rolling

Date posted: December 12, 2024


What does the future hold for the pork sector? If you said "more pigs", you may want to broaden your scope. From food safety to world trade, the industry is constantly evolving on many fronts. To help prosper today and prepare for tomorrow, Thursday's plenary at Banff Pork Seminar offers expert opinion and a dash of hope.

"You always want to finish with a bang, and this session fits the bill," says Dr. Michael Dyck, BPS 2025 program co-chair. "I love that it combines practical advice and inspiration."

While the future is unknown, "What's Next in the Global Pork Markets?" looks at global trends to prepare the audience for what lies ahead.

Brett Stuart's background makes him uniquely qualified to paint the big picture. For most of the past 20 years he has been running Global AgriTrends, a business he co-founded in 2006. To date, he has visited six continents researching the global meat and livestock markets. He now advises companies around the world on global agriculture trends, with an emphasis on Asia.

Just as working the crystal ball is essential on a global scale, it's equally vital at home. "Navigating Trade Challenges in the Canadian Pork Industry" shares valuable advice on dealings with obstacles and opportunities."

"Dr. Correa has done extensive pork research and dealt with every aspect of the industry," says BPS 2025 co-chair Dr. Murray Pettit. "His insights will be of interest to everyone."

Before joining the Canadian Meat Council in 2010, Dr. Jorge conducted research trials in genetics, animal feeding, animal welfare, food safety and meat quality. In his current role, Jorge manages the technical and regulatory national program that supports company members contributing to the quality and safety of meat produced in Canada. He also liaises with governments, producer associations and stakeholders on a wide range of issues including regulations, international trade agreements and market access.

The final talk on Thursday morning, "Yesterday's Change, Tomorrow's Strength", will be riveting. Tyler Smith, a survivor of the Humboldt Broncos bus crash and winner of Amazing Race Canada, shares his struggles with mental health. It's a topic that received little attention in agriculture until recently, but one with far-reaching effects on producers and their families. Tyler hopes to continue public speaking, advocating for mental health, and sharing his stories with those who may need them. He believes in the power of conversation and wants to build a lasting community focused on vulnerability and transparency.

"You can't ask for much more from a plenary session," says Ashley Steeple, BPS 2025 coordinator. "This is why people come to BPS from around the world, and they're never disappointed."


BPS 2025: Let the Gains Begin

Date posted: December 12, 2024


Like a top-end sound system, Banff Pork Seminar is all about the speakers. Each year, it features experts from around the globe, and 2025 is a prime example.

This year, the Wednesday morning plenary covers two aspects of the pork sector that are constantly evolving: labor and health.

"The pace of change with labor regulations and procedures in our industry is dizzying," says Dr. Murray Pettit, co-chair of BPS 2025. "Staying current and connecting with the younger generation can be a challenge, which prompted the first plenary talk 'Bridging the Gap – Labor Supply & Changing Expectations'. We're fortunate to have a speaker on this topic who is not only an expert in the field, but the product of an Alberta farm family, so she knows the local market."

In fact, Kristen Cumming spent eight years as an instructor with the Bachelor of Management Business Economics program at the University of Alberta - Augustana Campus. She also earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and a Master of Education degree in Workplace and Adult Learning. For the past 20 years, Kristen has operated a successful consulting practice through which she serves as a speaker, facilitator and trainer on recruitment and retention, leadership and execution.

"Kristen develops leadership training for agricultural organizations in Canada and the U.S., so she's the perfect choice to lead us through the labor maze," says BPS 2025 Coordinator Ashley Steeple.

If you're intrigued by the title of the second plenary talk – "When Pigs Fly – The Impact of Mis- and Disinformation on Virus Emergence and Animal Health" - you're not alone.

"We've had sessions on health threats in the past, and others on myths about the pork & science sectors," says BPS 2025 Co-Chair Dr. Michael Dyck. "This time, however, we're looking at what happens when the two converge."

Covering both subjects in one talk is a tall order, but Dr. Angela (Angie) Rasmussen is up to the challenge. She currently serves as a virologist at the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) at the University of Saskatchewan. Her research focuses on the role of the host in virus susceptibility, with a particular interest in emerging viruses that may pose a major threat to global health.

In addition to her research, Dr. Rasmussen is a prolific science communicator on both social media and in the mainstream press. She also writes for prominent publications including Forbes, Leaps.org, Slate, Foreign Affairs, the Washington Post, and the New York Times. She believes strongly that biosecurity and global public health must be collaborative, international efforts, and is eager to extend this outreach work in Canada and abroad.

"Two fascinating topics and two strong speakers," says Steeple. "It's the perfect way to start this year's event."


Helping Pigs Survive and Thrive the Theme of Production Session 2

Date posted: December 12, 2024


Nutrition, management and labor are all essential to pork success. That said, if your pigs don't survive, neither does your business. Production Session 2 – Pig Survivability offers tips on protecting your greatest assets as they grow better, live longer and enhance your ROI.

"The industry's work on lowering mortality rates has had a huge impact," says Dr. Murray Pettit, program co-chair of Banff Pork Seminar 2025. "The Banff Pork Seminar is all about sharing critical knowledge that directly impacts stakeholders, and this session is a prime example."

Laying the foundation for this subject is "Improving Sow Livability – A Collaborative Approach".

Dr. David Rosero is an assistant professor of Animal Science at Iowa State University. His dynamic research program focuses on advancing swine nutrition and smart farming practices. He brings great passion to his work, whether in research or mentoring and inspiring the next generation of professionals. Dr. Rosero places a premium on the development of innovative solutions to advance sustainable practices, enhance animal welfare and optimize productivity in swine systems.

Delving further into this serious topic, the second presentation – "Key Findings in Post-Weaning Mortality Research & Pig Livability Project Producer Resources" – offers key insights from relevant research.

A farm boy from early on, Dr. Joel DeRouchey grew up on a diversified purebred swine, cattle and sheep operation in Pukwana, S.D. He graduated with a Bachelor of Animal Science from South Dakota State University in 1997, and earned his M.S. (1999) and Ph.D. (2001) in Swine Nutrition from Kansas State University. At present, he is a full professor and State Animal Science Extension Program Leader working with a productive applied swine nutrition team.

"This is an area that affects our entire sector, so there should be something in it for everyone," says Ashley Steeple, coordinator of BPS 2025.


Finish with a Flourish

Date posted: December 12, 2024


When your parents said to "finish what you start", were they talking about grow-finish management on pork farms? Not necessarily, but it's still great advice. While starting pigs on the right hoof is essential, the proper approach at the grow-finish stage may spell the difference between profit and loss, as the experts in Production Session 1 can attest.

"We have authorities from both sides of the border for this session, and we're pleased to be getting these two perspectives," says Dr. Murray Pettitt, BPS 2025 program co-chair. "Grow-finish is the longest and most expensive phase of pork production, so the advice from our speakers will be invaluable."

Diet is a huge part of crossing the finish line, and that's the focus of part 1 for this session: "Nutrition to Reach Marketing Goals & Optimize Profitability".

A native of West Michigan, Dr. Jordan Gebhardt grew up on a small family farm and local feed mill. He is currently an assistant professor, swine production in the Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University. There, he is involved with research focused on Applied Swine Nutrition and the safety of the livestock feed supply.

Ultimately, the key to pork profits at finishing is "Understanding & Targeting the Grid", something that gets close attention in talk #2.

Dr. Charles Grant is a senior instructor and Chair of the Agribusiness Program at the Department of Agribusiness and Agricultural Economics at the University of Manitoba. In that role, he teaches agribusiness management, farm management and financial risk management. He also conducts independent research regarding the use of technology to automate agricultural operations, with the goal of making these operations more efficient, sustainable and profitable.

Oh yes, and he takes a special interest in the pig industry.

"This is truly a cross-border session that benefits producers on both sides," says BPS Coordinator Ashley Steeple.


Nursery management: The young and the restless

Date posted: December 4, 2024


If you think a group of hyper kids is a challenge, try a bunch of nursery pigs. Because it sets the stage for future growth and production, the nursery phase is "make or break" time for producers. If you'd rather "make it", Production Session 7 is the place to be.

"Proper nursery management is the foundation of pork success," says Banff Pork Seminar 2025 program co-chair Dr. Michael Dyck. "Between the three, our speakers for this session have over a century of experience, so that's a lot to draw from."

Getting things off to a "Clean Start", Biosecurity Specialist Dave Van Walleghem is the relative rookie, sporting "only" two decades in the business. His passion for ag began on the family dairy farm and led to his current career. He now divides his time between troubleshooting challenged barns and sharing his down-to-earth approach for reaping the rewards of biosecurity investments.

In all areas of production, success is about keeping current, which prompted the second part of this session: "Recent Advances in Nursery Pig Nutrition & Management".

"Good results flow from good research, and that is clearly the case for maximizing results in the nursery," says Dyck.

With that in mind, former researcher scientist Dr. Roger Campbell – with 40 years in the global swine industry - is the perfect choice to explore the science of nursery management.

So how do you top 40 years of experience with pigs? How about 50? Half a century of knowledge is behind a timely talk "European Strategies for Reducing Medicated Zinc Oxide & Antibiotics in Weaned Piglet Feed".

As a swine consultant and nutritionist, Gilles Langeoire advises feed compounders, home mixed farmers and feed additive companies. Two of his major contributions on swine nutrition are Net Energy and digestible protein-amino acid needs for growing pigs and sows.

"The swine sector in Canada is lucky to have a wealth of expert experience to draw from, and we're even luckier to have three of those experts in one session," says BPS Coordinator Ashley Steeple.


Sow Management: Top minds to boost your bottom line

Date posted: December 4, 2024


While making money with pigs is never easy, proper treatment of sows can help you hit the motherlode. To ensure the best advice on this critical topic, Banff Pork Seminar 2025 has gathered experts from both ends of Canada and overseas for Production Session 6.

"We're excited to have two prominent pork researchers and a feed and genetics specialist for this session," says BPS program co-chair Dr. Murray Pettitt.

Fittingly, the first talk is entitled "Gilt Development - Laying the Foundation for Future Performance".

"Gilt management practices from birth serve as the basis for future performance and are a critical driver of future sow lifetime productivity (SLP)," says Pettitt. "Improving SLP represents a significant opportunity within the industry."

Presenter Jennifer Patterson obtained her MSc in Animal Science from the University of Alberta, where she is currently a Research Associate and the Swine Industry Liaison for Livestock Gentec. This involves developing research projects that address current industry challenges and providing continued support to producers to implement results at the farm level, putting "science into practice".

Next up is the cleverly named "Weight Watchers - Insights from Ontario Sow Herds".

Courtney Werth is an applied researcher with a background in the human healthcare sector, now applying her skill sets within the animal health sector as lead of the applied research team at South West Vets.

Capping this off will be the informative talk "Between Gestation & Lactation a Transition is Made".

Hard to believe, but at age 46, Chris Opschoor has already spent 26 years in the pig sector. He currently serves as Director of the Department of Global Technical Services for Topigs Norsvin, focusing on nutrition, female and male reproduction, breeding program management, veterinarians and meat quality.

"All these aspects of sow management are vital, so it should be a compelling session from start to finish," says BPS Coordinator Ashley Steeple.


Feeding the need for healthy pigs

Date posted: December 4, 2024

The annual last minute tips for BPS delegates

Though they can't open the fridge like a growing teen, pigs can still eat you out of house and home. As producers work on the slimmest of margins, they are always looking to stretch their feed dollars. For help in that regard, Banff Pork Seminar 2025 offers Production Session 5 – Feed & Nutrition.

"I can't think of a timelier topic these days than feed," says Banff Pork Seminar 2025 program co-chair Dr. Michael Dyck. "That's why we have chosen this subject, and why we feature two top researchers and an international expert on food safety."

When you're trying to innovate and streamline costs, thinking outside the trough can make all the difference. "Opportunities & Challenges for Novel Protein Feedstuffs in Swine Diets" offers some fine strategies to trim your feed bill.

"My colleague Dr. Ruurd Zjilstra - professor in the Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science at the University of Alberta - has produced 189 scientific papers and 14 book chapters," says Dyck. "Most of those are on swine nutrition topics, so he's the perfect fit for this topic."

Dr. Zjilstra's current research program is involves unique aspects of dietary starch and fiber, nutritional quality of co-products, and feed quality evaluation techniques.

Focusing on feed actually has a number of benefits, all of which are addressed in the second talk: "Decreasing Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Feeding Costs & Labour Requirements by Using Precision Feeding Techniques".

Dr. Marie-Pierre Letourneau-Montminy is a full professor in the Animal Science Department of Laval University in Quebec. Her main research focus is producing sustainable animal protein. In particular, she works to optimize the utilization of phosphorus and nitrogen in pig and poultry through animal trials, meta-analysis and modelling to formulate eco-friendly and low-cost diets.

"In the pork sector, you must always be looking ahead," says BPS Coordinator Ashley Steeple. "For that reason, we close this session with "The Role of Livestock in Future Food Systems".

Karel van der Velden is the Business Development Manager at Nijsen, a Netherlands feed manufacturer. He is responsible for product development, future policy, and strategy and operation of the Dutch SecureFeed, a supra-statutory body established by the animal feed business with the goal of ensuring food safety.


Thank you to 2025 BPS Sponsors

Date posted: December 4, 2024

Thank you to 2024 BPS Sponsors

Banff Pork Seminar (BPS) 2025 is very fortunate to have such strong industry sponsorship.

"Without our sponsors none of this would be possible" says BPS program co-chair Michael Dyck.

The funds received from sponsors allow us to keep registration costs low for delegates. Sponsors are also responsible for bringing people to the conference from all across the industry that add to the networking experience that has become a huge part of Banff Pork Seminar week.

The 2025 Seminar sponsors are listed below in order of sponsorship category starting with the highest, says Dyck. All are thanked heartily for their contribution.

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Supporting Sponsors



The people behind BPS 2025

Date posted: December 4, 2024

Thank you to 2024 BPS Sponsors

The goal of the Banff Pork Seminar (BPS) founders was to bring together all aspects of the pork industry to network and learn. That's why the organizing committee which plays such an important part in BPS planning is made up of people from across the industry and across Canada. Together members bring valuable experience and perspective from industry, government and academia.

The BPS 2025 Advisory Committee is as follows:

  • Chair: Steve Davies, Maple Leaf Agri-Farms, Carman, Man.
  • Program Co-chairs: Michael Dyck, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta. & Murray Pettitt, Prairie Swine Centre, Saskatoon, Sask.
  • Conference Coordinator: Ashley Steeple, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.
  • Javier Bahamon, Alberta Pork, Edmonton, Alta.
  • Maaike Campbell, Warwick Township, Ont.
  • Andre Fenton, DNA Genetics, London, Ont.
  • Leanna Grenwich, Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, Edmonton, Alta.
  • Matt Ische, Kenpal Farm Products, Granton, Ont.
  • Glenn Kuhn, PIC, Kipling, Sask.
  • PK Lanctot, Jyga Technologies, Saint-Lambert-de-Lauzon , Que.
  • Mike Shaw, Topigs Norsvin Canada, Oak Bluff, Man.
  • Adrian Sinke, Sinke Farms Ltd., Picture Butte, Alta.
  • Ben Willing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.
  • Zhenbin Zhang, Cargill Animal Nutrition & Health, London, Ont.
  • Ruurd Zijlstra, University of Alberta, Edmonton, 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.