Canadian Centre for Swine Improvement recognizes Alberta man for work in genetics industry

Aug 08, 2017
By Kaitlynn Anderson
Assistant Editor, North American Content, Farms.com

General manager Wim van Berkel received B.W. Kennedy Memorial Award

By Kaitlynn Anderson

Farms.com

After over 20 years of working in swine genetics, Wim van Berkel was acknowledged for his extensive contributions to the industry with the B.W. Kennedy Memorial Award this summer.

Much of van Berkel’s research involves ultrasound work and program development. Along with his team, van Berkel developed a computer program that is now being used in the swine industry in China, Chile, Jamaica and across Europe, according to a Saturday article in the Lacombe Express.

The award, presented in Ottawa by the Canadian Centre for Swine Improvement Inc., recognizes those individuals who have made significant contributions to the swine industry.

Van Berkel, the general manager of the Western Swine Testing Association near Lacombe, Alta., has worked not only to better the industry but also to benefit the consumer, according to the Lacombe Express article.

His nominator, Keith Rasmuson, spoke very highly of the award recipient:

Van Berkel “has worked in the Canadian swine genetics industry for more than 20 years. He has provided leadership, training and management services for the farmers in the purebred pig industry in Alberta,” Rasmuson said on the nomination form.

Previous award winners include Lyse Grenier (2013), Dan Hurnik (2014) and John Gough (2011).

Video: Drone Flight & Baling Success at Last!

Drone Flight & Baling Success at Last!

After weeks of rain delays and frustration, we finally have a reason to smile — it’s hay time again at Ewetopia Farms! In today’s episode, we head out to the fields where Arnie is baling hay, and I attempt my second drone flight to capture it all from the air. The drone still had some hiccups, but I managed to get some aerial footage of the baling process.

Back at the farm, the work doesn’t stop. Arnie brings the bales home, and the next critical step begins — wrapping and stacking the bales to make haylage. This process is essential for preserving feed for our sheep and ensures they have nutritious forage in the months ahead.

It’s a good day on the farm — the sun is out, the drone is flying (sort of!), and we’re making progress. Join us for a satisfying and productive day that brings a long-awaited sigh of relief to this year’s challenging hay season.

?? Let us know in the comments: Have you had to deal with weather delays this season?

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