Big Bug Day Provides Relevant and Important Information on Swine Health

Dec 18, 2023

ELORA - Nearly 150 representatives from across the pork industry took part in the annual Big Bug Day hosted by Swine Health Ontario.

This gathering of industry experts addresses topics and issues that impact the pork sector including biosecurity, research outcomes, disease surveillance along with other important updates.

New this year was a presentation from Tyler Jutzi of Brussels Transport and the Canadian Livestock Transporters Alliance who shared suggestions for enhancing working relationships between producers and livestock transporters and practical recommendations for improving biosecurity on the farm and processing facilities.

Dr. Ed Metzger of Southwest Vets presented several well researched health strategies to navigate today’s challenging economy. His presentation focused on practical economic considerations for herd health, and several key areas producers can focus on to maximize the return on investment.

Other health and disease topics included an update on sow mortality in Ontario herds, the latest information on influenza surveillance and emerging strains to watch for in Ontario, and an update on Porcine Reproductive Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS).

Source : Ontario Pork

Video: Midwest Weather Shock: Flash Drought Turns Into Heavy Rain Threat This Week (2026 Forecast)

A rapidly changing Midwest weather pattern is unfolding in 2026 as areas that recently slipped into abnormal dryness and flash drought conditions are now facing the threat of heavy rain and repeated storm systems.

After a wet spring erased early drought conditions, regions across Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and northern Missouri have quickly dried out again since mid-to-late May. Soil moisture is dropping fast, and crops like corn and soybeans are beginning to feel the stress of rising temperatures and lack of consistent rainfall. Now, weather models show a major shift.

A developing system moving in from the Northern Plains is expected to bring multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms, with the potential for locally heavy rainfall across the Midwest. While some areas may miss out, others could finally see much-needed relief from the growing dryness. In this video, we break down:

Current drought conditions across the Midwest

Why a flash drought is developing quickly

Timing and path of incoming storm systems

Which states are most likely to see heavy rain

How long this wet pattern could last

Will this rain end the drought or create new flooding risks? Watch the full forecast to find out.