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: Wheat Futures Head for the Moon on Escalating Drought Concerns

???? Wheat surges on drought: Prices jumped to multi-week highs as worsening dryness grips the Plains, with 70% of winter wheat in drought. Corn edged higher, while soybeans slipped.

??????? Mixed weather pattern: Rain improved parts of the Corn Belt, but drought worsened elsewhere—especially the High Plains and Kentucky. Nebraska conditions sharply deteriorated, with 56% in extreme drought.

????? Oil spikes on tensions: Crude climbed over 3% near $96 as Iran keeps the Strait of Hormuz restricted, while fragile ceasefires keep geopolitical risk elevated. ???? Pulses gain favor: Farmers are shifting to peas and lentils as a rare profit opportunity, driven by strong protein demand and lower input costs.

???? Exports mixed but solid: Corn sales dipped week-over-week but remain strong overall; soybean and wheat sales showed mixed trends, with steady global demand.