COVID-19 to Earn Agriculture Greater Appreciation

Mar 20, 2020

The Head of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture believes many Canadians will have a greater appreciation for agriculture when the smoke finally clears from the ongoing pandemic.

Mary Robinson says regardless of COVID 19, people need to eat and its Canadian farmers and their supply chains that are supplying a steady stream of food during these difficult times.

"If you consider how incredibly food is, we can fight COVID-19 and control COVID-19, but we still need to eat. Those of us in agriculture can take comfort that we are an essential service, and the world is relying on us. I think that when all the dust settles on this we are going to go through a major shift in what people value. I'm very hopeful that in that will work in agriculture's future."

Click here to see more...

Video: Season 6, Episode 10: Defining Resiliency and the Research Driving Swine Health Forward

Genetic research and new technologies continue to influence the future of swine health and production efficiency. In this episode, we explore how research and technology are being used to support stronger, more resilient pigs, while also improving overall production outcomes. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Jenelle Dunkelberger, geneticist with Topigs Norsvin, to discuss both routine and emerging strategies for improving piglet, pig, and sow livability. She outlines two primary approaches to enhancing resiliency: gene editing and traditional selective breeding. Continuing the resiliency conversation, we also hear from Dr. Lucina Galina, director of technical research projects at the Pig Improvement Company. She shares insights into ongoing gene-editing work focused on PRRS, detailing the pathway to success, regulatory and practical considerations, and the questions that still remain as the technology evolves. Together, these conversations provide a closer look at how research, genetics and innovation are shaping the future of swine health and livability.