Hot industry issues debated at Banff Pork Seminar

A perception among U.S. pork producers that the Canadian hog industry is heavily subsidized will be one of the more controversial topics debated this week as pork producers from across Canada and other countries meet in Banff, Alberta for one of the most highly regarded industry conferences - The Banff Pork Seminar.

Nick Giordano, an international trade lawyer with the National Pork Producers Council headquartered in Washington, D.C., will make a case for how alleged Canadian hog subsidies are injuring U.S. hog producers. That keynote presentation will be countered by Martin Rice, executive director of the Canadian Pork Council, who will give the Canadian perspective.

These presentations are among a wide range of trade, marketing and production topics designed to not only inform but also stimulate discussion during the Jan. 18 to 21 seminar being staged at the Banff Centre. Producers, industry leaders, researchers and extension specialists are urged to register for the 16th annual industry gathering.

The conference registration form and more information is available online at www.banffpork.ca or by contacting Ruth Ball, conference coordinator at (780) 492-3651 or by email at info@banffpork.ca.

Along with the discussion on Canada/U.S. hog trade issues, other topics will explore the seminar theme "Building the Canada Brand" recognizing that Canada continues as the leading pork exporter to the world.

"As the Canadian industry exports more than 800,000 tonnes of pork annually around the world, developing a reputation and brand for a quality product in these markets is an important issue for our producers," says George Foxcroft, a University of Alberta professor and seminar program chair.

Experts on brand development include, Michael Detlefsen, president of Maple Leaf Foods International; Richard Davies, an executive vice-president with Olymel S.E.C.; and Derrick Coupland, a consultant with the Winnipeg-based Blacksheep Strategy Inc., a company that specializes in developing strategic marketing plans. As well, Luciano Roppa, general manager of Brazil's largest swine nutrition companies, will provide a perspective of growing competition in world pork markets.

From a hog production standpoint, producers will be able to take part in more than a dozen breakout sessions covering a broad range of topics that include pig trucking and handling, leading edge nutrition, alternatives to antibiotics, disease control, manure management and composting options, and maximizing the life of hog production facilities.

Farm management topics will include techniques for driving costs out of the production system, positioning your company for success, and strategies for setting up sows for lifetime performance.

Broader topics include potential for pork producers to turn carbon credits into cash flow, and also an update on how prepared Canada is to deal with a foreign animal disease outbreak.

"Our goal with this agenda is to provide informative, hopefully entertaining and thought provoking topics for all aspects of the industry," says Foxcroft. "Seminar participants can learn about new developments in production and technology, as well as better understand the world issues that affect all sectors right through to the farm gate."

To book accommodations participants should contact the Banff Centre directly at 1-800-884-7574.

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