2019

Welcome to Benchmark 2019

Welcome to Benchmark 2019

It’s a small world. The 2019 issue of Benchmark features articles on the day in the life of swine producers around the world.


2019

A Day In the Life

Thousands of miles separate swine producers across the world. As you travel from country to country, you notice differences of geography, languages and customs, but what about swine production practices? We thought it would be interesting to hear from several swine producers pertaining to: What’s a typical day like, setting goals, motivation, etc. Read their stories and hear about “A Day in the Life”.


2019

Never Stop Improving: Genetic Improvement in the Pig Industry

The domestication from the wild boar to the domestic pig centuries ago was the onset of genetic improvement in pigs. Since then, different breeds and lines have been developed.

2019

Sick of Disease? Genetics Can Help.

If you think a sick child is a handful, how about a 300 kg sow with a fever? From lost production to treatment expenses, pig health problems can be hazardous to your financial health. Fortunately, when a problem persists in the pork industry these days, the solution might be found in your favorite pair of genes.


2019

Genes Help Scientists Get Selective

Given that none of us would be here without them, genes are very important. As technology continues to advance at lightning speed, scientists are learning more about genes and how to harness their power for selective breeding. The idea sparks a variety of burning questions, but perhaps the most fundamental one can be simply stated: What IS selective breeding?


2019

Selecting the Best Pig

The swine industry faces many challenges, such as implementing loose sow housing, reducing antibiotic use and contending with labor shortages. In light of these challenges, providing producers with a pig that is self-sufficient throughout its life will be a vital role for genetic suppliers.


2019

It's a Small World - Biocontainment And More!

Biosecurity is a top concern in the livestock industry since it affects performance, economic results and can even close markets for trading when catastrophic disease occur. Excellent examples of current international biosecurity concerns include African Swine Fever (ASF), Classical Swine Fever (CSF), and Foot & Mouth Disease (FMD) that could dramatically affect export sales.


2019

USA 2018 Year Summary

Total number of farms: 375


2019

African Swine Fever in Canada

As noted previously, humans are most likely to be the ones to bring in the African swine fever virus into Canada, either by bringing in contaminated meat, or by travelling with the virus on their clothes, footwear and personal items. Although the virus does not infect humans, it is very deadly for the pigs who come into contact with it. The introduction of African swine fever into Canada would put over 100,000 jobs in jeopardy and cost the Canadian economy $24 billion dollars.


2019

African Swine Fever: One of the Big Three is Spreading

African Swine Fever (ASF) is a viral disease that causes high mortality in domestic and wild pigs. It, along with Classical Swine Fever and Foot and Mouth Disease, is one of the Big Three highly transmissible diseases that would stop our export markets cold if identified in the United States or Canada.


2019

The Link Between Animal Welfare and Pig Performance

As the swine industry continues to grow and progress, we are faced with new challenges. One topic that is making its way to the frontlines is animal welfare. Producers are constantly challenged with improving living conditions for their animals to continue producing a safe end-product, as well as building relationships with consumers.


2019

Benchmarking Data: The Truth About Your Business

Comprehensive records exist to allow us to benchmark reproductive and growing pig performance. A “benchmark” is, in the truest definition, a point of comparison. We often think this is a modern concept, but in fact the practice dates back to ancient times when Japan sent teams to China in 1607 A.D. to learn the best practices for business. This dataset includes multiple genetics and is not stratified by herd size or health. These quotes put the value of benchmarking in perspective:


2019

Take-aways for a Proactive Swine Producer Looking at Benchmark Data

When I first looked through the summary data, the item that sticks out to me is Death Rate. In my opinion, death rate seems to be a “flashing red” concern. Thinking of this I decided to look back at previous Benchmark reports and do a comparison. Comparing data over the years showed a continuous higher trend of Death Rate in sows. As you read articles and attend seminars you hear that the industry has also recognized higher mortality rates in sows. On our farm, we moved to large pen gestation 10 years ago. Since that time, we have seen increased lameness and a noticeable uptrend in sow Death Rate.


2019

It's Time to End Trade Disputes

Retaliatory tariffs from major U.S. trading partners are wreaking havoc with American agriculture and other sectors of the U.S. economy. Pork producers have taken a big financial hit because of punitive duties on their products.

The U.S. pork industry now is on three retaliation lists: two from China and one from Mexico.


2019

Bringing Global Pork Production to the Kitchen Table

According to the Pork Checkoff, pork is the number one consumed meat animal protein in the world. Many factors contribute to the steady annual increase in pork consumption around the world.


2019

A Millenial's Pork for Thought

I am rapidly approaching the ripe old age of 29, and therefore that makes me at the tail end of the “Millennial” generation. For my fellow Millennials reading this, I am also doing the eye roll and deep sigh with you don’t worry! Be that as it may, there are truly some major differences among the generations and the way we interact in the world, especially our food. I cannot speak for all my generational peers, but it seems there are many self-proclaimed “foodies” out there with me.