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: Dr. Emerson Nafziger: Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates for Corn

The Crop Science Podcast Show, Dr. Emerson Nafziger from the University of Illinois breaks down decades of nitrogen research. From the evolution of N rate guidelines to how soil health and hybrid genetics influence nitrogen use efficiency, this conversation unpacks the science behind smarter fertilization. Improving how we set nitrogen fertilizer rates for rainfed corn is a key focus. Discover why the MRTN model matters more than ever, and how shifting mindsets and better data can boost yields and environmental outcomes. Tune in now on all major platforms!

"The nitrogen that comes from soil mineralization is the first nitrogen the plant sees, and its role is underestimated."

Meet the guest:

Dr. Emerson Nafziger is Professor Emeritus of Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, with degrees in agronomy from Ohio State, Purdue, and Illinois. His research has focused on nitrogen rate strategies and crop productivity. He co-developed the Maximum Return to Nitrogen (MRTN) model, which is widely used across the Midwest. His research spans N response trials, hybrid interactions, crop rotation effects, and yield stability.