New Blood Pumps Up Alberta Pork Board

Jul 01, 2015

“New” isn’t always a good thing; like the doctor who examines your rash and says “that’s a new one to me”.

New ideas and perspectives, on the other hand, are keys to success in the pork industry. That’s why Alberta Pork is excited to welcome two new directors following the recent nomination process. Both longtime producers, they bring a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to their roles on the board.

Right as Rein

For Rein Overweg, farming was in the veins from an early age.

“I started farming with my dad when I was 15 on our dairy and farrow-to-wean operation in Holland,” said Rein.

In 1998 they moved to Canada and established their current 350 sow farrow-to-finish enterprise near Coaldale, Alberta. While pork production looms large for Rein, he also has a passion for family, as evidenced by his 29 year marriage to wife Janet, his three children (Dennis, Robbin and Lisa) and 2 grand kids. Now THAT’S commitment!

So why take on more?

“No matter what board you serve on, you always learn something. But the Alberta Pork board is especially meaningful to me. This is a chance to stand up for my fellow producers and speak my mind if there’s a new rule or regulation that I don’t agree with. It won’t always be easy, but I’ll do my best.”

On your Mark, Get Set…

What’s more impressive than giving your time and effort to the Alberta Pork board? How about doing it twice?

Mark Wipf served a two year term from 2010-2012 and he’s back for a second round. Along with wife Janet and children Scarlett, Troy and Lilly, Mark has managed a 500 sow farrow-to-finish operation at Lakeside Colony near Cranford, Alberta for the past 19 years.

When asked what prompted his return to the board, Mark didn’t hesitate.

“I just want to help producers and give them a voice. Whatever they need, I’ll be here for them.”

Of course, with every “hello” there’s a corresponding “goodbye”. The board and staff of Alberta Pork would like to thank outgoing director Andy Vanessen for his outstanding efforts on behalf of producers and his unwavering commitment to the industry. While we’re pumped about adding new blood to the board, we’ll miss the man who wore his heart on his sleeve in everything he did.

Source : AlbertaPork

Video: Sowing Success: Dr. Gordon Spronk's Journey with Pipestone and the Future of Swine Health

Welcome back to In Swine Versation. Get ready for an enlightening journey as we delve into the remarkable story of Dr. Gordon Spronk, a founding partner at Pipestone, in our latest episode of "Sowing Success." In this episode, we'll be exploring key questions that shed light on Pipestone's evolution and the future of swine health. Here's a glimpse of what to expect:

1. Exploring Pipestone's Foundations: We'll kick off by uncovering the early vision behind Pipestone and how it has shaped the landscape for new entrepreneurs entering the field. Dr. Spronk will share insights into the core principles that have guided Pipestone's journey and how they continue to drive success today.

2. Industry-Shaping Experiences: Moving on to Dr. Spronk's impactful tenure at the National Pork Board, we'll explore his contributions to sustainability, growth accomplishments, and his vision for the future of pork production. Expect to gain insights into how Dr. Spronk's experiences have influenced the industry and what he envisions for its future.

3. Global Excellence and Growth: With Pipestone ranking second in the latest World Mega Producers ranking, we'll delve into what these impressive numbers signify and how Pipestone continues to excel on a global scale. Dr. Spronk will share his perspectives on the key factors driving Pipestone's success and its strategy for continued growth and innovation.

4. Navigating Challenges: We'll address the hot topic of Prop 12 and its implications for the industry. Dr. Spronk will provide valuable insights into the challenges and implementation issues faced by Pipestone and how the company is navigating through this complex landscape.

5. Updates on Wholestone Plant: Dr. Spronk will provide updates on the latest developments at the Wholestone plant in South Dakota, offering insights into how this initiative aligns with Pipestone's broader goals and objectives.

6. Transformative Journey of Pipestone Management: Taking a trip down memory lane, we'll explore the transformative journey of Pipestone Management since its inception in 1988. Dr. Spronk will share insights into the growth and evolution of Pipestone Management, highlighting key milestones and lessons learned along the way.

7. Defining Swine Health Success: Finally, we'll delve into Dr. Spronk's definition of swine health and its pivotal role in the success of Pipestone Management. Expect to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of swine health and how it drives Pipestone's mission and values.

Overall, this episode promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of Pipestone's journey and the future of swine health. Tune in for an engaging conversation that's sure to leave you inspired and informed about what lies ahead in the world of pork production.