Swine Industry Celebrates Another Successful Pork Congress

Jun 24, 2024

The Stratford Rotary Complex welcomed attendees for the 51^st Annual Ontario Pork Congress (OPC) held from June 19^th – 20^th.

Visitors didn't let high-humid temperatures stop them from enjoying everything the pork industry has to offer, with several thousand attendees taking part in the two-day event.

Thanks to a dedicated organizing committee, the OPC continues to be an excellent venue where pork producers and industry members can connect, which is the reason this event was started over five decades ago.

From the "Bacon Maker Classic" to the latest in innovation and technology, the OPC remains an important meeting place for industry members to share ideas, learn from one another, while also celebrating the people who make up Ontario’s swine industry. More importantly this event offers a venue for the next generation of pork producers to meet and get involved in fun activities.

This year's OPC was attended by Rob Flack, the new Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. Minister Flack toured several OPC exhibits, taking time to stop and meet with producers and Ontario Pork Chair, Tara Terpstra.

Ontario Pork (OP) staff and Board members were present to connect with visitors and distribute t-shirts and recipe cards at the Ontario Pork booth. OP staff also collected sharps in the outdoor tent, while at the Swine Health Ontario booth staff assisted producers with Swine Health Area Regional Control (SHARC) enrollment and creating an on-farm emergency plan.

Among the favourite events was the Ontario Pork Industry Council's "Hog Jog". While a lightning storm prevented runners from running the course, the charitable event still raised over $65,000 for the Stratford Perth Hospice Foundation. OPC attendees also had the opportunity to enjoy delicious Ontario bacon burgers, sausage and pork chops which was cooked by volunteers from the Perth Country Pork Producers' Association.

As the curtains closed on another successful event, the Ontario Pork Congress demonstrates the strength of collaboration within the swine industry, leaving attendees with enthusiasm, already anticipating next year's congress.

Source : Ontario Pork

Video: PRRS Eradication Strategies - Dr. DeBuse and Dr. Tousignant

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show, Dr. Neil DeBuse from Kalmbach Feeds and Dr. Steve Tousignant from Vaxxinova US discuss PRRS management strategies, recombination risks, whole genome sequencing, and the role of autogenous immunization programs in swine systems. They highlight practical approaches to improving immunity, reducing outbreaks, and advancing PRRS control across production systems. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Being PRRS negative sooner is a real key for eradication because every additional positive week increases production losses and viral exposure risks." - Dr. Neil DeBuse

Meet the guest: Dr. Neil DeBuse is a veterinarian at Kalmbach Feeds with more than 30 years of experience in swine health and production. His work focuses on PRRS control, biosecurity, immunity, and improving production stability across commercial swine systems in the United States and internationally.

Dr. Steve Tousignant is Director of the Swine Business Unit and Technical Services Veterinarian at Vaxxinova US, with a DVM and PhD from the University of Minnesota. His experience combines epidemiology, technical services, and practical immunization strategies designed to support consistent herd performance and long-term production stability. Don’t miss the chance to be part of the Swine Inner Circle!