What is new in the world of pigs in Canada?

Jan 10, 2023

One of the recent developments in Canada’s swine industry is a new training programme starting in December in Manitoba, Canada’s largest pig-producing province. About 14,000 Manitobans depend on the hog sector for their livelihoods, with over 2,500 working directly on farms as technicians and managers.

Assiniboine Community College will offer the new swine production technician course starting next month. It consists of 3 self-directed online courses. Students will learn regulations (mainly the national Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Pigs), health and safety, record keeping and maintenance of barns and barn systems. They will also learn production practices related to production at various life stages, pig health care and breeding. Students will also build communication and conflict resolution skills.

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Video: Advancing Swine Disease Traceability: USDA's No-Cost RFID Tag Program for Market Channels

On-demand webinar, hosted by the Meat Institute, experts from the USDA, National Pork Board (NPB) and Merck Animal Health introduced the no-cost 840 RFID tag program—a five-year initiative supported through African swine fever (ASF) preparedness efforts. Beginning in Fall 2025, eligible sow producers, exhibition swine owners and State Animal Health Officials can order USDA-funded RFID tags through Merck A2025-10_nimal Health.

NPB staff also highlighted an additional initiative, funded by USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Veterinary Services through NPB, that helps reduce the cost of transitioning to RFID tags across the swine industry and strengthens national traceability efforts.

Topics Covered:

•USDA’s RFID tag initiative background and current traceability practices

•How to access and order no-cost 840 RFID tags

•Equipment support for tag readers and panels

•Implementation timelines for market and cull sow channels How RFID improves ASF preparedness an