0
The theme “Change, Challenge, Opportunity” is fitting given that the industry is coming off a volatile year in pork markets, says BPS program co-chair Dr. Michael Dyck of the University of Alberta. “The North American pork industry is a resilient group. When they face challenge they look to the future, think change and opportunity.
“We’re confident the 2019 program will deliver fresh thinking for delegates,” he says. “The Banff Seminar has built its brand with the best speakers on key topics of the day.”
“We strive for a blend of big picture and practical,” adds his 2019 program co-chair, Dr. Ruurd Zijlstra. “Plenary sessions deliver the latest on the big issues and breakout sessions focus on thinking and ideas that can often be taken home and implemented.”
Tuesday evening’s welcome reception begins the always enjoyable social side of the big seminar in the beautiful, world renowned mountain town. Wednesday’s morning plenary session tackles “The future of protein,” with international market researcher Professor David Hughes. He is followed by Dr. Ellen Goddard of the University of Alberta who will speak on “Disruptive technologies, meat quality and consumer perceptions.”
Thursday’s morning plenary sees Dr. Gordon Spronk of Pipestone Veterinary Services discuss “The scale and speed of change in China and what it means to the North American pork industry.” Then Joe Kerns of Kerns and Associates tackles “Tariffs, trade and trepidation: The implication on the pork sector now and into the future.”
A broad selection of breakout sessions over two days deal with topics that most directly affect production. Topics include meat quality, animal welfare and transport, feed efficiency, human resources, managing the robust pig, sow longevity, and big data and technology. Wednesday also features a special innovators’ breakout session.
Aherne Prize entry deadline is Oct. 31, 2018
One of the highlights of the annual Banff Pork Seminar (BPS) is the announcement of the F.X. Aherne Prize for Innovative Pork Production. Entry deadline for the upcoming 2019 BPS Aherne Prize is Oct. 31, 2018.
Dr. Ben Willing of the University of Alberta, chair of the selection committee, says each year the number and quality of entries for the Aherne Prize is a clear example of the thirst for innovation among the many players involved with pork production today.
The Prize recognizes individuals who have developed either original solutions to pork production challenges or creative uses for known technology. Innovations big or small, complex or simple can be entered. In fact both types have been winners in the past.
Willing says the contest is open to owners, production managers, herdspeople or consultants in the North American pork industry, or anyone who has developed an innovation relevant to the North American pork production industry.
“Contest details are on the Seminar website www.banffpork.ca,” says Willing. “All segments of the pork industry qualify. That includes areas such as feeding, breeding, ventilation, disease control and prevention, transportation, manure management, animal handling, facility or enterprise management, and pork quality and safety.”
Besides the recognition of having innovations featured at this world-renowned pork industry conference the prize is a valuable one, says Willing. It includes free 2019 BPS conference registration, accommodation at the spectacular Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and travel for the Banff Pork Seminar Jan. 8 to 10, 2019 for up to two innovators. The value of that registration and travel is approximately $2,000 each.
The award is named after a proficient industry innovator, the late Dr. Frank Aherne, a professor of swine nutrition and production at the University of Alberta in Edmonton and a major force for science-based progress in the western Canadian pork industry.
October 15, 2018 - Banff Pork Seminar
