Manitoba Swine Seminar Guest Speakers - Feb 5th,2025

Economics of Weaning Age 

February 5th,2025  9:30am - 10:00am

Dr. Luc Dufresne Luc began his career as a Staff Veterinarian at Shur-Gain, where he worked until 1997. He served as the Director of Veterinary Services at Brown’s of Carolina (Smithfield Foods) from 1997 to 2002. Luc then joined PIC as the Technical Service Director. After, he moved to Seaboard Foods, where he served as the Senior Director of Veterinary Services to 2023. Currently, Luc is a Consultant Veterinarian with Swine Veterinary Partners. He received the Al Leman Science in Practice Award from the University of Minnesota in 2014 and was named the Swine Veterinarian of the Year by the American Association of Swine Veterinarians in 2016. 

•1988 Graduate of University of Montreal

•1988-1997 Shur-gain: Staff Veterinarian

•1997-2002 Brown’s of Carolina (Smithfield foods):Director of Veterinary services

•2002-2004 PIC: Technical Service Director

•2004 -2023 Seaboard Foods: Senior Director of Veterinary Services

•2023-Consultant Veterinarian SVLD 

•2014 Al Leman Science in Practice Award from University of Minnesota

•2016 Swine Veterinarian of the Year from American Association of Swine Veterinarian 

No Zn, No Cu, No Antibiotics - Feeding for Health

February 5th,2025  10:00am - 10:30am

Sponsored by:  

Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Canada Inc.

Willem Steyn is a distinguished Nutritionist and the Founder and Owner of Swine Nutrition Management Pty Ltd, a reputable nutrition consultancy company based in South Africa and The Netherlands. With a profound passion for animal nutrition and an extensive international network, he has devoted his career in aiding pig farmers in unleashing the genetic potential of their livestock. Willem's expertise and substantial contributions have left an indelible mark on the agricultural sector, with a distinct focus on the swine industry.

Founder and Owner of SwiNE Nutrition Management Pty Ltd. SwiNE Nutrition Management specialises in the development of feed programs and offers valuable assistance to pig farmers, enabling them to optimise the genetic potential of their animals. Leveraging his international experience and extensive network, Willem is committed to contributing to the agricultural sector in South Africa, Canada, The Netherlands and Asia, striving to unlock the full potential of the swine industry in these regions.

Manager of a 1000-sow Multiplier unit for TOPIGS SA. Seven years of invaluable experience as a Swine Nutritionist with Topigs Norsvin International, an international breeding company headquartered in the Netherlands. Since 2016, Willem established his own enterprise, SwiNE Nutrition Management, in South Africa and The Netherlands.

Doctoral candidate in Animal Nutrition conducting research on space optimisation in grower-finisher pigs. Master of Science Degree in Animal Nutrition, University of Pretoria, South Africa. Master's degree in Business Administration, TIAS School for Business and Society, Utrecht, the Netherlands.

Managing Your Risk – Protecting Your Marketing Plan with Forward Contracting

February 5th,2025  10:45 am - 11:15am 

Paul is the Senior Risk Management and Market Analyst for h@ms Marketing Services, a producer-owned co-op based in Headingley, Manitoba proudly serving hog producers in western Canada. He holds a BA(Adv.) in Global Political Economy (University of Manitoba) and a joint-MPA (Universities of Winnipeg and Manitoba). Paul has been working exclusively in the hog sector with h@ms Marketing since 2012 where he has designed and collaboratively developed distinct, in-house forward contract programs for hog producers delivering to federally inspected processing plants in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia. 

Low Stress Animal Handling

February 5th,2025  11:15 am - 12:00pm Kevin Brooks grew up on a traditional farm in Rosthern, Saskatchewan, where livestock such as hogs, cattle, sheep, chickens, geese, and even goats were part of daily life. The farm was supported by both grain production and livestock and this hands-on upbringing instilled in Kevin a deep understanding of farm life and livestock farming.

Currently, Kevin works for Olymel Swine West, based in Humboldt, Saskatchewan, specializing in swine production. His focus is on animal handling and welfare, and he collaborates with the production team on staff training, transport staff education, and various on-farm projects. With over two decades of experience in large-scale hog operations across Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Manitoba, Kevin has developed a wealth of practical knowledge in the industry.

Known for his somewhat unorthodox approach to training, Kevin’s methods often challenge conventional thinking. His sessions are interactive, engaging, and thought-provoking, with a strong emphasis on low-stress animal handling. His passion for teaching and coaching others is contagious, and after one of his sessions, participants often find themselves looking at animal care—and even staff management—through a fresh lens. Kevin’s ability to connect with both the people he trains and the animals he works with makes him a unique and respected figure in the field.

Day 1 Pig Care – Getting Pigs off to a Good Start

February 5th,2025  1:00 pm - 1:30pm 

Dr. Laura Greiner is an Associate Professor in the Department of Animal Science at Iowa State University, where she teaches undergraduate courses in swine production and conducts research focused on gilt and sow development, particularly the impact of nutrition and disease on reproductive health. She also mentors graduate students in this area, advancing knowledge in swine reproduction.

In addition to her academic role, Dr. Greiner is the Director of the Iowa Pork Industry Center (IPIC), where she leads a team of eight field specialists and staff. Together, they work with over 90 industry professionals to engage Iowa's swine producers through extension programs that address key challenges and promote sustainable practices in pork production.

Prior to joining Iowa State, Dr. Greiner spent 13 years at Carthage Innovative Swine Solutions, serving as Director of Research. There, she oversaw a large-scale research program that included 6,000 sow spaces, 4,800 wean-to-finish spaces, and a Biosafety Level 2 facility. Her research and outreach efforts focus on improving the health and productivity of reproductive females, with a particular emphasis on nutrition. Dr. Greiner is dedicated to educating the next generation of animal scientists and advancing the pork industry.

Foundations of the Herd - Gilt Management

February 5th, 2025  1:30 pm - 2:00pm 

Mark Wilson, PhD in reproductive physiology 

Taught at University of Minnesota, Waseca - involved with teaching and research for (11 years). 

Mark enjoys the swine industry at United Feeds (9), Minitube of America (7) , Zinpro Corporation (13) and Feedworks USA these past (3 years). Mark has spoken in 47 different countries.

Mark loves spending time with his wife Molly and three daughters (all married) with 4 grandchildren. 

What do High Performing Sow Barns have in Common

February 5th,2025  2:00pm - 2:30pm Inspired by his parents' lifelong career in swine production,
Jean-Philippe Martineau pursued his academic goals, culminating in a master's degree in Animal Science at the University Laval in Quebec.
Equipped with a robust foundation in the field, he embarked on a
professional journey that seamlessly integrated his expertise in swine nutrition, production and data analysis.
 

Following a fulfilling five-year tenure as a swine nutritionist at
Hylife in Manitoba, where he gained invaluable hands-on
experience, Jean-Philippe made the decision to return to Quebec.
Joining Nutrition Athena, the nutrition division of Groupe Ceres in
Quebec, he eventually ascended to co-ownership. His multidisciplinary proficiency in nutrition and production contributes to the company's ongoing success.
 

Jean-Philippe takes great pride in his role as a father to three
children and cherishes his marriage to his beloved wife, Danièle
Mabon, whose family hails from Manitoba. Seeking proximity to
Danièle's family and friends, Jean-Philippe just recently started a
new chapter in his swine nutritionist career in the Western Canada, joining the FarmHouse and Nutrition Partner team.
 

Timing of Deep Uterine  Artificial Insemination

February 5th,2025  2:45 pm - 3:15pm

Brady McNeil is the multiplication business lead for DNA Genetics. He holds a B.S. in Animal Science and M.S. in Animal Breeding and Genetics from Iowa State University focusing on sow longevity. Throughout the past ten years, Brady has worked with farms across the United States and Canada on successful breeding strategies with particular emphasis on post cervical artificial insemination.

Decision Making for Loose Sow Housing

February 5th,2025  3:15 pm- 4:00pm

Daryl originally comes from Humboldt, Saskatchewan and grew up on a mixed hog and grain farm. After university he stayed in the pork business and worked with the Big Sky Farms group for 10 years. In 2010 Daryl moved to Wainwright Alberta to serve as the General Manager of the Sunhaven group of farms. In 2016 Daryl moved back to Saskatchewan where his family owns and operates Polar Pork Farms, a 12,000 sow operation specializing primarily in isoweans sales. Daryl and his wife Angie have 7 children and he lives in Saskatoon.

Unfit for Transport

February 5th,2025  9:15am - 9:45am   

Max Popp graduated form WCVMA U if S in 1991. Owner operator of mixed animal vet clinic in Erickson, Manitoba.

Joined CFIA in 1998. Working in all areas of regulatory Veterinary medicine to date, humane transportation resource person in area.

Disease control, import exports are the main focus.

What Does my Production Date Mean?

February 5th,2025  9:45 am - 10:15 am 

Steve Dziver is the owner and president of True Ag Developments, a software consulting firm based in Winnipeg, Manitoba focused on agribusiness risk and margin management. 

Steve has spent the last 23 years specializing in livestock and grain risk management providing services to independent farm organizations and corporate businesses across Canada and the US Midwest. 

Steve grew up on a grain farm in rural Manitoba before moving to Winnipeg where he acquired a Bachelor of Science undergraduate degree from the University of Manitoba in the Faculty of Agriculture and designation with the Canadian Securities Institute.

Most of Steve’s time is focused on supporting individual producers by providing them with tools to make well-informed decisions. 

Steve is highly involved in price discovery and negotiations of specific commodities including isoweans and feeder pigs, market hogs, feed stuffs and field crops. 

Steve continues to be actively involved in the exploration for improved pricing methodology for grain and livestock producers.
 

Water: Important Consideration for Pig Production 

Feb 6th, 205 10:15am - 10:45am

Dr. Lee Johnston has been a faculty member in the Department of Animal Science at the University of Minnesota since 1988 and has reached the rank of Professor. He is located at the West Central Research and Outreach Center in rural, western Minnesota. Dr. Johnston's current responsibilities include delivering educational programs to pork producers and other industry professionals, conducting swine nutrition and management research, and supervising the West Central Research and Outreach Center's swine research unit. 

Understanding Your Numbers: Strategies for Financial Success

Feb 6th, 205 11:00 am - 11:30am

After growing up on a farm south of Winkler, MB, Caleb graduated in 2014 with a finance degree and has been working in agricultural and commercial finance ever since. He has spent the last 5.5 years at Farm Credit Canada as a Senior Relationship Manager, where he applies his agricultural background and financial expertise to support farmers and the industry.

Creating wellness for all, One conversation at a time

Feb 6th, 205 11:30 am - 12:00pm

Gerry, AKA the Recovering Farmer, is a co-founder of the Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program. He comes from a diverse background of experience, learning and discovery through farming and as a stress and conflict management specialist. Gerry’s passion is in helping others find solutions for the various issues that life throws at us. A combination of his own journey with anxiety and depression, training in conflict resolution and intensive counseling training provide him the tools to help others who are struggling.

Canadian Pork Quality – Genetics, Feed and the Global Appetite

February 5th, 2025  1:15 pm - 1:45 pm.

Dr. Juárez coordinates the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Livestock Phenomics program, focused on meat production. He applies a holistic approach to evaluate the interactions between genetic and environmental factors in order to quantify their contribution on animal performance, carcass and meat quality. His goal is the optimization of livestock production systems to maximize profitability while maintaining or enhancing carcass and meat quality.

Understanding and Mitigating Heat Stress in Swine from Birth to Market 

Feb 6th, 205 1:45 pm - 2:30 pm

Dr. Johnson is an Associate Professor of Animal Welfare and Stress Physiology in the Division of Animal Sciences at the University of Missouri. The overall goal of his research program is to identify production-relevant stressors and mitigate their impacts on livestock health, productivity, and welfare with a specific focus on heat stress related issues in swine.