🇨🇦 The Swine it Podcast Show Canada

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Jessica Law, veterinarian and owner of the Prairie Livestock Veterinarians, shares her expertise on advancing herd health through preventative medicine. She explores the power of working closely with producers, the crucial role of biosecurity, and why early piglet care can make all the difference down the line. Get practical tips on disease prevention, vaccination strategies, and how to keep your herd healthy and performing at its best. Tune in now on all major platforms!

"Herd health is just like this big ecosystem; it’s...

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Mark Fynn, Training Resources Coordinator at the Canadian Pork Council, discusses the development and rollout of the PigLEARN training platform—a national initiative to standardize swine training across Canada. He explains how this digital resource enhances barn-level education and workforce onboarding, with modules on biosecurity, transport, and more. Learn how this system supports swine professionals in delivering consistent, high-quality training. Listen now on all major platforms!

"The PigLearn training platform is an online platform that hosts training—different training modules on a variety of prio...

As summer temperatures heat up, it's crucial to find ways to manage the rising warmth in swine barns. In this special episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Robert Stwalley from Purdue University discusses how cooling floor pads can alleviate thermal stress in swine barns. He explores the impact of heat on sows, boar productivity, and piglet welfare and explains how microclimate engineering supports animal performance and barn efficiency. Learn practical solutions for barn design and temperature management. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Thermal stress drastically affects sows, and barns are...

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Janice Siegford from Michigan State University explores the role of precision livestock farming in modern swine production. She explains the challenges of using sensors and monitoring tools in pig barns—from durability issues to scaling data collection for large operations. Learn how these technologies can improve pig welfare, detect disease early, and help producers make smarter decisions. Tune in now on all major platforms!

"We need to ensure technology supports both efficiency and ethical responsibility in swine production."

Me...

In this special rerun episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, we revisit our conversation with Dr. Wayne Lees, from Pigs Manitoba, who explores the issue of wild pigs and their impact on the Canadian swine industry. He explains the origins of wild pigs in Manitoba and their environmental, animal health, and human safety threats. Additionally, Dr. Lees shares insights on the steps taken to manage and control the wild pig population. Tune in to learn how these invasive species could affect Canadian agriculture and swine production—don’t miss the opportunity to listen to this episode!

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, independent agricultural journalist Harry Siemens discusses the importance of transparent communication in the swine industry. He shares insights on how producers can bridge the gap between industry advancements and consumer perceptions, the role of media in shaping public opinion, and the challenges of addressing misinformation. Understand why clear messaging is critical for industry success. Listen now on all major platforms!

"We don’t use technology just for the sake of it. We use it to improve animal welfare, meat quality, and sustainability."

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Kristina Horback, from UC Davis, breaks down the science behind sow personality and its impact on herd dynamics. From aggression levels to social ranking, individual behavioral traits can influence productivity, welfare, and overall barn management. Learn how identifying hyper-aggressive or stress-prone sows early can help improve group housing strategies and reduce disruptions. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Personality is a way to describe an animal’s behavior that is consistent over time and across different situations."

Meet th...

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Mariela Segura from the University of Montreal explores the challenges and advancements in Streptococcus suis vaccine development. She discusses the limitations of current vaccines, the role of maternal antibodies, and the potential of innovative approaches like conjugate vaccines. Learn how antimicrobial resistance impacts disease control and what the future holds for swine health management. Tune in now on all major platforms!

"Streptococcus suis is not only a major economic concern in the swine industry but also a zoonotic pathogen."

In this special episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, to celebrate International Women's Day, Dr. Kristina Horback, from UC Davis, breaks down the impact of Proposition 12 on sow housing and welfare. She discusses what the new requirements mean for producers, the challenges of compliance, and practical strategies for managing group-housed sows while minimizing aggression and maintaining productivity. Listen now on all major platforms!

"We want to ensure consumers have a truthful, trustworthy source of information about how their food is produced."

Meet the guest: Dr. Kristina Horback...

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Clinton Monchuk, Executive Director at Farm & Food Care Saskatchewan, discusses consumer perceptions of the food industry and their impact on Canadian agriculture. He highlights the growing disconnect between consumers and farming practices, emphasizing the importance of transparency, education, and initiatives like the Canadian Food Focus.  Tune in to gain practical insights into how these efforts are building trust and shaping the future of the Canadian swine industry.

"We want to ensure consumers have a truthful, trustworthy source of information about how their food is p...

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Antonio Velarde, a senior scientist in Animal Welfare at IRTA, shares practical insights into improving animal welfare in swine production. From pain assessment techniques to advancements in group housing systems, Dr. Velarde provides strategies tailored to the swine industry. Listen now on your favorite platform to learn more about innovative ways to enhance swine welfare!

"Animal welfare is the physical and mental state of the animal about the conditions in which it lives."

Meet the guest: Dr. Antonio...

I’m Dr. Miranda Smit, and this is my first episode as co-host of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada! I’m thrilled to join you on this journey to bring insights and solutions to the Canadian pork industry. 

In this episode, Katerina Kolemishevska, from the Canadian Pork Council, and Alexandria Shannon, Senior Product Manager, Grants, Credits & Incentives Software at Ryan, introduce the new digital national platform for investment support to pork producers. This innovative tool, the Funding Portal, simplifies access to investments and incentives, empowering producers to invest in sustainability, innovation, and efficiency. Learn how it enabl...

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Marie-Pierre Létourneau Montminy from Laval University breaks down the impact of mycotoxins on calcium and phosphorus metabolism in swine. From gut permeability and nutrient absorption to environmental challenges, she explores strategies for improving bone mineralization and feed efficiency. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Mycotoxins increase gut permeability, altering calcium absorption significantly."

Meet the guest: Dr. Marie-Pierre Létourneau-Montminy is an Associate Professor at Laval University, where she leads cutting-edge research on sustainable animal nutrition. She leads th...

In this special rerun episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, we revisit our conversation with Todd Thurman from Swine Insights International, who discusses population growth, economic shifts, and labor challenges in the swine industry. Todd explores the implications of population decline, aging populations, and changing dietary preferences. Don’t miss this thought-provoking conversation with actionable insights for professionals in the Canadian swine industry. Tune in now on your favorite podcast platform!

"What drove the need for all of that expansion in productive capacity was three things: rapid population growth, rapid economic growth, an...

In this episode of The Swine It Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Panagiotis Tassis from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, tackles the critical issue of mycotoxins in swine feed. He explains how these toxins affect pig health, reproduction, and overall production efficiency. Dr. Tassis breaks down common contaminants and offers actionable strategies for identifying, preventing, and managing mycotoxin risks, all aimed at boosting herd performance. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!

"Mycotoxins impact digestive, respiratory, and reproductive systems, highlighting their multifaceted threat to swine health."

Meet the guest: Dr...

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Josiane Panisson, Assistant Manager of Contract Research at Prairie Swine Centre, explores the critical question: Is swine nutrition the right path for you? Drawing from her extensive experience in swine research and nutrition, Dr. Panisson shares practical advice on finding your niche in the swine industry, choosing the right mentors, and tackling the challenges of research and graduate studies. Listen now on all major podcast platforms to map your future in swine science!

"Research requires multitasking, organization, and resilience to overcome challenges and...

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Matthew Rooda, Founder and CEO of SwineTech, explains the role of human-centered automation in advancing the Canadian pork sector. Focusing on reducing pig mortality, improving operational workflows, and optimizing farm efficiency, Matthew highlights how automation empowers producers to make smarter decisions and tackle key challenges. Listen to the full conversation on all major platforms!

"Human-centered automation focuses on empowering people with information to make better decisions."

Meet the guest: Matthew Rooda is the Founder and CEO of SwineTech, Inc...

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Jon Bergstrom from dsm-firmenich explores the vital role of vitamin D in swine nutrition. Learn about recent changes in the Canadian Feed Table, their impact on swine health, and practical strategies for ensuring optimal vitamin D status in pigs.  Tune in on all major podcast platforms!

"This increase in the limit for vitamin D supplementation in Canada is an important first step, enabling producers to improve the vitamin D status of their pigs."

Meet the guest: Dr. Jon B...

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Cassandra Van Engelen, manager at Hog-Tied Farms Ltd., discusses the role of advocacy in pig farming. From managing a successful operation to leading key initiatives, Cassandra shares her journey and highlights the importance of engaging younger generations to secure the future of the industry. She also emphasizes the power of clear, honest communication to build understanding and trust within the swine industry. Tune in now!

"Advocacy is about getting out there, voicing your opinion, and being involved in the conversations that shape the future...

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Joseph Cassady from South Dakota State University explores the challenges and opportunities in swine production research. From navigating industry hurdles like pre-weaning mortality and sow retention to building impactful academic collaborations and securing research funding, Dr. Cassady sheds light on strategies shaping the industry's future.  Tune in to learn more, available now on all major platforms!

"Building state-of-the-art research facilities has enabled SDSU to demystify swine production while maintaining biosecurity."

Meet the guest: Dr. Joseph Cassady is the S...

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Robert Friendship, Professor Emeritus at the University of Guelph, shares his extensive expertise in swine health management. With over four decades of experience, Dr. Friendship explores critical components like biosecurity, disease eradication, and surveillance in swine production. Don’t miss out—available on all major platforms!

"Surveillance, handling endemic diseases, and keeping disease out of the barn—all of that is a swine health management program."

Meet the guest:

Dr. Robert Friendship is a University Professor Emerit...

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Edison Magalhaes, from Iowa State University, explores the use of data to drive efficiency in swine production. From integrating farm data to building predictive models and automating processes, Dr. Magalhaes discusses current data challenges and how a holistic approach can enhance farm productivity and health outcomes. Listen to the full episode now on your favorite platform!

"Translating collected data into dashboards for visual insights is something we’re good at, but true connectivity between data streams remains challenging."

Me...

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Jacquelyn Babcock, Director of Animal Welfare Auditing and Training at FACTA LLC, explores the essentials of animal welfare audits in the swine industry. Jacquelyn covers key compliance standards, including Proposition 12, and offers insights on how producers can boost consumer trust through transparent practices. Tune in for valuable tips on swine welfare compliance, available on all major platforms!

“Every audit breaks down into three sections: paperwork, facility inspection, and observing the pigs themselves.” 

Meet the guest:

Jacquelyn Babcock, Direc...

Join us for the fourth episode of the Animal Protein Sustainability Series, where Julie Anna Potts, President & CEO of the Meat Institute, explores the importance of sustainability in the meat industry. From food safety to environmental impact and animal welfare, Potts discusses the comprehensive efforts the Meat Institute is spearheading to meet evolving consumer expectations. Tune in to learn about the industry’s commitment to transparent, sustainable practices to ensure a responsible future for animal protein. Listen now on all major platforms!

"There's room for us in each of these areas—food safety, animal welf...

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Mary-Louise Penrith, an Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria, explores the concept of compartmentalization as a solution for safe trade and disease containment, focusing on practical applications for farms worldwide. Discover effective biosecurity measures and the impact of ASF on international pork trade. Listen now on all major podcast platforms.

"Compartmentalization provides an alternative approach to secure trade, even in countries where ASF remains endemic."

Meet the guest:

Dr. Mary-Louise Penrith, an Independent Veterinary Professional...

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Cam Dahl, General Manager of Manitoba Pork Council, addresses pressing trade issues impacting the North American swine industry. Dahl discusses the implications of new labeling laws and regulatory hurdles redefining cross-border swine trade. Listen now to understand how these shifts could influence the North American pork industry!

"Starting January 1st, 2026, any 'Product of the USA' label must come from animals born, raised, and processed in the United States."

Meet the guest:

Cam Dahl, General Manager at Manitoba...

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Ali Honaramooz, from the University of Saskatchewan, explores the field of xenotransplantation using pigs as models. Dr. Honaramooz discusses the suitability of pigs for organ transplantation, addressing the challenges and breakthroughs in genetic modifications to make pig organs viable for human transplants. Tune in to explore the future of organ transplantation. Listen to this insightful episode on all major platforms!

"Pigs have significant anatomical, physiological, and genetic similarities to humans, making them suitable for xenotransplantation research."

Meet the...

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Ruurd Zijlstra, from the University of Alberta, explores ways to feed starter pigs in a non-therapeutic zinc world. He discusses alternative strategies such as managing acid binding capacity (ABC-4), incorporating organic acids, and selecting specific fiber types to maintain gut health and productivity. Listen now on major platforms!

"By lowering stomach pH, organic acids not only aid in protein digestion but may also help control pathogenic bacteria." 

Meet the guest:

Dr. Ruurd Zijlstra is a professor a...

In this special rerun episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Clinton Monchuk, Executive Director at Farm & Food Care Saskatchewan, explores the critical role of communication in agriculture. Clinton shares his extensive journey in the agri-sector, emphasizing the importance of transparent, relatable conversations between producers and consumers. Don't miss the chance to listen to his insights—tune in now on all major platforms.

"Everyone in agriculture should speak up a bit more and spread that information more widely."

Meet the guest:

Clinton Monchuk is the Executive Di...

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Ryan Brook, from the University of Saskatchewan, discusses the rising issue of invasive wild pigs in Canada. He explains how these animals spread across the Canadian prairies and highlights the risk they pose to biosecurity and disease transmission. Listen now!

"Invasive wild pigs pose a risk to domestic swine, due to their potential to spread devastating diseases like African swine fever and foot-and-mouth disease."

Meet the guest:

Dr. Ryan Brook earned his Ph.D. in Animal...

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Wayne Lees, from Pigs Manitoba, explores the issue of wild pigs and their impact on the Canadian swine industry. He explains the origins of wild pigs in Manitoba and their environmental, animal health, and human safety threats. Additionally, Dr. Lees shares insights on the steps taken to manage and control the wild pig population. Tune in to learn how these invasive species could affect Canadian agriculture and swine production.

"Wild pigs are a one-health problem, impacting environmental health, animal health, and human safety...

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Robert Hoste, from Wageningen University, explores the economic implications of animal welfare in the swine industry. Robert shares insights on the global perspectives of animal welfare, its economic impacts, and how demographic shifts influence meat consumption patterns. Listen now on all major platforms.

"Animal welfare is making a change in the management on the farm, and in the end, it will also result in a different approach by consumers because they are thinking of these animals, and the link between the animals and the...

Join us for the third episode of the Animal Protein Sustainability Series, hosted by me, David Dayhoff, as we explore the critical role of sustainability in animal agriculture. In this episode, Dr. Partha Ray and Dr. Kelly Racette from The Nature Conservancy share their expertise on integrating sustainable practices within the livestock sector. They discuss agriculture's role in conservation, the importance of partnerships, and how science-backed strategies can help reduce the environmental footprint of animal farming. Discover how these initiatives aim to create a win-win for nature, farmers, and the industry. Listen now on your favorite platform!

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In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Will Taylor, from Iowa State University, shares insights into livestock evaluation, focusing on locomotion and its implications for swine production. Taylor explores the relationship between skeletal structure, locomotion scores, and sow longevity, emphasizing the value of human evaluation and technological tools in improving swine herd productivity. Listen to this episode, available on all major platforms.

"Evaluation in its most basic form is just assigning value to something based on a set of standards that either you determine or their predetermined values."

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In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Marisol Parada Sarmiento, a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Pennsylvania, shares her unique journey from Colombia to becoming a researcher in swine welfare. Dr. Parada discusses her significant research on the impact of lameness in sows on the behavior and health of their offspring, offering valuable insights for swine professionals. Listen now!

"Piglets from lame sows are more aggressive because they use fights or other coping systems like escape to establish hierarchy."

Meet the guest:

...

In this episode of The Swine It Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Cordell Young, a partner at Precision Veterinary Services, offers valuable insights into the role of innovation in the swine industry. Dr. Young breaks down the different types of innovation and discusses how they can be applied to enhance business models, streamline processes, and better connect with customers in the Canadian swine sector. Stay ahead in this competitive market—tune in now on your favorite platform to gain practical knowledge and stay informed!

"Successful innovation requires understanding where improvement is needed and channeling the ri...

Get ready to explore the significance of sustainability in the food industry with the second episode of our special 4-part Animal Protein Sustainability Series, hosted by me, David Dayhoff.

In this episode, Stewart Lindsay, Chief Sustainability Officer at Campbell Soup Company, discusses how sustainability is integrated into every facet of the food value chain. Stewart shares insights on emissions reduction, responsible sourcing, and how consumer trends and environmental asset repricing are influencing the future of the industry.

Tune in to learn how these sustainability efforts are not just meeting regulatory demands but also driving business...

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Murray Pettitt, CEO of the Prairie Swine Centre, discusses swine research in Canada, exploring the history and impact of the Prairie Swine Centre while emphasizing its focus on practical solutions for swine nutrition, health, and welfare. Learn how this institution's innovative research and knowledge transfer programs are driving progress in the swine industry. Don’t miss it—listen now on all major platforms.

"Prairie Swine Centre has focused on near-market research, ensuring practical solutions for the swine industry."

Meet...

In this special rerun of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, we revisit a conversation with Dr. Matheus Costa, from the University of Saskatchewan. Dr. Costa discusses the intersection of gut health and disease control in swine production. Focusing on Streptococcus suis, he explores how a better understanding of gut health can lead to improved management practices, potentially reducing the impact of this pervasive pathogen. Tune in to catch up on insights about swine health and disease prevention. Tune in on your favorite platform.

“Technology provides us with more information so we can make be...

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Manuel Juarez, the Livestock Phenomics Scientist at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, discusses the critical aspects of pork belly quality and the impact of slaughter weight on meat production. Dr. Juarez sheds light on genetic selection methodologies to optimize pork quality for different markets and the financial implications of increasing slaughter weight. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Our goal is to adjust genetic selection to optimize pork quality at the desired slaughter weight."

Meet the guest: Dr. Manuel...