News
Banff Pork Seminar focuses on pork sector profitability

November 17, 2008, Edmonton, Alta. – There is still time to register for one of the premier seminars in the North American pork industry.

The annual Banff Pork Seminar takes place in Banff, Alta. January 20 to 23, 2009.

Now in its 38th year, the Banff Pork Seminar continues to receive the support of the pork industry and beyond, says Bryan Perkins, pork producer, chair of the 2009 seminar and a long-time participant.

Six speakers at this year’s three plenary sessions look at bringing back profitability in all pork industry sectors. Competition in the processing, retail and export sectors will be the theme of the Wednesday, Jan. 21 session. A “roadmap for rebound” will be the focus of the Thursday, Jan. 22 session. An update on worldwide price and production forecasts will drive the Friday, Jan. 23 session.

The most pressing, practical issues facing pork production today will be tackled at 11 breakout sessions which run concurrently over two days. Topics include:

• Hedging for Profit;
• COOL vs. Choose Canadian;
• Equipping Your Staff for the Next Cycle;
• Reducing Sow Feed Costs;
• Rebuilding Consumer Confidence; and
• Hog Production Costs: What is Needed to Stay Competitive?

Other sessions include:

• Labour: What Every Employer Must Know;
• Keeping PRRS Out;
• Preventing Antibiotic Resistant Disease;
• CAREful Pig Production; and
• Reducing Feed Costs for Grow-Finish.

To register for the Banff Pork Seminar online, visit the event web site at www.banffpork.ca or phone (780) 492-3651. Participants can arrange accommodation at The Banff Centre by visiting the Banff Pork web site or by calling The Banff Centre toll-free at 1-800-884-7574.