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."

Meet the guest: Harry Siemens is an independent agricultural and farm journalist with nearly 40 years of experience in the industry. Based in Winkler, Manitoba, he has built a strong reputation for storytelling, sharing the voices of farmers across Canada. With a background in fine arts from the University of Manitoba, Harry has contributed to major farm publications, radio, and podcasts, focusing on agricultural advancements and communication strategies.

What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:03) Introduction
• (04:41) Guest’s background
• (07:50) Transparent communication
• (12:17) Industry communication roles
• (13:23) Public perception challenges
• (22:06) Building public trust
• (25:18) Final three questions

The Swine it Podcast Show Canada is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

* Swine Veterinary Partners

- dsm-firmenich

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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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 the guest: Dr. Kristina Horback is an Associate Professor of Applied Ethology at UC Davis, with over 12 years of experience researching sow behavior and welfare. With a Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology, she applies cognitive science to study swine communication, social interactions, and stress resilience. She has published 14 peer-reviewed articles in top animal behavior journals and has presented her research to industry and academic audiences worldwide.

What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:03) Introduction
• (03:44) Understanding sow personality
• (06:47) Impact on social hierarchy
• (11:27) Identifying aggressive behaviors
• (13:38) Measuring behavioral traits
• (15:51) Role of genetics in aggression
• (22:08) Final three questions

The Swine it Podcast Show Canada is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

* Swine Veterinary Partners

- dsm-firmenich

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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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."

Meet the guest: Dr. Mariela Segura is a full professor at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Montreal and the director of the Swine and Poultry Infectious Diseases Center (CRIPA). She holds a Canada Research Chair in Immunoglycobiology of Infectious Diseases and earned her master's and Ph.D. from the Université de Montréal. Her research focuses on the immunological role of the Streptococcus suis capsular polysaccharide in infection and its potential as a vaccine target.

What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (00:48) Introduction
• (02:50) Streptococcus suis impact
• (06:53) Vaccine options
• (12:22) Novel vaccine strategies
• (16:28) Maternal antibody challenges
• (19:28) Future swine health innovations
• (21:19) Final three questions

The Swine it Podcast Show Canada is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

* Swine Veterinary Partners

- dsm-firmenich

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: The Swine it Podcast Show Canada

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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 is an Associate Professor of Applied Ethology at UC Davis, with over 12 years of experience researching sow behavior and welfare. With a Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology, she applies cognitive science to study swine communication, social interactions, and stress resilience. She has published 14 peer-reviewed articles in top animal behavior journals and has presented her research to industry and academic audiences worldwide.

What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:11) Introduction
• (04:29) Proposition 12 overview
• (09:15) Sow welfare in group pens
• (14:41) Managing aggression in groups
• (18:56) Static vs. dynamic groups
• (22:59) Feeding system comparisons
• (26:34) Final three questions

The Swine it Podcast Show Canada is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

* Swine Veterinary Partners

- dsm-firmenich

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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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 produced."

Meet the guest: Clinton Monchuk, Executive Director at Farm & Food Care Saskatchewan, has an extensive background in agriculture, holding a BSA in Agricultural Economics from the University of Saskatchewan and a Master’s in Agribusiness from the University of Guelph. With over two decades of leadership experience in the industry, Clinton is passionate about bridging the gap between farmers and consumers through education and trust-building initiatives.

What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (00:49) Introduction
• (01:19) Clinton's background
• (04:19) Consumer trust in food
• (05:27) Farm tour programs
• (25:48) Educational resources for schools
• (31:17) Combating misinformation
• (35:22) Final three questions

The Swine it Podcast Show Canada is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

* Swine Veterinary Partners

- dsm-firmenich

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: The Swine it Podcast Show Canada

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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 Velarde holds a degree in Veterinary Sciences, a master’s in the Science and Welfare of Laboratory Animals, and a Ph.D. in Animal Production. As a European veterinary specialist in Animal Welfare Science, Ethics, and Law at the European College of Animal Welfare and Behaviour Medicine, Dr. Velarde leads the Animal Welfare Program at IRTA (Institute for Food and Agricultural Research and Technology, Spain) and a member of the Animal Health and Animal Welfare Panel of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (00:37) Introduction
• (00:92) Animal welfare
• (03:36) Measurement techniques
• (08:12) Technology & welfare
• (13:59) Group housing
• (21:60) Tail docking
• (26:34) Closing thoughts

The Swine it Podcast Show Canada is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

* Swine Veterinary Partners

- dsm-firmenich

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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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 enables competitive farming practices and drives the pork industry toward a more sustainable future. Listen now on all major platforms!

"The Funding Portal simplifies access to Canadian funding programs, bridging gaps and empowering producers." - Alexandria Shannon

Meet the guest:

Katerina Kolemishevska is the Associate Executive Director at the Canadian Pork Council. With 17 years in international agriculture, she specializes in sustainability, rural development, and creating tools to boost productivity for Canadian pork producers.

Alexandria Shannon is a Senior Product Manager, Grants, Credits & Incentives Software at Ryan. With expertise in govtech, data science, and policy analysis, she develops tools that connect Canadian pork producers with funding opportunities.

What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:18) Introduction
• (03:30) The funding portal
• (08:08) Global competitiveness
• (08:41) Pork producers
• (12:11) Advancing sustainability
• (14:00) Advice for producers
• (22:47) Final three questions

The Swine it Podcast Show Canada is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

* Swine Veterinary Partners

- dsm-firmenich

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Website: The Swine it Podcast Show Canada

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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 the University Laval Partnership Research Chair on "Alternative Feeding Strategies for Pigs and Poultry" and the Canada Research Chair on "Sustainable Animal Protein Production." With a Ph.D. in animal nutrition and numerous research publications, he is a recognized authority in sustainable swine nutrition and production.

What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (00:42) Introduction
• (02:02) Mycotoxins & nutrition
• (05:09) Gut permeability
• (06:52) Kidney & bone impact
• (14:07) Bone mineralization
• (21:38) Calcium regulation
• (24:42) Closing thoughts

The Swine it Podcast Show Canada is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

 dsm-firmenich

* Swine Veterinary Partners

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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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, and globalization, which opened up more global markets for food exporters."

Meet the guest: Todd Thurman, founder of Swine Insights International, LLC, is an international swine management consultant with over 25 years of experience. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from Texas Tech University. He specializes in strategic consulting, training, and demographic analysis for global pork production.

What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:19) Introduction
• (04:47) Demographic trends
• (08:47) Population decline effects
• (12:43) Aging populations & food demand
• (18:39) Labor challenges
• (22:02) Environmental efficiency concerns
• (26:39) Final three questions

The Swine it Podcast Show Canada is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

* Swine Veterinary Partners

- dsm-firmenich

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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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. Panagiotis Tassis, Associate Professor of Swine Medicine and Reproduction at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, holds a Ph.D. in Swine Medicine. With over two decades of clinical and research expertise, his focus spans vaccines, feed additives, and improving swine health and production.

What you will learn:

• (00:00) Highlight
• (01:16) Introduction
• (04:15) Mycotoxins overview
• (05:06) Health impacts on pigs
• (08:55) Reproductive health focus
• (13:46) Diagnostic strategies
• (18:43) Preventive measures
• (24:37) Final three questions

The Swine it Podcast Show Canada is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

 Protekta

* Precision Veterinary Services

- dsm-firmenich

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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