If there is a recipe for breakthroughs in the pork sector, research is the secret ingredient that drives innovation and new solutions. To stay ahead and compete on the world stage, producers must excel and evolve on several fronts. Helping them do so are the recently announced Swine Cluster 4 research projects supported by Swine Innovation Porc (SIP). “Research is the foundation of the pork industry,” said Daniel Ramage, General Manager, SIP. “We are a science-based sector, and research is a key driver for solutions that build on Canada’s global leadership in pork production and exports.” With funding from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, provincial pork producer organizations and other partners, SIP-supported projects have been running since 2010 in five-year AgriScience Clusters. That time frame is significant, as it allows for large-scale research studies with a substantial time horizon. As well, the clusters facilitate collaboration among research teams from across Canada – a critical aspect to ensure success. “By working together, industry, government and academia can focus on strategic topics and drive progress in areas that strengthen the pork sector in the long term,” said Ramage. Researchers across Canada create a vital link between science and industry success. “Research and innovation are critical for agriculture and, more specifically, for the pork industry,” said Laurence Maignel, Researcher, Canadian Centre for Swine Improvement (CCSI). “Research is a powerful resource for knowledge and solutions to address emerging and ongoing issues while improving productivity, sustainability, competitiveness, food safety and pork quality.”

Running from 2023 to 2028, Swine Cluster 4 will invest up to $20 million in combined industry and government funding.

“We have a very strong research agenda that is enabled through this program,” said Ramage. “It brings together leading researchers from 13 different institutions across Canada and over 36 industry partners.”

Collectively, this brain trust will tackle 18 research and knowledge activities split into three priority areas: economic growth, sector resilience and societal challenges. “This cluster is addressing a more diverse range of topics than ever before,” said Ramage. “In response to changing regulatory requirements and consumer preferences, we have a greater focus on sustainability and the environment, while continuing to push for greater productivity and competitiveness through innovation.” At the same time, Swine Cluster 4 continues to prioritize competitiveness and profitability of pork production, whether by addressing animal health challenges, enhancing feeding practices or expanding industry knowledge of best practices for production and animal care. The bottom line is top of mind

While aspects like ‘greening the planet’ are important to producers, it’s also vital that they stay ‘in the black,’ and SIP clusters have proven their worth in that regard. “We performed an economic impact assessment of previous cluster programs,” said Ramage. “It is worth highlighting that through the investments made in those projects, we have increased productivity in the pork sector by more than three-and-a-half per cent. When you think about the scale of the Canadian pork industry, and it being a multi-billion-dollar sector every year, that increase is a critical outcome that demonstrates the value of investing in research.” The value of research is evident at the farm level across Canada, where producers see the impact on a daily basis. Through its knowledge transfer efforts, SIP ensures the timely adoption of innovative technologies, new products and strategies by end-users, including producers, transporters and processors. SIP is also increasing the spread of information by using multiple available communication channels and adapting the message for a range of audiences. “One of the key benefits for us is how science has proven that selecting replacement gilts from sows that have high litter birth weights will increase the overall birth weight, productivity and throughput of your herd,” said Steven Waldner, hog barn manager for Fairlane Colony, east of Lethbridge, Alberta. On the nutrition side, research has transformed how producers feed their nursery pigs, compared to years past. “Research has taught us that focusing on gut health and preparing your pig for life’s challenges, using a blend of both organic and inorganic acids, is more important and cost-effective than focusing on growth during the first few weeks after weaning,” said Waldner.

In fact, if you want to stump a pork expert, ask them a simple question: Which areas of the sector are not impacted by research?

“I can’t think of any,” said Maignel. “Over the past several decades, improvements in feeding, building, housing, sow productivity, carcass and meat quality, energy and water use, and animal health and welfare have transformed the Canadian swine industry to make it one of the most successful and profitable agricultural sectors. The success in export markets is also very much dependent on research efforts that reinforce the virtues of Canadian pork for foreign buyers. Nowadays, farming automation, sustainable practices and resilient pig production very much rely on research in artificial intelligence and new approaches for a better use of resources.” Teaming up and bearing down

Whether it’s swine or sports, teamwork is essential for reaching your goals, and Maignel is quick to echo that sentiment. “SIP plays a central role by identifying research priorities in concert with Canadian pork producers and processors,” said Maignel. “SIP also creates synergy between scientists and encourages communication and coordination among research and industry organizations. In doing so, they serve as a catalyst of innovation at various levels of the sector.” Clearly, SIP’s Cluster 4 priorities reflect the dynamic opportunities and challenges facing the pork industry today. “These projects will help us move the needle on key issues,” said Ramage. “The power of science ensures that the pork business will continue to find success in the years to come. It’s an exciting time for our sector, and we’re thrilled to be fueling the industry's long-term success through research investments and partnerships.”

Acknowledgement

The Swine Cluster 4: Innovation for Sustainable Growth in the Pork Sector research program is led by Swine Innovation Porc (SIP), with combined investments from provincial pork producer organizations, leading industry partners, and the Government of Canada under the Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership’s AgriScience Program.