South Western Ontario Pork Conference returns in-person next month

Ridgetown will host the 59th annual South Western Ontario Pork Conference in-person on Feb. 22.

“This is an exceptional opportunity to share the latest industry and research news with Ontario producers while providing time for networking with industry representatives,” said Darren Sloan, planning committee chair. 

The event begins at 12:30 p.m. with a tour of the University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus’ Swine Education Centre by professor and researcher Curtis Mikel, now in its fourth year of production. The tour will show some of the research conducted within the facility. 

From 2 to 4 p.m., registrants can visit the trade show to see the latest technology and products in the sector, with opportunities to network with industry representatives. 

The speaker series includes a discussion with Ryan Martin, a Chatsworth producer, about his operation. Woodstock veterinarian Dr. Ryan Tenbergen of Demeter Veterinary Services will address herd health issues. 

Chantel Farmer, a research scientist for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Quebec, will dive into her latest findings on swine lactation biology. 

A global leader in swine nutrition education, Dr. John Patience, Iowa State University professor emeritus, will wrap up the program as the keynote speaker. 

Dinner is included. Pre-registration tickets for the event cost $30 until Feb. 10, after which tickets will be $45. Students 18 or under can buy tickets for $20. HST will be added to all ticket prices. 

Online registration is available on its website.