APRIL

Apply for an APRIL award

ABOVE: A current APRIL Industry Placement Program awardee, Samantha Sterndale at Westpork. The Australasian Pork Research Institute Limited is committed to enhancing the overall human capacity base for science, innovation and training in the pork industry. To this end, APRIL is currently seeking eligible applications from anyone wishing to extend their study or training in…

European

2023 WAAP and EAAP conference in Lyon

ABOVE: Europe is still working through transition towards recent animal welfare regulatory changes, including trying to manage issues to improve piglet survivability. European In late August, I had the privilege of representing the research team at Integrity Ag by presenting the preliminary findings of the lifecycle assessment conducted on the Australian pork industry. This opportunity…

pigs

Formulating diets for improved health status of pigs – part 2

ABOVE: The response of pigs to pathogens is complicated in commercial settings through the use of antimicrobial growth promoters and vaccination protocols. Photo: Barbara Barbosa Continuing on from the October issue, Part 2 of this review will address the immune challenges in pork production. Stimulation of the immune system results in higher concentration of circulating…

agriculture

How to celebrate Agriculture Day Australia

ABOVE: New look merchandise for this year’s theme ‘Grow you good thing’ available now. The annual shout out to farmers – National Agriculture Day – is almost here. National Farmers’ Federation chief executive Tony Mahar said this year’s theme ‘Grow You Good Thing’, celebrating the incredible food and fibre farmers grow, could not come at…

Food is fundamental to Australia’s security

ABOVE: Food is central to Australia’s stability and security, yet it’s too often neglected in favour of seemingly higher priorities. Photo: Federico Arnaboldi Resilience, the economy and national security are a live discussion across Australia. People can feel change in their bones, from the climate to mortgage repayments – even Australia’s place in the world.…

pigs

Formulating diets for improved health status of pigs

ABOVE: Several nutritional strategies have been identified as potential governors of the interaction between growth and health in pigs. Photo: Mark Stebnicki Today’s swine production systems are mostly intensive, and pigs are continuously exposed to pathogens and immune stimulatory antigens that may negatively impact productivity. It is known that immune system stimulation may reduce appetite,…

john

A tribute to pork advocate John Edward Riley

ABOVE: John judging at the Royal Smithfield Show. An excerpt from the tribute given by Sara Willis at the funeral of John Edward Riley on August 1, 2023. As I relate John’s story, you will find that he packed his 84 years with extraordinary experiences and people. To live to be 84 is an achievement,…

industry

Pork industry research achievements

ABOVE: Since its release to industry in February 2022, 37 percent of the industry have adopted the Exoflare visitor app. Photo: Exoflare As an industry, we know that ongoing investment is key to long-term success in shaping our industry for a stronger future. As we continue to shift the dial and drive industry forward, it’s…

RSPCA

Five fast facts about RSPCA Approved

ABOVE: Producers must meet the RSPCA’s stringent animal welfare requirements and undertake a rigorous assessment process to gain certification as RSPCA Approved. Photo: Hayana Fernanda At the RSPCA Approved Farming Scheme, we often hear from interested individuals wanting to know more about farm animal welfare, conscious shopping and how the scheme works. There are many…

Conference

Inaugural National Feral Pig Conference wrap up

ABOVE: Mark Hogno NFPAP Indigenous Advisory Panel chair and Carpentaria Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, Dr Justin Perry NFPAP Scientific Advisory Panel chair and NAILSMA, Dr Heather Channon and Ricky Archer NFPAP IC chair and NAILSMA. Coordinated impact-driven feral pig management by land managers working together was the key message driven home at the National Feral…

AgriFutures Rural Women’s Awards

ABOVE: The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award 2023 black-tie evening will be attended by alumni, government officials, industry and private sector representatives and media. From the 2022 event, runner up Kimberley Furness and national winner Stephanie Trethewey receive their awards. THE national winner and runner up of the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award will be announced at…

Stockpeople

Investing in stockpeople is an investment in animal welfare

ABOVE: Pork producer Mark McLean has improved sow productivity on both Riverhaven Enterprises’ operation farms through improved farm management, genetics and staff training and development. Stockmanship is an occupation that requires expertise, endurance and empathy. Stockpeople have a direct impact on agricultural animal welfare and productivity. Unfortunately, stockpeople are undervalued and their role in agricultural…