Swine Grist
Dear Pork Producing Friends,
It is wonderful to witness the bountiful corn crop that most producers harvested this fall and with OMAFRA and GVF sample results generally coming in a low to very low mycotoxin levels, feeding hogs this year’s crop should result in smooth, cost effective production. The feed cost reductions that have been experienced throughout most of this past year coupled with unusually high (mid $200 cwt) hogs through out the typically lower priced fall and early winter months have resulted in strong hog margins. Even more heartening are the futures prices for corn, soy and lean hogs, presently pointing to consistently positive market hog margins for all of 2025 with an average margin of ~$65/hog CAD in Ontario. You will note in Emily Miller's article that you can subscribe to the weekly (hog) margin report and even use predictive hog and commodity prices and modeling to improve the bottom line of your operation with the True Ag, Pro Hog economic model. It has been said that producers are drowning in data but thirsting for information. Through our On-Farm Business Intelligence division, numerous tools have been developed to help quench producers’ information thirst. In her second article herein,
When to Reformulate your Diets
by: Drew Woods, M.Sc. Manager of Monogastric Nutrition, Grand Valley Fortifiers
Swine nutrition is a very dynamic science and one aspect of it is knowing when it is time to re-evaluate the diets we recommend. There are a multitude of influences on how a diet is composed including, but not limited to: input costs, ingredient availability, ingredient composition, market prices of meat, mycotoxins and more.
Let’s look at a couple of the most common influencers and see how they alter the composition of a diet. All examples will be for finishing pigs using an average diet.
Emily describes the ADG monitoring and reporting that is available through Pigscale and the Microsoft Power BI reporting that GVF has developed for improved dashboard reporting and benchmarking of historical individual barn performance and producer group performance. Visiting the Hannover, Germany Eurotier trade show a couple of weeks ago, we are excited to continue to assist producers by curating the best, most affordable and applicable IoT hardware and software for in barn data collection and analytics resulting in greater intelligence and decision making for improved profitability.
During our 2022 Eurotier visit, we witnessed the launch of the Schippers Hybag format for Topfoam cleaners and Megades Novo disinfectants in Europe. Now, two years later, this cost effective, time efficient, safe and efficacious approach to cleaning and disinfecting barns, equipment and transportation vehicles is available in Canada! Read all about it on page 4 and scan the QR code to review some great videos.
As we quickly approach the celebration of Christmas, the birth of our Lord and Saviour. All of us at Grand Valley Fortifiers want to wish you a very blessed Christmas and a new year filled with good health, happiness and prosperity.
Sincerely,
Ian Ross CEO, GVF group of companies
Price Influence
Price is one of the most dynamic elements of nutrition. Market prices on commodities are volatile and move rapidly upward, and sometimes not as rapidly, downward. Global markets, geopolitical events and weather all wreak havoc on pricing, and we need to know when it is time to reformulate to either capture savings or mitigate the risk of increasing prices. For a producer manufacturing feed on-farm, the impact of price on corn or soybean meal leaves little room to navigate unless an alternative or replacement ingredient is available. For the example in Table 1, we will use wheat as the replacement for corn and canola meal as the replacement for soybean meal. In this example we can see that when wheat is more expensive than corn by more than $40 it is not a viable feed ingredient in the mix. On the protein side, when the difference in
cost between soybean meal and canola meal is $40 and less, the canola meal is not a viable ingredient. The key message is that it is a sliding scale to replace ingredients in a diet based on the price of its closest alternative. There is almost always a point of inflection, in this example, $40/MT for corn and more than $40/ MT price difference for soybean meal.
and an early planting window provided a promising start for many farmers. However, pockets of excessive rainfall in the spring created challenges for some, leading to concerns about waterlogged fields and delayed planting. July was met with frequent rainfall. These conditions are generally beneficial for corn growth, but sporadic heatwaves in July posed a risk of stress during the crucial pollination phase, while the wet conditions during silking brought fear of molds. Fortunately, most of August and September was sunny, which allowed dry kernel development and improved yield potential.
At Grand Valley Fortifiers, a mycotoxin database is maintained to provide our customers with a summary of mycotoxin levels across Ontario. To date, a total of 58 corn samples representing 13 different counties across Ontario have been sampled and analyzed for DON (Vomitoxin), Zearalenone, T2, Fumonisons, and Aflatoxins
Nutrient Influence
The nutrient composition of a feed ingredient is also vital to ensure you are delivering exactly what you think you are to the pigs. If you have formulated with a 45% crude protein soybean meal, then you need to ensure that the nutrients that come with that protein level are present. It is more difficult to monitor and account for composition changes in ingredients as we are always getting information on a product that is already in the bin. In a perfect world, we could either get a sample before delivery or segregate ingredients until a lab analysis is completed, but this is just not realistic for most producers. In the example in Table 2, we will simply highlight the impact on feed composition assuming changes in the energy and crude protein levels of ingredients. In Table 2, we reviewed the energy level of corn and the protein level of soybean meal to consider their influence on simple diets. For corn, as we decrease the energy level, we can see a marked increase in the amount of corn needed to maintain the energy level in the complete tonne of feed. By the time we have reduced energy by 200 kcal/kg in corn, the diet can no longer solve without supplemental energy sources like fat or oil. With soybean meal, we altered the protein content, and its influence on the amino acid balance of the ingredient. When we decrease or increase soybean meal protein content, there is a clear pattern of usage based on the nutrient content. Taking delivery of soybean meal that is even 1% different in crude protein than expected can have an impact on the diets if they are not rebalanced using more soybean meal or supplemental amino acids.
Toxins
Finally, mycotoxins are an issue that influences our feed formulation decisions each crop year. We need to keep a close eye on the contribution of these toxins within our feeds to ensure we only manufacture and present the best quality product for our animals. There are multiple means to deal with toxins, the most effective being removal or blending out of poor-quality grain products. When this is not an option, we can rely on toxin binders, enzymes and other items to help mitigate the impact of the toxins in the feed. The good news is that the 2024 crop is looking to be a very good one in terms of toxin load. This is discussed in detail in one of our other Grist articles in this issue.
This is just a small summary of a few factors that should be monitored to determine when it is time to reformulate your feed. As we can see, this is a dynamic question with many different answers. The Good News: The nutritionists at Grand Valley Fortifiers are here to help take the guesswork out of the decision making and ensure you not only optimise your hogs nutrition but also your bottom line.
Mycotoxin Update
by: Kayla Silva, M.Sc. Monogastric Nutritionist, Grand Valley Fortifiers
The 2024 Ontario corn season has been marked by a mix of favourable and challenging conditions that shaped crop development across the region. Early in the season, mild temperatures
Along with this information, OMAFA field crop specialists, in collaboration with Grain Farmers of Ontario and the Ontario Agri-Business Association, completed a 2024 Ontario grain corn ear mold and DON mycotoxin survey (2024 Ontario Grain Corn Ear Mould and Deoxynivalenol (DON) Mycotoxin Survey – Field Crop News). They found that from 261 ear corn samples, 76% of the samples contained less than 0.5 ppm of DON, 18% contained 0.5 to 2 ppm of DON and 6% contained 2 to 5 ppm. Compared to 2023, 41% of samples contained less than 0.5 ppm, 36% from 0.5 to 2 ppm, and 18% from 2 to 5 ppm. Compared to the 10-year average, 2024 is considered one of the lowest DON years. Although mycotoxin levels are low, it is important to know that toxins, particularly aflatoxins and fusarium, pose significant health risks to swine, including reduced feed intake, impaired growth, reproductive issues, and weakened immune responses. Exposure to these toxins can lead to severe economic losses in swine production. Below is a table that lists the potential symptoms associated with mycotoxin contamination.
To combat mycotoxin contamination, producers can implement several strategies:
01. Cleaning or Roasting Grain – since most of the mycotoxins are found in the fines, removing the fines, or roasting can burn off the fines and remove toxins from the surface of the grain
02. Diluting Contaminated Grain – including wheat, barley or bakery in diets will reduce the amount of corn, ultimately reducing the amount of mycotoxins present.
03. Enzymes and Probiotics – enzymes can transform mycotoxins into
Table 2: Breakdown of mycotoxin contamination by Ontario Counties.
less toxic compounds, and probiotics can transform whole families of mycotoxins and eliminate them by biotransformation, while offering protection to the gut.
Year to year mycotoxins remain a risk in feed grains fed to livestock animals, of which pigs are the most sensitive. Ultimately, laboratory testing is best for assessing the risks in feeding contaminated grains. Being vigilant and assessing symptoms within your herd, as well as speaking with a Grand Valley Fortifiers Livestock Business Consultant or Nutritionist about mitigation strategies is the best way to cope with mycotoxin contamination. Be sure to reach out if you have questions or concerns.
Utilizing In-Pen Scales: Value for the Individual and for the Group
by: Emily Miller, Ph.D. Monogastric On-Farm Technology and Product Performance Specialist
At Grand Valley Fortifiers, we are focused on our customers’ profitability. Successful swine production systems don’t happen by chance, but through the hard work of pork producers and with the support of those around them. Especially in modern production, it is more important than ever to measure, so that you can manage through data-driven decisions.
One example of a tool available through Grand Valley Fortifiers are the nursery and finishing PigScales. These are in-pen scales, which determine individual weights from a group of nursery and/or finishing pigs. The setup is simple and provides a no-stress opportunity to capture body weights of individual pigs as they walk on and off the scale. Capturing individual animal data means that uniformity of the group can be monitored, average weights can be used to make feed changes, and daily gains can be used to monitor general performance (to give a few examples). Quickly, producers can use this body weight data, rather than the ‘eye-ball’ method, to make management adjustments or feed decisions.
These PigScales are manufactured in The Netherlands and we currently have more than 90 scales across Canada between Grand Valley Fortifiers and Fortified Nutrition Ltd. Connection and data support for the scales are offered through the On-Farm Business Intelligence Team (support@onfarmbi.com). The standard subscription for the PigScale includes an individual customer login with a customizable dashboard for each scale. Depending on what is beneficial to your operation, tables and graphs can be created and adjusted to suit your needs. In addition, weekly emails are sent to individual customers showing the growth curve for the current, previous, and historical batches of pigs. This allows for easy comparison of the current batch to historical performances to track if, for example, management changes were beneficial.
Considering your individual farm’s performance is key to making decisions, but it is also informative to see how other farms are performing on a similar feeding program. To explore this, all customer PigScale data from Western Canada (where most scales are currently located) was compiled (October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2024). This encompassed 279 batches and about 78,000 pigs. Considering the age of the pigs where most data was available, a start age of 28 days and end age of 65 days was used for this benchmark, and only data between these ages was considered. From here, the average weight for each day of age can be calculated. One step further was determining some of the best performing batches of pigs, which in part, can demonstrate feeding program success when combined with excellent management practices. The qualifying factor of 60 lbs (27.2 kg) in 60 days was used to classify the “Top Performance”. In Figure 1, the average (red bars) and top (black bars) performance is shown. From 28-65 days of age, the ADG was 546 g/d for the average performance and 603 g/d for the top performance. This highlights the importance of excellent management and health, in addition to high quality feed.
Grand Valley Fortifiers (and Fortified Nutrition) are capturing this kind of body weight data every day and knowing how your pigs are growing is a great step to improving the on-farm efficiency. Once we know the body weights, the next piece of the efficiency puzzle is knowing how much feed is consumed. Pairing these two values together allows for calculation of feed conversion and further opportunities to improve efficiency. The On-Farm Business Intelligence Team is currently investigating tools available in the market to measure feed delivered to individual pens.
Would you like to install a scale on your farm and begin capturing the body weight data on your pigs? Reach out to your representative at Grand Valley Fortifiers or email support@onfarmbi.com to learn more about the scale program and how we can help get you started.
Knowledge is Power: Using Predicted Hog and Commodity Prices to Make Decisions
by: Emily Miller, Ph.D. Monogastric On-Farm Technology and Product Performance Specialist
If only we could see into the future! We would know when market hogs would be worth the most and when feed costs would be most economical. Unfortunately, I don’t think anyone has that crystal ball.
However, by considering historical and present-day markets, it is possible to make a prediction for future hog and commodity prices. Those at TrueAg, which is a Canadian company, have developed ProHog, a modelling solution for the swine industry to make those predictions. They do so by tracking data from several streams, bringing it all into one centralized place, and integrating that data. The result is a model capable of providing a well-rounded output, allowing subscribers to better understand the markets that impact swine producers.
Together with TrueAg, Grand Valley Fortifiers is sending out reports customized for our business and those we are working with. These weekly reports estimate the future margin per pig from a farrow to finish operation each month for the coming year. Some of the information used: Current and futures commodity (plus location), hog prices (CME Lean Hog Market Contracts), and local slaughter grid
• Common feed rations from farrow to finish to estimate future feed costs, customized for Grand Valley Fortifiers
• An average level of production for a farrow to finish farm
• Non-feed costs of production
All data is incorporated to calculate the projected margin per pig for the coming year. Margin = $/pig – (Feed COP + non-feed COP) + cull sow revenue (Figure 1)
Gaining access to predicted hog and commodity prices, feed costs, and margin per hog, can help with business decisions on farm. For example, how are prices of market hogs expected to change with the seasons? Where is the price of soybean meal expected to go? Should you consider buying more of a certain commodity? Should you consider a change in your premix to better accommodate the commodities that are most economical? Should you consider adding to your operation or finishing all your own hogs? The weekly Margin Updates can provide some insight into the predicted hog and commodity market situations for the coming year.
Are you interested in receiving these weekly margin Updates directly to your inbox? Scan the QR Code or email support@onfarmbi.com to subscribe. SCAN THIS
Would you like to have a customized prediction for your operation? Grand Valley Fortifiers can help you with that! Speak to your Swine Specialist today or email support@onfarmbi.com
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Figure 1: Example of a predicted margin/ hog throughout the year
The HyBag: Revolutionizing Cleaning and Disinfection in Agriculture
by: Luke Solomon Marketing Coordinator, Schippers Canada Ltd.
As the agricultural industry evolves, so too must the tools we rely on for maintaining safe, clean, and biosecure environments. The HyBag system introduces a revolutionary approach to cleaning and disinfection, offering technology that simplifies operations, while delivering superior results. This efficient, effective, and intuitive system is quickly becoming the new standard for farms, livestock transportation, and other high-demand operations.
Unmatched Efficiency and Performance
The HyBag system redefines efficient cleaning and disinfection. Each HyBag can treat up to 3,000 ft2 (279 m2), significantly reducing the time, labour, and resources traditionally needed for large-scale operations. Whether you’re cleaning barns, equipment, or livestock transport vehicles, the HyBag’s efficiency results in fewer products used, faster results, and a streamlined workflow that saves both time and money.
With its powerful foaming, the HyBag ensures complete and consistent application, avoiding the uneven coverage and product waste common in traditional methods. This thorough coverage is crucial for high biosecurity levels, helping reduce disease risk and enhancing both animal welfare and operational cleanliness.
A Foolproof System: The Power of MS Topfoam and HyBag Together
When paired with MS Topfoam, the HyBag system becomes an unbeatable solution for agricultural cleaning. MS Topfoam is a high-performance foaming cleaner that tackles a wide range of contaminants, from stubborn grime to organic buildup, without the need for extensive handling or chemical exposure.
Simplicity and Safety
Each pre-measured HyBag requires no mixing, complicated setup, or direct handling of potentially hazardous chemicals. Once the HyBag Foamer is calibrated to match your pressure washer system, no further adjustments are needed. This setup ensures consistent, hassle free results making it safe and reliable for all experience levels. The foam clings to surfaces, providing more contact time for effective cleaning, especially on vertical areas where traditional cleaners would drip off before penetrating deeply.
Megades Novo: Unrivaled Disinfection in Minutes
In addition to cleaning, the HyBag system also excels in disinfection with Megades Novo, a broad-spectrum disinfectant offering powerful protection against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Megades Novo achieves its full disinfecting potential in just five-minutes, a significant advantage over other products that may slide off surfaces well before they can work effectively.
Economical Efficiency: Not only is Megades Novo effective, but it is also highly economical. Each HyBag of Megades Novo can disinfect up to 3,000 ft2, translating into a mere 8.5 cents/ft2. This cost-effective approach makes it an ideal choice for livestock transport operators needing reliable disinfection that meets industry biosecurity standards while keeping costs down. The fast action of Megades Novo reduces cross-contamination risks, supporting animal health and welfare during transport.
Safe, Simple, and Environmentally Friendly
The HyBag system prioritized safety, eliminating the need for heavy 5-gallon jugs, making it easy to handle around the farm or barn. Each lightweight, premeasured HyBag reduces the risk of spills, mishandling, and incorrect dosing, providing a safer option for workers. Its intuitive design allows even less experienced employees to achieve professional-grade results without error. Beyond ease of use, the HyBag system also supports environmentally friendly practices, by minimizing waste and maximizing coverage, reducing the environmental impact associated with traditional cleaning and disinfection. This eco-conscious design, paired with high performance, makes the HyBag system an ideal choice for agricultural operations focused on biosecurity and sustainability.
The HyBag system is the next generation of cleaning and disinfection technology, offering an unbeatable combination of efficiency, safety, and ease of use. Whether cleaning a 3,000ft2 area with MS Topfoam or disinfecting with Megades Novo, the HyBag delivers consistent, high-quality results that enhance biosecurity and promote animal health.
For more information or to give HyBag a try on your farm operation, reach out to Farmers Depot at 1-866-527-6229 or FarmersDepot.ca.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE HYBAG HERE!
Commodity Outlook
by: JP Thibault Business Development Manager
A lot can happen in a short period of time and give an unexpected direction to the markets, the election of Donald Trump is certainly one of them. His threat to impose a 25% tariff on all products from Canada, his policy on biodiesels and the impact of his election on the value of our dollar have created a lot of concern. Canola oil is a good example, 91% of all the oil produced in Canada was exported to the United States last year. What will happen to exports to the U.S. if a tariff is applied? Otherwise, there is little to put pressure on the markets; the weather in South America favors a rapid advance of plantings, concerns about the Chinese economy call into question their purchases of raw materials, a strong US dollar disfavors grains/commodity from the USA. At the moment, only corn seems to have upward momentum, supported by strong demand for ethanol production, strong export sales and investment funds that continue to buy contracts. Despite a record high NOPA crush report for October at 199.96 million bushels, the soyoil inventory level didn’t increase as much as we thought, thanks to rising use of this oil for renewable diesel/ biodiesel production. That being said, the soybean meal is clearly now the by-product of the crushing industry as the primary reason to crush is oil. We shouldn’t expect upward price on meal but it’s always a good idea to price a few tons when a commodity reaches a new bottom.
2024 CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR’S SCHEDULE
Thought of the Day!
“When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.
Luke 2:15-15
Throughout the Bible, we can see how frequently God chose to use shepherds to further His plan in preparing the way for a Saviour, Christ the Lord. We see this of Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Moses and King David all of whom were shepherds before God chose to use them in mighty ways. It’s intriguing to see how God continues in this vein and choose to announce the birth of Jesus Christ his son, first to shepherds. The shepherds were keeping watch over their flocks at night when the Angles appeared bearing the good news of Christ’s birth. Immediately, the shepherds went to Bethlehem to see the Christ, the Great Shepherd who came to shepherd humanity and provide a way back into relationship with our Lord. This Christmas remember the Great Shepherd and ponder all He has done for you.
