A PERIODIC NEWSLETTER PRODUCED BY GRAND VALLEY FORTIFIERS
WINTER 2024
Dear Pork Producing Friends,
It is encouraging to read of an increased wheat crop harvest over 2023 levels and although the barley crop didn’t hit yield records, that most producers harvested this fall compiled sample results for both wheat and barley are 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 ~$58 hog CAD in the Prairies. If you are interested in receiving the FNL weekly hog margin report, please reach out to your local FNL livestock business consultant.
I trust that you enjoy and pick up a few ideas from the nutrition focused articles authored by Drew Woods, M.Sc, Kayla Silva, M.Sc. and Samuel Waititu Ph.D.
When to Reformulate your Diets
by: Drew Woods, M.Sc. Manager of Monogastric Nutrition, GVF Group of Companies
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.
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
Samuel Waititu | João Ferreira, Monogastric Nutritionists
AB/SK: 1-866-610-5770 | MB: 1-866-626-3933
fortifiednutritionltd.com
In this edition of the Swine Grist, we are pleased to announce the addition of Trevor Stanhope to the Fortified Nutrition Limited Manitoba swine team. Trevor is well known in the industry for his technical, in-barn knowledge and commitment to great customer service. We are also very pleased to share of the addition of Andrew Meadowcroft to the Regional Sales Manager role for Alberta, Saskatchewan and Montana. Andrew is also experienced and knowledgeable in the barn and through his career has led a number of customer service and sales teams. Please join us in welcoming these two gentlemen to the team.
As we quickly approach the celebration of Christmas, the birth of our Lord and Saviour.
All of us at Fortified Nutrition Limited 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
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 $40/MT price difference for soybean meal.
Difference in Cost Between Ingredients ($/MT)
Table 1: Example of ingredient substitution depending on ingredient cost differences
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
Ian Ross, Chief Executive Officer | JD D'Elia, President David Ross, VP of Customer Advocacy & Experiential Marketing Monogastric Nutritionists, Drew Woods | Kayla Silva Curtis Ebanks, Layout Editor
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.
a level of 0.3-1.0 ppm. This means that there is less mycotoxin pressure than 2023 where 80% of the DON levels were below 0.3 ppm, and 20% were from 0.3-1.0 ppm. When looking at the protein distribution for CWRS the average protein content is 14.1% making this marginally above the ten-year average of 13.8% (Figure 1).
The Canadian Grain Commission Harvest Sample Program has also reported levels of DON and Ergot in all grades of barley. A total of 102 samples were taken in Western Canada and 91% tested below 0.3 ppm of DON, 5% tested 0.3-0.5 ppm, and 3% tested 1.1-2.0 ppm. In terms of Ergot, 162 samples were taken in Western Canada and 95% of the samples did not detect ergot. When looking at average barley yield in bushels per acre, Western Canada feel below the 10 – year average of 65.3, with 61 bushels per acre (Figure 2).
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 growing season started off strong with early rainfall in May, which ensured wheat and barley development despite some hotter and drier conditions later in the summer months. In Alberta, harvest was ahead of last year, while Saskatchewan and Manitoba fell behind. Canada’s wheat crop which was good quality with No.1 and No.2 grading, grew to 34.3 million tonnes of wheat which is a 4% increase compared to 2023 (Cereals Canada; 2024; 2024 New Crop Report – Cereals Canada). The Canadian Grain Commission Harvest Sample Program has reported levels of DON in 1450 samples of Canada Western Red Spring Wheat (CWRS). Of these samples, 90% had DON levels below 0.3 ppm, while 8% had
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. 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
Table 2: Demonstrating how energy and crude protein level influence ideal inclusion
Figure 1: 10- Year average of protein content (13.8%; 86.5% DM) for CWRS.
(Quality of Canada Western Red Spring wheat in 2024)
Figure 2: Annual comparison of average barley yield (bushel per acre) in Western Canada (Quality of western Canadian barley in 2024)
herd, as well as speaking with a Fortified 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.
BioForce® Sow Feeding Program: An On-farm Assessment
by: Samuel Waititu, Ph.D. Monogastric Nutritionist
The omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient God paused to reflect and assess the work of His own hands as it is written of Him, “and God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good". In this article we desire to tread the same pathway as we strive to share our reflection and assessment of the BioForce® Sow Feeding Program from an onfarm perspective based on real data from a reliable source. The intention is not to boast, but to bring our attention as to how the sobering challenges of modern sow nutrition interacts with a resilient well-designed feeding program, on a well managed farm. My goal in this article is to share two years of performance data (from August 2022 to July 2024) obtained from a farm that has been exclusively on the BioForce® Sow feeding program for over 8 years. Many thanks to the farm’s management for being exceedingly kind to give us permission to share this data in this article.
The Herd
This farm is a well-managed, high health, 500 sow operation populated by the Topigs Norsvin TN 70 sow and Topigs Norsvin Duroc or Tempo boar for the period within which this data was gathered. Personally, I would rate the level of data collection and reporting in this farm as excellent.
The Feeding Program
This farm has been on the BioForce® Sow 34 premix for more than 8 years. The BioForce® Sow 34 premix is the equivalent of the BioForce® Sow 12 micro used by most of our clientele in Western Canada. The beauty of this story is that the premix used in this farm has very few custom changes compared to the standard premix. Any customization was done through the recommendation of a Topigs Norsvin nutritionist about 4 years ago after formally reviewing the on-farm rations.
Performance Assessment
The performance data shared demonstrates strong reproductive results from this sow herd (Table 1). This starts with a good farrowing rate (87.8%). The litter characteristics on this farm start at 18.06 total born/litter, with low percentage of stillborn and mummies, resulting in a high number born alive/ litter (16.4). It is evidence that the feeding program and management meets the genetic potential of the TN 70 sow. Figure 1 shows a steady increase in the number of piglets weaned/litter over time, without sacrificing piglet weaning weight. This demonstrates a strong weaning capacity of the sows on this farm, supported by the strong feeding program. A final
parameter to consider is the sow mortality, as this is a growing industry issue. This farm has seen a sow mortality of 6.9%, which is much lower than the US industry average presented by Metafarms, 14.6% and 16.2% for 2022 and 2023, respectively (Eckberg, 2024). Strong management of animals and environment, high health, good genetics, and quality feed all contribute to these strong reproductive and survivability results on this farm using Fortified Nutrition's products. Production Parameters
Conclusion
In reference to the shared data, I desire to reiterate these facts:
a. The feeding program meets the genetic potential of the sows.
b. The effective herd management in this farm complements the potential of the BioForce® Sow feeding program.
c. The low sow mortality rate reflects the enhanced gut health protection offered within the design of the BioForce® Sow Feeding Program.
d. The BioForce® Sow Feeding Program demonstrates resiliency in its ability to offer consistent results regardless of the seasonal changes.
Would you like to learn more about the BioForce® Sow Premix program from Fortified Nutrition and if it’s right for your operation? Please reach out to your Fortified Swine Specialist for additional information.
As we patiently wait for the jingle bells to start ringing, we wish you and your loved one’s warmth, health and peace.
Reference:
• Eckberg, B (2024, August 28). U.S. Sow Farm Production Update. Available at: https://www. nationalhogfarmer.com/livestock-management/u-s-sow-farm-production-update. (Accessed: 31-October-2024)
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.
Trevor Stanhope is the latest addition to the Fortified Nutrition team in Manitoba. Trevor was brought on board to help us support our existing clients and grow our colony business in Manitoba. Trevor will also be investing a significant amount of time in the United States working with Brad Cramer developing our colony business in North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota. Trevor comes to Fortified Nutrition with 15 years of hands-on pork production experience with companies like Elite Swine and Maple Leaf Agri Farms. Trevor has also spent 15 years in the feed industry in Manitoba working closely with colony pork producers.
Please join us in welcoming Trevor Stanhope to the FNL team. If you wish to contact Trevor for any reason, feel free to email him at: trevorstanhope@fortifiednutritionltd.ca | 431-344-0623
Andrew Meadowcroft
Regional Sales Manager in Monogastric Sales, Fortified Nutrition
It is with pleasure that we formally announce the addition of Andrew Meadowcroft to the Fortified Nutrition Limited (FNL) team, taking on the role of Regional Sales Team Manager for Alberta, Saskatchewan and Montana. Andrew stepped into this role in early September after John Drost moved into retirement this summer after a full and illustrious career in livestock agriculture, leading within the same region with FNL the past four years. We are extremely grateful to John for leading the growing FNL western team effectively and well resulting in great customer service and growing market share.
It is hard to believe that already three months have passed since Andrew’s first day with FNL as Andrew has quickly settled into the role, gotten to know and work with his team members and met numerous FNL customers in this region. Andrew’s team includes: Alberta – Craig Tomiyama, Brett Hempel, Mortiz Schmitz, Jesse Ogle, Kurtis de Graaf. Saskatchewan – Joel Elford, Cole Bablitz. Montana - Mark Cassel.
Andrew joins FNL in this sales team leadership role with decades of experience in swine nutrition consulting and leadership roles in hog production, customer service and nutrition sales. Andrew’s production advice in hog barns across the province and Montana have been much appreciated by many producers. We are pleased to augment the technical knowledge of our FNL western team with the addition of Andrew to this leadership role. In speaking with Andrew, a slight British accent may give his family history away as Andrew was born and raised in England and graduated from Lancashire College of Agriculture in Preston (near Manchester) England.
Andrew and his family live in Red Deer county, running a 200 acre cow/ calf, hay crop operation in their “spare time”.
Please join us in welcoming Andrew Meadowcroft to the Fortified Nutrition family!
If you wish to contact Andrew for any reason, feel free to email him at: andrewmeadowcroft@fortifiednutritionltd.ca | 403-597-0498
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 Angels 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.
