Agenda
Day 1
Tuesday, March 24 (Day 1)
Day 1 is packed with insights from economists, government leaders, and producers, covering meat quality, industry trends, and people management—offering a full view of challenges and opportunities.
Registration is located in Pre-function Foyer B | Breakfast is located in Great Room A
Great Room B+C
This plenary explores the science behind gene editing in livestock and its potential to improve animal health and welfare. Drawing on real-world research, Trish Berger will explain how targeted genetic changes can reduce disease risk, enhance resilience, and support sustainable pork production, while also addressing regulatory, ethical, and public-trust considerations.
Volatile markets, shifting interest rates, and global uncertainty continue to challenge farm businesses. Desmond Sobool provides an economic outlook for 2026, highlighting key risks and opportunities for the pork sector and offering insights to help producers plan, manage risk, and make informed financial decisions.
- Great Room B+C
Speakers
Trish Berger
Desmond Sobool
Great Room A
Sponsored by Grand Valley Fortifiers
Artificial intelligence is becoming more accessible for farms of all sizes. Charlie Illick and Shalimar Martin will demonstrate practical ways producers can use AI tools to organize data, identify patterns, and support better decision-making without adding complexity to daily operations.
- Strategy 3 Room
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Charlie Illick, Upper Canada Pork
Shalimar Martin, South West Vets -
Sponsored by Libro Credit Union
Efficient workflow is critical to barn performance. Corey Bosco shares tools to improve workflow and reduce bottlenecks.
- Strategy 3 Room
- Corey Bosko, The Progressive Group of Companies
From sensors to automation, barn technology is evolving quickly. John Otten focuses on practical, proven technologies that can be implemented today to improve efficiency, animal care, and labour management, with examples from real barn settings.
- Strategy 3 Room
- John Otten, Floradale Feed Mill
Strong teams are essential for successful farm operations. Colleen Roehrig and Ryan Harmon explore practical approaches to conflict resolution, communication, and motivation, helping producers build respectful, productive workplaces.
- Strategy 2 Room
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Colleen Roehrig, Synergy Services
Ryan Harmon, Minor Bros -
Sponsored by Demeter Veterinary Services
This session highlights cutting-edge research from emerging scholars working in swine production, animal health, and related fields. Attendees will gain insight into new ideas and research directions that may shape the future of the pork industry.
- Strategy 1 Room
- Facilitator: Maggie Henry
Great Room A
From homelessness to business leadership, Joe Roberts shares a powerful story of resilience, perseverance, and personal responsibility. This inspiring session challenges attendees to rethink adversity and recognize the small steps that lead to meaningful change.
Good stockmanship sits at the intersection of ethics, animal welfare, and public expectations. Peter Kunzman explores ethical challenges facing livestock production and how thoughtful stockmanship practices support both animals and the long-term sustainability of the pork sector.
- Great Room B+C
Speakers
Joe Roberts
Peter Kunzmann
Great Room A
Sponsored by Phibro
Advances in trailer design and transport practices are improving animal welfare, biosecurity, and efficiency. This session examines new innovations in hog transport and what they mean for producers, transporters, and the broader supply chain.
- Strategy 1 Room
- John Broekema, Dylan Van Veen, Walinga Inc; Steve Coward, Ulch Inc; Kyly Miller, Conestoga Meats; Tyler Jutzi, Brussels Transport. Facilitated by Frank Wood.
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Sponsored by Ulch Trailer Sales
Effective farrowing management is key to piglet survival and sow performance. Denise Cowie, Glen Letson and Greg Wideman share practical strategies to optimize farrowing room performance, improve outcomes, and support both animal welfare and labour efficiency.
- Strategy 2 Room
-
Denise Cowie, Dr. Greg Wideman
Glen Letson
Animal health risks continue to evolve. Murray Gillies will provide an overview of emerging disease challenges, surveillance trends, and what Ontario producers need to know to stay prepared and protect their herds.
- Strategy 3 Room
- Dr. Murray Gillies, Animal Health Canada
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Sponsored by Merck Animal Health/Intervet Canada Corp
- Great Room A
- Pre-function Foyer A+B
Join us for a special evening to celebrate the Ontario pork industry. Network with producers, industry experts, and stakeholders while enjoying an awards presentation that celebrates excellence within the industry.
- Great Room B+C
-
Pre-function Foyer A+B
Sponsored by Zantingh
Attend the biggest swine conference in Ontario
A combination of the London Swine Conference and the Ontario Pork AGM. Two full days of practical learning for the Ontario swine industry.
The expertise we've round up
just for you.
Ontario Swine Conference speakers bring a wealth of expertise, from producers and economists to leading researchers. Expect a diverse lineup offering valuable perspectives from every corner of the swine industry.
OSC Industry Gala
Indulge in a 4-course fine dining experience—all part of the gala’s Bacon-Ball celebration. Connect with industry leaders and celebrate excellence at the awards presentation.
HOTEL INFORMATION
Need an overnight stay?
To request the special group rate, you can reference the code OWN if you call. The last day to make reservations is Mon., Mar 2, 2026.
+1-800-519-9911
If you are a delegate, president or secretary of Ontario Pork please contact Olga Klashtorny for your hotel accommodation and conference registration.
