The Banff Pork Seminar has always prided itself on providing the best in animal management advice, business management and information on the leading issues facing the pork industry says Dr Ron Ball, its programme director. That has never been more important than in today's industry.

Experience shows those attending the Banff Pork Seminar find value in both the sessions and the networking opportunities. This year is a special celebration of 40 years for the seminar, says Dr Ball, and as usual the goal is the very best speakers on the topics of most direct impact on the pork industry.

Each of three days begins with plenary sessions featuring speakers from across Canada and internationally on the big picture issues that anchor the industry. Topics for the Wednesday session include advocating to affect the industry's future, an examination of the future of animal feeding, financing the industry and price forecasts.

Speakers from successful pork operations in Europe and Canada will share their strategies on Thursday morning. The last plenary session of the seminar on Friday, features speakers on marketing specialised foods, getting pork on the consumer's plate and 'pigs, food and technology – the next 40 years'.

The 11 break-out sessions are always popular because they cover a wide range of topics, and because they offer practical advice that producers can take home and use quickly, says Ball. Session topics in 2011 include building a future in exports, using records to plan for the future, the future of swine health practice, and the challenging future of feed costs. There is a session on marketing to the future consumer, another on using social media and online training, one on transportation with care and profit.

In what has been a continual theme of the seminar there is a break-out session on "Competing in the future." Along with that is a set of speakers on what it will take for producers to get to a high-level return.

Perhaps the greatest sign of the pace of change in the agricultural industry, one session is left open until the last minute in December to allow the seminar to deal with a current pressing issue than has arisen. This year's topic is 'Heavier carcasses: What's in it for me?', featuring presentations from producers, processors and government.

Further information is available on the seminar web site [click here]. More information in also available by email at [email protected] or by contacting Ruth Ball, conference manager by phone at (780) 492-3651. Registration includes a copy of the proceedings.