We recently hosted groups of swine veterinarians and associated industry professionals from China and Spain. As always, visitors allow us to educate them about our production system, health challenges, and management techniques while enabling us to learn what they face in their respective countries. All the while, we share a little of our local culture!
A group of Spanish veterinarians arrived first. They provide veterinary service to swine farms in northern Spain along the Pyrenees Mountains. (In fact, some of their multiplier herds are actually located in the mountains in order to maintain high herd health.) They were very interested in our PRRS control methods, our system of farm ownership, and how we are dealing with PCV issues. We spent the day visiting a wean-to-finish site and sharing information.
These veterinarians told us their biggest concern is the price of corn and soybean meal, since some of their supply comes from North America. They are concerned about the impact of ethanol on feed costs.
A small contingent of Chinese veterinarians, three health specialists from three different areas of China, arrived next with the U.S. Grains Council representative from China, Jason Yan. I have spent time in China with Jason and find his information about that country very reliable. The group he led was most interested in PRRS and PCV, which should come as no surprise, since we have all heard about high mortality and the resulting increased pig prices in China. In spite of all the rumors, this group was fairly certain that a variant PRRS strain was the most likely cause of these losses. They requested PRRS management and control assistance. To do that, veterinarians from Pipestone may travel to China in the near future.
The most recent group to visit Pipestone included nearly 20 Spanish veterinarians touring U.S. production companies and related industries. They were very interested in our current cost of production—their producers currently lose money because of high feed costs. They also wanted to learn about the impact of PCV and PRRS on production. Producers there dealt with PCV three to four years ago. The Spanish veterinarians tell us it “went away” without vaccine use.
The current level of sow farm production in our country was an area of interest as well. They spoke of herds in Spain with over 30 PSY! Naturally, we asked for more information. This group was concerned about the future of the swine industry in Europe because of rising feed costs, animal welfare issues, and health challenges.
We appreciated the opportunity to host our recent visitors representing three different international groups. We had three opportunities to educate visitors about agriculture in our country, specifically in the Midwest. We found three occasions to learn more about swine production around the world. If anyone has any interest in assisting us in hosting future international visitors, please contact us at the clinic. You will find the experience challenging, educational, and rewarding. |
