SA Pork
Welcome to PIGX1 – The first of its kind in our industry!
The South African Pork Producers’ Organisation (SAPPO) hosted PigX1 at Future Africa in Pretoria on 27 and 28 July. The event brought together more than 320 stakeholders in the pork industry in a spirit of collaboration and learning.
Over the two days, 13 speakers offered diverse perspectives on various thought-provoking topics that challenged conventional thinking. The purpose was to reflect on current practices and explore new approaches that can lead to positive changes and a more sustainable future for the pork sector.
The event’s unique format, inspired by TED Talks, featured, among others, discussions questioning consumer perceptions, reflecting on a balanced approach to sustainable antibiotic use in the industry, exploring possible strategies to coexist with African swine fever, and investigating production innovations to drive productivity and profitability.
Chief executive officer of SAPPO, Johann Kotzé, expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming response to PigX1, saying, “We are truly humbled by the enthusiastic participation and support from sponsors, speakers, and industry stakeholders who made PigX1 possible. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn from one another and collectively envision a better future for the South African pork industry.”
“PigX1 was not just another conference; the purpose was to present a provocative event bringing together a clash of mindsets to encourage open dialogue. The collision of these diverse ideas should now spark discussion in our industry, motivating us all to think differently and adopt transformative behaviours for the betterment of our sector.”
“Moving forward, SAPPO encourages continued exploration of issues affecting the industry and we look forward to future collaborations that will drive positive change and elevate the South African pork industry,” says Kotzé.
The South African Pork Producers’ Organisation (SAPPO) coordinates industry interventions and collaboratively manages risks in the value chain to enable the sustainability and profitability of pork producers in South Africa.
All sessions
PigX
Session 1: The relationship between you and your consumer – Suzy Brokensha
Understanding consumer perceptions and expectations As our society becomes more connected, an important question arises: What do consumers really think about farmers? For many, farmers are seen as both custodians of the land and skilled entrepreneurs who contribute significantly to rural communities and food security. On the other hand, there ...
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PigX
Session 1: Should my family be farming with me? How can we make it work? – Dr Isaac Huerta
For generations, the family has been the bedrock of agricultural traditions, with the passing down of knowledge, values, and a deep-rooted connection to the land. But, as times change, so too do the dynamics of family involvement in farming enterprises. The decision to bring our loved ones into the fold ...
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PigX
Session 1: Protecting your pearls – Adv. Ronald King
Am I farming for wealth or maintaining a lifestyle? Farmers who have dedicated their lives to farming understand that agriculture is not merely a profession or a means of financial gain, but a way of life. As they navigate a rapidly evolving world, it is imperative to examine the balance ...
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PigX
Session 1: Does it even matter in a decaying environment? – Adv. Jacques Classen
South Africa faces numerous ongoing socio-economic and political challenges that require farmers to familiarise themselves with the law to help them stay abreast while navigating a decaying state. To navigate our mindset on law in this environment we must first recognise the factors contributing to the state of decay. These ...
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PigX
Session 2: ASF is endemic. How do we live with it? – Dr Livio Heath
African swine fever (ASF) poses significant challenges in South Africa, where it has become endemic. Addressing it requires a multifaceted response that encompasses biosecurity measures, innovative approaches, stakeholder collaboration across the industry, and a resilient mindset. Dr Livio Heath, research team manager of vaccine production at the Agricultural Research Council, ...
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PigX
Session 2: NGS – a new perspective in surveillance – Dr Barrie Fleming
Technology is changing our approach to animal health: What can the pig learn from the chicken? Each species has unique qualities, behaviours, and characteristics that contribute, in different ways, to our food production systems. Pigs and chickens, two integral components of our livestock industry, possess distinct attributes that offer valuable ...
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PigX
Session 2: The first extensive bio-monitoring mycotoxin exposure survey in swine – Dr Arnau Vidal
Busting the mycotoxin myth The impact of mycotoxins (toxic compounds produced by certain fungi) on animal health has been a key concern for farmers globally. While mycotoxins pose challenges to the pork industry, it is essential to separate fact from fiction to dispel myths and find suitable science-based solutions going ...
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PigX
Session 3: Revolution in evolution – Dr Craig Lewis
The next agricultural revolution is underway. Technological advancements, rapid genetic improvements coupled with novel data capture all combine create more sustainable animal protein production systems. These systems will help circumnavigate disease outbreaks, tackle resource scarcity, and ultimately results in economic longevity for all industry stakeholders. Dr Craig Lewis, chair of ...
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PigX
Session 4: Spain versus the world – Natasha Snyman
Spain’s strict disease management, which resulted in the eradication of African swine fever (ASF) in 1993, combined with its sustainable practices and strong focus on innovation, has positioned the country as a global leader in pork production as it continues to adapt to fluctuating market dynamics and evolve within a ...
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PigX
Session 4: From the inside out – Tim Horne
Numerous factors may cause lameness in sows, from genetics and nutrition to housing conditions and herd health management. It is a multifaceted challenge that impacts animal welfare, compromises reproductive success, decreases farm performance, and reduces economic viability. Lameness requires targeted strategies to prevent and/or cure was the message from Tim ...
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PigX
Session 4: Bridging the biosecurity gap – Dr Susan Rodakis
Biosecurity encompasses a range of measures designed to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases to protect herds, ensuring the profitability of individual operations and the sustainability of the industry. However, despite our best efforts, a biosecurity gap can emerge, presenting notable challenges and potentially undermining the core of the ...
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