When it comes to pork production, start healthy to end strong. Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. (BIVI) thoroughly believes that and hosted an educational seminar at the 2016 World Pork Expo completely dedicated to that concept. One expert to address attendees included Miguel Higuera, Spanish Swine Producers Association, who discussed how to best prepare and stay proactive with global trends.

Europe is a few years ahead of North America when it comes to their production system and trends associated with consumers. Since 2013 all sows have been required to be in group housing. Throughout 2012, Miguel said it was very hard to figure out how they would comply because they simply didn’t know how to do it. “From the production point of view, the results have been positive. Now that farmers know this is the line they have to work at, they don’t want to go back.”

Miguel shared with us some extreme marketing methods on antibiotics use and castration methods being used throughout Europe to persuade the consumers into believing current methods are extreme. “We have a lot of pressure coming from activists. The biggest debates are in tail docking, which they want us to totally eliminate from the farms. Castration is also one of the biggest debates. It isn’t mandatory, but by 2018 we will have to eliminate castration or at least the pain for animals.”

Listen to my complete interview with Miguel to hear a bit of advice he has concerning these issues we have knocking at our door. Interview with Miguel Higuera, Spanish Swine Producers Association

View and download photos from the event here:2016 World Pork Expo Photo Album