The inaugural Ontario Swine Conference (OSC) brought together a dynamic mix of discussion, learning, and collaboration. Approximately 500 pork producers and industry members gathered in London on March 25-26th to celebrate the swine industry at Ontario’s premier swine event.
The OSC is a collaboration of the London Swine Conference and the Ontario Pork Annual General Meeting – a new event that brings producers, industry experts, and stakeholders together to shape the future of the pork industry.
The conference featured a wide range of main stage speakers who shared perspectives on topics like economics, international trade, and consumer trends. Among the speakers was Dalhousie University Professor Sylvain Charlebois, who encouraged attendees by telling the crowd to “tune out the noise and focus instead on what you can do each day to improve your sector.”
Interactive workshops were also part of the program, offering attendees practical skills and techniques through focused discussions on pig health and emerging innovations — all aimed at addressing real on-farm challenges and supporting continuous improvement in production.
The conference included an Industry Gala, where new Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness Trevor Jones addressed the crowd with a message of resiliency and unity. During the Gala two long-time pork producers were also honoured for their outstanding contributions to the industry.
- Stewart Cressman was awarded with the Ontario Pork Producer Award. Stewart’s extensive contributions to research, innovation, and on-farm practices have strengthened the pork sector and continue to benefit the agricultural community.
- Mark Yungblut was presented with both the Producer Award, and the OPIC Industry Award. Mark’s career spans more than four decades, and he has been a dedicated leader, producer and a trusted advisor to many in the industry. Known for his thought-provoking questions, Mark is recognized for his ability to challenge the status quo in ways that push the industry forward.
The Ontario Swine Conference exceeded expectations, with attendees leaving inspired to turn challenges into opportunities. The event’s success, marked by high engagement and positive feedback, has set the stage for an even bigger experience next year. Due to the overwhelming turnout, the 2026 Ontario Swine Conference will move to a larger venue at the Sheraton Hotel in Niagara Falls, with tentative dates set for March 24th and 25th.
