BB 10 years Just call
'Translating pig's genetic potential into farmer's returns'
Boerenbusiness is 10 years old this year. As part of this anniversary, we look back and look forward to important events in the sector. Which developments play an important role and what should we prepare for in the coming years? Today a conversation with Jean-Marie van Oort, director of Topigs Norsvin Netherlands.
The Dutch pig sector is shrinking, but according to Van Oort it is not an end and there are still plenty of opportunities for the sector. For example, it is possible to optimize through partnerships and more and more integrated advice is given.
How has the function of genetics producer changed in recent decades?
“Today's genetics producer no longer breeds solely on production numbers, but has also taken on a role in social responsibility. In recent years, the breeding goal has shifted from mainly production traits to a balanced combination of utility traits and socially important traits. One of those Shifting is for example the number of production lines, that number is decreasing and so more can be invested per line. With genomic selection there are more possibilities to make progress on characteristics for which it was previously impossible or more difficult, this also requires larger investments."
"The genetic potential is increasing rapidly, it is also important that the customer really knows how to extract that genetic potential. This is again in combination with good guidance and advice. It is no longer about all aspects separately, but precisely more integral. The genetics, feed and management must lead to better results together."
The pig sector in the Netherlands is shrinking. What does this mean for your sales?
"The Dutch market is shrinking and we also notice this in our domestic sales, of course. However, we look more broadly than just at our domestic sales and also export pig genetics, animals and semen across the border, such as to China and Russia."
Are you experiencing the direct consequences of the corona crisis and what do you expect from this in the near future?
Fortunately, we notice little of this within the company. Of course we also apply the corona measures and work more from home. As a result, communication is mainly digital, so we notice that immediately, just like other companies. Fortunately, our business activities can continue as normal. will continue and we expect it to continue.”
To what extent are you concerned about the future of the sector?
"In the future, the Dutch pig sector will be smaller than the current sector, but we still see plenty of opportunities. The Coalition Vital Pig Farming (CoViVa) has drawn up an innovation plan that aims for a strong and healthy sector. can be optimized through improved cooperation within the chain or further sustainability, for example circularity and CO2 emissions."
"The pig as the ultimate circular farm animal can be organized even better, but clear communication and elaboration of this would also benefit the sector. In that regard, there are still a number of improvement steps that can be realized with the CoViVa plan. better explained as a recycled animal to the ministry, policy makers and ultimately to consumers."
Over the past few decades, Topigs has merged with Norsvin. What are your plans and ambitions for the coming years?
"We plan to continue our international growth. We want to achieve the top position as a producer of pig genetics for the main pig-producing countries. We want to achieve this, among other things, by entering into new collaborations, as we have recently done with major American integration."
"We also want to make the sector radiate more positivity and work with CoViVa on a healthy and sustainable sector with low CO2 emissions. We want to contribute to optimizing the sector and ensure that the genetic potential is actually expressed in the yield of the pig farmer."
The environmental impact of pig farming is under pressure. As a genetics producer, do you have a solution for this?
"From our perspective, we can select and breed animals with the highest possible feed efficiency. Nitrogen efficiency also plays a role in this. How can the conversion of nitrogen be made as efficient as possible so that there are as few emissions as possible. In this way we can certainly contribute to nitrogen efficiency."
Chanti Oussoren
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