Topigs Norsvin Launches R3silience at the North American Pork Event 2026

Unveiling a Breakthrough Genetic Solution for future-proof, sustainable Pork Production.

DES MOINES, Iowa, June 3, 2026 - yesterday we hosted the North American Pork Event 2026 in Des Moines, Iowa, under the theme "Navigating the Future of North American Pork: The Resilience Roadmap." 

The event brought together leading voices from across the North American pork sector, producers, packers, veterinarians, researchers, and industry leaders to address the industry’s most pressing challenges. 

The highlight of the evening was the exclusive launch of R3silience, Topigs Norsvin’s new innovative genetic solution for disease management. 

The North American Pork Event 2026: an invitation to collaborate 

CEO Dick Hordijk set the tone, inviting the industry to collaborate: "The North American pork industry is interconnected, capable, and very determined. And yet the challenges we face are not challenges any one of us can solve in isolation. None of us can navigate the future alone. But together, this industry has everything it needs." 

 
The program brought together an interesting lineup of voices from across the North American pork sector, covering the industry's most critical challenges: 

• Dr. Henry Johnson, DVM, Managing Partner at Swine Vet Center, delivered a frank assessment of disease pressures across North American herds and why combined action is no longer optional. 
• Jesse Dohlman, Vice President of Live Hog and Live Hog Procurement at Tyson Foods, cut through the noise and explained what the market is demanding, what it will demand next, and what it means for him when making decisions. 
• Greg Sconyers, Vice President and COO at The HANOR Company, shared HANOR's firsthand experience in making a strategic genetic partnership change and the results that followed. 
• Dr. Eli Grindflek, Global Research Director at Topigs Norsvin showcased the science and investment behind the world's largest private swine research program and what it means for producers and packers.  
• Hans Olijslagers, CTO at Topigs Norsvin, presented the long-term value of Balanced Breeding - the philosophy driving simultaneous improvement across all economically and socially relevant traits. 
• Geert Rombouts and Jim Schirmer, Managing Director North America and Managing Director USA at Topigs Norsvin, outlined the company's growing infrastructure and investment across Canada, the US, and Mexico. 
• Dick Hordijk, CEO at Topigs Norsvin closed the program with Vision 2030, a roadmap of the science, breeding investment, and partnerships Topigs Norsvin is building for the decades ahead. 

The Main Announcement: Introducing R3silience 

At the evening's exclusive product unveiling, we introduced R3silience, our new genetic solution that offers a solid alternative to how the industry can approach disease management.  
R3silience delivers scientifically proven, naturally resilient pigs that thrive under disease pressure, enabling more predictable, sustainable production by reducing losses and sustaining growth under disease challenge.    
R3silience is founded on the principle that improving natural resilience to both viral and bacterial diseases is the most comprehensive and sustainable way to strengthen pork production. By breeding pigs that better cope with health challenges, R3silience helps reduce environmental impact and direct antibiotic use, while supporting improved animal health and welfare, preparing herds for the challenges of today and tomorrow. 

"Our goal is to breed pigs with enhanced natural resilience to disease challenge," said Dr. Jenelle Dunkelberger, Geneticist and Global Health & Behavior Platform Lead at Topigs Norsvin. "R3silience is the result of decades of breeding experience and years of rigorous research at the intersection of genomics and health science. We’re excited to bring this product to the market - a sustainable solution for current and future disease challenges." 
 

Key facts about R3silience: 

• Scientifically proven enhanced natural disease resilience, against both viral and bacterial pathogens. 
• R3silience delivers not only higher survival, but also superior growth under challenges and healthier herds, supporting better animal welfare. 
• It helps maintain production performance under disease challenge, reducing unpredictability and economic loss. 
• R3silience provides naturally resilient pigs with improved health and welfare, a lower environmental impact, and a reduced need for antibiotics, contributing to more sustainable pork production without creating additional hurdles. It is readily accepted by consumers and requires no segregation of production flows, regulatory approval, or special labeling. 

Topigs Norsvin's Commitment to North America 

The North American Pork Event 2026 also marked a reaffirmation of our deepening commitment to the North American market. With a growing infrastructure spanning Canada, the US, and Mexico, and a team that includes world-class researchers, geneticists, and on-the-ground specialists. 

Geert Rombouts, Managing Director North America, emphasized: "The investments we are making in people, science, and infrastructure here in North America are concrete proof of our long-term commitment. North America isn't a target market for Topigs Norsvin. It's a home market. R3silience will support sustainable pork production in North America."