WINNIPEG (Staff) – The hog business might be a way to help fatten up financial figures for Manitoba Pool Elevators.
But before they give their grunt of approval to projects, delegates to the pool’s annual meeting last week told management they want hard numbers on how much the company could earn from pork ventures.
Saskatchewan Wheat Pool recently announced it will investigate opportunities in the hog industry.
MPE president Charlie Swanson said the Sask Pool decision didn’t play a big role in the discussions, although the two companies may look at working through jointly owned Heartland Livestock.
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Manitoba Pool delegates discussed the issue behind closed doors. Swanson said the company will show delegates return on investment for all the possible ways the pool could get involved in the business.
Ideas include investing in specialized operations, processing or feed mills, Swanson said. He expects the decision to be made early next year.
Some delegates expressed concerns the pool could be seen as promoting vertical integration, a term used for companies that control entire production streams from feed to slaughter. Concern was also raised that the pool may become associated with environmental problems.
Swanson said some want to know what effect the pool’s involvement will have on family hog farms.
Chief executive officer Greg Arason said investments that add value to members’ grain can help the company financially, but aren’t crucial to its success.
