Rules hindering the construction of new pig barns may be isolated to Manitoba, but Alberta and Saskatchewan producers should also be concerned, says a provincial politician.
Monsanto announced a $100 million investment in early-maturing corn hybrids last year as part of a plan to dramatically increase corn acres in Western Canada.
Blaine Pedersen, a progressive conservative MLA from Manitoba, said proposed corn expansion hinges on the success of the prairie hog industry.
“What are you going to do with that corn? You’re not going to export that corn out of Western Canada.”
Theresa Bergsma, general manager of the Manitoba Corn Growers Association, agreed.
“We can talk about corn expanding all we want, but if we have nothing to feed it to … if it (the livestock industry) doesn’t pick up at all here, there’s nothing to expand to.”
