The dark, unprofitable years in the hog industry appear to be ending.
Economists say Canada’s hog farmers have competitive advantages and will be around for the future. If profitability holds, some farmers will start planning replacement facilities as barns age.
However, animal rights and environmental concerns have strong lobbies and they could define what types of livestock facilities are built.
The Western Producer’sWinnipeg reporter Ed White spoke with producers about their concerns and with researchers who are trying to develop commercial hog production systems that will meet changing societal standards and still be commercially viable.
