NIVERVILLE, Man. — A hog industry stabilization plan proposed for Manitoba has left producers feeling either abandoned or relieved. The difference in reaction depended on what they do in the industry. “It sounds like a stabilization thing, which makes sense if they can cover the fall and winter,” said farrow-to-finish producer Jerrold Siemens of Morris. […] Read more
Tag Archives hogs
Hog industry seeks assistance
Farms at risk | Increasing feed costs, import restrictions and a surging loonie cripple hog production
Canada’s hog industry, hit by a 60 percent increase in feed costs, import restrictions into the United States and a strong Canadian dollar, is appealing for government help. Soon. “We already have lost 30,000 sows from the herd in Manitoba and if this isn’t reversed, the cobwebs will be rolling into barns with the spiders,” […] Read more
‘Golden age of profitabilty’ ahead?
INDUSTRY WOES | Economic crises at two of the Prairies’ largest hog companies are the latest events in a tumultuous 15 years for the industry. In this second installment of a two-part special series, Karen Briere and Ed White examine the root causes and the industry’s future.
Economic crises at two of the Prairies’ largest hog companies are the latest events in a tumultuous 15 years for the industry. In this second installment of a two-part special series, Karen Briere and Ed White examine the root causes and the industry’s future. Livestock producers are on the verge of what could be a […] Read more
A series of unfortunate events
Economic crises at two of the Prairies’ largest hog companies are the latest events in a tumultuous 15 years for the industry. While the number of hog operations contracted, the number of hogs soared and then contracted. Low cost feed and a cheap loonie initially prompted expansion but a currency now at par, expensive feed […] Read more
Hog sector seeks help; looks for market solution
‘We didn’t forget you’ | Ag minister addresses producers’ concerns
MISSISSAUGA, Ont. — Near the end of an industry and analyst-heavy conference on animal agriculture sustainability, Ontario hog farmer Amy Cronin offered what she thought was a bit of reality to the picture. “I don’t think we’re sustainable as pork producers in Ontario or Can-ada, and we need to change and have a different approach,” […] Read more
Hog price outlook strong for next year
Conditions ripe for profits | Pork demand is good and breeding herd reductions may reach five percent
The hog profitability outlook is good. Repeat: Good. That might come as a surprise to many in this period of extreme losses and near-panic, but market analysts say hog producers should be making profits next summer and all the way through the following calendar year. “We should see profitability in the summer,” said Purdue university […] Read moreWP Livestock Report – August 9, 2012
Hog prices steady Hog prices were steady for the period with packers well supplied despite heat-stressed and lightweight hogs. Iowa-southern Minnesota cash hogs delivered to plants were $68 to $68.50 per hundredweight on Aug. 3, down from $72 July 27. The U.S. pork carcass cut-out value was $93.15 Aug. 3, up from $92.27 on July […] Read more
Roundworm discovery in Manitoba bison herd baffles researchers
A recent case report has described the discovery of an unusual parasite in a bison calf from Manitoba. Toxocara vitulorum is a roundworm parasite that is usually seen only in Asian water buffalo and cattle from sub-tropical regions. Dr. Murray Woodbury from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine and other researchers published the report in […] Read more
Experts warn of looming hog price plunge
Potential big corn crop | Herd rebuilding is helped by lower feed costs, but stronger hog prices are in question
DES MOINES, Iowa — Leading analysts were predicting fall corn futures prices of $4 to $5.15 during the World Pork Expo. “I think there’s a good chance of affordable corn this year,” said analyst Steve Meyer of Paragon Economics in an outlook session. He predicted likely corn prices of $4 to $4.15 per bu. this […] Read moreStall-free barns worry producers
Costly switch | Restaurant chains force move
Hog farmers hope that the move to open housing doesn’t put them out of business. “If producers are not going to make money, they’re not going to stay in the business,” said leading Manitoba Hutterite hog production manager James Hofer of the Starlite Colony. Hofer said some farmers have already built stall-free barns, but the […] Read more
