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
Tag Archives hogs — page 8
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
Less Chinese pork imports sends prices down, puzzles analysts
Millions of Chinese consumers who are eating a little less imported pork leave a mountain of unexpected meat on the North American supply and demand table. That’s why pork prices have slumped since March, when weak Chinese demand for pork imports seemed to become verified. “The market had factored in huge continuing exports to South […] Read more
Researchers find genetic marker for virus
Evolution of the enemy
LINDELL BEACH, B.C. — Researchers have discovered a genetic marker that identifies pigs with reduced susceptibility to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS). The breakthrough promises to be a game changer for pig breeders. It was a collaborative effort involving Kansas State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the National Pork Board, Genome Canada and […] Read more
Take reins on animal welfare: producer
Consumer concern may continue to climb
Is the hog industry over-reacting when it embraces the goal of eliminating sow stalls by 2025? Some producers at the Manitoba Pork Council annual meeting certainly thought so as they urged the council to fight to keep the issue in producers’ hands. “We have to make sure that we don’t get legislated or regulated into […] Read more
