Second Look

Better Pork’s December cover story prompted an angry response from one reader. Here’s what he had to say

by ROBERT IRWIN & DON STONEMAN

The cover story in Better Pork’s December issue caused a stir. It was about sow gestation stalls and the National Farmers Union (NFU) in Manitoba joining with an activist group to have them banned by 2017. The matter was going to be discussed at a national NFU convention in London.   

Industry downsizing has been painful for producers but it has helped prices

by RANDY DUFFY

The Canadian hog industry has undergone a restructuring by significantly downsizing. Since Jan. 1, 2005 the total Canadian breeding herd has shrunk by 300,000 sows (19 per cent) from the peak of 1.6 million head. In Ontario, sow numbers have decreased 90,000 head (21 per cent) from the peak of 433,000 during the same period.

Comparison of close to a year’s data suggests that Ontario producers in 2011 do have price equivalency with U.S. producers

by RANDY DUFFY

Ontario’s hog supply, relative to processing demand, has changed significantly over time. Ontario has shifted from a region producing many more hogs than were processed within the province to today’s situation where hog production is much more in balance with processing. In 2011, Ontario processors have found that they have had to pay more to procure hogs.

Our governments and consumers have high expectations of this industry and its ability to survive, but they place obstacles in the way that make it difficult for it to compete in the actual marketplace

by CURTISS LITTLEJOHN

In his book, “Fixing the Game,” Rodger Martin examines the way executives receive compensation based on the expectations market (or stock value) and the real market (or the old fashioned concept that if the company produces products that consumers buy, there will be rewards based on profits.)

Myths and biases about livestock production are rampant. Who will fill the information gap?

by RICHARD SMELSKI

The story goes that four soldiers were driving their jeep in the Vietnam War when they came upon a tree fallen across a narrow road. As they stopped, the guerillas opened fire on them. They scurried into the woods, soon realizing they would have to return to base if they were to survive.

Farm groups who have participated in its development believe that it will and that its design will minimize the risk of trade actions

by PATRICK O’NEIL

On March 29, the Ontario Government announced new program funding for agriculture. The development of the voluntary, multi-commodity, self-directed Risk Management Program (RMP) has been years in the making, beginning with the Grains and Oilseeds pilot in 2007 and continuing with the work of individual groups and the Ontario Agriculture Sustainability Coalition (OASC).

Karen and Drew de Bruyn believe that the bottom of the industry trough is precisely the time for young farmers to enter the hog business. They also feel that Ontario pork should have a recognizable symbol so that consumers know they are buying local

by KAREN and DREW DE BRUYN