Maple Leaf revamp benefits farmers: market analyst Friday, October 21, 2011 by SUSAN MANNMaple Leaf Foods’ efforts to revamp its further meat processing business and distribution centres should strengthen the market for pork products, says Kevin Grier, senior market analyst with the George Morris Centre.“That’s positive for farmers,” he says, noting the company’s changes announced Wednesday would have an indirect effect on farmers because the facilities Maple Leaf is changing won’t be buying raw materials directly from producers.Maple Leaf spokesperson Linda Smith says they’ll be sourcing pork from their Brandon, Manitoba facility because “that’s the way our network is designed.” The company will source chicken and other ingredients from its own Ontario facilities. The sourcing of pork won’t change because of the changes to Maple Leaf’s further meat processing business and distribution centres, she says.The company plans to construct a $395 million, 402,000-square-foot prepared meats facility at Hamilton. The new facility will be completed in 2014, employ 670 people and make Maple Leaf and Schneider’s deli meats and wieners. The company is also planning major expansions to its meat further processing plants at Brampton, Saskatoon and Winnipeg. But six other plants, including the ones in Hamilton, Kitchener, Toronto, Moncton, Saskatchewan and a small facility in Winnipeg will be closed by 2014. Grier says the plant planned for Hamilton will be the equivalent in size to 10 good-sized grocery stores. Maple Leaf’s distribution of processed meats will be redirected to two centres: a new facility being built in Ontario by early 2013 and the existing distribution centre in Saskatoon. Centres in Kitchener and Burlington will be closed in early 2013, while Coquitlam B.C. will be closed in 2012 and Moncton will be shut down in 2014. Maple Leaf is spending $560 million over the next three years on the changes. The changes will result in the loss of 1,550 jobs with most occurring in 2014. In a press release Maple Leaf says it’s making the changes to its prepared meats business to reduce operating costs and increase productivity. President and CEO Michael McCain says they’re creating a highly efficient, world-class prepared meats production and distribution network “that will markedly increase our competitiveness and close the cost gap with our U.S. peers.”Grier says these most recent changes are part of the company’s overall strategic refocusing started in 2006 when it consolidated its slaughter and primary processing businesses, which included selling the Burlington plant.“It all makes perfectly good sense,” he says.Even though farmers get concerned about rationalization and plant closures, it’s always better to have fewer, efficient-scale plants than it is to have several, small and inefficient plants, he explains. “Producers ultimately benefit.” BF Dairy board proposes fee increase Plaintiff wants suits against egg industry players consolidated
Applications Open for Grains Innovation Fund 2026 Monday, July 28, 2025 Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO), the province’s largest commodity organization representing 28,000 farmers, is now accepting applications for the 2026 Grains Innovation Fund. The fund offers grants up to $75,000 to support innovative projects that promote the use of Ontario’s grains such as... Read this article online
Sowing the Seeds of the Future -- A Fresh Look at Farm Succession in Canada Monday, July 28, 2025 “You’ve worked the land for decades—through changing seasons, shifting markets, and long days that begin before sunrise," says Jason Castellan, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Skyline when he spoke with Farms.com. “You know every acre, every decision, every responsibility that... Read this article online
Documentary Sheds Light on Farmerettes who Helped Feed a Nation Monday, July 28, 2025 During World War II, food shortages became a serious issue for Canada and its allies. With many men away at war, the government formed the Ontario Farm Service Force, sending 40,000 teenage girls from Ontario and Quebec —known as the Farmerettes—to help farms in Southwestern... Read this article online
Join the John Deere Antique Tractor Show in Palmerston Friday, July 25, 2025 The Upper Canada Two Cylinder Club is thrilled to announce that its annual John Deere Show will be held this weekend from July 25 to 27, 2025, in Palmerston, Ontario. The festivities kicked off with a John Deere Tractor Parade on the evening of Thursday, July 24, winding through... Read this article online
Premier Equipment Acquires Green Tractors Dealers Friday, July 25, 2025 Southwestern Ontario’s Premier Equipment has reached an agreement to acquire neighbouring dealer Green Tractors Inc. This acquisition marks Premier’s fourth and largest acquisition in 2025, solidifying its growth trajectory. Earlier this year, Premier added new locations in... Read this article online