'Mismanagement' by government cited in Gencor packing plant failure Wednesday, April 2, 2008 by BETTER FARMING STAFF Gencor Foods Inc (GFI) closed its doors at the end of March and announced its intention to file for an application for bankruptcy. Unspecified financial losses were cited, along with the failure to find a buyer for the distressed plant. “Regulations enacted in the United States for Specified Risk Material (SRM) are much less rigorous than the regulations established in Canada,” a Gencor press release stated. An enhanced feed ban came into place in July of last year. When the Americans opened their border to over 30 month old cattle last November, American plants buying cows in Ontario had “at least a $39 per cow cost advantage” over plants like GFI, Stewart said. Gencor Foods Inc was formed in 2004 to reopen the former MGI plant in Kitchener. “I’m really disheartened by the loss of cull cow capacity in the province,” Stewart told Better Farming. Gencor was “built up with substantial investment from the provincial government and producers.” “Governments have to get serious about addressing the regulatory inequalities,” Stewart said. “We are trying to have an integrated market here in North America … There isn’t any adequate compensation for the changes in regulations,” and it is driving processors and producers out of business.” Gencor cited a “one time” payment from the province to deal with the SRM issue as providing some relief. The province did provide packing plants with money in January, says Kelly Synnott, advisor to provincial agriculture minister Leona Dombrowsky. SRM regulations are federal, says Brent Ross, spokesman for the ministry. The province won’t reveal the amount of support it gave to Gencor. It is “proprietary business information.” Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada did not comment in time for Better Farming’s deadline. BF Ontario beef producers at a 'disadvantage' says OCA's president Plant meets construction and corn cost challenges, chairman says
Early Career Research Award supports two Guelph research initiatives Friday, July 4, 2025 The was presented to two University of Guelph researchers at the recently held Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC) symposium. Dr. Kelsey Spence received $40,000 towards her work in on-farm biosecurity research, and Dr. Sam Workenhe was awarded $60,000 to further his... Read this article online
Grape Growers 40th Annual Celebrity Luncheon has Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser Friday, July 4, 2025 The Grape Growers of Ontario’s marks the opening of the by showcasing Canadian personalities and celebrating the annual grape harvest. This year, in partnership with Meridian Credit Union, Ontario’s largest credit union and the third largest in Canada, the Grape Growers of Ontario... Read this article online
Ontario crops respond to summer heat Wednesday, July 2, 2025 According to the OMAFA Field Crop News team, Ontario field crops are showing rapid development as summer-like temperatures have dominated late June early July. The warm spell has accelerated growth and helped reduce the heat unit deficit from a cool spring. Corn fields have seen a burst... Read this article online
Canada’s Place in Global Food System Resilience Wednesday, July 2, 2025 Canada’s food system is facing serious pressure due to global supply chain issues, climate change, and rising food prices. According to a KPMG report, bold and united action is needed now to make Canada’s agriculture sector more resilient and self-reliant. With the global population... Read this article online
Calf Auction Raises Funds for Youth Monday, June 30, 2025 Wyatt Westman-Frijters from Milverton won a heifer calf named Ingrid through a World Milk Day promotion by Maplevue Farms and a local Perth, Ontario radio station. Instead of keeping the calf, 22-year-old Westman-Frijters chose to give back to the community. The calf was sent to the... Read this article online