Behind the Lines - June 2010

Thursday, June 3, 2010

One constant in our constantly changing industry is the need for factual and credible information. With each issue, we try to meet that need. Take PRRS for example, which has had a profound impact on profitability. Our cover story on page 6 by Kate Procter describes a new Ontario database aimed at eradication and in his regular column on page 26. veterinary pathologist Ernest Sanford provides a global perspective on the same topic.

For many years, our readers have come to depend on the solid information provided by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs' swine team in their Pork News & Views section. Beginning with this issue, we are proud to include The Marketing Report which will be published in our June, August, December and February issues.

This new feature is a collaborative effort with Ontario Pork in conjunction with the University of Guelph's Ridgetown Campus.

The Marketing Report is taken from the Quarterly Ontario Pig Inventory Report and the Hog Marketing Newsletter that Ridgetown prepares. The Ontario Pig Inventory Report is modelled after the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Hogs and Pigs Report with respect to inventory categories and production intentions.

Production information includes: inventory of all pigs, breeding stock and market hogs. You will also learn about litter rate, as well as farrowing and marketing intentions.

Included in the marketing data are: market hog prices, Ontario hog marketings, export data, pig production distribution, profitability indicators for producers and processors and U.S. pig inventory. BP

ROBERT IRWIN