New hog grading system brings higher returns Monday, November 4, 2013 by MATT MCINTOSHProducers will earn one per cent more for their hogs under a new grading system, says a recent Ontario Pork press release.Yesterday, Ontario Pork confirmed the introduction of a new grading grid that gives farmers more flexibility when it comes to shipping hogs."Under the old grid, producers who ship hogs with an optimal fat and muscle content receive a premium," says Patrick O'Neil, division manager for Ontario Pork's marketing branch. "The new grid expands that optimal weight range, meaning producers have the option of shipping heavier hogs."For example, the narrow optimal range under the previous system ran between 85 and 100 kilograms carcass weight. Now, that range goes from 85 to 105 kilograms."We found that, of all the pigs being shipped, there is a one per cent increase in returns," says O'Neil.The new grading grid works within Ontario Pork's pool and pool plus marketing programs.Under pool plus, farmers contract with and ship their hogs to a variety of processing plants, then receive an average price determined by Ontario Pork.The pool program is the same, but does not involve signing a contract.O'Neil says farmers can go to oink.ca, or call Ontario Pork to see how the grid will specifically affect them. BF Hog service fee reduced Food bank award recognizes pork program organizers
New Phobos™ FC360 Fungicide Boosts Crop Protection Thursday, March 12, 2026 ViveCrop Protection has announced the Canadian registration ofPhobos™FC360, a new foliar fungicide developed to provide stronger disease protection and improved on-leaf performance for farmers. The product will be available for growers across Canada beginning in the 2026 growing... Read this article online
Farm Innovators and Ag Industry Leaders Gathering in Regina Next Week -- Will you be there? Thursday, March 12, 2026 Canada’s Farm Showin Regina, Saskatchewan, presented by Bunge, will take place from March 17 to March 19, 2026, bringing together farmers, innovators and agriculture leaders for three days focused on the future of farming. The event will be held at the Avana Centre and the Bunge... Read this article online
Alberta RCMP asking for help identifying vehicle Thursday, March 12, 2026 Parkland RCMP is appealing to the public related to a crime on the property of an Alberta ag society. Police say suspects drove a gold or silver GMC Sierra onto the Rich Valley Agricultural Society’s property and drove through the outbuilding’s bay door on March 10 between 2:00 and 2:45... Read this article online
Senators examine Canada’s food system firsthand during southwestern Ontario fact finding mission Thursday, March 12, 2026 A delegation of Canadian senators conducted a full day fact finding mission on Friday, March 6, 2026, visiting several major food system organizations and research facilities across Southwestern Ontario. The tour supported the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry’s ongoing... Read this article online
Farmers Balance Costs and Technology Investments - Tractor Sales Down Wednesday, March 11, 2026 Sales of agricultural tractors and combines in the United States and Canada delivered a mixed performance in February, highlighting how farmers are adapting their purchasing decisions amid shifting commodity markets, input costs, and economic conditions. While tractor sales softened... Read this article online