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
Millions of Acre Challenge Launched to Empower Canadian Farmers Thursday, October 9, 2025 At the 2025 Food Leadership Summit, the Canadian Alliance for Net-Zero Agri-food (CANZA) introduced the Million Acre Challenge, an ambitious initiative aimed at expanding regenerative agriculture practices across Canada. Supported by a $7 million catalytic investment from the Weston... Read this article online
FCC Reports Trade Pressures on Canadian Food Sector Thursday, October 9, 2025 The Canadian food and beverage manufacturing sector has experienced slower-than-expected growth in the first half of 2025, with sales and profit margins under pressure due to a challenging trade and economic environment. According to Farm Credit Canada’s (FCC) Food and Beverage Report... Read this article online
Canada Post strike affecting Harvest Sample Program Thursday, October 9, 2025 The ongoing Canada Post strike is affecting farmers’ abilities to send harvest samples to the Canadian Grain Commission. Growers participating in the voluntary Harvest Sample Program, which provides free unofficial grade and quality results, will have to make other arrangements. On its... Read this article online
Gleaner T Series Combine Updates Thursday, October 9, 2025 Gleaner continues to advance harvest technology with its new T Series combine, delivering major improvements in power, reliability, and ease of operation. Designed with the farmer in mind, the T Series focuses on performance, accessibility, and cutting-edge precision tools for... Read this article online
Experiencing ag and culture in Portugal and Spain Wednesday, October 8, 2025 Canadians can experience agriculture and local culture in Europe next year. The Western Stock Growers’ Association (WSGA) has partnered with Leader Tours for an ag and sightseeing tour from Jan. 24 to Feb. 6, 2026. “We’re heading to Spain first,” Lindsye Murfin, executive director of... Read this article online