New hog grading system brings higher returns

Monday, November 4, 2013

by MATT MCINTOSH

Producers 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