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
Energy Supply Disruptions Keep Oil and Fuel Prices Elevated Tuesday, May 12, 2026 Disruptions to Middle Eastern oil flows continue to shape global energy markets, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s May Short‑Term Energy Outlook. The report outlines ongoing supply constraints, rising crude oil prices, and longer‑term impacts on fuel, propane,... Read this article online
Nfld. government making farmland available Tuesday, May 12, 2026 The government of Newfoundland and Labrador is helping grow the province’s agriculture industry through a farmland availability initiative. The government is making about 3,000 acres of Crown farmland available to interested producers. The land is broken up into 14 parcels across the... Read this article online
Tom Green bringing celebrities to his Ont. farm Tuesday, May 12, 2026 A Canadian known for his comedic chops in Hollywood is bringing some friends to his Ontario farm. THE TOM GREEN FARM, starring Tom Green, whose movie credits include Road Trip and Charlie’s Angels, begins airing on May 29 on Crave. The backdrop of the show is Green’s 150-acre farm in... Read this article online
Sask. MLA cites Monette Farms in question period Monday, May 11, 2026 An ag situation playing out publicly in Saskatchewan is one reason a special committee is needed in the province, an NDP MLA said. During question period on May 6, Trent Wotherspoon, the MLA for Regina Mount Royal and the NDP’s deputy ag shadow minister, asked Agriculture Minister David... Read this article online
Mosaic to Cut Fertilizer Production Monday, May 11, 2026 The Mosaic Company has announced it is scaling back fertilizer production, signalling a significant shift in global nutrient markets at a time when farmers are actively managing input costs and supply risk. The decision centres on phosphate fertilizers, with Mosaic withdrawing its 2026... Read this article online