With global livestock feed supply already strained for several significant reasons, fuelling high prices, another possible disruption has been added to the list: a potential worker strike for Canadian Pacific (CP) Railway, which may begin as early as Friday, March 11.
CP is a major transporter of grain in western Canada and has played a vital role in moving feed grains from the U.S. into Alberta to address the shortage caused by drought conditions last year. The Government of Canada is currently aware that hog producers have faced and continue to face feed shortages, and that the impending strike will create additional hardships related to accessing feed ingredients.
Alberta producers are asked to be mindful of their supplies at this time and to consider ways to mitigate concerns proactively. Alberta Pork’s semi-annual meetings will take place between Monday, March 14 and Friday, March 17, providing an opportune time for discussions to take place around this issue. Beyond this potential strike and other current disruptions, feed supplies are expected to remain tight for the foreseeable future, up to one year or longer.
Producers who have been notified by feed suppliers about delivery delays, product availability or increased costs are asked to please contact Darcy Fitzgerald, Executive Director, Alberta Pork by email at darcy.fitzgerald@albertapork.com or by phone at 780-491-3529, toll-free at 1-877-247-PORK (7675).
