An abundance of supply in over-saturated markets has producers feeling the pinch more than ever as two-decade pricing lows have hammered away at the industry recently. As Canadian pork looks to break into markets across the Pacific and Atlantic, we must confront the growing trend toward imports of U.S. pork into our domestic market. While…
Visitors from near and far, producers and other community members, gathered near Mayerthorpe on October 12 for a barn opening. The $1.8 million state-of-the-art facility will feature an over-4,000-head contract finishing operation, shipping three full cycles annually to the Olymel processing plant in Red Deer. Operating the barn will be Pigs R Us Inc., owned…
Personnel and visitors Alberta Pork wants to help you stay biosecure—it’s our top priority. We must do everything we can to prevent disease from entering Alberta producers’ barns, which is why we perform biosecurity assessments for all producers free-of-charge. Did you know that viruses can survive on clothing for quite a long time—long enough to…
Biosecurity assessments Alberta Pork wants to help you stay biosecure—it’s our top priority. We must do everything we can to prevent disease from entering Alberta producers’ barns, which is why we perform biosecurity assessments for all producers free-of-charge. Likewise, it’s incumbent upon you, as a producer, to take all necessary measures to protect your herd.…
As pork prices continue their downward trend toward $100 per pig—well below break-even for producers—it is not an overstatement to say we are facing significant financial pressure. The situation has much to do with trade disputes between the U.S., China and Mexico, but the lack of response in Canada to support our producers is concerning.…
The latest hog pricing data shows that producers are now facing large net losses on their herds. While that is no surprise to those who make their living raising and selling pigs, it is eye-opening for the average pork consumer. “We have heard from some producers that they are in the process of shutting down,…
Producers, we need to talk about your mental health. The current pricing situation has a lot of people down. No matter the time of year or context surrounding industry issues, it’s important not to neglect your emotional well-being. During these tough times, remember that you are not alone. Through thick and thin, many of your…
People are at the heart of every organization. Alberta Pork is proud to offer its producers resources and support in partnership with the Canadian Agricultural Human Resources Council (CAHRC). The Alberta Pork 2018 Labour Project includes the development of an HR toolkit, the introduction of e-learning resources, and the launch of informational webinars. The first…
Farms, ag-tourism operators and culinary events across the province are opening their gates to visitors on August 18 and 19. Now in its sixth year, Alberta Open Farm Days returns as an important ag-tourism event that helps visitors experience and understand where their food comes from. More than 110 host sites and culinary events across…
While the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) can help Canadian pork producers and their staff, employers who rely on the program report many frustrations. Farmers often find a drawn-out application process. In fact, applicants can wait six to eight months before they can hire for the role. “Without the foreign worker program, we would be…