Our History

Since 1969, Alberta Pork has been the voice of the province’s hog producers — a non-profit, producer-led organization built on integrity, innovation, and advocacy.

Originally established as the Alberta Pork Producers Development Corporation, the organization was created under Alberta’s Marketing of Agricultural Products Act to serve as a self-sustaining marketing board. From its early days as a single-desk seller of hogs, Alberta Pork’s mission has always been clear: to support producers, represent their interests, and promote Alberta’s world-class pork industry.

From 1969 to 1996, Alberta Pork was responsible for marketing all hogs for slaughter across the province. After 1996, those marketing powers evolved, giving producers more flexibility through open marketing. Today, Alberta Pork continues to advocate for Alberta’s registered hog producers — representing their voice before government, industry, the media, and the public.

Timeline

1960s–1970s: Building the Foundation

1969

Alberta Hog Producers Marketing Board is founded. Bruce Jeffrey becomes the first General Manager.

1970

Launch of the Alberta Hog Journal, sharing industry news and research.

1971 – 1973

Expansion across seven producer districts; new marketing relationships with Japan; creation of the Alberta Hog Board Export Program and early involvement in the Banff Pork Seminar.

1974 – 1979

Alberta Pork Congress debuts; new marketing terminals are established; the “Alberta Pork” brand is created for promotion and everyday use.

1980s: Growth, Challenges, and Change

The decade saw major industry shifts — from labour disputes and processing plant acquisitions to new branding and advocacy efforts.

1981

The memorable “Put Pork on Your Fork” campaign launches, connecting consumers to locally raised pork.

1982

Launch of the Alberta Hog Journal, sharing industry news and research.

1987

The organization is renamed the Alberta Pork Producers Development Corporation, reflecting its broader role in industry leadership.

1990s: Modernization and Market Expansion

1990 – 1995

International trade strengthens through NAFTA and exports to Japan; the University of Alberta’s Swine Research Technology Centre opens.

1996

Alberta Pork transitions from a single-desk marketing system to open marketing, forming the Western Hog Exchange.

1997 – 1999

A refreshed Alberta Pork logo debuts, inspired by Alberta’s landscape and its export ties to Japan. Producer and marketing services are separated into distinct organizations.

2000s: Innovation and Industry Leadership

2001

Olymel acquires the Red Deer Fletcher’s plant; Alberta Pork moves to its current office in south Edmonton.

2002

The Alberta Pork Ambassador Program launches, building goodwill between producers and consumers.

2003

The Pig Science Centre opens, educating K–12 students about modern pork production.

2006

Alberta markets nearly four million hogs — an all-time high

2008 – 2009

Alberta Pork develops The Way Forward strategic plan amid global challenges like mCOOL and H1N1.

2010s: Advocacy, Animal Care, and Adaptation

2013

Alberta Pork becomes the provincial authority for swine traceability.

2014

Introduction of the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Pigs by NFACC — a major milestone for animal welfare.

2017

The Western Hog Journal becomes the Canadian Hog Journal

2019

Alberta Pork marks its 50th anniversary and continues leading through industry change.

2020s: Resilience and Renewal

2020 – 2021

Alberta Pork adapts to the COVID-19 pandemic with virtual engagement and develops a new business plan built on the 4 Ps: Pigs, People, Planet, and Progress.

2022

Completion of a five-year antimicrobial study showing significant reductions in use; launch of the national Pork Promotion and Research Agency (PPRA).

2023

Alberta Pork introduces a new e-manifest system to track pig movements, improving traceability and transparency.

2024

Alberta Pork allocated major funding to launch and implement a five-year strategic plan to enhance public awareness, education, and engagement—elevating the visibility of Alberta’s producers, industry, and products while strengthening consumer connections.

A Legacy of Progress

For over five decades, Alberta Pork has championed the success of Alberta’s pork producers — standing for responsible farming, sustainable growth, and community leadership. From humble beginnings to global recognition, our story continues to evolve with the same spirit of collaboration and commitment that shaped it in 1969.