Can the World’s Largest Government Owned Farm Survive

Dec 09, 2009

Based on the economic turmoil that the hog industry has been in over recent years, it is no surprise that barns have been de-populated and the industry has retrenched. One of the major events in recent months has been Big Sky Farms entering creditor protection. Big Sky is the largest hog operation in Saskatchewan and to say this is a large story in the Canadian hog business is an understatement. Losing $40 million in the last 25 months and owing $96 million to creditors creates some real interesting speculation and commentary.

With the Saskatchewan government owning 2/3 of the company (world’s largest government owned farm), many grain farmers (unsecured creditors) are putting a lot of pressure on the provincial government for payment. This included a recent blockade at a company feedmill. The former NDP government made the investment which seems to be against some of the anti-corporate sentiment of the party. So now the conservative government who inherited this issue has to clean up the mess of the former government and the company.

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Video: CEOs of the Industry: John McIntire, Partner at Pike Pig Systems

CEOs of the Industry, Jim sits down with John McIntire, Partner at Pike Pig Systems, one of the most quietly impressive 26,000-sow operations in the U.S. John shares how he grew from operator to partner, how Pike built a people-first culture with long-tenured managers, and why they’re committed to weaning bigger, stronger pigs at 25+ days.

John breaks down how Pike stays efficient in a tough economic environment, the power of their shareholder-owned farm model, and how their work with PIC and a 240-head boar facility drives genetics and health outcomes. He also opens up about the innovations Pike adopts — and how they decide what’s truly valuable versus industry hype.

From Prop 12 and labor challenges to trade, consumer expectations, and sustainability, John chooses a hot-button issue and shares how Pike is preparing for the future. The episode closes with a rapid-fire “Fast Five” — mindset, leadership, daily habits, and three words that define Pike Pig Systems in 2025.

If you want a look inside a people-driven, purpose-driven, quietly elite pork system, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.