With everything going on around the world, pork producers across the prairies are keeping a watchful eye on developments and planning for what may come.
Manitoba Pork General Manager Cam Dahl characterized 2024 as a significant turnaround for the province’s hog industry, following a challenging couple of years marked by tight margins and disease concerns. Dahl is optimistic about the industry’s trajectory, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning for future uncertainties.
“We saw a significant improvement in the margins for hog producers in Manitoba,” Dahl shared, citing better pork and pig prices alongside reduced feed costs as key drivers.
“The ship has righted itself, and that was really good to see.”
Another bright spot for 2024 was the absence of an anticipated outbreak of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED), a disease that has historically caused economic and animal welfare challenges. Dahl credited the hard work and biosecurity measures implemented by producers for this success.
Looking ahead to 2025, Dahl acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding political shifts in Canada and the United States. With Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stepping down and the possibility of a federal election, Dahl sees an opportunity for renewed government mandates to address global trade and economic challenges.
“It’s important to have a strategic plan for agriculture and food exports,” he emphasized, urging federal and provincial governments to proactively engage with key trading partners like the U.S.
Trade relations with the United States remain a top priority for Manitoba’s pork industry.
“We ship about three million pigs to the U.S. each year and export 90 percent of the eight million pigs we raise annually as pork or live animals. Protectionist rhetoric and potential tariffs from the incoming U.S. administration heighten the need for strategic outreach and collaboration. We can’t wait for bad stuff to happen to have a plan”
Global Trade Dynamics and Biosecurity Measures
Manitoba Pork is also keeping a close watch on China, the world’s largest food consumer, and the potential ripple effects of U.S.-China relations.
“We might get caught in the middle on that one,” Dahl remarked, stressing the need for Canadian policymakers to safeguard agricultural exports amid geopolitical tensions.
On the home front, Dahl highlighted the critical role of biosecurity in preventing foreign animal diseases. He praised Manitoba producers, processors, and veterinarians for their efforts in strengthening preventive measures and response plans. “We’re in much better shape than we were five years ago,” he said, reflecting on the progress made to mitigate risks like PED.
A Call for Advocacy
As Canada approaches an election year, Dahl encouraged farmers and industry stakeholders to engage with policymakers. “Now is the time to talk to your MP,” he urged, calling for proactive discussions about trade strategies and addressing protectionist threats. Election years, he noted, often bring a heightened focus on agriculture, making it a prime opportunity for the industry to voice its concerns.
Ending on a hopeful note, Dahl wished a happy New Year to all, acknowledging the resilience of Manitoba’s hog producers and their adaptability in the face of global and local challenges. With strategic planning and collaboration, he remains optimistic about what 2025 holds for Manitoba Pork and the broader agricultural sector.
Source : Pembinavalley online