Sask pork industry generates over $500 million in provincial, national GDP: Study

It’s no secret that the hog industry is one of the strongest in Canada.

And Saskatchewan has played a significant role in contributing to its success in the province and across the country.

In a recent report released by Serecon, the hog industry has produced a total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) impact of $558.8 million in 2022 in Saskatchewan. On a national level, the Saskatchewan pork sector contributed $787.8 million in the same year.

The numbers are even stronger when it comes to total output for the province as the pork industry generates roughly $1.67 billion annually. Total output is the broadest measurement used to target economic activity where all sales of goods and services in the chain of activity are calculated.

Comparing these numbers to other industries, it is in similar comparison to both dairy and poultry and significantly higher than eggs.

Through combining industry-by-industry data and information from Statistics Canada and the provincial pork industry supply chain, pork is the second largest livestock sector in Saskatchewan.

In 2021, there were 561 hog-producing farms in the province with a population of 962,000 and being that Saskatchewan holds the benefit of large land bases and low population density it is home to large hog operations that produce 2.4 million hogs annually.

This has led to the province being one of the top pork exporters as around 80 per cent of the hogs produced here are exported.

Countries such as the U.S., Japan, Vietnam, China, Hong Kong, South Korea and Singapore seek out Canadian pork for its flavour profile as it is one of the most prized proteins in the world.

The Saskatchewan pork sector is a leader in breeding and genetics research where multiple farms across the province help maintain the highest biosecurity practices.

Overall, Saskatchewan remains one of the leading provinces in pork production by generating close to 8,800 jobs and contributing more than $2 billion in total output to the Canadian economy.

The Saskatchewan pork industry remains a vital piece in the provincial and national picture when it comes to finding benefits and profits for the community.

The global reputation the industry has built will continue to foster growth in Saskatchewan for producers and consumers for its high-quality products, emergency management procedures, sustainability and animal welfare practices.