Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

Here is a report on last night's meeting in Stratford - from AM920 CKNX in Wingham.


There were some dire predictions at a pork industry meeting in Stratford.

Over 500 stakeholders gathered last night to learn more about restructuring, debt mediation and transition strategy options for struggling pork producers.

Perth County Pork Producers Association President, Mike Bosch says he is skeptical of the recently announced Federal loan and the "Hog Farm Transition" programs.

He says he's not sure it's enough money to do anything.

Bosch says there are a lot of pork producers in trouble and he wouldn't be surprised if at least 50 per cent of them run out of money to operate by the end of the calendar year.

He adds the main goal of last night's "Canadian Pork Industry in Crisis - Are You Ready" event in Stratford was to give producers the information and tools they need to help determine their future.

Views: 74

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Given that there is only $75 million (+-) for restructuring, $17 million for research and marketing (which is okay for marketing), and unknown for loans - it will definitely be insufficient.
Farmgate sales for the pork sector in Huron- Perth region in 2006 was over $290 million - representing almost a quarter of the total farmgate sales of ALL the main commodities.
Huron, Perth, and Oxford Cty produce the bulk of pork in Ontario (on a per county basis), and the claim in the industry is $40 per market hog in losses - the three counties will lose in excess of $66 million in the second and third quarters of 2009. I realize the actual hog numbers are most likely lower today than in 2006, but the point is that the losses in this region is, and will be, substantial due to the infrastructure surrounding the pork sector - feed mills, trucking, parts and equipment suppliers, hog assembly yards...
So really - when you spread the $75 million and the $17 million across CANADA - how much of an impact will it really have?
May 16, 2006 census for Nursery & Market hogs on farm
Huron - 639,842; Perth - 598,260; Oxford - 424691

Wayne
I was not able to make the meeting the other night....not sure what the right path is for pork production in Ontario.
I wish the government could help but it is hard to count on that....markets need to correct but it is looking like that is going to take too long.

Reply to Discussion

RSS

Agriculture Headlines from Farms.com Canada East News - click on title for full story

Ag in the House: March 23 – 26

John Barlow says the Liberals are bringing down Canada

Plant Essential Oils Boost Swine Growth

A long-term study shows plant essential oils improve pig gut health and growth, offering a sustainable alternative to antibiotics in swine production systems.

USDA Acreage Data Sparks Market Volatility

This article summarizes a key farm podcast covering USDA data, energy impacts, weather concerns, fund positioning and planting decisions helping farmers understand risks and opportunities ahead of the 2026 season.

Food for Thought: From arts to agriculture, James Snyder saw big picture

Many of you may have read that James Snyder passed away suddenly in New Zealand, his second home. You may have no idea who he was, other than his love and involvement with local arts and culture. He truly enjoyed working with so many people who made Chatham-Kent a better place to live. I knew James for his love for the land and for his impact in the agriculture sector, not just here in Chatham-Kent, but across Ontario and Canada and in many parts of the world. In past columns, I’ve discussed people who have helped guide me, not only as a person, but also in my agriculture career. James Snyder was one of them. James was very proud of his British heritage. During my last visit, he took me through his downtown Chatham apartment, showing me every square foot — each of which had something of value to James. I met James when I started working for the Municipality of Chatham-Kent. I was working with Ron Anderson, our agriculture specialist, with whom James worked closely trying to expand

Agricultural Educator and Industry Leader Dr Tom Funk Remembered for Lasting Influence

Dr Tom Funk, a respected agricultural educator and leader at the University of Guelph, is remembered for his dedication to teaching, mentorship, and community service.

© 2026   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service