Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

Livestock Traceability in Canada - Is it do-able?

Do you think the Federal Provincial Territorial Ministers (Canada) commitment at the FPT meeting this summer of having a full traceability system for Livestock in place by 2011 is achievable?

Views: 728

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Rocky on October 6, 2009 at 1:07am
I think it can be - but the question I always wonder is who is paying for it? I'm not going to argue with the concept - I think it's good -- I just think it's really expensive that doesn't equal real results. I mean - shouldn't beef guys be making money with all the improved traceability and market access they've gotten? Is having a system for pigs going to help them make money? I don't think so.
Permalink Reply by Joe Dales on October 6, 2009 at 10:00am
Hi Sara:

I agree with some of the points Rocky makes.
The technology is certainly available to implement a system.

The issue is the cost/benefits - governments can mandate a system like in beef but can a system create the added value from a marketing price perspective to warrant the extra costs.

Are we generating a premium for Canadian Beef because of traceability over non traced beef on the world market or in any market.

Identity Preserved soybeans do generate a premium for the producer so they can decide to do the extra work for the extra revenue...so there are market driven models that do work.

Thanks,

Joe
Permalink Reply by pigsrgr8 on October 8, 2009 at 5:39am
Pretty low priority on hog farms these days.
Permalink Reply by Steve Twynstra on October 8, 2009 at 2:21pm
Not a chance for the non-SM sector....I give the SM sector a 95% chance of pulling it off. There will be a traceability scheme....a la gun control, eHealth, etc., but as far as being real-time current this will only be a dream. Without a clear and bankable economic benefit for participants it will be in perpetual disarray. Throw in the myriad of 'hobby' livestock practioners and I shudder at the resources about to be wasted. Not to say that it isn't a necessary idea, but the approach has been all wrong. Unlike IP crop production where the marketplace expects and rewards traceability, I just don't see the same pressure along the generic export livestock food chain beyond what is already existing. As for the idea of traceabilty to combat disease outbreaks...I see too many feathers flying overhead or wildlife around in its natural state to take much consolation. Unlike certain equipment dealers that record every size and make of every machine in their market area for competitve reasons, I just don't see the same degree of impetus driving this agenda by the processors.

However, if livestock processors or exporters are driving this agenda then WHY is public money and government so involved? Not content to lobby for the demise of local abattoirs thru overbearing food safety regs, or to rest after successfully passing the murder of 22 citizens thru tainted meat onto government, they have now successfully convinced decision makers to ante up public dollars to rebuild and enhance their marketing efforts. Will National Grocers be more content and pay a premium to stock Ontario livestock products over foreign product? I think our dollar approaching par will have more say. Now please tell me where I am wrong and what I am missing?
Permalink Reply by Steve Twynstra on October 8, 2009 at 2:22pm
..just another way for decision makers to divert their attention from the REAL issues facing Canadian agriculture!!
Permalink Reply by Bristow on January 9, 2010 at 8:11pm
It is a joke and puts extra cost on the product, if the meat is not edible all those meat inspectors are not doing their job are they. Plus the retard who came up with this whole concept should be run out of town as carpet bagger, and the money should be spent on something more practical. The consumer doesn't care and will only buy the cheap imported meat. An other example of miss management, and pricing your local product out of the market. An if you are a farm and don't see what it is, then more fool you. Doomsday book rember that passed history.

▶ Reply to Discussion

RSS

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

How One Simple Tool Can Help Protect Crop Quality

The Keep it Clean pre-harvest interval calculator helps canola and pulse growers determine the required waiting period between pesticide application and harvest to protect crop quality.

Heat and Rain have led to a challenging growing season for Cauliflower Growers in Ontario.

As Ontario's cauliflower harvest begins, local growers rely on irrigation and skilled management to navigate summer heat and deliver fresh, high-quality produce across the province.

Foreign Workers Fill Jobs Young Canadians Avoid: CFIB

Nine in 10 small businesses using Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program say they cannot fill those positions with local employees, according to new research from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. The CFIB said in a release Tuesday that many of the jobs most commonly filled by temporary foreign workers involve overnight shifts, heavy physical labour, outdoor conditions, seasonal schedules or rural locations — work conditions many young Canadians are reluctant to accept. Nearly half of surveyed youth said they would not seek jobs requiring regular overnight work or frequent heavy physical effort. More than one-third said they would avoid mainly outdoor positions or jobs paying at or near minimum wage, the CFIB release said. Harvesting labourers account for about 32% of temporary foreign worker positions in Canada. Other common occupations include nursery and greenhouse workers, cooks, livestock labourers and food service supervisors. Location is another major b

Who Knew so Much Canadian Watermelon is Grown in Ontario

Ontario watermelon season is underway, with growers in Southwestern Ontario preparing for harvest. Warm summer conditions are supporting crop development as consumers look for this locally grown fruit.

4-H Alberta celebrates graduates while investing in the next generation of leaders

Graduation may mark the end of one chapter for 4-H Alberta members, but the organization hopes it is just the beginning of a lifelong connection to leadership and community involvement. In its July Scoop newsletter, 4-H Alberta is celebrating its 2026 graduates while introducing new leadership opportunities designed to help member, and volunteers,continue growing within the organization. Celebrating the Class of 2026 Gardner encourages graduates to remain connected to the organization, noting that the skills developed through 4-H — including communication, responsibility, confidence and leadership — will continue to serve them throughout their education, careers and community involvement. Building leadership for the future Building on that commitment to leadership development, 4-H Alberta has announced the launch of its new Legacy Leaders Program. The initiative builds on the long-standing Key Leaders program while providing additional training, expanded resources, clearer role exp

© 2026   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service