Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

Grassroots producers have worked at trying to put forward a Recovery Plan for the Ontario Pork Industry. It is an article for discussion and is not written in stone. Please consider engaging in discussions - tell us what statements you can endorse and give us suggestions for those statements you can not support.

Only through these discussions, can we provide the unified voice that is needed.

'If you aren't a part of the solution - you become part of the problem'

Views: 161

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

The U.S. country of origin labeling and interprovincial trade disruption are the biggest issues that stand in the way of a level playingfield.
There are numerous issues but,

The only sustainable solution will be to get the pork prices up...now the dollar is moving to par with the US.

What can we do to address prices?
If we believe the reason why our price is where it is - too many hogs in this world economy - markets are telling us we have to downsize. A problem is that some of us will get that message quicker (due to limited funds) than others (US) who think they can sustain this crazy marketplace - dog-eat-dog. The question that needs to be asked - Do the MAJORITY of Ontario Producers want to work together to systemically downsize our industry - AND - put pursue legislation to protect that downsizing - as we watch 200,000 MT (and growing) US pork coming into our store. You are right about the rising dollar - and we can add that to the growing list of items working against us - and the question is - when do we see any sustainable resolution to any one of these problems? We all bought into 'Fresh Pork for the World' and now the world has changed it's mind (perhaps temporarily). Producers need to unite as one voice - and list the priorities of what they want - suggestions: Cost of Production Insurance; Fix CAIS; eliminate the damage of ASRA to Ontario Producers (via $$$ to producers) put regulations in place to ensure imports are produced to our exact standards - the list is endless - so we as producers HAVE got to set a priority list - and I would say address the short-term; intermediate and long-term industry. I'd be interested to get your feedback.
Will the packers come on board?? There will still be an export demand as the economy rebounds and some people and packers will still want to chase that. The pork that we are raising now is disappearing just not at a price that we like, who is really controlling the price?? Yes I believe we need to control our own market and supply it ourselves and do it sooner than later, we just need OP to realize this and step up

JoAnne Caughill said:
If we believe the reason why our price is where it is - too many hogs in this world economy - markets are telling us we have to downsize. A problem is that some of us will get that message quicker (due to limited funds) than others (US) who think they can sustain this crazy marketplace - dog-eat-dog. The question that needs to be asked - Do the MAJORITY of Ontario Producers want to work together to systemically downsize our industry - AND - put pursue legislation to protect that downsizing - as we watch 200,000 MT (and growing) US pork coming into our store. You are right about the rising dollar - and we can add that to the growing list of items working against us - and the question is - when do we see any sustainable resolution to any one of these problems? We all bought into 'Fresh Pork for the World' and now the world has changed it's mind (perhaps temporarily). Producers need to unite as one voice - and list the priorities of what they want - suggestions: Cost of Production Insurance; Fix CAIS; eliminate the damage of ASRA to Ontario Producers (via $$$ to producers) put regulations in place to ensure imports are produced to our exact standards - the list is endless - so we as producers HAVE got to set a priority list - and I would say address the short-term; intermediate and long-term industry. I'd be interested to get your feedback.
Hi Tom - Packers are hearing about the Recovery Plan - and intrigued. They understand that without us, they don't have an industry. They know we need more of the Retail Dollar and I would also go out on a limb and say that they too likely need more of the retail dollar. Processors have been squeezed with us. A round table of Industry people will be an important part of this process of moving forward with a Recovery Plan. Tom - John N. and I would really like the opportunity to speak to your County Meeting - any chance of this?

Tom Murray said:
Will the packers come on board?? There will still be an export demand as the economy rebounds and some people and packers will still want to chase that. The pork that we are raising now is disappearing just not at a price that we like, who is really controlling the price?? Yes I believe we need to control our own market and supply it ourselves and do it sooner than later, we just need OP to realize this and step up

JoAnne Caughill said:
If we believe the reason why our price is where it is - too many hogs in this world economy - markets are telling us we have to downsize. A problem is that some of us will get that message quicker (due to limited funds) than others (US) who think they can sustain this crazy marketplace - dog-eat-dog. The question that needs to be asked - Do the MAJORITY of Ontario Producers want to work together to systemically downsize our industry - AND - put pursue legislation to protect that downsizing - as we watch 200,000 MT (and growing) US pork coming into our store. You are right about the rising dollar - and we can add that to the growing list of items working against us - and the question is - when do we see any sustainable resolution to any one of these problems? We all bought into 'Fresh Pork for the World' and now the world has changed it's mind (perhaps temporarily). Producers need to unite as one voice - and list the priorities of what they want - suggestions: Cost of Production Insurance; Fix CAIS; eliminate the damage of ASRA to Ontario Producers (via $$$ to producers) put regulations in place to ensure imports are produced to our exact standards - the list is endless - so we as producers HAVE got to set a priority list - and I would say address the short-term; intermediate and long-term industry. I'd be interested to get your feedback.

Reply to Discussion

RSS

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

Sask Farmer Say he Knows Why Fertilizer Companies Come Out Ahead When Markets are Disrupted

As fertilizer prices remain volatile, one Saskatchewan farmer argues the system is stacked against producers.

U.S. ethanol industry sets its sights on the world

Canada remains the top export market for U.S. ethanol, purchasing 757 million gallons of the fuel in 2024-25. The country blended the fuel at a 10 per cent level (E10) nationwide last year, with some provinces adopting an E15 mandate. “As they continue to move to E15, they could be our first billion-gallon market,” Ryan LeGrand, president of the U.S. Grains and Bioproducts Council, told delegates attending the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 102nd annual Agricultural Outlook Forum. The United States shipped out a record 2.13 billion gallons of ethanol around the world in 2024-25, up from the 1.75 billion gallons exported the previous year. LeGrand said the goal is to continue expanding exports until the country is fully using its two billion gallons of excess production capacity. There are plenty of promising markets, but Mexico tops the list. The country passed an E10 mandate in 2017, but it was later struck down by the courts due to a technicality. Mexico’s new president, Clau

Secretary Naig, Iowa 4-H, Iowa FFA Announce Statewide Tree Planting Initiative in Honor of America250

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig, in collaboration with Iowa 4-H and Iowa FFA, today announced a statewide tree planting initiative in honor of America’s 250th birthday. The youth-driven initiative aims to plant 250 trees across Iowa in 2026, connecting students with the state’s agricultural heritage and a commitment to stewardship and service. The initiative encourages Iowa youth to take an active role in conserving the land that has sustained generations of farmers while celebrating the values that have shaped our nation and our communities. “Planting a tree is a simple act that benefits future generations,” said Secretary Naig. “Through this initiative, Iowa 4-Hers and FFA members have an opportunity to honor our nation’s history while strengthening their communities. I encourage chapters and clubs across the state to join us in celebrating this milestone moment in our nation’s history by planting an official A250 tree in their communities that will live on for generations.

EMILI celebrates women producers during International Year of the Woman Farmer

2026 is International Year of the Woman Farmer, celebrating the essential, and often unrecognized roles that women play across the agrifood system. This International Women’s Day, EMILI is spotlighting six women producers who play an integral role in Canadian agriculture.  Over the past few years, we’ve had the privilege of connecting with several women who play an integral role on farms as part of our This is Agriculture campaign. Read more about each woman below, and follow the links to read their whole story. Jordyn Wiebe Jordyn Wiebe grew up on her family’s farm, J.P. Wiebe Ltd., in MacGregor Manitoba. She spent her childhood working odd jobs to help the farm’s potato operation, and while she initially began her career off the farm, she was drawn back to her roots when she returned to become J.P. Wiebe Ltd.’s bookkeeper and farm and food safety manager. Read Jordyn’s story here. Jill Verwey Jill Verwey lives and breathes agriculture, holding roles as the office manager for Ver

Ontario Veterinary College at U of G Names New Dean  

The University of Guelph is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Julia Montgomery, dean of the? Ontario Veterinary College (OVC).

© 2026   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service