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: 656

▶ 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

Saskatchewan Pulse Growers wants new international markets explored

Saskatchewan Pulse Growers is appreciating a good harvest, as the focus shifts towards finding new international trade partners. Despite drought conditions in parts of western Saskatchewan, Carl Potts, executive director of SPG, described yields in the majority of the province as “strong” and “higher-than-average” to go with good crop quality. He adds that farmers are continuing their fall field work and recent rains will benefit soil moisture going into next year’s growing season. However, declining crop prices, including those for pulses, as well as trade tensions are putting pressure on growers. Peas are the most burdened by recent trade policies.  In March, China imposed a 100 per cent import tax on Canadian peas in retaliation of Canada’s levy on Chinese electric vehicles, steel and aluminum.  On Oct. 30, India announced it will implement a 30 per cent import duty on yellow peas effective Nov. 1 at the earliest.

Gift will support a new Veterinary Technology Simulation Lab in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan Polytechnic received a $1-million gift to support a simulation lab for the Veterinary Technology program at the new Joseph A. Remai Saskatoon Campus. The funds came from the Heather Ryan and L. David Dubé Foundation. The new simulation lab will provide students with a hands-on learning environment to practice clinical techniques and hone essential skills. The space will allow faculty to deliver a range of simulation experiences, from client scenarios with actors, to procedures using computerized models. The advanced simulation and modelling technology positions Sask Polytech students at the forefront of innovation in veterinary medicine and animal health care. Ryan said as animal owners; the donation is about ensuring the best possible care in Saskatchewan. “We’re committed to supporting the health and well-being of all animals looked after by vet techs across the province. Animals are a big part of our lives, and we want Sask Polytech students to have access to the la

50 years of growing Alberta’s Ag talent

Established in 1975 as the first program of its kind in Canada, Alberta’s government announced the training program for the province’s future farmers. Alberta is celebrating 50 successful years of this popular rural employment and training program, supporting high school students to enter and build careers in agriculture while earning high school credits at the same time. Through the program, students develop the confidence, skills and knowledge they need to undertake careers in the agriculture industry. It provides real-life experience for trainees who want to apply for higher education in agriculture and grow their ag employability. “Since the start of the Green Certificate Program, thousands of students have graduated with the skills and training they need to start a career in agriculture. The program empowers trainees to learn at their own pace, giving them hands-on experience of working for a local farm or agri-business. It continues to support ag employment in our rural communi

Fund supports next generation of B.C. farmers

Farmers beginning operations in British Columbia are getting help to plan and grow their agricultural businesses so they can succeed and offer B.C. families fresh and local food. The New Entrant Farm Business Accelerator Program will be opening for eligible farmers to apply to develop or update a farm business plan and prepare a growth strategy for their farm operations. Eligible farmers will also be able to apply for funding to implement their growth strategy, including support for on-farm infrastructure and other investments, in spring 2026. Farmers that participated in the last intake of the program have succeeded in increasing farm income and productivity. For example, Mikayla MacLeod of Charnwood Flowers in Chilliwack received support to purchase a large cold-frame greenhouse so she could extend the growing season. This new addition on the flower farm helped the business increase sales by having more flowers to sell throughout the year. Louise Lecouffe and Jed Wiebe of Elderbe

2026 increase to farmgate milk price aligned with inflation

 In October 2025, the Canadian Dairy Commission (CDC) conducted the annual review of Canadian farmgate milk prices. As a result of this review and consultations with stakeholders, the following changes are intended to be implemented on February 1, 2026.

© 2025   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service