The deal will entail two sow farms and two nursery farms. Polar Pork Farms still has four farrow to wean farms, two nurseries, and a farrow to part finish multiplier,” explained Daryl Possberg of Polar Pork.    
Polar Pork Farms will still be owning and operating 12,000 sows after the deal is closed in June of 2022, he added.  
The opportunity to make the sale fit with Polar Pork plans, said Possberg.  
“We were seeking a renewal on a portion of our production,” he said. “The production from these two sow units was going into the USA. After discussions with Maple Leaf Foods we decided it would be a good decision for all involved for MLF to invest in these farms to keep that production in western Canada.”  
Possberg said the move fit well for MLF as well.  
“Maple Leaf has been interested in expansion and securing supply for many years, so additional investment in Saskatchewan pork production came as no surprise,” he said.  
The sale includes the sow farms near Dinsmore and Perdue Saskatchewan, and the nursery farms near Dinsmore and Wakaw, Saskatchewan.  
“There will be about 24 staff involved,” added Possberg. “MLF is happy with the care our employees give to the animals and the quality of production at these farms and we anticipate minimal disruption to the employees.”  
In terms of management Possberg said any changes would still be months away if they happen.  
“The deal doesn’t close for almost a year, so it is business as usual for the time being,” he said.   
But growth is likely on the horizon.  
“There is an expansion expected, as we will be fully utilizing the nursery sites and seeking partners to finish additional hogs in Saskatchewan,” said Possberg. “This will expand the number of hogs being processed in Brandon.”  
So what is the most positive aspect of the new ownership?  
“The big benefit is for MLF to be making a substantial investment into Saskatchewan,” offered Possberg. “This shows their commitment to pork production in Saskatchewan.   
“The integrated pork production model has proven successful, and by making this type of investment in Saskatchewan, this shows that they are serious about filling their Brandon plant and about growth.”  
At present MLF owns one other farm in Saskatchewan. •
— By Calvin Daniels