Rick Bergmann, hot on the newly-opening farm meeting circuit, outlined the state of the Canadian hog industry and where it is going when looking at the global scene following the World Pork Expo.  
Bergmann said producers’ cost of production is extremely high due to the feed costs and labour continues to be a challenge in many areas. In addition, Ontario doesn’t have enough processing due to Quebec’s processing reduction while the processing sector is going through a difficult time in the marketplace.  
“The Government of Canada wants to put front-of-pack labelling on beef and ground pork which is very negative communicated with the Federal Minister of Ag recently.”  
While attending the WPE in Iowa, Bergmann met with National Pork Producers Council discussing the importance of trade and keeping North America free of African Swine Fever as time well spent.  
The trade between Canada and the United States pork industries is vast daily. Therefore, it is essential to cultivate and grow that trade and focus on issues that could impact the industry negatively.  
The pork supply chain had a tough go from the impact of COVID-19 in Canada and the US. Bergmann said while Covid impacted the US and Canadian pork sectors differently highlighted how producers daily on their farms and barns look after their animals, providing a source of protein for the world to consume.  
“It’s a testament to their fortitude despite the challenging times caused by the restrictions and the pandemic.” 
Society realizes maybe how sensitive the whole food chain is to the superstores. “When we have issues or challenges on the farm that prevent us from looking after and raising our animals, there will be that direct impact at the supermarket.” 
The ASF discussion and keeping the disease from entering Canada is vital.  
“The reality is if we face the devastating disease like that entering Canada, it would certainly impact the supply chain on the port side as it would here in the US.” 
There are many things in common between the business and the business model in Canada and the US. 
“We often say the only difference is this invisible line at the 49th parallel that separates us, but the businesses are so interconnected and similar.” 
Bergmann said in the advent of ASF; both countries have a beehive of people working on prevention and preparedness.  
“We collaborate in different forums and update each other on what we’re doing, how we’re doing it, and some of the wins and challenges. It helps us improve at what we do, which is a testament to our relationship.” 
The relationship between the two industries has evolved favourably in the last 15 years, turning from a business relationship to a friendship. That’s a testament to good collaboration.” 
World Pork Expo saw many Canadians participate either at the trade show or as producers coming in and looking at technology.  
“That’s a testament to the interconnectedness of the two countries in the pork sector, so it’s a time to celebrate. For Canadians, it was three years since we came to the WPE.” •
— By Harry Siemens