The Saskatchewan Pork Development Board is raising concerns and calling on the province to support hog producers grappling with soaring feed costs. This appeal for help comes in light of similar support to other regional livestock producers.
Last week, the Government of Saskatchewan unveiled a financial relief plan, allocating up to $70 million to aid beef cattle, bison, horse, elk, deer, sheep, and goat producers in coping with the extraordinary rise in feed expenses.
However, Toby Tschetter, Chair of the Saskatchewan Pork Development Board, believes the swine sector needs to be in this critical support program.
Tschetter points out that feed costs have surged 40 percent over the past three years for all livestock producers. This surge is part of many factors, including adverse drought conditions, labour market challenges, escalating freight and transportation costs for bringing in alternative feed products, and even global events beyond anyone’s control. These combined elements have significantly driven up production costs for hog farmers.
For the third consecutive year, all farms involved in hog production in Saskatchewan grapple with the highest feed costs recorded in the industry’s history. In addition, projections indicate that hog prices will plummet during winter, leading to negative profit margins. This predicament places immense pressure on the viability of hog farming operations in the province.
Tschetter acknowledges the need to support cattle producers. Still, he highlights that the issues and decisions confronting the hog industry regarding the future of breeding herds mirror the challenges all livestock producers face, including those in the swine sector. Therefore, it calls into question the effectiveness of the existing support mechanisms, particularly the AgriStability program, which, in Tschetter’s view, needs to provide comprehensive assistance for mixed grain and livestock operations.
“The fact that the government had to develop a separate program for cattle producers underscores the program’s shortcomings in addressing the unique challenges faced by different commodities within the agriculture sector.”
Tschetter emphasizes that many producers are currently making pivotal decisions regarding the future of their herds. As the hog industry braces for a challenging autumn and winter season, swift action in announcing support programs becomes increasingly critical. The timely introduction of such programs can significantly influence the ability to sustain Saskatchewan’s sow herd, ensuring the industry’s long-term health.
Tschetter underscores that all livestock producers in the province grapple with similar economic hardships due to high feed prices and limited availability. Therefore, he stresses the importance of extending assistance to hog producers, highlighting that it is imperative for the continued sustainability of the livestock industry in Saskatchewan. •
— By Harry Siemens