Manitoba Pork’s General Manager, Cam Dahl, called on federal and provincial governments to collaborate with the pork sector to develop a strategy addressing critical trade access issues as the industry looks ahead to 2025.
For Manitoba’s hog industry, 2024 marked a significant improvement over the preceding years. More substantial prices for hogs, notable gains in isowean prices, and reduced input costs—particularly for feed—contributed to improved margins for producers. The margins have significantly improved in 2024 compared to the previous years, Dahl said, reflecting on the year’s positive economic environment.
Another major highlight of 2024 was the success in preventing and controlling disease outbreaks, particularly Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED). Despite expectations of a PED resurgence, especially in the spring, the industry avoided significant outbreaks. This success underscores the importance of strict on-farm bio-security measures and collaborative efforts across the entire production chain to eliminate PED. “It’s a testament to the industry working together.”
Dahl said the key takeaway from 2024 is the critical role of bio-security. Each farm needs a clear, actionable plan that staff understand and follow consistently. Maintaining strict protocols was instrumental not only in controlling PED but also in preventing other viruses like Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS). “Bio-security is the number one issue,” Dahl states, pointing to its vital role in safeguarding barns.
Looking ahead, there is room for optimism. Farmers’ diligent efforts in prevention and mitigation have proven effective, as seen in the containment of PED in 2024. By focusing on robust bio-security measures and maintaining response plans for potential outbreaks, the industry is well-positioned to continue protecting its herds. “Prevention is still the best solution, and the steps farmers are taking are working,” Dahl concludes.
“I think the economics in 2024 were really good, and if nothing were to change in 2025, I would expect to see that continue,” said Dahl. “But there’s a lot of uncertainty out there, and I expect when we talk next year, trade and protectionism will be, unfortunately, some of the key topics.”
Dahl pointed to growing challenges in the global trade landscape, including threats of tariffs from U.S. President Trump, the ongoing impact of country-of-origin labelling, and laws like California’s Proposition 12. Protectionism continues to grow as rising tensions with China, where disputes over electric vehicles could make agriculture a target.
With Manitoba’s hog industry heavily reliant on exports, 90 percent of the eight million pigs raised annually go for export. Dahl emphasized the importance of keeping trade channels open. “We’ll be paying close attention to trade and protectionism in the coming year, including reaching out to our American partners and working together to keep the border open.”
Addressing trade challenges requires collaboration at every level. Manitoba alone cannot shoulder the responsibility, nor can the pork industry act in isolation. The interconnectedness of global policies, such as defence spending influencing agricultural tariffs, demonstrates the need for a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder approach.
Dahl emphasized that governments, industry organizations, and producers must work together to craft a proactive strategy. This plan should include measures to secure open trade channels, reduce vulnerabilities to protectionist policies, and ensure Manitoba’s pork industry remains competitive. “We need to move beyond reactionary tactics,” Dahl said, “and focus on building a robust framework that protects agriculture in a volatile global market.”
Producers are urged to play an active role by staying informed, voicing their concerns to policymakers, and supporting initiatives that enhance trade stability. By working collaboratively, Manitoba’s pork sector can navigate the challenges ahead and safeguard its position in the international market.
Dahl stressed the importance of unity within agriculture across Canada to address growing trade challenges. Provincial and federal governments and organizations like Manitoba Pork must take on shared responsibility to lead the way. A critical component of this effort is strengthening relationships with counterparts in the U.S., as the integrated North American market benefits farmers and consumers on both sides of the border.
Dahl highlighted the need for strong advocacy in the U.S. and proactive planning to prepare for potential tariffs. “We need to know how governments will respond if tariffs are implemented so we can be ready.”
A robust plan should include collaborative efforts across agriculture, international advocacy, and contingency measures to mitigate the impacts of trade disruptions. By working together, the industry can safeguard its future against uncertainty. •
— By Harry Siemens