ID 67476041 © Melodyanne Dreamstime.com

By Alice McFarlane

COVID-19

Hog sector in crisis asks for government help

Apr 23, 2020 | 4:00 PM

Canada’s hog producers are asking the federal government for an immediate payment to address a cash flow crisis.

The industry is reporting losses of anywhere between $30 and $50 for each hog sold.

Canadian Pork Council chair Rick Bergmann told a media conference this could drive many farmers out of business.

“Right now there is so much devastation we need an immediate cash injection of $20 an animal in order to help our producers pay their bills, pay their employees, look after the flow of their farm and continue to secure food supply for all Canadians,” Bergmann said.

CPC warns of the long-term ramifications if too many hog producers are forced out of business. Bergmann said without action family farms will be threatened.

Responsive measures

Some Sask. farmers to get winter elk hunting permits next year to protect land

Mar 12, 2026

Buy Now, Pay Later!

Spring 2026 Early Buy Program

Mar 09, 2026

SARM Convention

Sask RMs gather to address come concerns

Mar 06, 2026

“The risk of our food supply disruption increases and so does food insecurity as supplies tighten and food gets more expensive,” he said. “We can’t let this industry fall by the wayside because of government inaction. Canadians deserve better.”

COVID-19 is responsible for processing plant closures, dramatically reduced domestic slaughter, and the ability to keep up with production. Processing facilities are having challenges in scheduling shifts to compensate for employee illness.

Small pigs called Isoweans are born in Canada and then sent to the US to be finished for market. US packers are having an even bigger COVID-19 problem than Canada. Bergmann said this is all resulting in some very difficult on-farm decisions as Isowean pigs do not have any value unless they can be sold to US buyers.

“The US finisher is not able to send his pigs to processing so that means he’s got no room to take the Isowean that he has been counting on over the years out of Canada,” Bergmann said. “That’s the problem, it’s backlogging and we’re fearful the problem is going to get worse versus better.”

Bergmann said that it has already forced some farmers to euthanize market-ready pigs.

“We’re out of options. Really hard decisions have been made like aborting sows and resorting to welfare slaughter. These are becoming very unavoidable and that’s a very big challenge for us.” he said.

CPC said the federal government has attempted to provide support to Canadian businesses but has been inadequate in dealing with producer issues.

–

alice.mcfarlane@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @AliceMcF