SECOND LOOK: Where is the best place to raise pigs?

Low-cost feed grains are not the only factor giving one region the edge over another. Exchange rates, market access, environmental legislation and government policy can be equally important

by KEN McEWAN

 

Do you remember the buzz about Western Canada a few years back? This part of the country was going to take over the pig business primarily because of low-cost grains.

When Canada discontinued the Crow and Feed Freight Assistance programs, feed grains became relatively inexpensive in the West. The Crow freight subsidy made grain expensive in the Prairies and the Feed Freight Assistance program subsidized feed grain movement to Eastern Canada.

Better Pork - June 2009