Federal budget breathes new life into Brussels beef packing plant idea Sunday, February 8, 2009 © AgMedia Inc.by GEOFF DALEIndustry insiders say a $50-million provision in the recently announced federal budget for the expansion of Canadian slaughterhouses could offer support for Ontario facilities but specific details are needed.While the federal money appears to be directed toward existing facility upgrades, Huron Business Development Corporation’s Paul Nichol says he’s encouraged that it may represent new life for a proposed beef-packing plant in Brussels.“Two years ago we got just so far with our proposal when we were told the BSE crisis was over, U.S. borders were re-opened to Canadian cattle and it was felt there was more than enough slaughter house capacity in this country,” says the corporation’s economic development manager.Nichol says while $50-million may not be that much money, it’s a sign Ottawa is considering re-investing in slaughter facilities.Coupled with the handling problems American plants are experiencing with Canadian beef because of the country of origin labeling controversy and the threat of rising protectionism in the U.S. under the Obama administration, he says there may be enough reason to rethink the Brussels plant.After already conducting extensive work on the project including identifying markets, developing a facility blueprint and securing land close to the Brussels livestock yard, Nichols says the next move is to take the idea directly to the investment community.While the facility – which would see the handling of 12,000 head weekly – would require $12-$15-million in capital venture, he believes the concept has merit if investors can see its viability.“The next step is to get someone who knows the industry and investment communities to talk it up for us,” Nichols says, adding – “we would try to find a market niche – maybe heading out to Southeast Asia or Mexico, create a market for these cattle that would provide a premium to producers selling to the plant and create 50-60 jobs in the area.”Meanwhile Arnold Drung, president of Conestoga Meat Packers (owned and supplied by the Progressive Pork Producers Co-Operative) says it’s hard to comment on how federal money would impact the 3P facility in Breslau without knowing exactly what is involved.With that in mind, he says the company’s industry organization is looking for more details, to determine whether such funds would help the 100,000 square foot facility that processes 14,000 hogs weekly.“It’s difficult to say whether the federal money is a good thing or not,” says Drung. “It may have so many conditions attached to it that it might not be feasible or realistic.”If there was money, he says it could be utilized on projects focusing on improved overall efficiency, ultimately resulting in a more competitive operation.Jeanette Jones, vice-president of communications for Maple Leaf Foods, says she can’t comment on whether federal money would have any impact on the potential sale of the company’s Burlington-based facility “because it would only be speculation.”Jones says Dec. 31, 2008 was the goal for selling the plant and “the process is still ongoing.”“It’s up to individual purchasers as to what they deem appropriate and attractive to them.” BF Farmers rally to oppose solar power on prime farmland Police investigate Grey County based beef marketing scheme
Take a virtual reality tour of Ontario’s egg and sheep farms Saturday, December 21, 2024 Canadians now have the opportunity to explore new virtual farm tours on www.FarmFood360.ca, thanks to Farm & Food Care Ontario (FFCO), is a coalition of farmers, agriculture and food partners proactively working together to grow public trust and confidence in food and farming. The... Read this article online
Snow Begone: The RapidTrak Series Friday, December 20, 2024 BYLINE: Zahra Sadiq Winter is upon us, and with it comes thick layers of snow, making everything just a little more difficult. But it doesn’t have to be that way, thanks to the RapidTrak Snow Blowers by Ariens. This company’s story starts in 1933 when Henry Ariens took his sons... Read this article online
AEM partners with Euro counterpart to enhance global alignment on key ag manufacturer issues Friday, December 20, 2024 The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) and the European Agricultural Machinery Association (CEMA) have signed a () to enhance advocacy efforts for the agricultural equipment industry. The agreement seeks to create a positive legislative and regulatory environment across... Read this article online
The 2024 Topigs Norsvin Canada Awards Banquet Thursday, December 19, 2024 Topigs Norsvin Canada Inc.—headquartered in Oak Bluff, Manitoba—is a global leader in swine genetics, and recently held its in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and Stratford, Ontario, via two events for its producers. The banquets blended recognition for outstanding production achievements and... Read this article online
Premier equipment strengthens reach with new acquisition Wednesday, December 18, 2024 Premier Equipment, a John Deere dealership in southwestern Ontario, has reached an agreement to acquire Hutchinson Farm Supply, effective January 31, 2025. Hutchinson, which has been in business for 60 years, has served agriculture and rural property owners in York and Durham... Read this article online