Several Manitoba hog producers say the recent MPLF producer meeting ranks among the best in years, thanks to the direct approach from Denis Oregon of Canada Packers. Producers welcomed his tone and direction as the company works to rebuild the Brandon processing plant and create a new model for working with suppliers.
One producer summed it up: “It was one of the better meetings I’ve been to in a long time. Denis Oregon sounds dialed in. He wants Canada Packers to work with producers, not just buy hogs. He made it clear – without committed producers, this won’t move forward.”
Producers appreciated Oregon’s honesty but pushed back on pricing.
“Two or three dollars more won’t bring in more hogs. That’s not enough to get producers to commit,” one said. “We need a pricing structure that works for the long term. If they want to fill the plant and compete with other packers in Western Canada, they’ll need a full strategy, not just talk.”
Still, there’s cautious optimism that Oregon and his team, along with H@ms Marketing Services, can put the pieces together. A key part of the plan involves upgrading the Brandon, MB plant to increase its efficiency and competitiveness.
Cam Dahl, General Manager of Manitoba Pork, says he supports the direction Canada Packers is taking.
“I haven’t developed any concerns with how this is rolling out,” Dahl said from his office in Winnipeg. “We haven’t heard from producers raising red flags. I’m hopeful that Canada Packers focusing on direct hog production and processing will lead to more capacity here in Manitoba.”
Dahl also sees room for growth.
“We have space for more finishing barns in the province,” he said. “I’m starting to see interest in expansion. That’s a good sign – especially with ongoing trade uncertainty with the U.S. We already have enough sow capacity to support expanded finishing.”
William Alford, General Manager of H@ms Marketing Services Co-op, says his organization remains committed to supporting producers while helping secure hogs for the Brandon facility.
“We will keep working with industry partners like Canada Packers on behalf of our producer-members,” said Alford. “The Brandon plant needs a reliable hog supply and serious investment to compete. That’s part of the message we delivered at the meeting.”
He says news of the upcoming investment in the plant offers hope.
“Our producers have supplied hogs reliably for Maple Leaf, and we’ll continue doing that with our new partner, Canada Packers,” Alford said. “Long-term success comes from profitability. We’re optimistic that working with a world-class processor will lead to better outcomes for producers.”
For now, producers are watching closely. Many want to believe in a revitalized Brandon plant and a stronger future for Manitoba’s pork sector. But they also want to see real numbers and real results.
“They’ve got our attention,” one producer said. “Now they need to earn our trust.” •
— By Harry Siemens