Manitoba pork producers sent a clear signal about the future of their industry on February 12 in Portage la Prairie.
At a Special Meeting of registered producers held at Canad Inns, all six districts – Hutter Schwine, North Star Producers, East, West, HyLife, and Canada Packers – voted in favour of increasing Manitoba Pork Council levies.
The approved change raises the market hog levy from $0.80 to $0.90 per hog and the weanling levy from $0.19 to $0.21 per weanling.
Cam Dahl, General Manager of Manitoba Pork, described the outcome as decisive.
“There was very strong support for the change and for Manitoba Pork,” Dahl said.
Manitoba currently has the lowest levy rates in Canada. The previous rates had remained in place since 2004, when they were reduced from the 1998 levels of $0.85 per hog and $0.20 per weanling. For more than two decades, those levies funded industry advocacy, animal health initiatives, public trust programs and trade efforts.
The Board of Directors proposed the increase to ensure Manitoba Pork maintains the capacity to address growing industry pressures. The Special Meeting provided registered producers the opportunity to debate and vote on the proposal.
Dahl said the discussion in the room reflected confidence rather than concern.
“I would describe the room as having a very high level of confidence in the industry going forward,” he said.
One producer raised concerns related to the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Pigs. That question marked the only concern expressed during the meeting. Beyond that, producers demonstrated strong unity in support of the organization and its direction.
“There was very strong support,” Dahl reiterated.
No government representatives attended the meeting. Dahl noted that absence did not signal a lack of engagement.
“We have a strong working relationship with our government,” he said. “We are being heard and our issues are being acted on, at least at the provincial level.”

Trade, labour availability, and disease management remain top priorities for Manitoba’s pork sector. Producers continue to navigate global market uncertainty, ongoing labour shortages and the ever-present risk of animal disease.
The levy increase equips Manitoba Pork with additional resources to advocate effectively on those files and to respond quickly when issues arise.
Manitoba’s pork industry operates as a fully integrated export-driven sector. Strong levy support signals that producers recognize the need for sustained investment in market access, animal health preparedness and public trust initiatives.
The vote also reflects a broader understanding that costs rise across every segment of agriculture. While producers face their own margin pressures, they chose to invest in the collective organization that represents their interests at the provincial and national levels.
The Special Meeting opened at 1:30 p.m. and remained limited to registered producers, with proxy voting available for those unable to attend in person. That structure ensured active producer participation and ownership of the decision.
Dahl said the outcome demonstrates unity across Manitoba’s diverse production districts.
“All six districts supported the increase,” he said.
That unanimity carries weight in an industry that spans independent producers, integrated operations, and major processors. It sends a message that the sector stands together on core priorities.
As Manitoba Pork moves forward with the new levy structure, producers appear focused on long-term stability and growth. Confidence in the room suggests they see opportunity ahead despite ongoing challenges.
“We are confident in the industry going forward,” Dahl said.
For Manitoba pork producers, the February 12 vote marked more than a financial adjustment. It represented a collective commitment to strengthening their organization and protecting the future of one of Manitoba’s most important agricultural sectors. •
— By Harry Siemens