H@m’s Marketing Cooperative moved through its spring producer meetings with a strong turnout, clear optimism, and a sense that the hog sector is finally pushing forward with confidence. General Manager Bill Alford meets with producers in all three prairie provinces and sees something he hasn’t seen in years – momentum.
“We build off last year,” Alford says. “Profitable hog prices give producers optimism, and that carries into every discussion.” Producers show up in strong numbers, ask direct questions and look ahead instead of back.
A major topic this year centres on the 2029 loose sow housing requirement. H@m’s begins surveying producers about expansion and renovation plans, and early responses encourage Alford. “Producers plan ahead. They can’t all renovate at once, but the enthusiasm is real. They want to invest in barns for the next 20 to 25 years.”
The timing helps. “2026 looks a lot like 2025,” Alford said. “Inputs stay relatively low, hog prices stay above average, and back to back profitable years help with decision making.”
Fuel prices continue to frustrate producers across the Prairies. Diesel swings from $1.89 to over $2.20 a litre, and freight becomes a deciding factor in marketing decisions. “The difference in pricing often comes down to freight,” Alford said. “Sometimes it’s simply cheaper to haul pigs one direction over another.” With meetings in all three provinces, producers see how freight shifts their final settlement.
Global headlines bounce from one crisis to another, but hog markets stay steady. “We don’t see any influence from the Iran conflict or other geopolitical issues,” Alford said. “Currencies move, but pork prices stay excellent. Demand stays strong, and supply stays balanced.” Producers avoid over-expansion, and that discipline keeps profits intact.
Some producers raise concerns about grocery store labelling and gene edited pork. “Processors haven’t made public statements,” Alford said. “It depends on what their customers want. If Japan doesn’t want it, that shapes the contracts.” Export markets continue to drive decisions, and producers understand that consumer preference sets the tone.
Producers also watch for Olymel’s new ultrasound grading system. Grading changes ripple across the industry as plants shift to weight only systems or new probe technologies. Olymel’s probes became unreliable last year, forcing a temporary switch to weight only grading. “Anytime grading changes, it’s different,” Alford said. “Some guys might see surprises when fat and loin grading returns.”

H@m’s continues to strengthen its grassroots structure. “We fill all delegate positions,” Alford said. “Producers stay engaged. They want to be part of the process.” The co op rebates 50 cents per hog again – a clear sign of financial health – and markets an all time high of two million hogs. “They’re not making more hog producers,” Alford said. “So increasing marketing means we get more out of the same base.”
H@m’s enters 2026 with confidence, strong producer involvement, and a cooperative model that continues to deliver value where it matters – on the farm. •
— By Harry Siemens

H@ms District Meetings Highlight Strong Volumes and Market Opportunity
Hog producers across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba gathered in March for the 2026 H@ms District Meetings, and the tone across all three provinces stays upbeat. Strong hog numbers, competitive packer programs, and renewed interest in barn upgrades give producers plenty to talk about.
H@ms, a producer owned co operative, reinforces its mission to return maximum value to members. With elected delegates guiding policy and management carrying out that direction, the co op continues to grow its footprint. In 2025, H@ms markets just over 1.94 million hogs, up from 1.68 million in 2021. Manitoba leads with nearly two thirds of the total marketing, followed by Saskatchewan and Alberta. Hutterite colonies remain the backbone of production, contributing almost 97 percent of all hogs marketed.
Producers also receive a $ 0.50-per-hog rebate, returning more than $970,000 to members – a clear sign of financial strength.
Marketing comparisons draw strong interest. Based on 2025 year to date numbers, Olymel leads with returns near $288 per hog, followed by Thunder Creek/North 49 at $279. Canada Packers and HyLife sit in the low $260s before freight. Transportation continues to shape final returns, cutting costs by as much as $22 per hog, depending on location.
Producers also review expansion and renovation plans, driven partly by the 2029 loose sow housing requirement. Many consider upgrades over the next two years but face familiar hurdles – financing, labour, and construction timelines.
Technology steps forward as well. H@ms introduces HOG BOSS, a data driven platform designed to help independent producers benchmark performance and improve decision making.
Overall, the meetings show a sector with strong production, competitive marketing options and producers ready to invest again – provided they manage costs and adapt to a changing marketplace. •
— By Harry Siemens