Red Deer welcomed back Francis the Pig, who has been absent from the central Alberta city for two years.The statue commemorating a pig who was a fugitive for several months in 1990 after escaping a local slaughterhouse was unveiled at the Central Spray and Play Park back on August 29th.Francis escaped from Central Alberta
Federal Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald
Agriculture ministers from across Canada gathered in Winnipeg on September 9, 2025, for their annual meeting of the federal-provincial-territorial ministers. The message they wanted farmers to hear was simple: We are united, we hear you, and we will continue to support you in tough times. That sounds reassuring, but farmers
Canada’s pork industry is undertaking a trade mission recently in Japan, with stops in Osaka and Tokyo, to celebrate the ongoing relationship between the two countries in helping to ensure food security and harmonious relations.For the first time in more than 40 years, Canadian pork is now the top imported pork in Japan. This
Janelle Hamblin
Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea, known as PED, remains one of the greatest threats to hog production in North America. Since first entering the United States in 2013 and then Manitoba in 2014, this viral gastrointestinal disease has put pressure on every level of the pork sector. For Manitoba producers, veterinarians, and farm staff, the
Swine dysentery is a severe, highly contagious intestinal disease in pigs caused by Brachyspira bacteria, primarily Brachyspira hyodysenteriae. It causes bloody diarrhea (mucohaemorrhagic), reduced growth, weight loss, and potentially high mortality rates, impacting pig production economically. Transmission occurs through the fecal-oral route, and the bacteria can survive in the environment, making biosecurity, hygiene, and
Canada’s pork sector faces constant pressure as producers work to keep pigs healthy, meet rising expectations on animal care, and navigate trade uncertainty. Cam Dahl, General Manager of Manitoba Pork, says farmers must balance these challenges every day while competing in global markets.He points to the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling
A senior risk management analyst with H@ms Marketing Services warns Canadian hog producers could take a hit if U.S. trading partners retaliate against Washington’s new tariffs. The United States raised its general import tariff on Canadian goods not covered under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement from 25 to 35 percent effective August 7, with additional
Squeal on Pigs, Manitoba says wild pig populations have steadily declined since the program began in 2022. The group credits aggressive surveillance, trapping, and public reporting for the drop.Camera grids, landowner interviews, field scouting, and outreach show reductions year over year. As pigs become harder to find, the focus has shifted to teaching people
Animal Health Canada has released the first national map of wild pig locations and documented how provinces are responding to the threat. The 2023 Canadian Invasive Wild Pig Report, published in Elora, Ontario, outlines where wild pigs have been sighted or established and highlights prevention, management, and removal programs.“Wild pigs pose serious risks to
Greetings, as I am penning this on a Sunday afternoon after returning to my desk from camping. Was a beautiful +26 yesterday so just had to go. Coming home today was a reminder that we have so So SO very much to be thankful for, combines were busy in almost every field we drove by.
