The Rural Voice, 2003-12, Page 73PERTH 11T
County Pork Producers NEWSLETTER
Pat Louwagie, President
519-393-6424
• The Rural Voice is provided to Perth
County Pork Producers by the PCPPA
Let's be proud of our accomplishments
Any opinions expressed herein may not
necessarily reflect the views of the Perth
County Pork Producers' Association.
What is there to be gained by
bemoaning how economically and
mentally tough it is on a pig farm? I
know and accept how tough it is, but the
question remains why do we want to
continuously dwell on the negatives and
not balance some of the bad news with
the good news.
We have all encountered the pork
producer meeting where speakers
pontificate how tough it is. how
producers are going out of business,
how individual producers are exploiting
the environment, and where we need
government assistance. Could we gain
more by portraying a positive image
about the industry, including our
financial past? Do we need to keep
reminding our friends and ourselves that
there are many more good things in this
business than bad? Or are we
complaining because we are looking for
government dollars, community
sympathy or just don't want someone
else to get in the business? Remember
when you complain about a headache,
70 per cent don't care and the other 30
per cent are happy, so why complain? If
we keep focusing on the negative, pretty
soon one becomes what one thinks, and
this can include a commodity
perception.
There are many advantages in our
industry that we need to keep reminding
ourselves about. Since the marketplace
and most presentations remind us of
how tough it is, let me review what I
think are the blessings. As result of
being more positive, we can stand
prouder in public, encourage more
young people into the business, not
scare off the bankers and maintain
positive friends. I know many producers
who hate going to meetings because of
the negative attitude. Let's be realistic in
our facts but sandwich our criticism
with two slices of a compliment. Every
time we criticize, start and finish with a
positive. You are what you think.
The pig industry, and especially the
Ontario pig industry, has a lot to be
proud of .
We continuously improved pork
quality and reduced cost. Today there is
35 per cent less fat on pigs than 20 years
ago (18 mm vs 12 mm). In addition, the
pigs are growing three weeks faster to
market (180 days vs. 160 days) and use
less feed (estimates are 25 per cent less).
Less feed means less manure and more
land to put manure on it.
As a result of the quality and quantity,
pork exports are among the top export
commodities in Canada. Canadian Pork
exports ranks among the top three in the
world. This helps the economy and if
you don't believe it, just look what BSE
did to the market.
Ultrasounds, environmental
controllers, gas measurements. robotics,
DNA tracing, and computer programs
are only a few of the examples of the
latest in technologies that are used to
maintain progress. As a result. the pork
products and the programs are among
the market leaders in technology in the
world.
All this was done by reducing the cost
to the consumer - the waitress's tip
now takes a bigger share of the
restaurant dollar than the farmer's.
The strength of the industry lies in the
dedicated people within the industry.
For example there are approximately
400,000 sows in Ontario and each
animal is cared for daily as an individual
- fed and watered to condition,
identified, recorded:vaccinated and
managed appropriately as an individual.
Feed is balanced for at least 35
nutrients. For example. selenium is just
being introduced into human health. We
have been using selenium for pigs for
over 25 years.
Equipment is strategically designed
for pig comfort and production. For
example there are computer chips that
monitor the pig's temperature on a
continuous basis to seek any signs of
discomfort. The animal welfare is
among the best in the world and still
improving.
The labour skill set in the industry is a
tremendous competitive advantage.
Much of the training starts as toddlers.
advances to teenage years and continues
to owner -manger. This process is often a
family affair. This work ethic is envied
by other industries and is sought after.
The government needs to be happy
with the job creation from the pork
industry. It is believed for every farm
job. there are 8-10 downstream jobs
created. The service sector is
competitive and dedicated. Quotes are
competitive, service is readily available
and quality oriented. The university
resource is close and accessible.
Monetary routes are numerous. We take
these services for granted, not
appreciating that immigration into
Canada occurs because of these
services.
The pork producers need to be proud
of their advancements and
accomplishments. Instead many farmers
who build a barn, purchase a farm or a
tractor or add to their house are almost
ashamed of their success rather than
bragging about it. New barns and
biosecurity guidelines have created
many misgivings, more so. with rural
neighbors rather than urbanites. These
investments are the life -line for many
communities.
Surveys show consumers trust farmers
more than most other professions. Barns
might look differently, we do business
differently, hut the rural integrity is still
among the best.
We see nature as nature intended to he
—birth. death. breeding. illness,
response to care and most of all. the
learning one receives from the response
to care of an animal. Pork production is
an honorable and worthy career.
Ontario Pork does an excellent job in
promoting the pork industry especially
through their personal visuals. But more
pork producers must be ambassadors for
their own industry—participation in
community, more press, standing proud .
at functions, responding to statements
and informing our urbanite friends. Our
success is recognized globally; our
challenge is locally.
- Submitted by Richard Smelski
PERTH COUNTY PORK PRODUCERS'
PORK PRODUCTS
• Smoked Pork Chops • Fresh Pork Chops
• Stuffed Loin Chops • Smoked Sausage
• Smoked Cheddar Sausage • Bacon Burgers
• Teriyaki Pork Steaks • Vittorio's BBQ Sauce
AVAILABLE FROM:
Steve Hulshof (Kinkora) .348-8167
Walter Bosch (Monkton) .356-9000
Ted Keller (Mitchell) .348-9836
DECEMBER 2003 69