The Rural Voice, 1992-03, Page 41NEWS
REMAINING COMPETITIVE INVOLVES RISK AND CHANGE
"We as producers must band to-
gether to produce a specific product for
a specific market," was the formula for
future success provided to Perth County
Pork Producers by guest speaker
Richard Hiscock.
Hiscock told the 150 people attend-
ing the annual meeting in Stratford on
January 30 that the Ontario pork indus-
try must produce hogs with a high lean
meat ratio, and change the way it pres-
ents its product.
Hiscock spoke from an insider's
perspective. He marketed 3,000 pigs
last year from his 700 -sow operation in
Oxford County, acts as an industry
consultant., and is a member of the
Market Committee Study set up last
year to recommend changes to the
Ontario marketing system.
Hiscock emphasized the impor-
tance of economy of scale. He cited as
one example a 30,000 -sow operation
being set up in Oklahoma by Smithfield
Packers and Tyson Foods which will
have the capacity to produce two mil-
lion pigs annually — half of Ontario's
total production.
Hiscock noted that genetics, nutri-
tion and "real good management" are
essential ingredients in producing the
leaner carcasses now demanded.
Turning to marketing, Hiscock said
the total industry — Canadian and U.S.
packers, and large and small producers
in Quebec as well as Ontario — were
consulted before the marketing review
committee drafted its report.
A main recommendation is a two -
pool system. Pool A would stay the
same, to avoid off -type hogs going
back into the pool and depressing
prices. Pool B would be handled sepa-
rately in yards and by truckers. This
would mean changes in computer work
to program two pools, and additional
penning to keep the two pools separate.
Also recommended are direct pro-
ducer/packer alliances, to be assisted
by a contract covering such factors as
delivery time, weight range, feeding
program and meat quality.
Other suggestions include a com-
mittee to negotiate freight rates with
packers, and development of a new
insurance system.
"We hope that by producing hogs
that the packer wants, the pie will get
bigger," Hiscock said.
He warned that these measures will
directly affect the producers. Can lean
meat ratio be maintained over the
longer growth period required for heav-
ier carcasses? Gilts or barrows might
have to be marketed separately, or tat-
tooed differently. If pushed for space in
keeping hogs until 15 pounds heavier, a
decision might have to be made to cut
back the sows or rent another barn.
Hiscock ended on an optimistic
note.
"All this is creating a further drive to
efficiency. The marketplace is driving
us ... There is room for everybody in
the new market system." Acknowledg-
ing that change involves risk and fear,
he concluded by saying, "The person
who risks nothing does nothing and has
nothing. Only the person taking risks is
a free person."
Alfred and Verna Young were the
winners of the 1991 Perth County Pork
Producers' Recognition Award for
Promotion. In presenting the award,
PCPP president Vince Hulshof said the
Youngs promoted pork through their
participation on the barbecue commit-
tee, going as far afield as London,
Toronto and Ottawa. They also moved
two and one-half tons of pork from their
home last year.
Norm and Patsy Campbell earned
the Pork Producer of the Year award for
the quality pork produced on their farm
north of Mitchell through attention to
crop rotation, record evaluation, plan-
ning priorities, herd health and a posi-
tive attitude.°
Yvonne Reynolds
Norm and Patsy Campbell were honoured with the Pork
Producer of the Year award for the quality pork produced on
their farm north of Mitchell.
Alfred and Verna Young received the Recognition Award for
promoting pork as far afield as London, Toronto and
Ottawa. (photos by Yvonne Reynolds)
MARCH 1992 37