The Rural Voice, 1983-09, Page 70PERTH COUNTY PORK PRODUCERS' NEWS
Major Study
of the Future of the Industry
The O.P.P.M.B. has begun a ma-
jor study to help the Ontario pork in-
dustry compete in world and
domestic markets.
The Board believes this study could
be an important step in developing
future strategies and programs for
Ontario hog producers. Producers in
other countries, and particularly in
the U.S., are already showing signifi-
cant gains in productivity. If Ontario
producers cannot match those gains
they could lose domestic and export
sales.
The report, expected in March
1984, will be a blueprint on how all
sectors of the industry can improve
their productivity. The next step will
be to get the parties to agree to a plan
of action to bring about possible
changes.
Although a Board project, the
study will be a co-operative effort of
the Board, the Ontario Ministry of
Agriculture anf Food, Agriculture
Canada and the University of
Guelph. The Board has budgeted
$30,000 for the project. The universi-
ty and the two levels of government
have generously agreed to the Board's
request for significant contributions
of staff time and resources. The pack-
ing industry is represented by the
Canadian Meat Council.
The study is broken down into
three parts with task forces composed
of producers and representatives of
the two levels of government, the
university and industry looking at
each of the major problems in in-
creasing productivity. The group
looking at on-farm productivity will
be headed by Dr. Gordon Bowman of
the University of Guelph. "Hubie"
McGill, Special Projects Co-
ordinator, O.M.A.F., is chairman of
the information -education sub -study,
and Nelson Ball, Director (Ontario)
Agriculture and Food Development,
Agriculture Canada, heads the third
group looking at marketing. A special
sub -committee is also looking at herd
health. O.P.P.M.B. Director, Ted
Jensen, is co-ordinating chairman of
the project.
PG. 68 THE RURAL VOICE, SEPTEMBER 1983
So far, the study group is not plan-
ning on holding public meetings.
They are, however, interested in hear-
ing the views of producers and other
Sow ship
In the past, sow shipments as a
percentage to total market hog
shipments has been a pretty good in-
dication of whether or not the in-
dustry is expanding. In previous
cycles the "magic figure" seemed to
be around the three per cent level with
everything above that indicating a
reduction in herd size.
The Ontario sow slaughter in the
first quarter averaged 2.74 per cent
segments of the industry. Ideas and
suggestions can be sent, in writing, to
Ted Jensen at the Board's Toronto
office.
Recently, there have been several
government studies on the red meat
industry but the Board believes its
study is significantly different. The
other studies have provided impor-
tant information on how the industry
works. The Board's study, on the
other hand, is designed to stimulate
the industry so it can change and meet
the challenges of the future.
ments up
with the second quarter rising slightly
to 2.78 per cent. The week of May 30,
however, saw the figure rise above
three per cent for the first time and it
stayed there the following week. The
rest of June was below three per cent
but the week of June 27th rose to 3.37
per cent.
The beginning of a reduction in the
herd size? It's too soon to say but the
trend is worth watching
Do You Want
A 1984 Ontario Pork Congress?
A meeting to Review, Reorganize,
Restructure the Ontario Pork Congress
will be held
WHERE: Stratford OMAF Office
WHEN: August 15 & September 13
TIME: 7:15 p.m. sharp
We would appreciate your input.
.1r.
Pork Producers'
Computer Seminar
Tues. Aug. 23, 1983
2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Jade Gardens Restaurant
145 Wallace Ave. N.
Listowel, Ont.
Call & reserve your seat today.
Priority will be given to those
making prior reservations.
MODERN APPLIANCE
CENTRE
102 Main St. E. Listowel
519-291-4670
f J�it�lJ,,,,
Steps
Feeders
Railings
Curbing
Slabs
4V7" 21/2 4 2/"
Hog Slats
Also farrowing and weaner slats
with narrower openings
Manufactured by
ED's Concrete Products
Corner of Lorne and Humber Sts.
Stratford
Res. 423-6058 Bus. 271-6590