In a big move for Canadian hog farming, North 49 Foods, part of Donald's Fine Foods Group, has cut the ribbon on a brand-new pig processing plant in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. This new facility, worth over $60 million, is the first of its kind in Canada for more than a decade, and it's set to make Moose Jaw a hotspot for pig processing.
The plant found a new home in the old JBS/XL Foods Beef Plant, and its location near Western Canadian hog farms is a game-changer. Being close by means fewer trucks on the road, which is good for the environment. Plus, it's good news for the pigs, as it promises better treatment and fairer prices for the farmers.
The plant is gearing up to welcome its first shipment of pigs by November 2 and will start with about 80 workers. When it's running full steam, it's expected to give jobs to around 200 people. To help make this happen, PrairiesCanada chipped in a $5 million loan, with more support from the provincial government and Sask Pork. This money is going into making sure the plant can handle any diseases that might pop up.
With room for about 225,000 pigs each year, the plant is pretty high-tech. It's got computers to keep things in check and new ways of doing things that keep the pigs happy and the food safe. This isn't just good for the pigs; it's good for everyone along the line.
Opening this new pig processing plant is a big deal for Canada. It solves problems like moving pigs across borders, dealing with diseases, and making sure everyone gets a fair deal. Beyond that, it's making Moose Jaw a key player in the Canadian hog industry, bringing in more money and opportunities for the local folks.
Source: swineweb.com
Photo Credit: istock-srdjan-stepic
Categories: Illinois, Livestock, Hogs