AgriStability for poultry farmers: Minister Horner

Feb 15, 2023

“In response to the avian influenza outbreak in 2022, the governments of Canada and Alberta have agreed to allow late participation in AgriStability for the 2022 program year. This means any poultry producers not currently signed up for AgriStability can reach out to Agriculture Financial Services Corporation to enrol by Feb. 28.

“Alberta’s producers have faced significant impacts, substantial losses and a great deal of stress during this time, and that is why we’re providing additional help to some producers. I commend Alberta’s poultry sector for its advocacy and information sharing over the past year to support producers during the avian influenza outbreak.

“In recognition of the potential for more infections as we move into spring, I will continue to work with industry to identify any available tools and supports to mitigate avian influenza’s impacts.

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Video: What Does 20 MILLION Hogs a Year Look Like?

?? The Multi-Plant System Processing 20 Million Hogs Annually in the Midwest JBS USA operates multiple large-scale pork processing facilities across the Midwest, including major plants in Iowa, Minnesota, and Indiana. Combined, these facilities have the capacity to process approximately 20 million hogs annually.

Each plant operates high-speed automated slaughter systems capable of processing up to 20,000 head per day, followed by fabrication lines that break carcasses into primals, sub-primals, and case-ready retail products.

Hog procurement is coordinated through electronic marketing platforms that connect regional contract finishing operations and independent producers to plant demand schedules. This digital procurement system allows for steady supply flow and scheduling efficiency across multiple facilities.

Processing plants incorporate comprehensive food safety systems, including pathogen intervention technologies, rapid chilling processes, and integrated cold-chain management. USDA inspection is embedded throughout the harvest and fabrication stages to ensure regulatory compliance and product integrity. Finished pork products — from bulk primals to retail-ready packaged cuts — are distributed through coordinated logistics networks serving domestic and export markets.