Canada - U.S. Agree to Recognize Animal Disease Zoning

Jan 17, 2013

Canada and US to Recognize Zoning Measures in Cases of Animal Disease Outbreaks

Canadian Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz announced on Wednesday that Canada and the United States have agreed to recognize one another’s zoning measures in cases of foreign animal disease outbreaks.

While foreign animal disease outbreaks are rare, this new agreement will help mitigate trade disruptions while maintaining measures to prevent spread of disease.

The new arrangement will outline an agreed-upon process and set of conditions for the zoning recognition. This framework will involve extensive consultation with various stakeholders, including states, provinces and industry groups.

This announcement follows a commitment that was made in Dec. 2011 under the Joint Action Plan of the Canada-United States Regulatory Cooperation Council – which seeks to work towards enhancing the two countries’ regulations.

Video: CEOs of the Industry: John McIntire, Partner at Pike Pig Systems

CEOs of the Industry, Jim sits down with John McIntire, Partner at Pike Pig Systems, one of the most quietly impressive 26,000-sow operations in the U.S. John shares how he grew from operator to partner, how Pike built a people-first culture with long-tenured managers, and why they’re committed to weaning bigger, stronger pigs at 25+ days.

John breaks down how Pike stays efficient in a tough economic environment, the power of their shareholder-owned farm model, and how their work with PIC and a 240-head boar facility drives genetics and health outcomes. He also opens up about the innovations Pike adopts — and how they decide what’s truly valuable versus industry hype.

From Prop 12 and labor challenges to trade, consumer expectations, and sustainability, John chooses a hot-button issue and shares how Pike is preparing for the future. The episode closes with a rapid-fire “Fast Five” — mindset, leadership, daily habits, and three words that define Pike Pig Systems in 2025.

If you want a look inside a people-driven, purpose-driven, quietly elite pork system, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.