Canadian Hog Producers Required to Implement On-Farm Traceability [July 1, 2014]</

Nov 07, 2013

Canadian Hog Producers Required to Implement On-Farm Traceability [July 1, 2014]

By Amanda Brodhagen, Farms.com

Come summer 2014, Canadian hog farmers will be expected to implement pig movement reporting on-farm. PigTrace, a federal traceability program has been in development since 2002, with full implementation coming into effect by July 1, 2014.

A regulatory amendment to the federal Health of Animals Regulation, which is also expected to be announced July 1st, has prompted the move. The traceability program aims to enhance the process of managing disease outbreaks and food safety emergencies. Information, which will be tracked through PigTrace, will provide government officials with the most accurate information regarding animal identification and movement of pigs.

In the New Year, the Canadian Pork Council will launch an outreach campaign aimed at helping producers transition over to the new requirements. Hog farmers will be able to choose from a variety of reporting tools that will work best for their farming operation, while still meeting federal requirements. More information about PigTrace can be found at: http://pigtrace.ca/.

Video: Early Fall Colors | Scenic Ontario Road Trip!

All adventures must come to an end, but not without one more journey! Join The Wandering Shepherds as we say farewell to our cozy Calabogie cottage and take the scenic road trip home to Ewetopia Farms. Our first stop was a breathtaking hydroelectric generating station, framed by cliffs, rushing water, and brilliant fall leaves that seemed to have changed overnight. From there, we meandered along winding backroads through lakes and hills, soaking in the spectacular autumn scenery. This year, the colors seemed to arrive earlier than usual—perhaps due to the summer’s drought? Whatever the reason, it was an unforgettable display of Ontario’s fall beauty. Finally, our holiday drew to a close as we pulled back into Ewetopia Farms, ready to return to the sheep and our daily vlogs. But this trip reminded us how important it is to pause, explore, and appreciate the simple beauty around us.