Quebec-based DuBreton farms has announced that it is now California Animal Care Program Certified.

Nov 13, 2023

Canadian swine producer surpasses Prop 12 requirements

California’s controversial Proposition 12, known as prop 12, requires that swine livestock producers restrict gestation crate usage, and says that each sow must have 24 square feet of space.

“Today, we reach another step forward, since we are not just compliant, but fully audited and ready for California’s Proposition 12, which goes into effect on January 1st, 2024.” shared Vincent Breton, CEO.

DuBreton farms is a fourth generation farming operation that has raised crate-free pigs since 2003.

Unlike DuBreton, many US and Canadian farmers say they won’t be making changes on their farms to become compliant.

For many farmers the issue is that the Prop 12 and similar laws in Massachusetts and New Jersey will force swine producers to make their barn sizes larger, or reduce the number of sows in their herd to be able to give the required 24 square feet of space.

Video: Season 7, Episode 1: Managing Risk and Seeing Opportunities in U.S. Pork Production

Today’s episode features three guests discussing the similarities and differences between pork production in the United States and Brazil, along with strategies for managing risk in today’s industry while recognizing and acting on opportunities. First, Dr. Anne Caroline de Lara, executive manager of live pig production at Seara Alimentos, a JBS company in Brazil, is joined by Dr. Matthew Turner, head of operations for JBS Live Pork. Together, they discuss how labor, climate and ventilation challenges vary between Brazil and the United States, while underscoring their shared commitment to raising healthy pigs. They also point to lessons producers in both countries can take from one another’s systems and on-farm experiences. Then, Brady Reicks, risk manager at Reicks View Farms, shares his perspective on risk management, drawing from his background in markets and his transition into farming. He discusses how protecting margins varies by operation and offers practical approaches producers can use to make marketing and business decisions with greater confidence rather than hesitation.

Both conversations were recorded at recent industry events focused on swine livability, including the International Conference on Pig Livability and Iowa Swine Day.