Creation of Pork Promotion and Research Agency Among 2020 Highlights

Jan 04, 2021

The General Manager of Sask Pork says the establishment of a Canadian Pork Promotion and Research Agency was among the pork sector's more important accomplishments during 2020. Last month Canada's Agriculture Minister announced the creation of the Canadian Pork Promotion and Research Agency.

The agency will manage the collection and use of a levy which will help promote the marketing and production of pork, develop new markets for producers and support research activities.

Mark Ferguson, the General Manager of the Saskatchewan Pork Development Board, says the Pork Promotion and Research Agency is something the Canadian pork sector has been working toward for a long time and it will help level the playing field with the United States.

Clip-Mark Ferguson-Saskatchewan Pork Development Board:

This is an organization that was proclaimed by the federal government and this is a big step forward for it. The proposal to create the PRA was established in March in the Canada Gazette Part one. This agency is going to be funded through the collection of a levy on imported hogs and pork and this is very similar to the Beef Promotion Research Agency.

It's estimated that the import levies will generate somewhere around two million annually in new research funding for the collective benefit of the entire Canadian pork sector.

The U.S. currently collects a levy on imported pork and hogs and this is just basically us having a reciprocal levy so we can make sure we are doing as much as we can for research, promotion and on farm programs.

Source : Farmscape

Video: You Be The Judge: Evaluating 8 Breeding Rams!

It's time for some honest feedback here at Ewetopia Farms! Today, we’re showing you all eight rams we used for breeding this year. Instead of just presenting them, we thought it would be fun to create a “Ram Report Card” — where we point out both their strengths and areas for improvement.

But here’s the twist: you be the judge! In the comments, let us know what you like about each ram and what you think could be improved. No ram is ever perfect, but every one of them brings something valuable to the flock. By sharing perspectives, we all learn more about what to look for in good breeding stock.

At Ewetopia Farms, we raise registered Suffolk and Polled Dorset sheep, focusing on high-quality genetics, structure, and friendly temperaments. Evaluating breeding rams is part of the bigger picture of building stronger flocks — and we’re excited to share the process with you.

If you enjoy seeing how we evaluate our animals, follow along by subscribing to our channel. We share daily insights into the joys and challenges of sheep farming here in Canada.