Olymel plans to close six hog production facilities in Western Canada

May 30, 2023

Ongoing challenges in the pork industry, financial losses, and uncertainty in the hog and pork markets led to the decision.

Olymel announcing the closure of five sow units in Alberta (Smoky Sow/Dev, Pinnacle 1, Pinnacle 2, Dynacrest 1, and Dynacrest 2) and one in Saskatchewan (Kelsey) cutting about 17,000 sows from their operations.

Approximately 80 staff have been given their layoff notices, Olymel is working with those affected to find other positions within the company or placement outside the company.

Over the next few months, they will begin winding down operations at the barns which will remain shuttered until the market conditions improve.

The closures will result in a net reduction of about 200,000 company-owned market hogs annually to the Red Deer slaughter plant.

The full impact of the move will not be felt until 2024 at the earliest and will be subject to independent hog supply availability.

We'll have an update on the situation tomorrow with Olymel's Vice President of Swine Production for Western Canada Casey Smit.

Source : Pembinavalley online

Video: New Solution Powers Efficient Pork Growth

Alltech has introduced Olerix, an innovative phytogenic blend created to promote growth and feed efficiency in pigs. Through a proprietary coating process, the bioactive blend of phytogenic compounds used in Olerix is designed to outlast the manufacturing process, ensuring consistent outcomes from feed to finish. The result is a high-impact efficiency solution that provides consistent support for gut health, feed efficiency, immune function and growth performance. Olerix is backed by validated trials conducted under modern pork production conditions.

“As the industry searches for technology to drive profitability forward in a more sustainable manner, we’re thrilled to join that effort with our Olerix technology,” said Mark Hulsebus, general manager for U.S. pork at Alltech. “Our work in this phytogenic space is yielding very encouraging results, and we’re excited to make this new opportunity available to pork producers focused on optimizing feed efficiency and growth rates.”

“Olerix represents the next generation of phytogenic technology — combining feed efficiency, livability and immune support into a practical commercial solution producers can implement today,” said Andy Rash, U.S. monogastric director at Alltech.