Trade Emerges as Top Issue at Sask Pork AGM

Dec 16, 2024

The General Manager of the Saskatchewan Pork Development Board suggests North America is one of the world's success stories when it comes to trade and Saskatchewan's pork sector is anxious to see the excellent trading relationship between Canada and the U.S. continue.With the renegotiation of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement looming, discussion on trade was among the highlights last week when the province's pork producers gathered in Swift Current for Sask Pork's 2024 Annual General meeting.

Saskatchewan Pork Development Board General Manager Mark Ferguson says everyone within the Canadian economy is watching the issue of trade with the U.S. and coming up with strategies on how to make sure any negotiation or renegotiation of our free trade deal looks out for Canadians.

Quote-Mark Ferguson-Saskatchewan Pork Development Board:

On the trade side, we have a great trading relationship with the U.S. and it goes both ways.I think we're each other's biggest trading partners so I think that pork producers certainly want to see that continue.The message is that we want to provide product to Canada and the U.S. to consumers in both countries that is economical.

Pork is one of the most economical proteins to purchase and we would like to keep it that way.We don't want to see Canada get into a trade war at all.
We want to see free trade continue.North America is one of the world's success stories on trade and free trade and it's benefited both countries over the years.

I think U.S. pork producers would agree with that as well as Canadian producers and consumers that are able to purchase products at a good price.

Ferguson suggests it's important to reach American consumers.He observes the problem with tariffs is they make everything more expensive and hurt consumers and he doubts consumers want that.

Source : Farmscape.ca

Video: CEOs of the Industry – Rob Brenneman, CEO of Brenneman Pork

“From Pork Production to Performance Nutrition: A Candid Conversation with One of the Industry’s Most Unconventional Thinkers”

CEOs of the Industry, we sit down with Rob Brenneman, the visionary behind Brenneman Pork, for an unfiltered, in-depth conversation on leadership, survivability, nutrition, and the future of pig farming.

Rob shares how a deep-rooted commitment to **health—both animal and personal—**drives his philosophy and decision-making. From reshaping pork nutrition and advocating for the return of well-marbled, flavorful pork to confronting the ongoing battle with PRRS and other health threats, Rob’s insights reflect decades of hands-on experience and bold innovation.

Key themes include: Nutrition Reimagined: Why the industry went off course—and how Brenneman Pork is leading change by prioritizing gut health, fat quality, and real performance.

Health & Survivability: Rob’s take on biosecurity, disease management, and the systems and protocols that protect both pigs and profitability.

Well-Marbled Pork as Premium Protein: The science, consumer insights, and culinary feedback behind Rob’s mission to reintroduce pork as a premium, flavorful protein.

Sustainability & Farm Culture: How Brenneman Pork balances environmental responsibility with day-to-day positivity and resilience.

Generational Impact: Strategies to attract, inspire, and retain the next wave of pork producers with pride and purpose.

Plus, a fast-paced finale where Rob shares his top pork pick, leadership lessons, and what he’d change overnight in the industry.

Whether you're a producer, nutritionist, policymaker, or future leader, this episode offers a masterclass in where pork production is headed—and how visionaries like Rob are shaping it.