Trade is a hot topic for agriculture in Ontario

Jan 11, 2019

January seems a suitable time to recap on the events from the 2018 season.

I have been on the road and covered a lot of ground across the province over the last couple months, and it’s evident it’s been a challenging year.

A lot of work needs to be done in all sectors including, infrastructure, energy, risk management, sustainability, and climate change to keep Ontario competitive in agriculture.

Trade remains a hot topic and rightfully so, as it is vital for many sectors in our industry.

The USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) and the US/China tariff war has put tremendous pressure on all producers and commodity groups. Foreign investment, interest rates and inflation threaten the value of the land we live off. Furthermore, the public trust and knowledge in food and agriculture continues to be a challenge.

But it’s hard to be negative. We are in fact Canadian agriculture; we offer the best products in the world, we are safe, we are sustainable, we are agricultural now more than ever.

New trade agreements like the CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership) and USMCA offer a great trade diversity.

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Video: CEOs of the Industry: John McIntire, Partner at Pike Pig Systems

CEOs of the Industry, Jim sits down with John McIntire, Partner at Pike Pig Systems, one of the most quietly impressive 26,000-sow operations in the U.S. John shares how he grew from operator to partner, how Pike built a people-first culture with long-tenured managers, and why they’re committed to weaning bigger, stronger pigs at 25+ days.

John breaks down how Pike stays efficient in a tough economic environment, the power of their shareholder-owned farm model, and how their work with PIC and a 240-head boar facility drives genetics and health outcomes. He also opens up about the innovations Pike adopts — and how they decide what’s truly valuable versus industry hype.

From Prop 12 and labor challenges to trade, consumer expectations, and sustainability, John chooses a hot-button issue and shares how Pike is preparing for the future. The episode closes with a rapid-fire “Fast Five” — mindset, leadership, daily habits, and three words that define Pike Pig Systems in 2025.

If you want a look inside a people-driven, purpose-driven, quietly elite pork system, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.