Federal Cull Breeding Swine Program to begin

The Program will help the industry restructure by facilitating the reduction of Canada’s swine breeding herd (sows, boars and pregnant gilts) by approximately 10 per cent.

Qualifying producers, subject to application approval, will receive CAD225 (USD221) per breeding swine culled after April 14. Reimbursement will be made for costs of slaughter and carcass disposal.

A payment of CAD225 per breeding swine less the selling price will be available for approved producers that sold animals from November 1, 2007 until April 13, 2008 (receipts and supporting documents will be required).

“The timing is critical for this strategic support from the federal government,” says Clare Schlegel, president of the Canadian Pork Council. “Our industry is in dire straits and this restructuring initiative is a good place to start on the road towards a healthier, competitive Canadian swine industry.”

“The Government of Canada is committed to working with producers to deliver solutions at the farm gate. Industry told us they were willing to adapt to the current situation, but producers needed help to make changes to their operations,” says Minister Ritz.

“We are working hard to bring the sector in line with market realities and ensure its long term viability.”

To participate in the program, approved producers must not sell potentially eligible breeding stock through commercial channels after April 14, agree to depopulate an entire breeding barn and commit to not housing swine breeding stock in the same barn for three years.

Options for disposal of breeding stock through this program will be outlined on the application.

Application for the Cull Breeding Swine Program (and all required supporting documents) will be available as of April 14 on the Canadian Pork Council website at www.cpc-ccp.com.

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