Canada extends programme to reduce size of swine breeding herd

The time period covered by a programme to reduce Canada's swine breeding herd has been extended to provide additional assistance to hog producers, Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Gerry Ritz said in a press release Wednesday (March 19).

The C$50 million Cull Breeding Swine Program was announced in February 2008, with the objective of reducing the national breeding herd size by up to 10 percent.

"Some pork producers made tough business decisions to reduce their herds before this program started. We're changing the programme to make sure those producers get the support they deserve, Ritz said.

Originally, claims for culled breeding swine were covered between Nov. 1, 2007, and Nov. 30, 2008. The initial date has now been changed to include breeding swine culled between Aug. 1, 2007, and Oct. 31, 2007.

Producers have until June 30 to make claims for breeding swine culled during this period.

Key components of the programme are as follows:

- Producers are eligible to receive a per head payment for each animal slaughtered, as well as reimbursement for slaughter and disposal costs.

- Producers must agree to empty at least one barn, and not to restock for a three year period.

- Animals must be slaughtered in a humane manner and disposed of in compliance with jurisdictional environmental requirements.

Originally, claims for culled breeding swine were covered between November 1, 2007 and November 30, 2008. The initial date has now been changed to include breeding swine culled between August 1, 2007 and October 31st, 2007. Producers have until June 30 to make claims for breeding swine culled during this period. The programme is delivered by the Canadian Pork Council.