May 15, 2008

Hyfarm closes down due to pig genetic import control
 

Australian pig genetics company Hyfarm is closing down due to failure in importing frozen pig semen.
 

The company's six international and Australian investors had given themselves six to seven years to achieve the aim of becoming able to import frozen pig semen to Australia, but the time had run out without change on the status quo, according to Hyfarm managing director Eric Larsson.

While Hyfarm had been able to supply local and overseas producers with quality live gilts and semen from its Queensland operations, the company was unable to expand as the pig industry are against the importation of semen.

Prior to the shut down, Hyfarm had between 11,000 to 12,000 pigs. The company had sold its Kingaroy facility and is in the process of selling its Biloela facility. Hyfarm would also be dismantling its Toowoomba Artificial Insemination station to prepare it for sale in the second half of 2008.

Customers had been informed of the closure at the beginning of this year, which would give them six months to find alternative suppliers, said Larsson.