Highlights

Canadian hog inventories as of 1 October 2010 were reported at 11.9 million head, down 0.8 per cent from the same date in 2009.

Canadian farms reported 1.3 million sows on 1 October 2010 down 3.8 per cent from a year ago. Sow inventory declined 4.1 per cent in the West and 3.4 per cent in the East.

Canadian hog exports have continued to decline since the third quarter 2008. Third quarter 2010 hog exports were down 11.6 per cent from the same period a year earlier, at 1.3 million hogs.

Domestic slaughter declined during the third quarter 2010, falling 5.7 per cent to 5.2 million head from the same period in 2009.

Hog Inventories on 1 October 2010

Canadian hog inventories on 1 October 2010 were reported at 11.9 million head, down 0.8 per cent from the same date in 2009. Total inventory is up 0.6 per cent from the second quarter, returning to a traditional fall production pattern. The estimated number of hog farms on 1 October 2010 was 7,035, down 8.3 per cent from the same date one year ago.

The Canadian hog industry did not show any signs of expansion in the third quarter as the breeding herd continued to decline. Canadian farms reported 1.3 million sows on 1 October 2010 down 3.8 per cent from a year ago. Sow inventory declined 4.1 per cent in the West and 3.4 per cent in the East. The number of sows expected to farrow in the fourth quarter 2010 and first quarter 2011 is down 3.7 per cent and 4.6 per cent, respectively, from the same period last year.

Despite the decreasing breeding herd, Quebec and Manitoba show an increase in total hog inventory from the same date a year ago, 0.9 per cent and 5.2 per cent, respectively. The introduction of a new hogs classification grid in Quebec toward heavier hog slaughter weights, has contributed to the inventory increase. In Manitoba, a contributing factor to the increase is that more weaners are being fed to slaughter weight instead of being exported.

Hogs slaughter prices have strengthened in recent months after several years of decline. In spite of improving prices, domestic slaughter declined during the third quarter 2010, falling 5.7 per cent to 5.2 million head from the same period in 2009.

Hog inventories

Hog Exports

Canadian hog exports have continued to decline since the third quarter 2008. Third quarter 2010 hog exports were down 11.6 per cent from the same period a year earlier, at 1.3 million hogs. The major exporting provinces, Manitoba and Ontario, show a 17.9 per cent decrease and an 8.0 per cent increase, respectively, in exports from a year ago.

Hog exports, quarterly, Canada, Manitoba and Ontario, 2000-2010

Further Reading

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