Furthermore, the number of pig farms in Canada reported an increase of 1 per cent on the year to 7,880. The breeding herd as at 1 July was 1 per cent higher than the same period in 2016 at 1.3 million head. However, the majority of the overall increase was driven by a 4 per cent rise in young pigs (23-53kg) to 2.5 million head.

The number of piglets under 7kg as at 1 July also increased by 4 per cent on the year to 1.9 million head. Slaughter pig (>54kg) numbers increased by 2 per cent on the previous year, which would suggest a continued rise in slaughterings during the third quarter of the year.

The continuing growth of the Canadian pig herd has been achieved by improved profitability and as such the sector has continued to consolidate with farms becoming more intensive and specialised. Feed prices are currently relatively low, while pig prices are firm, again aiding with production efficiency.

Over the past couple of years, Canadian pig prices have been supported somewhat by its strong export performance. During the first half of 2017, shipments of pig meat to China increased by 9 per cent to 175.9 thousand tonnes, meaning China has now over taken the US to hold the largest share of Canadian exports.

Exports of pig meat to other Asian markets such as Japan and the Philippines have also increased on the year from January – June, by 14 per cent and 44 per cent respectively.

The continued increase in Canadian pig meat output could lead to a larger exportable surplus for the nation. With Asian markets key for the UK and the EU a rise in Canadian production could lead to greater export competition.