With global livestock feed supply already strained for several significant reasons, fuelling high prices, a potential worker strike for Canadian Pacific (CP) Railway, which may begin as early as 11 March, could be disastrous for Alberta pork producers.

CP is a major transporter of grain in western Canada and has played a vital role in moving feed grains from the US into Alberta to address the shortage caused by drought conditions last year. A press release from Albert Pork said the Government of Canada is currently aware that hog producers have faced and continue to face feed shortages, and that the impending strike will create additional hardships related to accessing feed ingredients.

Alberta Pork warned producers to be mindful of their supplies and to consider ways to mitigate concerns proactively.

Alberta Pork’s semi-annual meetings, which take place between 14-17 March, will provide an opportune time for discussions to take place around this issue. Beyond this potential strike and other current disruptions, feed supplies are expected to remain tight for the foreseeable future, up to one year or longer.