(Resource News International) — Maple Leaf plans to continue plans to ramp up production at its Brandon, Man. hog plant, despite the province’s decision to maintain a moratorium on the expansion of existing hog barns and the establishment of new hog barns in three key hog producing regions in the province.
“Maple Leaf has had no problems sourcing hogs for its facility in Brandon, and does not foresee any upcoming problems either,” said Jeanette Jones, director of communications for Maple Leaf Foods. “We are currently very happy with our sourcing of hogs from both Manitoba and Saskatchewan.”
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She confirmed Maple Leaf will move to a full second shift at which time the weekly hog slaughter rate will increase to 86,000 hogs from 75,000 late in 2009, when improvements have been completed at Brandon’s wastewater treatment plant.
“Maple Leaf has access to an ample supply of hogs from each province that will support the full double shift expansion,” Jones said.
On March 3, the Manitoba government said the moratorium on the construction of new hog barns or expansion of existing ones will remain in place, citing its efforts to protect water resources and ensure the long-term environmental sustainability of the hog industry.
The three regions in which the moratorium will continue include southeastern Manitoba, the Red River Valley special management zone, and the Interlake area.
The three regions account for roughly two thirds of the province’s hog production.
