Squeelers

[mbdog]

Not because I've had it with wheat production/marketing... but a question to hog guys out there. Can you go it alone or do you need to be tied into an integrated mill/packer chain?

[Jay-mo]

With prices being a lot better you may be able to function independently.
However, there's been a lot of down years which has seen the majority of independents either quit or contract with a company.
Contracting with Maple Leaf has been good for us.

[mbdog]

Jay-mo...the integrated chains have their place to serve the broader demand...don't think this going to change anytime soon. Good to hear its working well.
Growth in this industry seems inevitable and perhaps different production streams/opportunities develop going forward to collectively support/encourage the "go it aloners".
Would like to see both grow....room for both...without the senseless arguing over which one's better.

[mbdog]

Jay-mo....in your world, are there any independent sow barns/breeders left or are they linked to the chains?

[Braveheart]

Mbdog, one of Jay-mo's neighbours (to the west) was buying weanlings from an independent around the Manitou area. I think that has ended and he has gone back to the integrated/contract side.

I don't know of any independents anymore.

The feeder/finisher in this case was hauling finished market hogs to Minot. Maple Leaf at Brandon was 50 min away, while Minot was a 2 hr. drive plus border crossing time. He just wasn't getting full value at Maple Leaf as he wasn't on contract.

[mbdog]

Thx brave....I had a bit exposure/interest few years back as to structure within this industry. Just was wondering how it was evolving.

[Jay-mo]

I don't know of any independent sow barns in our area. With the threat of pedv, it becomes even more risky to be completely independent.
Prior to signing our last contract I did make some enquiries and could have signed a deal for feeders from an independent. I would have needed a line of credit pushing 7-digits and a stronger stomach.