Canada-Extending the sow cull.

CANADA-EXTENDING THE SOW CULL.

Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz announced this week that the federal government will extend the time period covered by the Cull Breeding Swine Program to provide additional assistance to hog farmers. The C$50 million Cull Breeding Swine Program was announced in February 2008, with the objective of reducing the national breeding herd size by up to 10 per cent. Originally, claims for culled breeding swine were covered between November 1, 2007 and November 30, 2008. The initial date has now been changed to include breeding swine culled between August 1, 2007 and October 31, 2007 (to allow a 3 month earlier program start up date). Producers have until June 30, 2009 to make claims for breeding swine culled during this period. In the press release, Minister Ritz said, "Some pork producers made tough business decisions to reduce their herds before this program started. We’re changing the program to make sure those producers get the support they deserve."