Russia-Pork Farming booming.

RUSSIA-PORK INDUSTRY BOOMING FOR FARMERS.

Pork producers in Russia are getting three times as much money for their animals as producers in North America, according to the president and CEO of Genesus Genetics.

The Oakville, Manitoba-based company exports its product to farms in Russia.

Jim Long explains there’s a shortage of meat which was caused by the loss of infrastructure for livestock production that followed the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Russian producers are reaping the benefits of the shortage.

He says producers in Russia are getting roughly $3.00 per kilogram while North American hog farmers get closer to $1.00 per kilo.

Long believes the situation is beneficial to Canadian producers as Russia continues to import meat from North America.

He notes a 1500 sow barn in Russia will usually have its own feed mill and slaughtering facility due to the lack of trust between farm owners.

He adds security guards will often make up at least 10 percent of a farm’s workforce - not just to prevent outsiders from stealing from the farm but to prevent employees from taking property home with them.