Environmental Performance
Protecting the environment.
Environmental stewardship is critical to the sustainability of Manitoba's livestock industries. Manitoba's pork producers are committed to sustainable and environmentally responsible farming practices because their livelihoods depend on it. Manitoba Pork Council, through its Sustainable Development Committee, funds extensive research into environmentally sustainable and community-friendly production systems.
Manitoba hog farmers follow some of the toughest environmental laws in North America. They are part of the most heavily regulated and publicly monitored industry in Manitoba. But that’s not enough. The pork industry is stepping up to the challenge to develop a balanced approach to development that will allow it to effectively and proactively deal with environmental issues, while maintaining and expanding economic viability.
MPC commits to helping farmers discover new and better ways to manage manure and odour from barns. Managed properly, manure is a highly valuable resource. Done correctly under regulation, returning organic nutrients to the soil allows farmers to make their soil more productive without adding chemicals. And there is no shortage of land on which to apply this valuable organic fertilizer. Based on new phosphorus regulations, the amount of manure from hog production in Manitoba is enough to fertilize only 15% of the total crop land in Manitoba.
These days, manure is injected into the soil rather than spread on top, and this eliminates odour. Farmers also plant shelterbelts on their properties and use manure storage covers – anything from a thick layer of barley straw to installed plastic covers – to alleviate odour concerns. All of these practices must be detailed in annual manure management plans, annual soil testing and manure analysis, which are filed with Manitoba Conservation.
For more information on the Manitoba pork industry’s environmental performance and vision for the future, check out MPC’s publications focused on the environment.