Quick Facts
World Pork Facts
China produces and consumes more than 46% of the world’s pork.
The top seven pork producing nations are responsible for 90% of world pork production and exports. They are also responsible for 77% of pork imports.
Canadian Pork Facts
Canada produced 2% of the world’s pork in 2007, but Canadian pork accounted for 20% of world exports at 1.03 million tonnes.
Canada is the second-largest pork exporter after the United States, shipping pork worth $2.4 billion to 96 countries in 2007.
Canada is the world’s largest pig exporter, with sales of $0.7 billion to the United States in 2007.
Manitoba Pork Facts
Pigs were the most valuable agricultural commodity in Manitoba from 1999 to 2007, followed by canola, wheat and beef cattle. However, record high crop prices for both canola and wheat pushed them above pigs in 2008.
The pork industry injects more than $1 billion into the Manitoba economy annually, providing more than 13,000 direct and indirect jobs.
The pork industry also provides a market for Manitoba-grown barley, feed wheat and corn, canola and soy meal.
Manitoba is the largest pig-producing and exporting province, followed by Quebec and Ontario. Pig production is valued at more than $730 million.
Manitoba is the third-largest pork exporter, behind Quebec and Ontario.
The quality of Manitoba pigs has always ranked among the best in Canada. Manitoba sows are considered the most efficient producers of pork. One Manitoba-born sow produces about 2.4 tonnes of pork, compared to the Canadian average of 1.85 tonnes per sow.
There are just over 800 pig farms in Manitoba, most run by family farms.