There are 595 hog barns in Manitoba. In 2020, these farms produced more than 8.2 million pigs. But at what cost?

90 per cent of these animals are raised on factory farms and confined to stalls less than three feet wide.

In the last six years, Manitoba’s pork industry has grown significantly. Due to our province’s advantages, an approving provincial government, reasonable land costs, and an abundant feed supply. In 2016, Manitoba accounted for 24.0 per cent of Canada’s total pigs. In 2021, that percentage jumped up to 61.7. An article published in February 2022 by the Government of Canada reported that Manitoba ranked number one in pork production in Canada with over 8.2 million hog and pig sales in 2020 and over 1.1 billion dollars in farm cash receipts. 

But what does this fortune actually cost? 

According to Statistics Canada, in 2021, Manitoba farms reported an average of 6 104 pigs per farm. This is higher than any other province or territory, as the national average is 1 963 pigs per production. 

The average size of a factory pig farm is 1 135 acres, meaning that each pig gets no more space than eight square feet in their stall. These animals are so confined that they cannot turn or walk around in their stalls. Lack of space leads to animal behavioural changes and illness. 

Animals in factory farms are subject to emotional and physical stress and abuse. A study from the HAL Research Database was done on animal stress and its effects on the meat produced. The studies show that the increased heart rate, and release of adrenaline and noradrenaline into the bloodstream before slaughter will continue to degrade the animal’s muscle after it dies, resulting in a lower-quality meat product. 

Factory farming activities are responsible for one-third of Manitoba’s total greenhouse gas emissions. These activities include manure storage and the use of nitrogen fertilizers. An article from Manitoba Pork says that 90 per cent of manure in Manitoba is injected below the soil, where run-off will not be an issue. However, pig manure contains high amounts of nitrogen, causing it to be harmful to the environment. Though the manure is injected below the Earth’s surface, rain and floods can wash the manure into nearby lakes and streams. This run-off could further promote algae blooms and pollute the water with other toxins. 

Thankfully, many farmers in Manitoba are adopting more sustainable practices. Some farms in Manitoba have taken to agropastoral and silvopastoral systems as alternative production methods. Agropastoral systems combine tending crops while raising livestock. Silvopastoral operations combine livestock with forestry. This approach allows for a continuous and sustainable cycle of nutrition and well-being for animals and land. For example, manure produced from livestock can be used directly to nurture crops, resulting in a higher crop yield.  

These systems take a holistic approach to production and pay attention to surrounding ecosystems, animal wellbeing, and balances between land and livestock. This way of ethical farming provides the Earth and crops with essential nutrients.

Though the increase in the Manitoba pork industry has been economically successful, the use of factory farming for human consumption is unethical and unsafe for the animals and the environment. It favours animal cruelty through physical and mental abuse. 

Afton Berg / 2022