PigTrace tag price going up

Hog producers will have to pay more for traceability in the near future.

Canada’s PigTrace program will be raising ear tag prices as of Aug. 1.

Prices will go up 20 cents for every small ear tag and 35 cents for every large ear tag, a release from the Manitoba Pork Council said.

The Manitoba Pork Council is urging producers to buy into the program, despite the increased cost. Both the provincial and national pork councils cite PigTrace is Canada’s effort to prepare for African swine fever and limit impact if the deadly disease is found in Canada.

The program will be critical for zoning, both the Manitoba council and Canadian Pork Council say.

Canada has renewed or updated zoning understandings with both the U.S. and European Union in recent months as fear of African swine fever grows.

The virus has yet to spread to North America, although Reuters recently reported outbreaks in China may have claimed up to half that country’s hogs, flying in the face of the much lower official estimates.

“With increased foreign animal disease risk putting traceability at the centre of preparedness and zoning activities, PigTrace is more important than ever,” the Manitoba Pork Council said.

“These price increases are a necessary step towards maintaining the long-term financial sustainability of the program due to increasing operational costs.”

The jump will not apply for any order made and paid for by July 31, the council said.

— Reporting for the Manitoba Co-operator by Alexis Stockford.

PigTrace’s tag price list as of Aug. 1, 2019.