Michelle Bezditny shares how the hog sector has positively impacted the economic success of southeast Manitoba
Article Credit: Winnipeg Free Press
In the early days of our province, horses and carts were required for anything and everything that needed to move. These connected communities ensured that goods moved to market, using horses and carts to patch together regions, provinces, and eventually, a country. As time marched on, more elegant modes of transportation were developed, but we all continue to rely on economic horses to pull the social carts that help build our communities and our province. Economic growth and development across Manitoba have led to social progress in areas like health care and education, which are key to the fabric of strong urban and rural communities.
As we head into the provincial election, it’s clear that Manitobans share similar priorities. Manitobans want to live in a province where everyone is welcomed, and families feel safe. A province that provides us with the services and infrastructure necessary to live healthy and productive lives. A province that creates opportunity for all, not just today but also for future generations. Manitobans also want to support sectors that give back to the communities they serve as well as those that create a better quality of life for individuals and families alike.
“I grew up on a hog farm in southern Manitoba, and working in economic development, I have first-hand insight in how the hog sector and the agri-food sector have been the building blocks of the economic success in southeast Manitoba,” said Michelle Bezditny, Director of Economic Development for Steinbach Economic Development. “The hog sector’s positive economic impact in southeast Manitoba and across our province cannot be understated, and we hope that legacy of success can be shared for many years to come.”
I have first-hand insight in how the hog sector and the agri-food sector have been the building blocks of the economic success in southeast Manitoba.
Manitoba’s hog sector is an economic powerhouse, supporting rural and urban communities across the province. According to a recent independent economic analysis, the hog sector has shown it punches far above its weight, contributing over $2.3 billion to the provincial GDP each year, which is equivalent to 16 emergency room expansions at St. Boniface Hospital. According to statistics compiled by Economic Development Winnipeg, Manitoba’s hog sector contributes more than two times as much as the provincial aerospace sector to the Manitoba economy, and trails only the transportation, advanced manufacturing, and energy sectors in terms of economic impact.
An incredible 55% of all jobs in agriculture and food manufacturing come from Manitoba’s hog and pork sector. The hog sector directly and indirectly employs over 22,000 Manitobans in well-paid, full-time jobs, which would fill both the Canada Life Centre and Shaw Park combined. Since 2017, over 40 new barn sites or expansions have been approved across the province. This recent growth represents over 100 new jobs and $200 million in private investment, further increasing Manitoba’s primary agricultural production.
The contributions from Manitoba’s hog sector to the provincial economy are substantial and help to support public investments in health care, education, and infrastructure. Hog farming and value-added pork processing have supported the growth of small and large urban centres across the province. Communities such as Killarney, Neepawa, and Winkler are growing and revitalizing due to expansions in farming and processing. Winnipeg, Brandon, and Steinbach, Manitoba’s largest cities, are also experiencing growth, including new positions created by the expansion of Maple Leaf Foods’ prepared meats plant in Winnipeg, which provides bacon across North America.
The hog sector is one of southeastern Manitoba’s key economic drivers. Many hog barns are located across the region, and major companies like HyLife, Maple Leaf Agri-Farms, and The Progressive Group have barns and head offices in communities large and small. Many people across the region directly or indirectly rely on the sector for their livelihood.
“Steinbach Economic Development has established a robust and ambitious vision, making Steinbach the Centre of Advanced Agribusiness on the Canadian Prairies,” Bezditny adds. “The hog sector is a key part of that vision, thanks to new and continued investments in our community from companies like HyLife. Manitoba’s hog farmers and processors are incredible partners, and we look forward to continuing to add to their contribution to our communities. Our hope is that more and more of our province can experience the positive direct and indirect benefit that the hog sector can provide.”
An incredible 55% of all jobs in agriculture and food manufacturing come from Manitoba’s hog and pork sector.
Regardless of who Manitobans elect on October 3, we’ll continue to rely on economic horses to pull our social carts. Manitoba’s hog sector stands ready and willing not only to provide the economic tools necessary to build on our province’s success, but also to help meet social needs in our communities for many years to come.
To learn more, visit manitobapork.com/economy
