Calls for investigation into meat pricing, July 2022. (Photo: Mrivserg/Dreamstime)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Calls for an investigation into meat prices for producers and consumers

Jul 7, 2022 | 11:36 AM

PRINCE ALBERT, SK – The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA) wants an investigation done by the federal and provincial governments on meat pricing.

Their main concern focuses on the difference between the prices producers are receiving for their animals and those consumers are paying for beef products.

“Though each industry sector has its own frustrations, we agree that price transparency and discovery, packer capacity, and pricing spread are our biggest joint concerns,” said Garner Deobald, SSGA President.

The organization noted feed grain and forage prices have doubled in the past two years, with the recent drought playing a major part in why. They add many ranchers and feedlots are operating at a loss, forcing many businesses to reduce their cattle numbers or even exit the business.

“The reduction in herd numbers could result in more grassland being converted to farmland,” added Deobald. “Removing the grass cover also eliminates the habitat that species at risk call home and releases carbon sequestered in the soil into the atmosphere as carbon emissions.”

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Some in the industry are also questioning the packers’ strategy, which is potentially limiting the amount of product available at the retail level. They believe the strategy may be keeping boxed beef prices high while allowing fed cattle supplies to build in the countryside, which keeps cattle prices low.

“If producers continue to operate at a loss, many will go out of business, which could drive Canada to rely on imported meat,” Deobald explained. “We believe a pricing investigation is the best way to ensure all livestock value chain members remain profitable and all Canadian consumers have economic access to our products. We look forward to working with all stakeholders to make this happen.”

by Jaryn Vecchio