MBiz

Marilyn Crewe, Economic Development Officer, Neepawa, MB Investing in rural communities Sustainable expansion in the hog sector helps bolster Manitoba's economy. Since 2017, over 40 new barns or barn expansions have been approved across the province, amounting to well over $200 million in private investment. Expansion in the hog production and processing sectors, including new barn spaces in small communities like Roblin, a state-of-the-art genetic breeding facility in Plumas, and the enlargement and modernization of HyLife's processing facility in Neepawa, has resulted in population and economic growth in many Manitoba communities. Investments like these result in new employment, which in a rural community means a great deal, especially considering that those employees are spending money in town supporting local stores and causes. Fostering economic growth Over 14,000 skilled Manitobans are employed in the hog sector. These include swine technicians that take care of the pigs in the barns, and animal nutritionists and veterinarians that focus on animal care and health. Feed mill staff manage incoming grain and create feed orders for barns. IT specialists develop software programs to help barns run more efficiently. Procurement staff track inventory and purchase everything a farm could need, from toilet paper to animal vaccines. With more investment and quality jobs on the horizon, the hog sector is revitalizing rural areas and fostering economic growth across the province, ensuring a legacy of growth and sustainable financial support for decades to come. Manitoba's hog sector contributes 14,000 jobs and $1.7 billion annually to our local economy. Watching my community thrive demonstrates the hog sector's commitment to rural Manitoba. manitobapork.com/economy

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