When it comes to the various cuts of pork, consumer preferences have changed dramatically over the past 20 years.

Since COVID consumers have been contending with steadily increasing food prices. Hubert Muckel, a retired southwestern Manitoba butcher-meat cutter who retired in 2023 after working more than 50 years, estimates food prices have approximately doubled over the past four years.

The price of medium ground pork has gone from $1.99 a pound to over $4.50 a pound for the same product.

AMD

There is a growing recognition of the need to address anxiety and depression among farmers.

The Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program is on on-line support program for farmers, their families and their employees who are dealing with anxiety or depression. Program Vice-chair Roberta Galbraith says the program was a response to a 2016 University of Guelph study that revealed depression and anxiety levels within the agriculture sector, particularly among farmers, were substantially higher than the general population. She says a follow-up 2021 study that showed the needle hadn't moved.