Farmer set to lose wild invasive pig that's half his business

Jan 02, 2024

Hans Lindenmann is used to slaughtering pigs on his eastern Ontario farm — he's a pork producer, after all — but killing four pigs two weeks ago was even more difficult.

Amid a small group of fewer than 10 affected Ontario pork producers, Lindenmann, 59, has had to phase out Eurasian wild boars from his livestock on his property near Vankleek Hill because of a ban first announced by the provincial government two years ago.

As of Jan. 1, the importation, possession, transport, propagation, buying, selling, leasing or trading of live Eurasian wild boar and their hybrids will be prohibited.

Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry says the pigs are a significant threat to native plants and other animals.

"[They] have been called an ecological train wreck due to trampling, wallowing, and rooting in sensitive habitats and the significant harm they can cause to farmlands and stored crops," according to the ministry.

Ontario ups battle against wild pigs to keep province from going to the hogs

Lindenmann isn't fighting the move, which is supported by Ontario Pork, an industry group that represents more than 1,000 producers in the province.

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Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.