Raised by a Canadian Farmer Animal Care Program

Dec 06, 2023

Did you know Canadian chicken farmers follow the strict Raised by a Canadian Farmer Animal Care Program? It’s true- and they’re proud of it! Recently, we met with Ontario chicken farmer Tim, who gave us the low down on the program.

On top of all that, let’s check out five fun facts about our Raised by a Canadian Farmer Animal Care Program.

It’s national: Developed and overseen by our office in Ottawa, all of Canada’s chicken farmers, from coast to coast, are held to the same high standards.
It’s based on best practices: The program is based on the National Farm Animal Care Council’s (NFACC) Canadian Recommended Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Chickens, Turkeys and Breeders from Hatchery to Processing Plant. NFACC is an authority on national farm animal care.
It’s credible: Over 40 organizations were consulted during the program’s development and its implementation has received support from several stakeholders, including the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.
It’s auditable: Canada’s chicken farmers are audited on an annual basis by trained auditors.
It works: 100% of farmers are certified on our Raised by a Canadian Farmer Animal Care Program.

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Video: CEOs of the Industry: John McIntire, Partner at Pike Pig Systems

CEOs of the Industry, Jim sits down with John McIntire, Partner at Pike Pig Systems, one of the most quietly impressive 26,000-sow operations in the U.S. John shares how he grew from operator to partner, how Pike built a people-first culture with long-tenured managers, and why they’re committed to weaning bigger, stronger pigs at 25+ days.

John breaks down how Pike stays efficient in a tough economic environment, the power of their shareholder-owned farm model, and how their work with PIC and a 240-head boar facility drives genetics and health outcomes. He also opens up about the innovations Pike adopts — and how they decide what’s truly valuable versus industry hype.

From Prop 12 and labor challenges to trade, consumer expectations, and sustainability, John chooses a hot-button issue and shares how Pike is preparing for the future. The episode closes with a rapid-fire “Fast Five” — mindset, leadership, daily habits, and three words that define Pike Pig Systems in 2025.

If you want a look inside a people-driven, purpose-driven, quietly elite pork system, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.