Saskatchewan’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture says it’s his understanding that Moose Jaw Pork Packers has ceased purchasing of hogs.

Harvey Brooks says it’s been a rough summer for those in the hog processing industry due to higher than expected hog prices. And he says over the past year the exchange rate has changed about 35%.

As the government holds shares in the company, Brooks says the shutdown is of concern.

He says it is his understanding that the plant has ceased purchasing of hogs until margins return to a more profitable level.