2006-2013 supplied many financial challenges to producers, but cautious optimism is beginning to show for 2014. The past problems included a high Canadian dollar, high grain prices due to biofuel and ethanol, COOL laws, health challenges, Canadian pork packer problems, and reduced global demands from recessions. Short-term optimism is due to lower feed costs, higher hog prices, and a weaker Canadian dollar. Long-term optimism is due to the fact that Canada is a well-established exporter of pork, and can take advantage of the expected increased global demand. Canada also has the land, resources, herd health status, and technology availability to continue to be competitive in the global market.