Swift Current played host to the fourth annual Cramer Crop and Livestock Expo back in February. The sold out trade show had representation from all aspects of the industry from breeding companies, suppliers and everything inbetween.
Doug Cramer, president and founder of both the show and Cramer Nutrition, was all smiles with the traffic flow of the one day show. Bad roads couldn’t keep producers away. The multi species show also had participation with the future farmers, having 4H kids involved in various activities. In addition a few education seminars were offered.
Maple Leaf sponsored a delicious lunch.
Of course the highlight of the expo are the Cramer Cup awards. There are different categories: baking, eggs, forage and the big one the hog carcass competition.
This year twelve Colonies entered a total of 20 carcasses. Bob McKay had the hard job of judging, in his written notes he added some advice “would help off feed for 18 – 24 hours earlier.” Once again the difference between the first five placement was marginal. Special thanks was given to the sponsors of the carcass cooler Canadian Bio Systems, Elanco, Fast Genetics, Genesus and Prairie Hog Country.
Roberta Essex, head of procurement from Superior Meats, explained the partnerships have been created as a result of the donated meat. In all over 4000 pounds of meat were donated by the Colonies again this year. The non profit recipients of this much needed protein are Canadian Mental Health, Salvation Army, Southwest Homes for Handicapped, Womens Safe Shelter and Rach Ehrlo Society of Regina. Superior Meats donated the cutting and wrapping of the pork.
The winners of this year’s carcass competition were Grassy Hill Colony, second was awarded to Thompkins Colony with Bench Colony taking third spot. Both fourth and fifth place were awarded to Haven Colony.
Congratulations to all the winners in all the categories.
When I asked Tony Charanduk of Cramer Nutrition if he thought there would be a fifth Cramer Expo his comment was “ for sure we will do it again and the date will be Thursday February 19th, 2015.” •
— By Laurie Brandly
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