The fifth installment of the Cramer Livestock and Crop Protection Expo was a resounding success held on February 19th. “The largest show ever,” commented Doug Cramer founder and organizer of the show and Cramer Livestock Nutrition. With over 60 companies on site it was a great representation of the entire industry. From genetics, to equipment, and for the first time since its inception other feed companies. Cramer made the decision to open up the show to his competitors, a show of good faith. Since this is the only industry show based in South West Saskatchewan he wanted to give them the option of attending his show.

Producers filled the aisles during the one-day show with conversation’s buzzing all around. The weather co-operated more this year then in 2014, which allowed producers to come from Saskatchewan and neighboring provinces. Exhibitors too travelled from throughout Saskatchewan in addition to other Provinces including Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec

Producers were invited to participate in various categories of the Cramer Cup series. Categories included 4H Judging, Forage & Silage, Nest Eggs, Baking and the coveted Hog Carcass Competition. The Cramer Cup Series, co sponsored by Masterfeeds, not only gives the local Colonies/producers bragging rights but also gives back to the community. All the meat from the carcasses is donated to local charities. The recipients are Southwest Homes (Pelletier House); Fresh Start; Southwest Crisis Services (Southwest Safe Shelter, Genesis House), Souls Harbour Rescue Mission – Regina, Salvation Army – Regina, plus the Canadian Mental Health Association – Swift Current Branch over 4880 pounds in total. Roberta Essex owner of Superior is a huge sponsor by arranging for the cutting and preparation of the fresh pork for the charities.

Jason Care, Grading Auditor with Manitoba Pork Council, had the hard job of judging the winner. This year 22 carcasses from 13 different Colonies were entered for the chance of taking top honours. The 13 that patriciated were: Bench, Bone Creek, Downey Lake, Grassy Hill, Haven, Main Centre, Pontieux, Rose Valley, Simmie, Spring Lake, Smiley, Thompkins and Webb. Judging criteria consisted of loin eye colour, carcass index, back fat, index points, marbling, loin eye area and belly parts. Jason when speaking to me in front of the carcass cooler on the day of the show said, “ It was hard to pick the top as a very tight competition.” This is the first year Jason has taken on the judging duties at Cramer Expo both Doug and Tony were very pleased and plan on having him back next year.

Doug was appreciative of the generous sponsorship for the carcass cooler; Canadian Bio Systems, East Man Feeds, Elanco, Fast Genetics, Fortified Nutrition, Genesus, Masterfeeds, Natphen International and Standard Nutrition.

Mike Van Schepdael of Genesus took on the MC duties during the presentation of the Cramer Cup series results. Mike announced the top placement in each of the categories. Then the moment the hog guys were waiting for the winners of the hog carcass competition. The top five were; fifth Spring Lake Colony, forth Main Centre Colony, third Haven Colony, second Rose Valley Colony and first place a repeat winner Main Centre.

Something new in 2015 was the Sale of Champions; all funds raised were donated to a most worthwhile charity Kids Help Phone. The top three winners in nest egg competition plus the top three carcasses were auctioned off. Thanks to Brett Jensen of Heartland Livestock Services for donating their services too. It took a few minutes for the crowd to start bidding, but then it caught on and the battle began. At the conclusion a fantastic $3600 was raised for Kids Help Phone. Kelsey Reimer, director for both Manitoba and Saskatchewan Kids Help Phone was sitting beside me during the auction, she was very grateful for the fund-raise efforts.

With the success of the show there will be a sixth annual for sure, mark down Thursday February 18, 2016. Prairie Hog Country will be in attendance in 2016.  •

— By PHC Staff