From the publishers desk,

As I am typing this I am reminded how big the country of Canada is and how in it the weather varies. The county that I live in has filed for disaster relief because of drought, many close by are in the same boat. But when speaking to a fellow from Manitoba yesterday he said if they get the crop in the bin it will be a bumper crop for sure. I know many areas of Saskatchewan are suffering too. At the same time parts of Ontario are in a heat wave. This of course will affect feed prices, and for those who use straw as bedding also.
With August half over, by release date, school is right around the corner. Not long after school starts so do the fall information sessions, and their registrations. Keep your eyes on Pork Chops for all the upcoming seminars. Keeping staff trained and informed is so important and can help to improve your bottom line in both production (a healthy barn) and financially.
Many of us are playing close attention to see if the U.S. Senate will now comply and pass legislation on repealing COOL. It is in the best interest of the U.S. to do so, as the threat of retaliatory tariffs will be implemented otherwise.
Another thing of interest is the current talks with Trans Pacific Partnership, currently happening in Hawaii. The Canadian meat council is calling for full participation. The red meat industry is looking forward to a quick conclusion of this deal among all 12 countries, including Canada as a full partner.

Once again thanks to everybody who took the time to fill out and return our annual readership survey. Compete results can be found in the centre of this issue. I am humbled by the comments and look forward to continuing to keep you informed. The results confirmed again that Prairie Hog Country is the preferred source for hog news and information in Western Canada. And advertisements within PHC do influence purchasing decisions.
On the cover you will find the top three for the photo contest. Even though the photo contest is done please continue to send in photos for a chance to be included in the 2016 Prairie Hog Country Calendar. We have some great shots but encourage more. As I told one producer yesterday, in order to fill the calendar we need more participation. Photos can be emailed or originals mailed to the office.
Congratulations to the winners at the recent Alberta Pork Congress; Alfred Wahl Lifetime Achievement, Brent Moen Industry Ambassador and Horst Farms Wim & Linda Van Wijk for Farm Team. Also handed out were the Olymel Reach for the Top Awards: both Grand Champion and High Health went to VFA Pork, Food Safety Award to Mannville Colony, Core Lean Award to Lougheed Colony North and Core Weight Award to Alix Colony.
Looking ahead to the fall it will be busy for sure as I am in full planning mode for my oldest son’s wedding. The three part wedding: first a small ceremony at our church, second a group to Mexico for a renewal of vows and third a hall party for friends and family. I will be needing the cooperation of both writers and advertisers to get the December-January edition to press in time for deadline before Hog Days.
As always I am only a phone call or email away. Prairie Hog Country, Box 5536, Leduc, Alberta T9E 2A1, 780.986.0962, fax 780.980.9640 or email: hogcountry@shaw.ca
Talk to you in October.