Well here we are at the beginning of another year, a very exciting year for Prairie Hog Country indeed. As 2016 marks the 20th Anniversary in publishing, it seems our grass roots style of publication has found a niche. Producers and fellow industry tell me on a regular basis that they like the style and format of Prairie Hog Country. In fact one gentleman that I respect very much, Jim Haggins, told me recently that he thinks Prairie Hog Country keeps getting better and better. As Shannon Meyers referred to in Banff at the Boar Pit session you have to be in touch with those who “have the boots on the ground.” That has been and will continue to be the focus in our twentieth year and beyond. Thanks to the writers, Calvin, David and Harry that have been with me since the beginning. Plus copy editor, additional writers, cartoonist and web master those who have been added along the way. I could not publish Prairie Hog Country without you. Speaking of Banff Pork Seminar, according to numbers shared by Ruurd Zijlstra there were 694 delegates registered at this year’s seminar. Banff Springs Hotel played a terrific host for the three day event, the ambiance and sophistication of the Castle in the Rockies is wonderful. Like any event anywhere the first year of a change can bring about a few challenges. I for one noticed the absence of coffee on Wednesday morning but Thursday morning the situation ratified. Breakouts seemed well attended, and in traditional BPS style many mini meetings were happening in every nook and cranny of this beautiful hotel. The keynote speakers did a good job of delivering their individual message; from Michael McCain saying we need as an industry to be more transparent, to Martin Rice giving his last talk as executive director of Canadian Pork Council (he is retiring), to a closer look at the pig production in Brazil, and of course the highlight of the keynote speakers Temple Grandin reminding us to be ever aware of public perceptions and that it is super important to connect with the younger generation. There is an abundance of coverage in this edition. In a few weeks’ time, from when I’m penning this, I will be in Swift Current for the 6th annual Cramer Crop and Livestock Expo. My booth will be at the end of Cramer Cup Blvd, be sure to stop by and say hi. Kudos to Doug and Kelly for keeping this show going, it is a great way for producers from multi species to see industry representatives under one roof. As of last Friday Doug told me that all the booth spaces are sold out and they have 30 carcasses registered for the Cramer Cup. Similar to last year the Sale of Champions proceeds will be donated to Kids Help Phone. Lisa Doyle from Vibrant Event Management along with her team will be on site to assist and ensure a smooth move in and show. December saw an annual trip to Manitoba, this time to attend Hog Days in Brandon. Those in attendance, both exhibitors and producers, were very pleased with the one day show. Organizers are already thinking ahead to 2017 for the next Hog Days. 2016 will be an interesting year, with the loonie so low our export market will be doing better. However the lower dollar sometimes increases other costs. We all will be watching to see if the final over turn of COOL will increase exports too. Our Canadian Pork Council is always looking for more countries to keep our options open and export market more spread out. 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 April.