The sixth annual Cramer Livestock and Crop Production Expo drew in producers from near and far. As in previous years there was representation from Alberta, Manitoba and of course Saskatchewan. Producers filled the aisles chatting with exhibitors from every sector of the agricultural industry. One gentleman told me at the Prairie Hog Country booth, “Everybody is here. I can talk to my genetics, equipment and feed supplier all in one afternoon. This year’s show welcomed over 100 booths representing 60 plus companies, the largest ever.

Show creator Doug Cramer was pleased with attendance and level of show sponsorship. From the signage sponsors Canadian Bio Systems, Fast Genetics and Jaydee, to the coffee sponsor Merck Animal Health, not to be forgotten the Broncos shoot-out sponsor Pro Ag Products, a welcome addition this year.

The young Ranchers Program was sponsored by Cramer Livestock Nutrition, Topigs, Western Ag Systems, Vibrant Event Management and Prairie Hog Country. But the highlight of the day is the Cramer Cup awards which would not happen without both the entered carcass and the carcass cooler sponsors: Elanco, EMF, Genesus, Heartland Livestock, Hypor, Masterfeeds, Matrix, Pro Ag, Standard Nutrition, Thunder Creek Pork, Western Ag Supply and Zoetis.

The Young Ranchers’ Program was well received, there was a strong turnout. Some of the interesting things they got to do throughout the day were judging on bulls, carcasses, booths and forage.

You could listen in on Wrangler Hamm’s presentation and witnessed a cattle clipping and grooming demonstration. Kelly Turcotte, trade show coordinator again wanted to acknowledge the sponsors of this worthwhile program.

The Cramer Cup series caps off the busy one day show. Producers are invited to participate in various categories, including Canola, Alfalfa silage, Cereal silage, Forage, various classes of eggs, baking and of course the grand prize of them all the Carcass competition.

Jason Care, grading auditor for Manitoba Pork Council had the hard task of judging the hog carcasses. This year there were 28 carcasses donated from 15 various Colonies. A challenging job again this year as the results was very close. The carcasses are judged on hot weight, estimated lean yield, ideal fat depth, marbling bonus, loin eye colour and area measurement and belly. Maximum points that could have been awarded was 111. Jason shared with Prairie Hog Country there was a tie between both first and second and fourth and fifth. In the top five spots there was only a difference of five in total points scored.

The fifteen Colonies that submitted entries were: Baildon, Bench, Bone Creek, Carmicheal, Downie Lake, Ear View, Grassy Hill, Haven, Main Centre, Pontiex, Rose Valley, Smiley, Spring Lake, Tompkins and Webb. All of the pork carcasses entered are then donated to charity, so 5600 lbs of pork or approximately $17 000 was delivered to various organizations like Salvation Army Regina & Swift Current, Ranch Ehrlo Society and Canadian Mental Health Association. Roberta Essex owner of Superiour Meats was once again a huge sponsor as she arranges the cutting, wrapping and delivering of the fresh pork.

Rick Barva of Genesus Genetics acted as the Emcee for the Cramer Cup series. After hearing welcoming remarks from local dignitaries the program moved on to present the award winners. In the young Rancher Program was Hailey Lowe, winner of Junior Judging Award and Shayla Duncan recipient of Senior Judging Award. In the baking contest there were 16 entries this year, the winners were 3rd place Amanda Entz, Haven Colony; 2nd to Gail Stahl, Ear View Colony and 1st place to Glenda Entz from Tompkins Colony.

The top five in the coveted Carcass competition were 5th Grassy Hill Colony, 4th Bench Colony, 3rd Downie Lake Colony, 2nd Haven Colony and first place to Smiley Colony.

Once winners were announced the excitement grew for the second annual Sale of Champions. The top five carcasses, top pie, top three eggs and a special donation of an autographed Chris Kunitz picture and stick. Brett Janzen from Heartland Livestock Services took care of the auctioneering duties. MasterFeeds made a bold move they bought all five carcasses then donated them back to raise more funds. All funds raised in the Sale of Champions were donated to Kids Help Phone. A total of $6000 was raised. Trish Taylor from Kids Help Phone was on site to explain what their organization does to help kids out from ages five – 20.

With the success of the sixth annual Kelly assures us there will be a 7th annual Cramer Expo, but the date has not yet been finalized. •

— By PHC Staff