Greetings on a warm sunny afternoon, and surprisingly no wind. We have certainly had more wind then normal around here, but I am not complaining we are so much more fortunate then so many. Thinking of all of those in BC staying out of harm’s way of the fires.

This edition marks the fourth release in 2017, with two more to come. All of us associated with the industry continue to watch the PEDv situation in Manitoba. Although from the most recent reports I have read breakouts seems to be slowing down. There still is a huge, HUGE risk and we all have to be extra aware of our bio security protocols and make sure they plus extra steps are being followed. See extensive coverage inside this issue.

Included in the centre of this edition are the complete survey results from our annual readership survey. You will notice a few different questions this time, that is because there are now two other national publications. I wanted to make sure that Prairie Hog Country and its grass roots style focusing on Western Canada is well accepted. Thank you!! Respondents confirmed what we already were hoping that yes it is important to have a publication that is dedicated to Western Canada. At Alberta Pork Congress in June numerous exhibitors also reassured me that we are continuing in the right direction. It is exciting to have your hopes, wishes and dreams verified.

Thinking of Alberta Pork Congress it was great to see so many of you and have a chance to chat at the booth, banquet, BBQ or around the aisles of the show. Congratulations to the Olymel Reach for the Top winners and the industry award winners too. Deserving recipients were for Farm Team Sand Ridge Genetics, Industry Ambassador Ruuad Zijlstra and Lifetime Achievement Walter Preugschas. Thanks also to all the sponsors, who without them the show would not be a success.

Soon enough fall will be here which means seminar time, so be sure to check out Pork Chops for a list of upcoming seminars, workshops and shows.

The top three have been selected for the annual photo contest, but you still have time to send entries for consideration for the 2018 Prairie Hog Country Calendar. I encourage producers to submit more pictures so we have a variety to choose from for the calendar. If you are emailing them make sure they are high resolution files. Of course only send in photos that are a positive reflection of our industry.

A huge thanks goes out to Amos from Verdant Colony, for including Prairie Hog Country for their tour of newly renovated barns. It was a very interesting day. It has been hard work to get the dairy, broiler and now hog barn all modernized.

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.