Greetings on a cool blustery fall day. In the last 24 hours I have seen some rain, wind, fog and even a bit of snow. However I’m not complaining one bit, when we see the destruction in other places on the globe we are reminded again how fortunate we are, from floods, hurricanes, fires and earthquakes we are lucky. It is a good time to remember all that we are thankful for, and are truly blessed as Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Enjoy time with family and friends and do take time to reflect on all that we have and enjoy.

Mentioning fall, it is seminar season. Be sure to check out Pork Chops for all the dates and locations. Keeping staff informed and on top of the latest trends and techniques can and will help out barn management. Brenda and I will be at Red Deer Swine Technology Workshop October 18th, and Cam will be covering Saskatchewan Industry Pork Symposium November 14 & 15th. I will be participating at both Alberta Livestock Expo in Lethbridge October 12th and in Brandon for Brandon Hog & Livestock Expo December 14th. Stay tuned to the next few editions for follow up coverage for those not able to attend.

Banff Pork Seminar’s online registration is now open. Book your spot by November 15th to ensure the early bird pricing. Plus a block of rooms are available at the Banff Springs at a substantiously reduced rate, check out banffpork.ca for all the details. There is still time to nominate a person(s) for the FX Aherne Award, deadline is October 31st.

I had a call yesterday asking if we are still accepting pictures for consideration for the 2018 Prairie Hog Country Calendar, and the answer was yes, we are. My deadline for pictures to have a chance for the calendar is October 31st. Email or send them in today.

Thinking ahead to 2018 the release dates have been finalized and are included on page 41 for those of you who like to plan early. Prairie Hog Country will retain the frequency of six editions as it gives us an opportunity to keep on top of current issues. We will maintain our original goal and focus of keeping you informed, our target audience or readership has stayed in and will remain Western Canada. Producers tell me this is what they want, it’s coverage that they find most important, useful and interesting. And to have a magazine that focuses exclusively on Western Canada, the region where they live, operate their business and raise their families is important. Four of the six issues will accompany me to trade shows, where Prairie Hog Country will maintain a booth presence to support producers and industry at a local level. Those issues are; February/March to Cramer Expo in Swift Current February 22nd, June /July to Red Deer for Alberta Pork Congress June 13th & 14th, October/November to Lethbridge for Alberta Ag Expo date TBA and December/January to Winnipeg for Prairie Livestock Expo December 12th. If you have any questions about next year’s rates, dates or deadlines please let me know.

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 December.