So where exactly did the year go, seems like only a few short weeks ago I was typing my welcome to 2017 message. Blink. Now here I am penning the message for last release this year.

I have to start first and foremost with a huge, HUGE thanks for the constant encouragement and appreciation that I receive on a regular basis. This year saw changes with other publications expanding to National coverage, all the while I have chosen to stay focused and dedicated to our Western Canadian readership routes. Producers and fellow industry members have encouraged me to stay on task and goal, it is our niche market that we started to serve in 1996 and moving forward to 2018, our 22nd year in publishing, that will continue. I have been blessed to have a strong writing team working with me, most from the beginning, and the newest regular contributor, Brenda, is coming up to 14 years. We look forward to keeping you updated on the latest hog news and information in the years to come.

Today as I am jotting down these thoughts many in the industry are in Saskatoon for Saskatchewan Pork Industry Symposium, as I am tied to my desk on deadline, Cam is on site to cover the Symposium. Check out his coverage in this issue.

Next month, I along with others will head to Brandon for the newly renamed Brandon Hog & Livestock Show, stop by my booth and say hi.

Speaking of shows the new Alberta Livestock Expo in Lethbridge had a very solid attendance for its first year. The organizers were so pleased that they have expanded to two days next year. Also in October was the Red Deer Swine Technology workshop included were some solid speakers with time sensitive information. Both Brenda and I were on site. See inside this issue for coverage.

In the centre of this issue is the 2018 Prairie Hog Country Calendar, make sure to pull out and post in your offices and homes. Thanks to all who submitted photos. Keep your cameras/cell phones handy for next year’s submissions.

Looking ahead to next year the Banff Pork Seminar is vastly approaching. If you are not already registered do so before December 20th to ensure a better rate. Check the website for latest information. I look forward to seeing many of you at the Castle in the Rockies January 9 – 11th. Coverage of both Banff Pork Seminar and Manitoba Swine Seminar will be in the February edition. Check out Pork Chops for all the dates, locations and contact information of upcoming events.

I am excited to share that once again my pig collection has grown. Some of my unique acquisitions are a pair of pig shoes, a pig onesie (sure cozy to sit and watch TV in), a beautiful glass pig, a wooden pig ornament from Lake Louise plus others.

On behalf of all of us associated with Prairie Hog Country I wish you a very Merry Christmas and all the very best in 2018. Celebrations big or small, traditional or other, take the time to spend with those who mean the most. 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 next year.