Happy 2018 ! Here we are entering our 22nd year of publishing. I’m super excited to continue to bring you all the latest hog news and information for another year.
As you saw on the cover 770 people attended Banff Pork Seminar a few weeks ago, representing all aspects of our industry, and all corners of the globe. It was once again a great couple days at the Castle in the Rockies with some strong speakers and informative presentations. Also like in previous years there are more mini meetings happening in every corner and even some hallways, not to mention the pub later in the evening. Huge kudos to Ashley and her team for organizing on-site and ahead of time and the committee for the challenging job of selecting speakers that keep those 770 attendees engaged. Sponsorship is a huge factor and keeps the costs of attending this prestigious event affordable.
Congratulations to the winners of FX Aherne prizes, RO Ball Young Scientists and George Foxcroft Award. Speaking of the young scientists, I sat with three of them at the pub later in evening on the day of their presentations. Poor Danilo had no voice left and Jill was super friendly and sharing part of her previous studies, background and goals forward. I also had a chat with Austin from Iowa, his confidence during his presentation earlier in the day was impressive. Mark down January 8 – 10, 2019 for next year’s conference.
Notice the cartoon above, Tim did a great job of combining multiple upcoming holidays in one caption. Can you pick them all out? Good job Tim!
2018 is sounding like it will be a strong year for pigs, prices are up, producers are spending money on renovations and upgrades, even some building happening. All good things for our industry. Although we are constantly reminded to be mindful of biosecurity, as we have seen disease can travel at a rapid rate.
Although it seems like forever ago, kudos also to the committee at Brandon Hog & Livestock Show, the one day show held back in mid-December was well attended. Congratulations to the winners of the Pork Quality Competition and the even bigger winners are the local charities who receive the prize money and donated meat. The pork industry does continue to give back to others.
Looking ahead I will be in Swift Current in a couple weeks, from when I am penning this, once again a sold out show. Good job Kelly and Doug for organizing a great trade show. The highlight will be the Cramer Cup series held at the end of the day. Top prizes in various categories and the coveted carcass competition. The meat will be donated to local charities, huge thanks to those who take part in the competition, I know they hope to get the trophy but the winners again are the charities. A live auction will generate even more money for said charities, top carcasses, top pie and other featured items will be auctioned off.
Prairie Hog Country will continue to participate at the shows with a booth to support the producers and business at a local level. See you in Swift Current, Winnipeg, Red Deer and Lethbridge.
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.
