Year of The Pig
As we all know it is the Chinese year of the pig, and what better way to celebrate then with chocolate. On a recent trip to Canmore, referred by a family friend, I discovered treasure. Pig treasure, Pig Chocolate treasure at Le Chocolatier, a spread of chocolate pigs. So many to choose from, ended up with one dark chocolate and one milk chocolate. Although might be to cute to eat.
If ever passing through Canmore 20 minutes East of Banff check this store out, they have many unique chocolate gifts. •
Canadian Pork Producers Thank Minister MacAulay and
Welcome Minister Bibeau
Canadian pork producers would like to thank Minister MacAulay for all his work during his time as Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. Minister MacAulay’s actions on the African swine fever file have been vital to the sector and drove the prevention efforts of the country. We also appreciate the relations he built with key stakeholders in the United States.
We look forward to meeting with Minister Bibeau in the near future to discuss key files for pork producers including African swine fever prevention and the establishment of the Pork Promotion and Research Agency.
African swine fever is a serious threat to the pork sector and the Canadian economy that requires maintained efforts to prevent the virus from coming into Canada. The Pork Promotion and Research Agency will increase the industry’s ability to manage disease and identify innovative approaches to respond to growing pork demand.
Congratulations to both Minister MacAulay and Minister Bibeau on their new positions within the federal cabinet. •
Maple Leaf Picks Veterinarian for Animal Care
Maple Leaf Foods has promoted Dr. Kathleen Long to vice president of animal care.
She will lead the company’s animal care policies and programs in all livestock and poultry production and processing operations, the company said.
“Ensuring animal care is essential to achieving our goal of becoming the most sustainable protein company on earth,” said Randall Huffman, chief food safety and sustainability officer at Maple Leaf Foods.
“Long has played a key role in our poultry welfare programs and will continue to advance our world-class animal care program throughout all livestock and poultry operations.
“Her specialized knowledge, expertise and leadership are highly recognized across the animal health industry.”
Long joined Maple Leaf Foods in 2013.
She holds a bachelor of science in agriculture with a major in animal science from the University of Alberta, a doctor of veterinary medicine from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine and a master’s degree in avian health and medicine from the University of Georgia.
She is also a Diplomate of the American College of Poultry Veterinarians. •
— By Jim Romahn
Manitoba Pork Helps Judge
Manitoba Pork’s Susan Riese and Laurel Lyons were on hand to judge Assiniboine Community College’s annual Manitoba Pork Blackbox Competition last week. Four competitors – Sheri Grant, Beth Butterfield, Casey Naherniak and Travis Mayhew – each cooked up amazing soups and entrées, using a basket of ingredients including pork tenderloin and bacon. Ultimately, Casey came out on top with her cream of cauliflower soup with bacon and corn, followed by her apple-stuffed pork tenderloin with wild blueberry sauce. Casey took home $800, plus her creation was featured at the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair’s VIP Banquet on March 27! •
— Manitoba Pork Council, Chop Talk
Celebrating a New Building
Walbern agri systems (1991) ltd, proudly hosted a open house April 11th showcasing their new building. The building itself is a vast 48’ wide by 242’ long with 12’ ceilings.
Congrats to Merv and the whole crew at Walbern. Merv joked awhile back stating they will have the nicest building in town, I agree. •
