Welcome to the last edition in 2019. This issue is jam packed with coverage from Red Deer Swine Technology Workshop, Saskatchewan Pork Industry Symposium, h@ams fall meetings, Alberta Pork AGM, Manitoba Pork Fall Meeting. Plus of course the good news that China has reopened its border to Canadian Pork and Beef, as a Country that exports 70 percent of its product that is good news for sure. In addition stories on new Alberta legislation for protesters attempting and succeeding on gaining access to your farm, latest updates on ASF and ongoing efforts to keep that disease out of our borders.
I am thrilled to be supplying extra copies of this issue to Banff Pork Seminar to be included in every attendee bag. May those of you reading Prairie Hog Country for the very first time, find this edition informative and interesting. PHC is a direct connection to the Western Canadian hog industry.
Listening in to one of Bruce Cochrane interviews from SPIS, with Rory McAlpine Senior Vice President Industry and Government Relations with Maple Leaf Foods, while I am penning this, it was interesting how he stated during the ASF panel discussion in Saskatoon that we are part of an “anxious industry,” and “we have to be able to move fast if ASF hits tomorrow.” He also referenced with Bruce the Comprehensive Action Plan and its four parts; Prevention, Preparation, Response and Recovery.
Congratulations Marie-Claude Bibeau, who has remained Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food in Prime Minster Trudeau’s new cabinet.
Huge thanks to John Sawatzky from Topigs Norsvin, for arranging for our own Harry Siemens to accompany the recent Mexican delegation to tour the now fully functioning Delta Canada Research Centre. I’m honoured for Harry on behalf of Prairie Hog Country to be only media invited and allowed to participate.
Stitched into the centre of this issue is the 2020 Prairie Hog Country Calendar, thanks to all the producers who submitted photographs and to the advertisers who participate, without you there would be no Calendar.
Banff Pork Seminar is a short four and half weeks, from the release date of this edition. Online registration is open and late registration starts after December 20th, so register today to save $50.
It seems that with 2020 right around the corner we are reminded of how very blessed we have been this year 2019, the year of the pig. May you all have a wonderful Christmas and have the opportunity to spend time with those who mean the most. Merry Christmas from myself and entire team at Prairie Hog Country and we wish you all the very best in 2020.
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 February •