Happy 2021, I think all of us were ready to turn the page on 2020 and look forward to a new year. Reaching 2021 is very exciting for me as it marks the 25th year of publishing Prairie Hog Country. Not sure when Susan, original owner of PHC, called me back in 1996 to say she wanted to start a hog magazine and needed my help, that I would now own PHC and still be bringing the producers all the latest hog news and information 25 years later. Thanks again for the tremendous support over the years, it warms my heart and makes me proud to be a part of such a special group of people, the hog sector.
The cake in honour of PHC turning 25 pictured on the front cover was made for me by my youngest son Scotts’ fiancé Shyleen. See page 48 for recipe.
Even the contest in this edition is a reminder of years gone by, see page 38.Included in this first issue of 2021 is follow up coverage from Banff Pork Seminar. Kudos to Ashely and entire team for lining up some great speakers and informative sessions. While not the same as being at the Castle in Rockies, with all the networking that goes along with the seminar, it was still very valuable.
Also included within the pages of this edition is information on another couple sessions from Sask Pork Symposium that took place after the December edition went to print. In addition after a very candid interview with Brent Bushell from WHE, one day prior going to press, a hard look at sustaining and rebuilding the hog industry.
Yes, COVID is still the hot topic of the day, however the hog industry is constantly keeping watch on ASF and reminding producers to not get complaisant and let biosecurity lapse for even a day. Consequences could be devastating to the Canadian hog market. With less travel it is a bit easier, but can still break borders and boundaries at any time.
COVID is still affecting how the hog sector meets and learns. Manitoba Swine Seminar was cancelled. Manitoba Pork Council will hold their AGM virtually, with the date to be finalized as of press time. Alberta Pork’s spring producer meetings details, locations and platform will be announced soon. London Swine Conference and Alberta Farm Care Conference will also be virtual, see Pork Chops for more details. The Cramer Expo that was scheduled for February 11th has been postponed till May 20th. Lets all hope restrictions are lifted and we will be able to gather together again. The board of directors for Alberta Pork Congress will be meeting after press deadline to discuss the potential show for June. Stay tuned to our next edition for more details. 
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:
Talk to you in April.