February 13, 2020 was the last time we all gathered in person at Kinetic Park, now fast forward 26 months for the 12th installment of the newly rebranded Saskatchewan Livestock Expo, formally known as Cramer Ag Expo. As much as it felt like a win to see fellow producers and hog sector representatives, the big winner of the day was Charity.  
Like in previous years, the trade show featured companies representing genetics, to barn equipment, to feed and basically anything and everything you need for your farm.  
The sold-out trade show had a constant busy feel and exhibitors commented that there were numerous decisions made in the room.  

A bonus was having an on-site hot roast pork lunch, from hillside food inc. where Chef Shane Hilderman prepared a mouth-watering meal.  
With the uncertainly leading up to the show and threat of Asian flu, the Cramer Cup series was handled a bit different this year. The nest egg competition was held off site and no cereal grains entered. The egg competition was judged by Gary Wisgarber. While the judging was off site, the top three were announced in the building and then auctioned off in the sale of champions.  
Another tough job for the day was the annual pie baking competition. The three guys having the challenge of picking the number one in taste, texture, smell and appearance were Richard Hodgkinson (Sollio), Jordan Craig (Genesus) and Steve Cuddington (Boehringer Ingelheim). The winner was Lydia Entz of Carmichael Colony.  
The pork quality competition was judged by Jason Care from Manitoba Hog Grading, and was based on industry standards in categories such as fat depth, loin depth, lean yield, carcass weight, marbling, loin colour to a total of 111 possible points.

Of the 27 hogs entered the top five were: 5th Hodgeville Colony, 4th Smiley Colony, 3rd Soverign Colony, 2nd Spring Lake and taking 1st place with 103 points was Smiley.   
After all the winners were announced it was time for the Sale of Champions, and handling the auctioneering duties was Tyler Smith. The top five carcasses, along with top pie and top eggs generated generous donations for various charities.   
Hog Carcass Competition:

1st Place went to Smiley Hutterite Colony – sold for $3500 to Sollio Agriculture – charity donation went to Jim Pattison’s Children’s Hospital in Saskatoon.

2nd Place went to Spring Lake Hutterite Colony – sold for $3000 to Sollio Agriculture – charity donation to Cypress Regional Hospital in Swift Current.

3rd Place went to Sovereign Hutterite Colony – sold for $700 to Western Ag – charity donation to Jim Pattison’s Children’s Hospital in Saskatoon.

4th Place went to Smiley Hutterite Colony – sold for $500 to Sollio Agriculture – charity donation went to STARS.

5th Place went to Hodgeville Hutterite Colony – sold for $3200 to Western Ag – charity donation went to STARS.

Egg Competition:

Hens 19-34 weeks of age won by Ponteix Hutterite Colony – sold for $200 to Masterfeeds – charity donation went to STARS.

Hens 35-55 weeks of age won by Bench Hutterite Colony – sold for $700 to Proveta Nutrition – charity donation made to Maple Creek Hospital.

Hens over 55 weeks won by Beechy Hutterite Colony – sold for $800 to Masterfeeds – charity donation went to STARS.

Pie Baking Competition which was won by Lydia Entz from Carmichael Hutterite Colony – sold for $200 to Doug Cramer – charity donation went to STARS.


From the 27 hogs that were donated and delivered to Superior Meats, from those carcasses over 5000 lbs of pork was cured, cut and wrapped was delivered to Souls Harbour Rescue Mission in Regina. Again, the Pork Sector gives back to those who need it most.
Doug Cramer said overall with the charity auction and the pork donation they were able to raise approximately $35,000 for charity.

He thanked all the sponsors and reminded attendees that the show would not and could not happen without their support.
Cramer added, “Saskatchewan Livestock Expo will return to its February time slot, so mark February 9th, 2023 on your calendars.” •
— By Laurie Brandly