Greetings on a beautiful plus 29º day. I thoroughly enjoy putting every edition of Prairie Hog Country out however, this one marks a special anniversary. It has been 20 years since I purchased Prairie Hog Country from MSA Publishing. Although, I have been involved since its inception 27 years ago, took over a chief cook and bottle washer in 2003. The support I continue to receive is overwhelming and means the world to me. As I have often said I have many friends and acquaintances over this past 27 years, more so then customers and clients.
Included in this edition are updates on the on going port strike (which is still on as I am penning this), followup coverage from Alberta Pork Congress, a tour of the Prairie Swine Centre, more updates on Prop 12, part of Brenda’s road trip, Bill C-234 and much more.
I was able to volunteer again this year at the Pork Showcase during the Calgary Stampede. It was wonderful to engage with so many city slickers and share more about our wonderful world of hogs. It also is a chance to explain why we have things like a farrowing or maternity pen. In the three days there I was able to volunteer with past chair of the pork committee Ralph Tuck, 1st vice chair Lisa Doyle, committee member Laurie Fries and fellow volunteer Martin Waldner. See centre gloss section for photos.
Congratulations to all the award winners from the Alberta Pork Congress awards banquet. Recipient of the Rising Star Award was Dr. Cordell Young, Pork Industry Ambassador to Martin Waldner, Farm Team to Sinke Farms and Lifetime Achievement to Peter Klok. Also presented that evening were the Olymel Reach for the Top awards. The Recipients were Food Safety – Byemoor Colony; Core Category – Bently Colony; High Health – A & A Van Ginkel Farm; Logistics – Erskine Colony and Grand Champion winner Erskine Colony
See page 52 for the photo contest winners. Let me remind you that there is still time to send in photos for consideration for the 2024 Prairie Hog Country Calendar.
Also included in this issue are the annual readership survey results. Thanks for taking the time to answer and send back in. It is always great to hear direct from our readers. Ninety-five percent of respondents said Prairie Hog Country is their preferred source of hog information. Ninety-seven percent stated the Prairie Hog Country is their favourite magazine and 40 percent have been reading Prairie Hog Country for over 20 years. Ninety-three percent said that advertisements do influence their purchasing decisions and 96 percent search for specific products and/or services. Complete survey results can be found on page 50 and 51.
For list of all upcoming events for the fall and early 2024 see under Pork Chops starting on page 54.
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 October. •