Brandon Hog & Livestock Show is an industry trade fair focusing on the needs of today’s pork and livestock producers. This agricultural show, with exhibits featuring the latest developments in hog production techniques, took place December 13, 2023, at the Keystone Centre in Brandon, MB.
The hog carcass competition awards and benefiting charities took center stage at the end of the successful day, showcasing a vibrant celebration of achievements and generosity. In this lively atmosphere, participants eagerly anticipated the announcement of winners across various categories, including ribs, jerseys, and even a John Deere tractor. The event’s spirit of community and charity shone through as winners graciously pledged portions of their prizes to worthy causes.

A significant highlight of the event was the revelation of the charities benefiting from the meat produced in the carcass competition. Samaritan House and the Women’s Shelter received the meat from the top five carcasses. The commitment to charity demonstrated the event’s impact beyond celebration, emphasizing the pork industry’s role in supporting the local community.
Insightful Judge’s Perspective:
Dr. Bob McKay, the competition judge, took center stage to provide insights into the improvements observed in carcass quality over the years. His expertise and dedication to fostering improvement within the industry were evident as he discussed factors like colour, marbling, and the positive impact of raising weight categories. Dr. McKay’s commitment to encouraging progress among participants showcased the event’s educational aspect.
The much-anticipated pork quality competition announcements followed, adding a competitive edge to the festivities. With a total of 30 hogs entered this year, the top five places received prize money totalling over $10,000, with a portion dedicated to charity. The judge expressed his delight in witnessing participants’ reactions to the results, highlighting the communal aspect of the competition.
The winning colonies were:
In fifth place, Northern Breeze of Portage La Prairie awarded $500.
Taking forth place was Wellwood of Ninette receiving $1000.
In third was Boundary Lane from Elkhorn receiving $2000.
Second place was won by Skyview of Miami and was awarded $3000
And the grand champion carcass for 2023 went to the Wellwood Colony of Ninette, receiving $4000.
As the MC, Dennis Stevenson, announced the winners, he revealed the charities associated with each prize, reinforcing the event’s community-driven ethos. Christian Aid Ministries, Stars Ambulance, Heart Team Colony Rescue, and Boundary Trails Hospital were among the beneficiaries. The gesture of donating prize money to charity showcased the event’s commitment to making a positive impact beyond the immediate celebrations.
Dr. Bob McKay, the hog carcass competition judge, talked about the transformation of pig quality over time, prompting the question of what had changed.
“There is a noticeable improvement in colour and marbling because of adjustments in weight categories,” said Dr. McKay. “Raising the weight categories proved beneficial, aligning the shipping standards with the pigs’ accustomed range and resulting in a more consistent and favourable outcome.”
Dr. McKay said his desire is not to disqualify participants but to provide constructive feedback. The primary goal was to help entrants understand where they stood in the competition, fostering a culture of improvement. Whether participants won or not, the carcass judge aimed to guide them toward enhancement, urging them to analyze successful breeding sources if they didn’t clinch victory.

“The overarching vision was to witness continuous improvement because stagnation would be detrimental to the industry,” he said.
The conversation then shifted to Dr. McKay’s extensive judging experience, revealing that the journey began in 1984 with his first year as the carcass competition judge. The early days posed some challenges, with smaller carcass weights and fewer quality measures, exacerbated by the logistical complexities of working in an old plant in Winnipeg. The reminiscence vividly depicted the evolution in judging standards and practices
Fast-forwarding to the present, he highlighted a significant improvement in the judging process, crediting the meat inspector at East 40 for their diligence in addressing a glitch early on.
“This year’s judging experience marked a departure from the past, with the streamlined collection of specific traits facilitated by an Excel spreadsheet I programmed.”
Despite technological advancements, meticulous data validation still reflects a commitment to accuracy and precision.
In a final note, Dr. McKay emphasized the importance of doing the job right. The commitment to accuracy, continuous improvement, and the joy derived from the participants’ enthusiasm collectively painted a picture of a dedicated judge with a deep passion for their role in the intricate world of livestock competitions. •
— By Harry Siemens