Good day as I am penning this we are under a spring storm warning, great moisture levels in spring snow.
All of us, not only in the hog sector but in all of Canada, are waiting to see what happens with the upcoming Federal Election and the ongoing challenges from the new leader south of the 49th. He continues to threaten tariffs on many areas. This does not help the entire Ag sector, specifically the hog sector, as there is so very much movement between our two countries. As this issue is uploaded to the press prior to the impending April 2nd deadline, some things (story content) might have changed by time of release.
This issue is another one that is jam packed with so much information and a few great feature stories too. Included are follow up coverage from spring meetings, Saskatchewan Livestock Expo, Manitoba Swine Seminar, Saskatchewan Ag Summit, a look into barn fires, the high performance Sow, Trade & Tariff challenges, Wild Boar tracking update and so so much more. In addition, all the upcoming events are under Pork Chops and latest tid-bits of news.
This will be the last issue that Brenda Kossowan is penning articles, as her plate has come too full. She has had to step back from freelancing for Prairie Hog Country, and has been part of the PHC team since 2004. While Brenda steps back we welcome Mary MacArthur to take over the Alberta freelance duties. Many have already met Mary as she was with the Western Producer for many years. A big thanks to both these ladies.
And it seems more of the PHC team has been honoured lately, Harry Siemens was the recipient of the King Charles III medal for his contributions to the Ag sector. Plus, Jim Romahn recently received the King George Coronation Medallion for years of volunteering for Habitat for Humanity. Congrats to both Harry & Jim.
In the centre of this issue, you will find the annual readership survey. Please take the time to fill out and return, it helps us know what you like about PHC and what you would like to see more of, whether it be specific or feature stories or even more particular advertisements. Your opinion counts!
With the fantastic response to the colouring contest the past few years, we will be doing it again. It can be found on page 47. I heard from a few of the Colony schools that they used it for an art project, so it’s a double win. It will be a random draw from all three age categories.
Looking forward to June Alberta Pork Congress is right around the corner. Be sure to get your lunch tickets for Wednesday & Thursday plus banquet tickets for Wednesday evening. There will be four industry awards presented in addition to the Olymel Reach for The Top Awards. Details are on the Alberta Pork Congress website or call Kate at 403.542.7906. Arlene, Mary and I will be at our booth right by the front entrance.
As mentioned last year, even though not printing a yearly calendar, due to printer change in 2023, we will still be running our annual photo contest. Details are on page 27. Please remember only to share photos that are a positive reflection of the hog sector. We will feature the producers’ own photographs throughout editions of Prairie Hog Country all year.
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 June.•