The 7th annual Cramer Expo once again attracted a large crowd. The one-day trade show held in February was a great place to connect with all aspects of our industry under one roof. Breeding companies, feed suppliers, equipment, pharmaceuticals and more were represented in the sold out trade show.

Kelly Turcotte, trade show coordinator commented, “we were all sold out with a waiting list, 104 booths in total.” Weather this year was wonderful as in some past years closed highways posed some challenges for producers getting to Swift Current. Producers from Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan wandered the aisles.

Over the course of the day 4H Saskatchewan ran a program called Young Ranchers. Ten youth were registered and took part in various activities.

One of the highlights of the day is the Cramer Cup Series Awards. Various categories include Canola, Alfalfa and Cereal Silage, Forage, three classes of eggs and the coveted Hog Carcass Cramer Cup Series. Acting as this year’s MC for the Cramer Cup Series was Doug Beckie from Pro Ag Products, in addition to announcing the winners, he had the pleasure of introducing local MLA Doug Steele. Doug also welcomed Glenn Patey from Salvation Army. Glenn was so grateful for the support of Cramer Expo and the many that the donated meat will feed.

The ladies even get involved with a pie contest, this year 25 entered. Pie judges Doug Richards from Canadian Bio Systems, Glenn Kuhn from Topigs and Glenn Patey from Salvation Army had the challenging job of selecting the top pie. The pies were judged on flavour, aroma, general and internal appearance. First place was for Judy A. Hofer from Main Centre Colony.

Jason Care, grading auditor for Manitoba Pork Council, had the really hard job of judging the hog carcasses. This year there were 27 entered. The carcasses were judged according to their hot weight, estimated lean yield, ideal fat depth, marbling bonus, loin eye colour & area measurement and belly (amount of lean to fat, distribution of lean to fat and texture of fat & lean). The total possible points are 111.

As the crowd gathered at the close of the day to listen to the results, anticipation built to see who will take top honours. The top five in the carcasses competition in 2017 were: 5th place Spring Lake Colony, 4th place Ear View Colony, 3rd place Smiley Colony, 2nd place Webb Colony and in 1st place Grassy Hill Colony.

Though it would seem that Grassy Hill was the big winner of the day, it is in fact the many charities that will receive all the donated meat. Approximately 5400 lbs. will be split between Salvation Army, Rancho Ehrlo Society and Canadian Mental Health.

Huge thanks to Roberta Essex owner of Superior Meats; she arranges the cut, wrap and delivery of the carcasses to the mentioned charities.

The day capped off with the sale of champions, Brett Janzen from Heartland, was on hand to auction off the top five carcasses, top pie, plus a few special donated items. Each of the auctioned item donator could select their charity of choice for the money. Over $13 000 was rained with the sale of Champions, STARS was the largest recipient with just over $ 9500 designated to them. Other charities receiving donations were Kindersley Salvation Army, and Swift Current Salvation Army. Thanks to all those individuals and companies whom so generously donated toward these worthwhile charities.

Doug Cramer, founder of the show, said it would not be a success without the sponsors. Carcass Cooler sponsors: Genesus, Masterfeeds, Standard Nutrition, Fortified Nutrition, Friesen Nutrition, Bio Agir Mix, Pro Ag Products and Prairie Hog Country. Lanyards sponsor was Canadian Bio Systems. Coffee Sponsor was Merck Animal Health. Street Signage Sponsors: Western Ag Systems, Cramer Livestock, Standard Nutrition, Pattison and Fast Genetics.

Cramer thanked everybody for coming, Kelly for all her hard work, and Vibrant Event Management for their great skills and said to make sure and mark down February 22nd, 2018 for the 8th annual Cramer Expo. •

— PHC Staff