Greetings, the expression that you often hear is things can change on a dime or at a moment’s notice. This is a perfect example, just as I was getting ready to type this note to hear the news of Olymel’s decision to close five Alberta sow units and one in Saskatchewan.
As the news release states, impact will not be felt at the Red Deer plant until 2024 at earliest, and will be subject to independent hog supply availability. Still, it is very sad news for the hog sector. Hence with the announcement, so did the lead in story for this edition.
Another common theme you will read in some of the stories in this edition about Prop 12, yes, it is a California Law, but it has a much greater reach then just the Golden State.
Coverage included from the Manitoba Pork annual meeting, recent changing of the guard at Alberta Pork, an ongoing renovation project, new swine research, planning for emergencies, CPC comments on vaccine budget announcement – disappointment with UK misleading positioning on trade issues – ear tags, and so much more.
Looking ahead from the day I am penning this note will be just over two weeks until the Alberta Pork Congress. I am very much looking forward to seeing one and all at our booth right by front entrance, Brenda, Arlene and I will be onsite. Also returning this year is the Awards Banquet on Wednesday evening and the BBQ on Thursday after the show wraps up.
Speaking of shows, the online booth registration is now open for both the Alberta Livestock Expo and the Brandon Hog & Livestock Expo. Prairie Hog Country has already secured a booth at each show.
Details and registration information for the Red Deer Swine Technology Workshop, Saskatchewan Pork Industry Symposium and Banff Pork Seminar will be available in the August edition. Be sure to check Pork Chops for dates and contact information for all upcoming events.
Thanks to all who filled out and submitted the annual readership survey, complete results will be released in the August edition.
Thank you for your continued support and encouragement from both the advertisers and the producers. As I often share with others, I am truly blessed to be in this wonderful business. We also received an amazing 180 entries for the kids colouring contest, thanks to all who entered. See page 39 for the winners.
Speaking of contests, it’s time to get out those phones and take pictures for the annual photo contest and a chance to be included in the 2024 Prairie Hog Country Calendar. Please email your high-resolution photos to hogcountry@shaw.ca. As I say every year, please only submit photos that are a positive reflection of our hog sector. Deadline to be entered into the photo contest is July 14th.
Also on March 29, the hog sector lost a giant in the industry Reg Penner.
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 August. •