Greetings from the last issue in 2024, literally seems like just a few weeks ago I was typing my message for the February edition. Looking ahead to 2025 it will be the 29th year for Prairie Hog Country, and I am honoured to be able to keep bringing you the latest hog news and information for almost three decades.
This edition is jam packed full with follow up coverage from many fall events, Saskatchewan Pork Industry Symposium, Manitoba Pork Council fall meetings, Red Deer Swine Technology Workshop, Alberta Livestock Expo and a brief from Alberta Pork AGM. In addition a feature on Sunterra, formally Pig Improvement (Canada) Inc, thanks to Dave Price for sharing more of the family farm history. His mom, Flo Price, was a huge supporter of Prairie Hog Country right from the start in 1996, encouraged us as a Independent publication to proceed and offer a different view or style on the latest hog news and information.
Often you don’t realize treasures or goldmines that are close to home, well back in late September I was able to attend a milestone celebration at the Food Processing Development Centre in Leduc. What an amazing facility, and I had the opportunity for a tour after the festivities. Companies from all over Canada use this place to test products, even Sunterra. Ray Price, president, was on hand to share remarks and acknowledge the importance of said research centre.
I am always impressed with the amount of contest entries we receive, for the last one 223 came in via email/fax/mail, thanks so very much for your continued enthusiasm for the contests. See page 61 for current one.
Also I have to add as I am typing this the Canada Post strike is still on. So I am hoping and praying it is resolved by next week (from when penning this note) so this edition can be mailed out on time.
At the recent Alberta Livestock Expo charity was the huge winner of the day, a astonishing $28,850.00 was raised for Ronald McDonald House Charities. Plus over 5800lbs of pork was donated to local food banks and soup kitchens. The hog sector once again shows its tremendous support and ways to give back to community.
Banff Pork Seminar is right around the corner, I am thrilled to be able to provide 800 copies of this issue to be included in every attendee bag. It is a great opportunity to share PHC with many additional readers, over and above our mail list. For those of you reading this at or during Banff Pork Seminar, welcome – should you have any questions/comments/suggestions please do reach out. Plus if anyone in your farm or organization would like to advertise within Prairie Hog County we are your direct connection to the Western Canadian hog sector, released six times per year. See page 53 for 2025 release dates.
On behalf of myself, the writing team, copy & web editor and cartoonist wish you a very Merry CHRISTmas and the very best in the New 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 February of 2025. •