The popular Pork Quality Competition returned to this year’s Prairie Livestock Expo in mid-December in Winnipeg, MB, with record participation—46 carcasses from 23 entrants across Manitoba. The event combines friendly competition with meaningful support for causes like Siloam Mission, Harvest Manitoba, and other charities backed by the winners.
Event sponsors raised $34,500 for charity this year, bringing the total to $415,000 since 1996. Siloam Mission received the meat from the Top 10 finishers, while Harvest Manitoba received the rest, helping families and clients across the province during the holiday season. This year’s contest alone generated over 35,000 meals.
The 23 entrants were: Barrickman, Boundry Lane, Broadvalley, Cascade, Clearwater, Eagle Creek, Greenwald, Horizon, James Valley, Kamsley, Millshof, New Haven N, New Haven S, Northern Breeze, Norquay, Ridgeland, Rosedale, Shady Lane, Skyview, Starlite, Waldheim, Wellwood and Woodlands.
The top ten winners of this year’s contest are: Starlite Colony in first place, Ridgeland Colony in second, New Haven Colony North in third, Shady Lane Colony in fourth, Norquay Colony in fifth, Clearwater Colony in sixth, Woodlands Colony in seventh, Rosedale Colony in eighth, Greenwald Colony in ninth, and James Valley Colony in tenth.
For Starlite Colony near Starbucks, MB, it’s the second time in a row that it has been the grand champion for the carcass show in Winnipeg, as they also won in 2022. James Hofer is the hog boss at Starlite. When asked about participating in the event, James shared, “It starts with your heart. This event is all about giving. We’re in the food production business, and raising and growing food for people is an honour. It’s even more an honour to do it for the needy.”
Hofer said that as this event happened on December 11, Christmas approached, and the message of Jesus’ love inspired a call to prayer, encouraging others to share that love with those around them. A dedicated team works closely in the barn, supported by partnerships with genetic and food companies. This collective effort holds profound meaning for everyone involved.
“And we do our part and God does the rest. He blesses it. He has to put a stamp on it.”
James’ youngest son, Trevor, selected the pigs for this competition, and he’s now a two-time winner, and he’s only 22 years young.
For him to take on this responsibility and pour his heart, mind, and soul into it is incredibly gratifying.
It’s a chance to showcase the consistent quality of pork we produce and share it with the world. “We’re proud of what we do, and Trevor exemplifies that pride,” said James, the proud father and hog boss.
Winning the Winnipeg show two years in a row, including in 2022, showcases Trevor’s dedication and passion. Reflecting on his achievements, Trevor said, “I like the pig business—especially on days like this!” he said with a smile, his enthusiasm shining. •
— By Harry Siemens