Welcome to spring, today as I am typing this it is on its way to plus 9, and the snow is disappearing at a rapid rate. Yesterday it was such a lovely Sunday afternoon I even had a fire in my outside pit, my feet in rubber boots with one foot in snow and one in a water puddle.

With spring it means it is time for our annual readership survey. This year some of the questions are a bit different, with two publications now going National I wanted to make sure that Prairie Hog Country’s direction is still the correct one, at least for Western Canadian producers. So many have told me they like the fact that we have remained focused on Western Canada. Everybody doesn’t mind the occasional story from abroad but according to our readership they prefer a regionalized publication. Please do take the time to fill out and return the complete survey. It can be located in the centre of this edition. Your opinion counts !

Also included in this edition is an update on Raphael, some of you might remember him from a piece I did seven years ago. On a recent trip to California I met him again at San Diego’s Sea World. Plus had a chance to chat with the head trainer after the show. He is much older now but still loves to perform. His brother had a larger role to play in the demonstration, check out the story on page 47. Yes, I still aim to find pigs where ever I go.

Highlights from Manitoba Swine Seminar are in this issue too. Some great speakers and a solid turnout made the two day seminar a smart place to be.

Check out the coverage from Cramer Expo. The one day show was very well attended, capped off with the Cramer Cup Series. Kudos to Doug and Kelly for another great show.

It was a year ago we had coverage of Suncrest Colony’s new barn, the first one in seven years in Manitoba. That same barn is now featured on the front cover, now populated. The Manitoba government said they could see more hog barns in suitable areas, great news for our industry.

Alberta Pork Congress is not until June but the trade show is already sold out. They have opened an overflow area to create more booth space. The show will be June 14 & 15th in Red Deer at Westerner Park. Arlene, Brenda and I will be in our usual corner booth. Be sure to get your lunch, banquet and BBQ tickets ordered. Call Kate or Kim in the office at 403.244.7821 or email info@albertaporkcongress.com

Start thinking about the annual photo contest. There will be more details in the June issue. You can submit them early if you want. High resolution photos can be sent to hogcountry@shaw.ca or mailed to address below.

I want to wish you and your family a very blessed Easter. As a Christian, this is a special time to remember the ultimate sacrifice of our resurrected Saviour.

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.